Interlocking Patents (Class 335/160)
  • Patent number: 10825629
    Abstract: A carrier body for a relay comprises a base body, a coil carrier, and a contact mount. The base body is monolithically formed with the coil carrier and the contact mount. The coil carrier and the contact mount extend from the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gutmann, Rudolf Mikl, Paul Indrajit
  • Patent number: 10790105
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) switching apparatus is provided. The DC switch apparatus includes an auxiliary contact device includes at least one pair of stationary contacts; one or more coils, a movable iron core that is driven by the one or more coils; a movable contact table operating in engagement with the movable iron core, and an auxiliary contact device arranged below the movable iron core. The auxiliary contact device includes a microswitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: YM Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Kil Cho, Su Pyo Hong, Seung Min Lee
  • Patent number: 8937519
    Abstract: A contactor for DC operation includes a first and a second contact that are fixed contacts and a contact bridge that has a third and a fourth contact. The contact bridge, in a closed position, provides a tactile contact between a first contact pair, which comprises the first and the third contact, and between a second contact pair, which comprises the second and the fourth contact. The contact bridge is movable via a guide along a direction of movement. A magnet arrangement is configured to generate an electromagnetic force on an electric arc, which arises on opening the contacts. The contact bridge has at least one recess, which is arranged between the guide and the third contact. The recess is configured to provide an opening at the contact bridge through which the arc, generated at the third contact, is deflected in the direction of movement of the contact bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Electrical IP GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karsten Gerving, Ralf Thar, Johannes Meissner, Volker Lang
  • Patent number: 8610522
    Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed for switching an electric current, the switch being suitable for being inserted into a switch holding device. In at least one embodiment, the switch includes a locking device which, in the event of an overcurrent, moves a locking element of the locking device to a position which mechanically locks the switch in the switch holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erhard Deylitz, Björn Gehrke, Pierre Lamoth, Mathias Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8502628
    Abstract: A magnetic chamber is disclosed for electromagnetic low voltage switchgear, especially a compact reversing starter, including two magnetic drives which are each actuated by a main slide. The magnetic chamber is designed, in at least one embodiment, to receive both magnetic drives of the electromagnetic low voltage switchgear, and a mechanical reversing locking device held in a mobile manner for the alternating mechanical locking of the two magnetic drives is arranged in the magnetic chamber, the mechanical locking device acting on the two main slides. An electromagnetic low voltage switchgear is disclosed, especially a compact reversing starter, including two magnetic drives which are each actuated by a main slide, both magnetic drives being arranged in a magnetic chamber. The mechanical reversing locking device held in a mobile manner, in at least one embodiment, engages with the main slide of one of the magnetic drives, according to the position of the locking device, in order to fix said magnetic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Graf, Mathias Völz
  • Publication number: 20120280771
    Abstract: A reversible unit (20) has a pair of interlock plates (21, 22) detachably connected to operation indication pieces (4a, 4b) of a pair of electromagnetic contactors (1a, 1b) and moving in the same direction as the moving direction of the operation indication pieces, a lock piece (23) connecting with the pair of interlock plates (21, 22), a first normally-closed contact (24), and a second normally-closed contact (25). In a closing operation of one of the electromagnetic contactors (1a), the lock piece (23) moves one of the interlock plates (21) and prohibits the movement of the other interlock plate (22). The first normally-closed contact (24) is connected in series in a power supply circuit to an exciting coil (6b) of the other electromagnetic contactor (1b). One of the interlock plates (21) has a first opening operation engagement portion (34) releasing the first normally-closed contact (24) when the interlock plate (21) moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Koji Okubo, Yasuhiro Naka, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7646271
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an enclosure with a first side and a second side opposite and distal from the first side. A number of separable contacts are enclosed by the enclosure. An operating mechanism is structured to open and close the separable contacts. A plurality of terminals are electrically interconnected with the number of separable contacts. The terminals protrude through the second side of the enclosure. A number of phase barrier apparatus is disposed on the second side of the enclosure. Each of the number of phase barrier apparatus includes a plurality of separate phase barrier members, each of which is disposed about a corresponding one of the terminals, and a number of interlocking members. Each of the number of interlocking members interlocks with an adjacent pair of the separate phase barrier members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew L. Gottschalk, Frankie K. Ostrowski, Kelly J. McCarthy, Paul R. Rakus
  • Patent number: 7541900
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module for electrical locking between a first and a second contactor, comprising a first and a second normally closed auxiliary contact for respectively cooperating with a slide of the first and the second contactor, a first and a second connecting member of the module for cooperating respectively with a connecting member of the first and the second contactor, a first connection terminal being connected in series with the first normally closed auxiliary contact and with the second connecting member of the module, a second connection terminal being connected in series with the second normally closed auxiliary contact and with the first connecting member of the module, and the first and second connecting members of the module being positioned on a face of the body, at a first and a second part of the module respectively, respectively intended to be arranged on the front face of the first and the second contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventor: Alain Portier
  • Patent number: 7462792
    Abstract: A power transmission safety system is disclosed having a pair of power transmission members, each of the power transmission members having a switch arm. Each of a pair of switch arm engaging members reversibly engage a switch arm of its respective power transmission member. Each of a pair of pivoting shaft members are coupled to a respective one of the pair of switch arm engaging members on one end, and a rotatable handle on an opposing end. An interlocking power activation bar has a pair of openings located thereon, whereby rotation of one of the pivoting shaft members engages a switch arm of a respective circuit breaker into an “on” position and displaces the interlocking power activation bar to lock the other of the shafts from rotating, thereby preventing both of said power transmission members from being “on” concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: ESL Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hellmers, David Hellmers, Denis Crawford
  • Patent number: 7449983
    Abstract: An inter-phase link for a shared tripping device, wherein the shared tripping device is structured to operatively couple at least two circuit breakers, and the inter-phase link has an elongated body with a mounting end and a distal end. The inter-phase link body mounting end is structured to be coupled to the primary circuit breaker operating mechanism and the inter-phase link body distal end is structured to extend through a primary circuit breaker housing assembly shaped opening and a secondary circuit breaker housing assembly shaped opening to engage the secondary circuit breaker trip device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Mark O. Zindler
  • Patent number: 7446635
    Abstract: A combination of at least two electromagnetic switching devices, each of which is provided with a plug-in connector socket and can be fixed side by side on a support in a stationary position in relation to one another and can be connected to form electrical contact by means of a connection unit. The connection unit includes an electrical conductor connection and a plug-in connector system. The conductor connection is encased by a housing of the connection unit and the plug-in connector system is encased by the lateral faces of the connection unit that face the switching devices. The plug-in connector system is configured to be displaced on the lateral face of the connection unit towards the lateral face of the neighbouring device in the connection unit housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Stanke, Frank Friederiszick
  • Patent number: 7315229
    Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic relay which does not require a braided wire for securing a current capacity of a main contact unit. The electromagnetic relay includes a main contact unit inserted into a power supply path to a load and an arc contact unit connected in parallel to the main contact unit. An auxiliary contact unit is electrically independent of the main contact unit and the arc contact unit. The main contact unit includes a main fixed contact fixed to a frame body and a main contact spring made of a leaf spring and fitted with a main mobile contact which is attached to and detached from the main fixed contact. The arc contact unit and the auxiliary contact unit are arranged adjacent to each other. The main contact spring extends in a direction in which the arc contact unit and the auxiliary contact unit are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Sasaki, Naoki Kanemoto, Takafumi Imai
  • Patent number: 6980070
    Abstract: A drive unit is described for switching circuit breakers on and off, in particular disconnecting switches and/or grounding switches of medium-voltage switchgear. The drive unit includes a reversible d.c. motor and a switching device containing two separately drivable and interlocked reversing switches, one assigned to each direction of rotation of the d.c. motor, their contacts performing the current reversal on the windings of the d.c. motor as required to reverse the direction of rotation. The drive unit further includes power contactors whose contacts have the required switching capacity for load switching. The all-or-nothing relays and safety switches are implemented by uniform low-power relays representing the direction of rotation, each having at least two electrically isolated relay contacts connected in parallel and also having an equalizing capacitor connected in parallel to each. Such drive units are used in connection with switchgear for power transmission and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Dobrawa, Ralf-Reiner Volkmar
  • Patent number: 6590481
    Abstract: An electrically powered, fast acting transfer switch utilizes a single action solenoid that, alternately, through a mechanical assembly, moves the handle of one electric power switch between OFF and ON positions. A coupling including a rigid strap operates the handle of a second electric power switch oppositely between ON and OFF positions. The mechanical assembly includes an electromagnet drive plate to which the electromagnet of the solenoid is secured and an armature drive plate carrying the solenoid armature. A latch mechanism alternately holds one drive plate and then the other stationary so that the electromagnet and armature alternately move to effect reciprocal movement of the handle of the one electric power switch, and through the rigid strap, the handle of the second electric power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David Curtis Turner, Jeffrey Lowell Woods, David Michael Olszewski, William Ellsworth Beatty, Jr., Ronald Dale Hartzel
  • Patent number: 6577216
    Abstract: An electrically powered, fast acting transfer switch utilizes two electric power switches mounted in spaced relation with the handles confronting and moveable in a common plane, but in opposite directions, so that when simultaneously operated by an electrically powered operator positioned between the two switches, one switch is ON and the other is OFF. A mechanical assembly converts the motion of a single acting solenoid into reciprocal operation of the switch handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David Curtis Turner, Jeffrey Lowell Woods, David Michael Olszewski, William Ellsworth Beatty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6563063
    Abstract: An interlocking device for preventing the simultaneous throwing of a pair of switches. An elongate locking bar is provided with two laterally spaced apart switch actuator-receiving recesses formed therein. The elongate locking bar has a first position where a first switch actuator receiving recess is in alignment with a first switch actuator so that said first switch actuator can be thrown. A second switch actuator recess is misaligned with a second switch actuator when said first switch actuator recess is in alignment with the first switch actuator. The elongate locking bar has a second position where the second switch actuator receiving recess is in alignment with the second switch actuator so that the second switch actuator can be thrown. The first switch actuator recess is misaligned with the first switch actuator when the second switch actuator recess is in alignment with the second switch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Tampa Armature Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall R. Moore
  • Publication number: 20020105397
    Abstract: An electrically powered, fast acting transfer switch utilizes two electric power switches mounted in spaced relation with the handles confronting and moveable in a common plane, but in opposite directions, so that when simultaneously operated by an electrically powered operator positioned between the two switches, one switch is ON and the other is OFF. A mechanical assembly converts the motion of a single acting solenoid into reciprocal operation of the switch handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: David Curtis Turner, Jeffrey Lowell Woods, David Michael Olszewski, William Ellsworth Beatty
  • Patent number: 6411185
    Abstract: Device for interlocking of electric apparatuses, comprising a blocking element (8) that is operated by the associated electric apparatuses via separate, moving plungers (3, 4) to be pivoted similar to a cradle into alternative positions wherein the blocking element is effective for preventing an unintentional and simultaneous circuit closing motion in both apparatuses, and for securing at all times that only one of the apparatuses may be operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Kalevi Herold
  • Patent number: 6337614
    Abstract: Fixed terminals 60 and 80 are mounted by being engaged with the flanges of the spools of electromagnetic blocks 1 and 31 by use of a press fitting or another method, by which the flanges are joined in parallel to each other so as to join the electromagnetic blocks 1 and 31 to each other. This arrangement allows the provision of a twin type electromagnetic relay in which two electromagnetic blocks are joined in parallel to each other, the relay has a reduced number of components and a simple structure in which the electromagnetic blocks and the fixed terminals are stably joined to each other with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6140896
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical reversing contactor is disclosed in which a single common base is molded to receive two contactor powerheads. The common base has a bottom surface and upwardly extending sides, with an upwardly extending center divider, thereby forming two powerhead sockets. Each powerhead socket is capable of receiving a powerhead therein. The common base also has a circuit board pocket to receive a single circuit board to control both contactor powerheads. The center divider has an upwardly extending interlock tower to receive an interlock pawl that is engageable with each of the contactor powerheads. The interlock mechanism mechanically prevents both contactors from being energized at the same time. The common base for two powerheads saves labor and material costs in assembling and installing a reversing contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel P. Heckenkamp
  • Patent number: 6002579
    Abstract: A switchgear unit comprising two switching devices (1, 2) which are provided with a reversing combination, which switchgear unit is of simple design and allows easy assembly and disassembly by the customer. The reversing combination comprises an assembly which is composed of a support (3) and an anchor (4) and is inserted into slots (7, 8) in connecting side walls (5, 6) of the switching devices (1, 2). The anchor (4) prevents the contact carriers (10) of the switching devices (1, 2) from being released at the same time and, when one of the switching devices (1 or 2) is switched on, prevents the contact carrier (10) of the other switching device (2 or 1) from being released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Drexler, Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5725085
    Abstract: An interlock arrangement between a pair of industrial rated circuit breakers in adjoining circuit breaker compartments utilizes a pair of circuit breaker interlock units, one mounted on the rear surface of each circuit breaker. A corresponding pair of compartment interlock units are arranged within the circuit breaker compartments for interaction between the two circuit breaker interlock units to open the contacts within one of the circuit breakers when an attempt is made to electrically connect the circuit breaker within one compartment when the circuit breaker in the adjoining compartment is already electrically connected within the adjoining compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond K. Seymour, Michael C. Guerrette, William H. Calder, Dennis J. Doughty
  • Patent number: 5369229
    Abstract: The locking mechanism is inserted between two contactor banks and comprises two sliding pieces connected to a pair of tillable cams, which are biased towards an inoperative position by a spring. The cams are connected to the sliding pieces themselves by pivot emerging from each one of them. The pivot is located in a transversal throat of the sliding pieces themselves. When one of these pieces moves, the respective cam tilts and comes in between and blocks the other one, preventing the respective sliding piece associated to the latter from being able to move. Thus, the pulsator of the other contactor bank will not be able to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Agut, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Agut Sanz
  • Patent number: 5289146
    Abstract: A reversing contactor apparatus in a single case is disclosed, comprising electro-mechanical locking means.These means which comprise a mobile mechanical locking piece, further having surfaces for actuating locking switches, are placed substantially in the plane of a median dividing wall, on each side of which each of the two contactors of the apparatus are disposed; these conductors connect these switches in series to each contactor coil and, respectively, to a connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Telemecanique
    Inventors: Raymond Plumeret, Patrick Morinaud, Jacques Olifant, Andre Vergez
  • Patent number: 5274348
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay to be used in applications such as DC motor reversing. The relay consists of two electromagnetic devices in a single enclosure with contacts configured in a so-called "H-bridge" circuit. Each of the devices has a movable contact element, while both devices have a common pair of normally closed and normally open stationary contact elements. Both electromagnetic devices have coil bobbins which are preferably identical in shape and are locked together by means of the common stationary contact elements without a need of additional fastening means. In this manner, the number of parts is minimized and the amount of adjustment required is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Potter & Brumfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Vernier, Thomas H. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 5216398
    Abstract: A pair of closed contacts having moving contacts (27A), (27B) and fixed contacts (25A), (26A), (25B), (26B) are provided in a mutual locking device (3) and excitation circuits of two electromagnetic contactors which are inversely connected to respective closed contacts to effect electrical interlocking. The moving contacts (27A), (27B) are held by respective levers (36A), (36B) interlocked with driven members (5A), (5B) to be driven by corresponding moving contact supports of the electromagnetic contactors and opened when the electromagnetic contactor closes. Thus, electrical interlocking may be simultaneously effected using a mutual locking device for mechanically preventing two electromagnetic contactors reversibly connected from simultaneously closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takato Hirota
  • Patent number: 5172087
    Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker is formed from a modular array of single-pole circuit breakers. The individual circuit breaker operating handles are ganged together by means of a handle connector placed over the individual circuit breaker operating handles. The handle connector has a U-shaped central part flanked by a pair of C-shaped parts disposed on the outside portions thereof to facilitate switching the individual operating handles in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, David Arnold
  • Patent number: 5043687
    Abstract: A walking beam for interlocking control devices such as circuit breakers is characterized by a central bracket for supporting, on a mounting plate of the control devices, the beam through its central pin, and a single screw is provided for adjusting the central pin level within the bracket until the plungers at the two ends of the beam are fully engaged with their respective control members, which could be the crossbars of a circuit breaker. Once the walking beam has been properly adjusted, the central pin and the screw are fixed in position with nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Gibson
  • Patent number: 4876418
    Abstract: The device for rendering contactors electrically and mechanically inoperative in accordance with the invention comprises a flat modular case, two movement take-offs adapted for coupling respectively with the mobile assemblies of two contactors, two mobile elements providing reciprocal inoperativeness, driven respectively by said movement take-offs and two switch devices whose mobile contact elements are respectively actuated by the mobile elements providing inoperativeness. These two switch devices are mounted in two through current lines directed transversely with respect to the sidewalls of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventor: Bernard Fournier
  • Patent number: 4803587
    Abstract: A changeover contact-making apparatus with interlocking member and module of protection protected against overcurrents is provided. In a same case, two contact-making systems and coil switches are disposed on each side of a median plane PP' in which the interlocking member is placed. In one of the case inner volumes defined by the plane PP' are placed a single protection module, a tripping mechanism and the respective connection terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventors: Bernard Fournier, Maurice Contal, Andre Vergez
  • Patent number: 4774484
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mounting an auxiliary contact external to an electromagnetically operated electrical contactor so that the auxiliary contact may be operated by a carrier of the contactor. The apparatus comprises: a wall of the auxiliary contact; at least one rib projecting from the wall of the auxiliary contact, the at least one rib arranged to be matingly inserted into at least one slot in an external side of the contactor so that the rib attaches the auxiliary contact to the contactor; and, a flexible lever formed from a portion of the wall, and the lever locks into a mating structure when the rib attaches the auxiliary contact to the contactor in order to lock the auxiliary contact in position on the external side of the contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Lewis M. Lehman, Robert W. Sehmer
  • Patent number: 4746885
    Abstract: An electromagnetic apparatus combined a pair of contactors into one unit is provided with an interlocking mechanism for ensuring the alternative operations between the contactors, the interlocking mechanism including a pair of interlock levers each of which the end is rotatably inserted into an engaging groove provided in an element of the respective contactor which is moved to open and close a contact mechanism of the contactor, whereby the engagement between the end of interlock lever and the engaging groove of movable element can be provided with enough strength and can be easily assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics, Co.
    Inventors: Haruo Ogata, Takashi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4707674
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with an auxiliary switch actuator mechanism is disclosed. The actuator mechanism includes an actuator member and a locking member. Upon resetting of the breaker, the actuator member is moved by the arm carrying the movable contact of the main breaker mechanism to a position where it is locked by the locking member. Tripping the breaker causes the locking member to unlatch and release the actuator member to switch the auxiliary switch contact to allow indication of the tripped state, while manual operation of the breaker does not alter the condition of the auxiliary switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Airpax Corporation
    Inventor: George S. Harper
  • Patent number: 4659884
    Abstract: A safety interlock switching device for protecting equipment, which assures the switching-off of the dangerous operating condition in the opened position of the protecting equipment, and comprises a housing, a toggle lever provided with a pivotably mounted locking lever which has two dead center points and has a cam surface which cooperates with a respective cam surface of an actuating element rigidly mounted on the protective hood and insertable into the housing. A switch is provided which actuates the toggle lever. The toggle lever and the switch are positioned in the housing of the switching device. The housing has an insertion opening into which the actuating element is insertable. In one dead center position of the toggle lever, the locking lever and the actuating element interlock with each other, and in the other dead center position the dangerous operating condition is switched off by the switch, and the actuating element with the protective hood are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Helmut Letzel
    Inventor: Jakob Wollenhaupt
  • Patent number: 4598264
    Abstract: Two similar switch apparatuses are mounted in switching direction at equidirectional closing direction onto a base. Each apparatus has an extension which is movable together with the armature of the corresponding apparatus and which extends in a respective L-coulisse of a two-armed lever placed on a stub shaft of a casing of one of the switch apparatuses to pivot thereabout. If one of the switch apparatuses carries out its switch closing operation, its extension moves in a path section of the coulisse at an acute angle relative to the direction of radius, causing a counterclockwise pivoting movement of the lever. Conclusively, the extension of the other switch apparatus will be caused to be located into a path section of its coulisse extending circularly around the stub such that the latter extension is blocked, preventing a switching movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Sprecher & Schuh AG
    Inventor: Heinz Suter
  • Patent number: 4590451
    Abstract: A star-delta contactor in which a traveling contact is provided with a pair of contact bases which are formed as a slide metal. The contact bases perform a seesaw movement in a direction where their mutual end portions are engaged and are bent at the connection portion in a direction where their mutual end portions are separated, and each of traveling iron cores of two electromagnets m1, m2 has an operation frame for respectively operating a pair of the traveling contact bases, and a spring is provided for respectively separating the traveling iron core when the electromagnet is deenergized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: SUN-S Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Motomu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 4574170
    Abstract: By articulating the neutral-pole switching element in a multi-pole circuit breaker, providing spring biasing to urge the two elements into a pre-determined position approximating alignment, advancing the neutral pole switching element with respect to the other switching elements and providing fixed contact elements which frictionally engage opposite sides of the neutral-pole switching contact in the closed position, the closing of the neutral circuit precedes the closing of the live circuits and the opening of the neutral circuit lags the opening of the live circuits, thus preventing arcing and transient damage to loads on the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-ichi Abe, Ryoji Ozaki
  • Patent number: 4516100
    Abstract: A mechanical interlock for a pair of vertically mounted circuit breakers, each circuit breaker having a trip latch mechanism for opening the circuit breaker and a mechanical contact position indicator for indicating the open or closed position of the circuit breaker with the interlock extending between the trip latch mechanism and contact position indicator mechanism of each circuit breaker. The interlock allowing only one circuit breaker to be closed at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: James B. Wallace, Glenn R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4513269
    Abstract: A contactor assembly is disclosed comprising a case having a plurality of serially and vertically sectioned pole chambers, each provided with a traveling contact and a pair of operation frames. A traveling contact bar having right and left arm portion is pivotally fixed on a support frame. The operation frames are installed at right and left positions of the traveling contact, and each frame is provided with a window and a leg portion extending from a lower surface of the frame. A pair of upper and lower contact springs are provided in the window, and the adjacent arm portion of the traveling contact extends through the window and is sandwiched by the pair of contact springs. The pair of right and left operation frames are interlockingly connected at the lower ends of both the legs. An electromagnet is connected to each leg and a return spring is provided on the lower surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Inventor: Motomu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 4513181
    Abstract: A combined electrical and mechanical interlock for electrical circuit controllers. Auxiliary electrical interlocking contacts are simultaneously operated by the mechanical interlocking operators, and auxiliary interlock contact assemblies. The mechanical and electrical interlock operators are all preferably contained within a common enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company
    Inventors: Gerd C. Boysen, Patrick S. Murray, Marquis B. Robinson
  • Patent number: 4506245
    Abstract: Reversing contactor with mechanical locking. The casing (2) of the device includes a half-casing (3) to which are coupled two identical covers (70, 71), each of which closes one of two housings (9, 10), each of which receives the fixed and movable pieces of an electromagnet and the corresponding sets of contacts (49, 50). Such a contactor, which lends itself especially well to compact production, is used to change the direction of a motor with every guarantee of safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventors: Gerard Lerude, Jacques Lesoile
  • Patent number: 4506246
    Abstract: An interlock assembly for a high amperage molded case circuit breaker is provided with a slide biased to interfere with movement of a push to close link whose operation enables discharge of the breaker closing spring. The slide is operated by the toggle assembly in the event the contacts are open to permit operation of the link except if the breaker is being tripped or held tripped. A trip solenoid of the permanent magnet type is reset, when tripped, by a reset spring under control of blade carrier which has excess energy available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Tak M. Wong
  • Patent number: 4485366
    Abstract: A three-arm mechanical interlock for a vacuum contactor having one or more vacuum interrupters. The first two arms of the interlock multiply the angular rotation of a shaft connected to the moveable contacts of the interrupters. Shaft travel of about 4 degrees is increased to about 12 degrees at the end of the second arm of the interlock allowing the interlock pieces to be pressed rather than being machined. After the contactor has been opened, the third arm of the interlock transfers position to block the path of the other arms preventing the accidental closing of the contactor. The contactor may not be reclosed until the third arm is transferred back to its original position. Flat surfaces, preferably parallel, can be provided on the shaft and the bore of the first arm attached thereto to provide a self-aligning connection. An extension member can be fastened to the second arm to provide an additional interlock to another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Robert T. Basnett
  • Patent number: 4409575
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor provided with two units of electromagnetic contactors. When one of units is excited to move a movable iron core, the movement of movable iron core forces a roller, which is arranged between two units, into the other unit to prevent a movable iron core of the other unit from being moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanao Hisadome
  • Patent number: 4298852
    Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises an adjustable trip unit having electronic circuitry for initiating a tripping command upon detection of overcurrent conditions. The trip unit includes an externally accessible interchangeable plug-in rating adjuster removably supported on the housing of the circuit breaker by a threaded rod and tube. An interlock mechanism cooperates with the trip bar of the circuit breaker and secured mechanism to insure that only when a compatible rating adjuster is properly seated in the housing and the threaded rod is completely engaged within the threaded tube will the circuit breaker mechanism be removed from the trip-free condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Maier, Alan B. Shimp, David J. Uram
  • Patent number: 4286242
    Abstract: An electric control system characterized by a pair of spaced circuit breakers and a mechanical interlock therebetween, each circuit breaker having a pair of stationary and movable contacts and a trip bar for opening the contacts, and the interlock extending between the movable contact means of each movable contact of one circuit breaker and the trip bar of the other circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Mrenna, Alfred E. Maier, Glenn R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4210887
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an interchangeable trip unit removably disposed in the circuit interrupter housing and connected between a current transformer and a trip mechanism. The trip unit contains electronic circuitry for activating the trip mechanism to open the contacts upon detection of overload current therethrough and includes rejection means provided to ensure that only a trip unit having circuitry compatible with the electrical characteristics of the circuit interrupter can be inserted into the housing. The rejection means comprise a plurality of pins mounted within the housing and extending into the recess to be occupied by the trip unit. The pins are arranged in a pattern unique to all circuit interrupters having identical electrical characteristics. A pattern of holes is provided in the enclosure of the trip unit, the hole pattern being unique to trip units having identical electrical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Matsko, Robert H. Hill, Paul Skalka, Alfred E. Maier
  • Patent number: 4195275
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple relay comprising a control relay (9) a plurality of individual relays (8). The "fixed" contacts of the individual relays (8) are in fact, only semi-stationary and are carried on a common insulator bar (4) which pivots on an axis (5) under the control of the control relay. Each semi-stationary "fixed" contact of an individual relay is connected to a conductor bar (6) (one conductor bar per semi-stationary contact of the relay) carried by the common bar. Electrical contact between a semi-stationary contact and a moving contact is established by energizing the control relay then the individual relay and by de-energizing the control relay and then the individual relay; the semi-stationary contact locks the moving contact. Electrical contact is broken by momentarily energizing the control relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite: La Telephonie Industrielle et Commerciale - Telic
    Inventors: Henri Kraess, Paul Bloch
  • Patent number: 4037184
    Abstract: A molded case multi-pole circuit breaker is provided with a solid state trip unit having removable and replaceable rating plug. A mechanical interlock trips the circuit breaker when a cover portion thereof is opened. This cover portion must be opened to gain access to the rating plug. A mechanical lockout device is actuated when rating plug is removed to maintain the breaker tripped and to prevent resetting thereof until a rating plug is reinserted in the trip unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: I-T-E Imperial Corporation
    Inventors: Francis W. Kempisty, Jr., John L. Lundgren
  • Patent number: RE34396
    Abstract: A safety interlock switching device for protecting equipment, which assures the switching-off of the dangerous operating condition in the opened position of the protecting equipment, and comprises a housing, a toggle lever provided with a pivotably mounted locking lever which has two dead center points and has a cam surface which cooperates with a respective cam surface of an actuating element rigidly mounted on the protective hood and insertable into the housing. A switch is provided which actuates the toggle lever. The toggle lever and the switch are positioned in the housing of the switching device. The housing has an insertion opening into which the actuating element is insertable. In one dead center position of the toggle lever, the locking lever and the actuating element interlock with each other, and in the other dead center position the dangerous operating condition is switched off by the switch, and the actuating element with the protective hood are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Helmut Letzel
    Inventor: Jakob Wollenhaupt