With Switch Condition Signalling, Indicating Or Alarm Means Patents (Class 335/17)
  • Patent number: 11640864
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly includes a solenoid having a coil that defines a passageway and a plunger movable within the passageway from a retracted position to an extended position. The plunger extends along an axis between a first plunger end and an opposite second plunger end. A frame holds the solenoid and has a first opening through which the first plunger end extends when the plunger is in the retracted position and a second opening through second end of the plunger extends when the plunger is in the extended position. When the plunger is in the extended position the first plunger end retracts into the frame via the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Deltrol Corp.
    Inventor: John Schlais
  • Patent number: 11342151
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker housing, an air-gap switch disposed within the housing, and a first visual indicator configured to provide an indication of an open state and a closed state of the air-gap switch. The first visual indicator includes a first window that is formed as part of the circuit breaker housing, and first and second indicator elements disposed within the circuit breaker housing. The first indicator element is configured to move into position behind the first window as the air-gap switch is placed into the open state and thereby provide a visual indication of the open state of the air-gap switch. The second indicator element is configured to move into position behind the first window as the air-gap switch is placed into the closed state and thereby provide a visual indication of the closed state of the air-gap switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Amber Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Telefus, Damon M. Baker, Graham L. Maxwell, Timothy D. Burkhard, David J. Tostenson
  • Patent number: 10811209
    Abstract: A switching mechanism of a circuit breaker includes a case, a handle rotatably coupled to a side plate fixed to the case, a U-pin coupled to a lower portion of the handle, a lever coupled to the U-pin, and a crossbar disposed in a mounting portion protruding from the case to be perpendicularly movable, the crossbar being moved by receiving contact pressure of the lever, wherein the lever is provided with a contact pressure portion formed in a curved surface on a lower surface thereof, to press the crossbar perpendicularly downward upon closing a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeongjae Lim, Kihwan Oh
  • Patent number: 10656207
    Abstract: A system includes a circuit interrupter including a light source structured to output light and a first processor structured to obtain information associated with the circuit interrupter and to control the light source to output light in a pattern representing the information. The system also include an adapter structured to detect light output by the light source, convert the detected light to another form, and to output the converted form of the light and an electronic device structured to receive the converted form of the light. The electronic device includes a second processor structured to convert the converted form of the light into the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Jason Okerman
  • Patent number: 10483064
    Abstract: An electromagnetic device includes an excitation coil, a stator magnetically combined with the excitation coil, a movable element configured to, when current is flown in the excitation coil, be attracted to the stator by magnetic flux generated at the excitation coil to move in a first direction, and move to a position to be in contact with the stator, a yoke having a first end and a second end, and forming a part of a magnetic path for the magnetic flux generated at the excitation coil, and a yoke extension connected to the second end of the yoke and magnetically combined with the yoke, the stator, and the movable element. An end of the yoke extension in the first direction is positioned on a side of the first direction with respect to an end of the stator in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10460887
    Abstract: A system (100) and method is provided that facilitates functional safety monitoring of relay contacts. The system may include a contactless sensor circuit (108) that includes: an output signal antenna (110) positioned in the contactless sensor circuit to extend between at least two contacts (116, 118) of a relay (120); and first and second input signal antennas (112, 114) positioned in the contactless sensor circuit respectively adjacent the at least two contacts of the relay, such that the output signal antenna and the at least two contacts of the relay are positioned between the first and second input signal antennas. The system may also include a processor (102) configured to cause the output signal antenna to output a wireless signal (122) capable of being received by the first and second input signal antennas while the processor monitors wireless signals received by the first and second input signals antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Peter Krause
  • Patent number: 10199820
    Abstract: A delay circuit configured to delay the disconnection of one or more line conductors from one or more load conductors, wherein the one or more line conductors are disconnected from the one or more load conductors in a tripped condition. The delay circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch. The first switch is configured to receive a fault detection signal and trigger in response to receiving the fault detection signal. Wherein the triggering of the second switch and the third switch is delayed for an amount of time, and after the amount of time has elapsed, the second switch and the third switch are activated to place the one or more line conductors and the one or more load conductors in the tripped condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Simonin
  • Patent number: 10153121
    Abstract: An improved GFCI device prevents miswiring. Load conductors are electrically isolated from receptacle conductors. Normally closed contacts are held open by a miswire prevention mechanism, such that if power is connected to the load contacts, power cannot be delivered to the GFCI device, the receptacle conductors or the line conductors. Once power is properly connected to the line conductors, a proper wiring detection circuit activates the miswire prevention mechanism to release the normally closed contacts, thereby electrically connecting the receptacle conductors and the load conductors. After proper installation, the receptacle conductors are preferably permanently connected to the load conductors. The device is preferably shipped in the reset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John Phillip Goodsell, Sorin Ioan Mortun, Robert Fanzutti
  • Patent number: 10002735
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is referenced that has an indicator lamp that identifies a fault condition after power is interrupted to the circuit breaker. This solution uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate the trip condition. This solution does not require the power to be enabled to the load side of the circuit breaker in order to power the LEDs to display a trip condition. An overload may be detected when the fault current generates sufficient heat in a strip composed of a resistive element or bimetal to cause the bimetal to deflect and/or bend. The mechanical deflection triggers a trip assembly that includes a spring trip level to force a moveable contact attached to a moveable conductive blade away from a stationary contact, thereby breaking the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: John J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9964567
    Abstract: A self-contained branch circuit monitor 2 is has a small form factor configured to fit in the limited space available in a load center 1, in association with a branch circuit breaker 10A occupying a branch location slot 45 in the load center 1. A flexible printed circuit board 4 is wrapped around an outside circumference of a toroidal sensor coil 6 of a current transformer. A current monitoring circuit 15 is formed on the flexible printed circuit board. The monitoring circuit is electrically connected to leads 7, 9 from the sensor coil and is powered by current 17 induced in the sensor coil from current 5 in the branch circuit wire. A branch circuit wire 3A is threaded through the current transformer's center. A transmitter 22 is part of the flexible printed circuit board, to transfer the monitored current data to other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve M. Meehleder
  • Patent number: 9793702
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device that includes a line conductor, a load conductor, an interrupting device, a delay circuit, and a fault detection circuit. The interrupting device disconnects the line conductor from the load conductor when the circuit interrupting device is in a tripped condition. The delay circuit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch, and delays the disconnecting of the line conductor from the load conductor. The fault detection circuit detects a fault condition and generates a fault detection signal when the fault condition is detected. The fault detection circuit provides the fault detection signal to the first switch to trigger the first switch, and the delay circuit delays the triggering of the second switch and the third switch. After an amount of time has elapsed, the second switch and the third switch are triggered to place the circuit interrupting device in the tripped condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Simonin
  • Patent number: 9530598
    Abstract: A relay and a method of assembling a relay are provided. The relay comprising: a relay switch configured to operate in a first switch mode and a second switch mode; a flag structure for indicating an operative status of the relay switch, the flag structure capable of being orientated in a first position for indicating the relay switch being in the first switch mode and in a second position for indicating the relay switch being in the second switch mode; a card structure coupled to the flag structure for changing the orientation of the flag structure from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; and a base plate coupled to the flag structure and the card structure, the base plate comprising an open ended slot for allowing part of the flag structure to be received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Yijun Pan
  • Patent number: 9484915
    Abstract: A non-contact proximity switch having a first part and a second part which do not need to be in physical contact to detect proximity of the first and second parts. The first part is arranged to be connected to a reset circuit including an indicator light and a reset switch having a reset button. The first part includes a reset mechanism for machine safety, and the reset mechanism includes a signal generator and a signal detector. The reset mechanism is arranged to, upon indication that a reset is required, generate a signal so as to switch-on said indicator light, and the reset mechanism is further arranged to detect when the state of a connected reset switch corresponds to a state where the reset button is being pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Lars-Magnus Felth, Ingvar Gillholm, Andreas Henriksson, Lars Regner, Nicklas Alnström
  • Patent number: 9324532
    Abstract: Circuitry for fuse failure display for monitoring the trip status of a fuse is disclosed, wherein a light-emitting diode is provided in order to display the trip status of the fuse, which light-emitting diode is arranged in a current path parallel to the fuse. If the fuse is not tripped, the parallel current path has a high resistance in relation to the resistance across the fuse, such that the current across this current path is insufficient for operation of the light-emitting diode. If the fuse is tripped, this parallel current path has a low resistance in relation to the resistance across the fuse, such that the current across this current path is sufficient for operation of the light-emitting diode, wherein a current-limiting device for limiting the current across the light-emitting diode and a voltage-limiting device for limiting the voltage across the tripped fuse are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Hudetz
  • Patent number: 9281140
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a switch comprising an LED for indicating when a connected electrical device is activated or not. In certain examples, the electrical device is a water pump. In certain examples, the invention is drawn to a circuit comprising a switch, a logic circuit, an electrical device, and an LED subcircuit, whereby the electrical device is turned on by closing the switch, and whereby the LED functions as an indicator light remaining on while the electrical device remains on, and turning off when the electrical device is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT, INC
    Inventors: Larry K. Acker, Robert Jones
  • Patent number: 9203232
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a leakage detection protective circuit. This leakage detection protective circuit includes a rectification circuit, a current-limiting resistance, a controlled silicon rectifier (SCR), a power supply main circuit switch linked with a reset button and a tripping coil with a built-in iron core. The rectification circuit, tripping coil, and SCR are connected in series with each other, forming a circuit. The control pole of the SCR is connected, through the current-limiting resistance and the diode, to the shielding layer of the power output wires. When a leakage failure occurs, the shielding layer connected to the control pole of the controlled silicon rectifier becomes electrified, triggering the controlled silicon rectifier. A magnetic field is then generated within the tripping coil and its built-in iron core moves, causing the reset button to trip. This invention is characterized by a compact circuit and robust operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: HuaDao Huang
  • Patent number: 9184009
    Abstract: Provided are an electronic switching device and a method for manufacturing the same. The electronic switching device includes a fixed unit including a fixed unit body defining an outer appearance thereof and a fixed contact part disposed within the fixed unit body, a movable unit including a movable contact part selectively contacting the fixed contact part to supply current, a moving part provided in the movable unit to guide a movement of the movable contact part toward the fixed contact part, a coil to which power is applied to move the moving part, and an elastic member that is elastically deformable while the moving part moves. At least one of the fixed unit and the moving part has a through hole so that an inner component of the fixed unit or the moving part communicates with the outside to allow a preset signal to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 9136081
    Abstract: A D/C trip assembly for a circuit breaker is provided. The D/C trip assembly includes a magnet, a mounting assembly and an armature assembly. The mounting assembly includes a body, the mounting assembly body including a pivotal coupling. The armature assembly includes a magnetic body and a trip bar linkage, the trip bar linkage extending from the armature assembly body. The armature assembly body is structured to move between a first position, wherein the armature assembly body is close to the magnet, and a second position, wherein the armature assembly body is spaced from the magnet. The trip bar linkage is structured to move between a first position and a second position, the trip bar linkage positions corresponding to the armature assembly body positions. The trip bar linkage is structured to be coupled to a trip bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kin Hang Leung, James Patrick Sisley, David Curtis Turner, David Edward Little, Paul Alan Merck
  • Patent number: 8973519
    Abstract: A status indicator includes a display disc with a pin located within a central portion if the display disc, a first colored section, and a second colored section. The status indicator also includes a lens unit with an opaque section and a non-opaque section to alternately reveal the first colored section or the second colored section such that either the first or the second colored section is visible from any angle within a hemisphere below the status indicator. The status indicator also includes an indicator cam configured to receive a linear force initiated by an actuator component and to translate the linear force to a rotational force on the pin. The rotational force causes the display disc to rotate from a first position to a second position that aligns the second colored section with the non-opaque section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bindics, William Ayala, III, Geoffrey Reed
  • Patent number: 8881670
    Abstract: A recloser includes at least one pole position indicator. The position indicator includes a flexible strip that rides in a U-shaped channel. The flexible strip has an alternating color pattern and that is visible through spaced transparent windows on the indicator. The transparent windows are spaced so that the flexible strip, when in a first position shows only a first color and when in a second position only shows a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Kerry Brent Binkley
  • Publication number: 20140139302
    Abstract: A trip device comprises a first transmission bar pivoting around the same pivoting axis as a ratchet by any one of several thermal actuators. The first transmission bar drives the ratchet from a latched position to a released position, and makes a first indicator change state. A second transmission bar can be pivoted around the same pivoting axis as the ratchet by any one of several magnetic actuators. This second transmission bar drives the ratchet from its latched position to its released position, and makes a second indicator change state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Claude RUBBO
  • Patent number: 8686815
    Abstract: An apparatus of modular trip mechanism and auxiliary mechanism for a circuit breaker comprises an auxiliary mechanism module including a first micro switch to output an electrical signal indicating an ON/OFF position of the circuit breaker, a first shaft contact lever mechanism to operate the first micro switch by contacting the switching shaft or receiving an artificial pressing force, a second micro switch to output an electrical signal indicating whether a trip operation of the circuit breaker has been performed, and a second lever to operate the second micro switch by contacting the switching shaft or receiving an artificial pressing force; and a trip mechanism module including an electromagnetic trip device to operate a trip bar to trigger the circuit breaker to a trip position in response to a trip control signal from an overcurrent relay or a test trip control signal from a test signal generating source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Mahn Sohn
  • Patent number: 8643501
    Abstract: A metering apparatus is connectable to the terminals of a circuit breaker and includes a detection apparatus that is configured to detect a status of the breaker and one or more operational parameters of the breaker. The metering apparatus may further include a communication apparatus that is configured to communicate the status of the breaker and/or one or more operational parameters of the breaker to another device. The metering apparatus may additionally include a power input that is independent of the breaker. Alternatively or additionally, the metering apparatus can be configured to communicate with the other device via any of a variety of established protocols, with the metering apparatus being capable of retrofitting to change the communications protocol by which it communicates with the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Sisley, James Leo Lagree, Patrick Jay Woodham, Kevin Russell Hestad, Todd Michael Shaak, Daniel Alan Hosko
  • Patent number: 8624145
    Abstract: An indicator device displays a status of switching contacts of a circuit breaker that includes an energy store. The indicator device includes a lever and a coupling element. The lever includes a display element and is movable between a triggered position and a non-triggered position based upon at least one operational parameter. The coupling element is operatively connected to the lever so as to be movable between a triggered, position and a non-triggered position by the lever. The coupling element is configured to be further operatively connected to a first actuator of the energy store so as to be movable by the first actuator into the non-triggered position when energy is stored in the first energy store and so as to not be moved from the non-triggered position into the triggered position when energy stored in the energy store is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Fleitmann, Volker Heins, Wolfgang Wagner
  • Patent number: 8536961
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Fa Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Koji Okubo, Yasuhiro Naka, Kenji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130234810
    Abstract: A short circuit indicator module is disclosed for an electrical switching device, in particular for a circuit breaker. The electrical switching device is configured to interrupt a current flow in the event of a short circuit and/or an overload in a subordinate power circuit. The module includes a housing, a display facility for indicating tripping of the electrical switching device in the event of a short circuit and a movable unlatching element, it being possible for the display facility to be activated by a movement of the unlatching element and the unlatching element being configured to form a functional connection between the short circuit indicator module and the electrical switching device. The module is configured to test the activatability of the display facility of the short circuit indicator module and/or to test the functional connection between the short circuit indicator module and the electrical switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Michael FREIMUTH, Jürgen Renner
  • Patent number: 8525542
    Abstract: A short circuit detection device is provided to check a circuit layout. The circuit layout includes electronic components connected in parallel. Any of the electronic components includes two contacts on the circuit layout. The short circuit detection device includes a determination circuit configured to determine whether a short circuit has occurred in the circuit layout, and a detection circuit configured to determine the specific electronic component or components responsible for the short circuit. The determination circuit connects with one contact of any of the electronic components. The detection circuit connects with two contacts of any of the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Liang Xiong
  • Patent number: 8466759
    Abstract: A reversible unit (10) is attached by being mounted over a pair of adjacently disposed electromagnetic contactors (1a) and (1b). The reversible unit (10) includes a pair of interlock plates (11) and (12), a lock piece (13), and a unit case (10b) accommodating the pair of interlock plates (11) and (12) and the lock piece (13). The lock piece (13) rotates in a first direction with the movement of one of the interlock plates (12) in a turn-on operation of one of the electromagnetic contactors (1a) to prevent the movement of the other interlock plate (11), and rotates in a second direction different from the first direction with the movement of the other interlock plate (11) in a turn-on operation of the other electromagnetic contactor (1b) to prevent the movement of one of the interlock plates (12). The unit case (10b) is provided with a lock piece display window (10g) which allows determination of the rotation of the lock piece (13) in the first direction or the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Koji Okubo, Yasuhiro Naka, Kenji Suzuki
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8368489
    Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a magnetic trip mechanism configured to provide a first mechanical driving force, a low voltage trip mechanism configured to provide a second mechanical driving force, a first micro switch configured to generate and output a first trip signal indicating that the circuit breaker has performed a trip operation due to the occurrence of a fault current on a circuit, a second micro switch configured to generate and output a second trip signal indicating that the circuit breaker has performed a trip operation due to the occurrence of a low voltage on the circuit, a first driving force transmission mechanism configured to transmit the first mechanical driving force from the magnetic trip mechanism to the first micro switch, and a second driving force transmission mechanism configured to transmit the second mechanical driving force from the low voltage trip mechanism to the second micro switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Mahn Sohn
  • Patent number: 8004377
    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: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Brusky, Kurt Lawrence Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20110181379
    Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a magnetic trip mechanism configured to provide a first mechanical driving force, a low voltage trip mechanism configured to provide a second mechanical driving force, a first micro switch configured to generate and output a first trip signal indicating that the circuit breaker has performed a trip operation due to the occurrence of a fault current on a circuit, a second micro switch configured to generate and output a second trip signal indicating that the circuit breaker has performed a trip operation due to the occurrence of a low voltage on the circuit, a first driving force transmission mechanism configured to transmit the first mechanical driving force from the magnetic trip mechanism to the first micro switch, and a second driving force transmission mechanism configured to transmit the second mechanical driving force from the low voltage trip mechanism to the second micro switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Jong Mahn SOHN
  • Patent number: 7915982
    Abstract: A device for detecting three states, namely ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘triggered’ of an electric circuit breaker. The device includes a mobile magnetic device, movable between three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker, and at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic field provided with magnetic field lines for driving two DIP switches via the magnetic effect. In each of the magnetic device's positions, the two DIP switches are controlled in either an open or closed position to form a specific combination representing one of the three states of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Chiesi, Stephane Collot, Benoit Grappe, Sylvain Paineau, Marc Vernay
  • Patent number: 7864005
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Erik J. Gouhl, Gregory G. Moreinis, Gunter A. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20100238611
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a low-profile, electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker includes a housing containing first and second electrical branches coupled to respective first and second load terminals, and an electronic processing circuit within the housing adapted to monitor an electrical condition of the first and second electrical branches, wherein a maximum transverse width (Wt) of the housing is limited to occupy only a single standard breaker panelboard location. Circuit breakers including triggering mechanisms and tripping units are also disclosed. System and method aspects are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy, Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 7800468
    Abstract: A strain relief mechanism is provided for an accessory for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The accessory includes an enclosure having a first end with an aperture, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and a number of electrical conductors, such as wires, extending through the aperture and outwardly from the first end of the accessory enclosure. The strain relief mechanism includes a support extending outwardly from the first end of the enclosure, and being proximate the aperture and the number of electrical conductors extending therethrough. A fastening mechanism, such as a wire tie, wraps around the electrical conductors and the support in order to secure the number of electrical conductors to the support and resist undesired movement thereof. First and second portions of the enclosure are fastened together without a plurality of separate fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Thomas A. Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20100207712
    Abstract: A power switch includes an electronic overcurrent protection trigger, which receives the power supply thereof from the power supply network monitored by the power switch. In at least one embodiment, the display device of the power switch acquires the power supply thereof from the power supply network monitored by the power switch, and an electronic device powered with voltage from the power supply network monitored by the power switch controls the turning on and off of the background illumination of the electronic display device, which obtains the voltage supply thereof from the power supply network monitored by the power switch, with the aid of an electronically controllable switch as a function of the measured values detected in a measuring device of the electronic device. A method for controlling the turning on and off of the background illumination of a display device of a power switch is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Jörg Braune, Thomas Driehorn, Ilka Jakubowski, Edeltraud Musiol, Andreas Pancke, Manfred Schiller
  • Publication number: 20100201466
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Erik J. Gouhl, Gregory G. Moreinis, Gunter A. Gallas
  • Patent number: 7679478
    Abstract: A switching device for selectively switching electrical power from an electrical power source to a load circuit comprises a housing. An electromechanical actuator is in the housing. A fixed contact is fixedly mounted in the housing. A contact arm is pivotally mounted in the housing. The contact arm carries a movable contact and has a lever. The contact arm is operatively connected to the actuator to be selectively positioned thereby for selectively electrically contacting the moveable contact with the fixed contact. A rotational actuator is rotationally mounted to the housing. The rotational actuator includes a leg proximate the lever so that rotational movement of the rotational actuator pivotally moves the contact arm to override the electromechanical actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Patent number: 7655877
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker having a mechanical trip indicating mechanism, in an air circuit breaker including a switching mechanism, an actuator having an output link for providing a mechanical driving force, a first link unit connected between the output link of the actuator and the switching mechanism for applying the mechanical driving force from the output link to the switching mechanism to perform a trip operation, a front surface plate provided with a manipulating unit accessible by a user, the air circuit breaker comprising: a first rotation lever connected to the first link unit, a second link unit limitedly moved by the first rotation lever, a bias spring for applying an elastic biasing force to the second link unit to be moved in one direction, a second rotation lever installed to be rotatable with coming in contact with one end portion of the second link unit, and a mechanical trip indicating mechanism supported by the front surface plate and having an indicating portion exposed to the front surface pl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kil-Young Ahn
  • Patent number: 7649433
    Abstract: An oil-immersed circuit breaker is provided having a mechanical/magnetic trip indicator. In a preferred embodiment, the trip indicator comprises a mechanical drive train (coupled to a conventional trip-sensing mechanism), a push piece, and an indicator piece. The drive train and the push piece are located inside the enclosure immersed in oil. The indicator piece is located outside the enclosure. The push piece is magnetically coupled to the indicator piece. Magnetic coupling eliminates problems encountered with prior art trip indicators associated with oil-seal leakage, electrical component failure, and power source failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Edgar R. Eley, John B. Baskin, Fabian D. Stacy
  • Publication number: 20090256660
    Abstract: Disclosed is a visual and electrical indication on the status of “Readiness to close” (RTC) for circuit breakers. Exemplary embodiments include a circuit breaker apparatus, including a lay shaft coupled to circuit breaker contacts, a lay shaft cam profile coupled to the lay shaft, a trip free plate coupled to the lay shaft cam profile, a trip paddle coupled to the trip free plate, wherein the trip paddle is coupled to a trip shaft and a ready to close indicator coupled to the trip free plate and charging cam assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Triplicane Gopikrishnan Babu, Janakiraman Narayanan, Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Simhadri Ramalingeswara Gupta, Yatin Vilas Newase
  • Patent number: 7583170
    Abstract: There is described a switching device whose disconnection cause can be identified, and a method for displaying the disconnection cause of a switching device. The switching device has a switch latch for mechanical activation of the switching device, a first tripper for overload protection, a second tripper for short-circuit protection, and a handle for activating the switch latch. The switching device is embodied in such a way that the handle is moved to a first position or a second position if the first tripper or second tripper is tripped, with the first position and the second position being different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Gogeissl, Manuela Lüftl, Ludwig Niebler
  • Patent number: 7532096
    Abstract: A non-contact auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker includes a target having first and second positions corresponding to open and closed positions of separable contacts. A non-contact sensor is responsive to the first and second positions of the target to generate first and second output signals. A movable slider member carries the target and is structured to slide within a holder inside the housing of the circuit breaker and to be coupled to and moved by an operating mechanism responsive to the open and closed positions of the separable contacts. This effects one of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are closed and the other of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Mark O. Zindler
  • Publication number: 20090014300
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for an air circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker having the same. The apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for the air circuit breaker comprises a micro switch installed at a switching mechanism providing a driving force for switching contactors, provided with a lever extended into the switching mechanism so as to receive the driving force, generating and outputting an electric signal for indicating that the air circuit breaker is in a closing operable state, and provided with a signal transmitting terminal for transmitting the electric signal to a remote place, and an on coupling pressing the lever of the micro switch so that the micro switch generates and outputs the electric signal only when a closing spring for providing elastic energy for switching the contactors charges elastic energy and the air circuit breaker is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: LS INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kil-Young AHN
  • Publication number: 20090015357
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker having a mechanical trip indicating mechanism, in an air circuit breaker including a switching mechanism, an actuator having an output link for providing a mechanical driving force, a first link unit connected between the output link of the actuator and the switching mechanism for applying the mechanical driving force from the output link to the switching mechanism to perform a trip operation, a front surface plate provided with a manipulating unit accessible by a user, the air circuit breaker comprising: a first rotation lever connected to the first link unit, a second link unit limitedly moved by the first rotation lever, a bias spring for applying an elastic biasing force to the second link unit to be moved in one direction, a second rotation lever installed to be rotatable with coming in contact with one end portion of the second link unit, and a mechanical trip indicating mechanism supported by the front surface plate and having an indicating portion exposed to the front surface pl
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: LS INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kil-Young AHN
  • Publication number: 20080272866
    Abstract: It is an object to provide is an overcurrent relay having less number of parts and a smaller space to implement an automatic reset function and a manual reset function. A contact point mechanism 110 includes a movable contactor support 10 for supporting a movable contactor composing a part of the usually-closed contact point while being maintained in the movable iron core 5, and a reset bar 14 arranged in a manner that is switchable between an automatic reset setting and a manual reset setting. The reset bar 14 does not engage with the movable contactor support 10 in an operation range of the movable contactor support 10 in the automatic reset setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Hideaki Ohkubo, Tomokazu Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7411766
    Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device which comprises a novel reset mechanism to allow a user to test whether the device is wired properly. The novel reset mechanism includes a reset conducting apparatus which contains a reset start switch (KR-4). The KR-4 contains a first conducting pin, a second conducting pin, and a conducting bridge. When the reset button is depressed and the device is wired properly, the KR-4 is closed to allow the conducting bridge to be in contact with both the first and the second conducting pins so as to reset the device. The present invention also provides a circuit interrupting device which is capable of automatically checking the components of the circuit interrupting device (i.e., the end of life test) through a novel status test switch (KR-1). The KR-1 comprises a flexible metal piece and a simulated leakage current controlling resistor, which is located underneath of the flexible metal piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Huadao Huang, Lu Huayang
  • Patent number: 7408432
    Abstract: A receptacle type ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device adapted for connecting to input lines, which includes a pair of input terminals for connecting to the input lines, a pair of receptacle outlets, a ground-fault current detector for detecting a ground fault condition on the input lines, a reset and trip device, and a self detecting and testing structure. The device further includes a normal working condition indicator and an end-of-life indicator. When the GFCI device is correctly wired and working properly, the device can be properly reset by a reset button. When the ground-fault is detected, the GFCI is put in a normal tripped state with no power output. When the input terminals and the output terminals are reversely wired, no power is output. If an input line is broken, no power is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Wenzhou Yongtai Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jie Shi
  • Publication number: 20080136567
    Abstract: An auxiliary device for remote data transmission having processing means comprising a first input to receive a first data item of a state of the circuit breaker, and at least one command output to command transmission of data. The processing means comprise: a second input to receive at least one second data item representative of an electrical fault or of an auxiliary command, identification means to identify the type of electrical fault, and initialization means of the at least one command output. An auxiliary unit and a circuit breaker comprising the device. A method for implementing said device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Mustapha Chelloug