Magnetically Operated Patents (Class 335/174)
  • Patent number: 11842869
    Abstract: A reclosing switch capable of stably opening and closing, including a bracket, a permanent magnet moving core, a driving member, a linkage assembly, a limit assembly, an opening assembly and a contact mechanism. The permanent magnet moving core is configured to provide a force to drive a magnet to move axially along the permanent magnet moving core. When closing the switch, the driving member applies a pressure to the linkage assembly to drive the limit assembly to limit driving member. The opening assembly is configured to provide a force to push the limit assembly to reset, so as to release the driving member. The magnet is provided with a transmission member for connection with the contact mechanism. The contact mechanism is configured to contact with contacts in the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Nanjing Tianzhuo Electrical Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jimei Xi, Xiaosong Yang, Jianxin Zhou
  • Patent number: 11798767
    Abstract: An electrical overload protection device for readily identifying and resetting a tripped circuit breaker includes a button, which is retained in depressed and extended configurations by a biaser. A first end and a second end of a plate spring are attached to the housing and the biaser, respectively. A bimetal strip, which is attached to and positioned in the housing, is reversibly deformable and thus bendable upon exposure to a specified current. Depressing the button contacts the biaser with the bimetal strip to complete an electrical circuit, which, should it exceed the specified current, bends the bimetal strip to actuate the plate spring to extend a shaft from the housing. The bending also disengages the biaser from the bimetal strip and breaks the electrical circuit. Depressing the shaft reverses deformation of the bimetal strip and reextends the button so it is again depressible to complete the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Xu Jie
  • Patent number: 11322916
    Abstract: A solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) with galvanic isolation capability includes an electrical bus with line-side and load-side terminals and a solid-state device connected in series with a closeable air gap between the line-side and load-side terminals. During normal operating conditions, the solid-state device is switched ON and the SSCB forces movable contacts inside the SSCB to close the air gap, so that an electrical current path is maintained between the line-side and load-side terminals and electrical current is allowed to flow through the SSCB and an attached load. Upon a short circuit or overload of unacceptably long duration occurring in the load circuit, the SSCB switches the solid-state device OFF to prevent current from flowing through the load, and releases the movable contacts to open the air gap and thereby establish galvanic isolation between the line-side and load side terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Atom Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Miller, Taylor Santore, Denis Kouroussis, Ryan Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11195682
    Abstract: An improved multi-pole circuit interrupter includes an improved trip deck assembly adjacent one pole and further includes an accessory deck adjacent another pole. The accessory deck includes conventional accessory devices such as an auxiliary switch, etc., and the trip deck assembly includes switches and one or more other devices that can interact with a crossbar and a trip bar of the circuit interrupter. Such switches can be easily installed by a technician in the field after manufacture of the circuit interrupter. One switch is held in place by a support, and the other switch is held in place by a retainer, with the support and the retainer holding the switches in a fixed position on the trip deck assembly in order to interact with the crossbar and the trip bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Stifter, Jr., Sunnybhai Patel, Jonathan M. Peifer
  • Patent number: 10971317
    Abstract: Recloser apparatuses, methods and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a recloser includes a vacuum interrupter coupled with first and second electrical terminals. A driving structure is coupled with the vacuum interrupter. An electromagnetic actuator is coupled with the driving structure and is moveable to a first position to open the vacuum interrupter and to a second position to close the vacuum interrupter. A mechanical opening/closing mechanism includes a handle and a mechanical connection driving structure. The handle is moveable to move the vacuum interrupter to the first position and the second position. A control circuit is provided in communication with the electromagnetic actuator and is operable to actuate the electromagnetic actuator to move the vacuum interrupter between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Robert L. Hanna, Patrick Fischer-Carne, Luciano DiMaio
  • Patent number: 10964496
    Abstract: A method for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The method includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Tsvetan Rusev, Adam Gardner, Michael Stamer
  • Patent number: 10658130
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein relating to a momentary contact switch that can be both manually and electronically actuated. In some embodiments, an electronic module can be added to a manual momentary contact switch to enable electronic control. The momentary contact switch can be transitioned between first, second, and third electrical states based on the rotation of a shaft between first, second, and third rotational positions. Rotary arms are selectively engaged by pull arms connected to a master solenoid to selectively rotate the shaft from the first rotational position to the second and third rotational positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Baltazar Castro Maciel, Sergio David Esquivel Álvarez, José Ramón Martinez Ramírez, Héctor Jaime Alba, Eduardo Ángel Morales Delgado, Marco Antonio Hidrogo Ordaz, Gerardo Rodríguez Nájera
  • Patent number: 10283301
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator including a magnetic housing, a coil that is rigidly connected to the housing and is capable of being connected to an electric circuit, a magnetic core that is arranged in the coil and can move along a central axis defined by the coil and according to the strength of the current flowing in the coil, and a shunt that is arranged in the coil and includes a magnetocaloric material the magnetisation of which is temperature-dependent. The shunt is arranged in the coil along the central axis along a length so as to create an air gap between the shunt and the magnetic core. The actuator further includes a device for attaching the shunt to the housing that are designed to adjust the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Schuster
  • Patent number: 10056213
    Abstract: An electromagnetic switch protection structure includes a power-off key located between a press assembly and a contact seat. The power-off key is provided with a press portion extending downward. The press portion directly presses an elastic seat of the electromagnetic switch. When a power-off button is pressed, movable contacts of the elastic seat can be immediately separated from immovable contacts of electrode plates to cut off the power supply of the electromagnetic switch. That is, the press assembly is slightly touched to cut off the power supply, not pressing deep to cause an erroneous pressing, to avoid damage to the electromagnetic switch, achieving the protection of the electromagnetic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Kuo-Lung Kuan
  • Patent number: 9799476
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable contact arm for opening and closing the circuit which is controlled separately by a circuit breaker mechanism for circuit protection and by a switch lever mechanism which does not require actuation of the circuit breaker mechanism to function. The switch lever may be activated by a solenoid or other suitable means, and various interlocking mechanical states exist among the elements that provide added safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 9653244
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to various embodiments of lockout relay devices. In one embodiment, a lockout relay device may transition between a closed position and a lockout position in response to an action of a deck device. The lockout relay may further be configured to transition from the lockout position to the closed position only in response to one of a manual adjustment and a reset operation. A manual actuator may permit a manual transition of the lockout relay device from the closed position to the lockout position and from the lockout position to the closed position. A lockout mechanism may be configured to cause the lockout relay device to transition to the lockout position in response to the force generated by the deck device. The lockout relay device may remain in the lockout position until the occurrence of one of a manual adjustment and a reset operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Baltazar Castro Maciel, Marco Antonio Hidrogo Ordaz, Gerardo Rodríguez Nájera, Sergio David Esquivel Álvarez, José Ramón Martinez Ramírez, Héctor Jaime Alba, Jorge Luis Soto Murrieta
  • Patent number: 9384931
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable contact arm for opening and closing the circuit which is controlled separately by a circuit breaker mechanism for circuit protection and by a switch lever mechanism which does not require actuation of the circuit breaker mechanism to function. The switch lever may be activated by a solenoid or other suitable means, and various interlocking mechanical states exist among the elements that provide added safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 9048039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum switch assembly for interrupting and isolating fault current. The vacuum switch assembly includes first and second dc lines that, in use, are electrically connected to the dc output terminals of a primary dc power source and a dc network. Each dc line includes at least one vacuum switch having contacts that are opened and closed under the control of a vacuum switch controller. A passive dc power supply unit is electrically connected to the first and second dc lines and includes a secondary dc power source that provides a substantially ripple-free sensing voltage. The vacuum switch controller is adapted to open the vacuum switch contacts when a fault condition (e.g. a fault current or other fault) or an operator request has been identified and when the current flowing between the vacuum switch contacts is below a chopping current associated with the vacuum switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology Limited
    Inventors: Allan David Crane, Martin Samuel Butcher
  • Patent number: 8907751
    Abstract: A power circuit breaker is disclosed wherein an electric current is monitored by an electronic trip unit in order to detect an electrical fault. In an embodiment, a first magnetic device of the power circuit breaker, in the event of a fault being detected, is configured to be excited which, when it is excited, trips a trip mechanism via a plunger. As a result of tripping, the trip mechanism disconnects two contacts via which the current flows. The power circuit breaker of an embodiment includes a second magnetic device which is likewise able to be excited by the ETU and by which the trip mechanism is likewise able to be tripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andre Borgwardt, Thomas Driehorn, Peter Kopaczewski, Andreas Krauβ, Aron-Ernst Musiol, Gerd Müller
  • Publication number: 20140347150
    Abstract: A device and method for switching electrical load circuits involve the use of an overload contact integrated in an exciting current circuit of a magnetic coil. The electrical load circuits include an electromagnetic contactor having a magnetic drive formed from a magnet yoke with a magnet coil and a magnet armature to which a contact bridge is coupled as a movable contactor contact by a contact retainer. In the switched-on state the contactor generates a magnetic retaining force for contacting the contact bridge with fixed contacts. The retaining force results from a magnetic field generated by the magnet coil, and the retaining force is greater than an armature opening force. The overload contact is integrated in the exciting current circuit of the magnet coil in such a manner that that when the exciting current circuit is closed and a movement of the contact bridge against the magnetic retaining force occurs, the magnet coil can be short-circuited by closing the overload contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Sascha Schulte
  • Patent number: 8866569
    Abstract: A pry plate tripping circuit breaker includes a housing, an operation mechanism, a lock catch, a tripping mechanism, a movable contact, an immovable contact, an arc extinguish chamber and a bimetallic strip. The lock catch includes a lock portion to cooperate with the operation mechanism and an action portion to cooperate with the tripping mechanism. The trigging mechanism includes a pry plate unit and a drive unit to drive the pry plate unit. The drive unit includes a conductive plate electrically connected with the bimetallic strip and an electromagnetic induction member on the conductive plate. The pry plate unit includes a pry plate. One end of the pry plate is provided with an armature, and another end of the pry plate corresponds to the action portion of the lock catch. The pry plate is provided with an elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Wenzhou New Blue Sky Electrical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mingguang Huang
  • Publication number: 20140184365
    Abstract: Disclosed is a memory device in which the state of the memory may be set by a mechanical action, with or without mains power present. The memory state may be detected by a microcontroller. The state for the memory device may be reset by a microcontroller. The microcontroller may be external to an apparatus containing the memory device, adjacent to or within the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Sleator
  • Patent number: 8766749
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker having a pair of operable contacts in a main current path between a line terminal and load terminal, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts if an overcurrent condition occurs, and an electric motor to close the contacts via a contact closing mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a trigger mechanism and a contact opening mechanism, a current sensor arranged to detect current through the main current path, and a control unit. The trigger mechanism triggers the contact opening mechanism if a trip signal is produced. The control unit produces a trip signal to operate the trigger mechanism if it determines a short circuit condition occurs based on output of the current sensor; and the control unit is arranged to operate the electric motor to trigger the contact opening mechanism into opening the contacts independently of the trigger mechanism if it determines that an overload condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Industries Manufacturing GmbH
    Inventors: Sean Christopher Ganley, John Stevens
  • Patent number: 8754729
    Abstract: A short-circuit release is disclosed, in particular for a power circuit-breaker, including an armature and a pole, that are located inside of a coil element; and a yoke plate and a terminal connection, which are arranged around the coil element. In at least one embodiment, a coil is wound on the coil element, the two ends of which are weldable on corresponding coil terminals from the same side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Rösch, Yi Zhu
  • Patent number: 8729984
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide a magnetic actuator having more than one air gap. After the trip unit is triggered, a first armature is accelerated to quickly close a first air gap and then mate with a second armature. The first and second armature then move toward a core to close a second air gap and reach the final combined armature position, causing a contact to open. A faster reaction time is provided, yet without increasing the number of turns of the trip coil winding, and provides a more efficient actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Willy Feller, Beat Villiger
  • Publication number: 20140118096
    Abstract: A pry plate tripping circuit breaker includes a housing, an operation mechanism, a lock catch, a tripping mechanism, a movable contact, an immovable contact, an arc extinguish chamber and a bimetallic strip. The lock catch includes a lock portion to cooperate with the operation mechanism and an action portion to cooperate with the tripping mechanism. The trigging mechanism includes a pry plate unit and a drive unit to drive the pry plate unit. The drive unit includes a conductive plate electrically connected with the bimetallic strip and an electromagnetic induction member on the conductive plate. The pry plate unit includes a pry plate. One end of the pry plate is provided with an armature, and another end of the pry plate corresponds to the action portion of the lock catch. The pry plate is provided with an elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Mingguang HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140070909
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an electric magnet device, in which a smooth movement of an armature is ensured and, even if a vibration or an impact is applied, an attraction state between a yoke and the armature is maintained to prevent a malfunction, and a switch provided therewith, where the electric magnet device includes: a coil adapted to insert through an armature and a yoke so as to attract surfaces of the yoke and the armature, which are opposed to each other, to receive a voltage, to excite for separating the surfaces of the yoke and the armature; the armature disposed on one end side of the coil; and the yoke disposed on the other end side of the coil and adapted to oscillate, such that an oscillation angle of the yoke is greater than that of the armature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhira IZAWA, Kenshi NAGATA
  • Patent number: 8618896
    Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-storing mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-storing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Johannes Nestler
  • Patent number: 8587393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic protection device, in particular for an automatic circuit breaker or a disconnecting switch, preferably for use in low voltage systems. The invention also relates to an automatic circuit breaker comprising this device. The protection device (1) according to the invention comprises a low voltage circuit breaker comprising an air gap magnetic circuit (T), provided with a first portion (10) forming a first surface (11) of said air gap (T) and a second portion (20) forming a second surface (21) of the air gap (T). The first portion (10) constitutes a fixed section of the magnetic circuit, while the second portion (20) constitutes a moving section of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit also comprises a flexible portion (30) that connects the first portion (10) to the second portion (20) with continuity, forming an intermediate section of magnetic circuit interposed between the fixed section and the moving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ABB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Federico Gamba
  • Patent number: 8547190
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a tripping apparatus, particularly for circuit breakers, which includes at least one controllable tripping magnet having an armature that is operatively connected to a downstream tripping gear, which engages in a tripping mechanism that acts on the circuit breaker and is coupled to a preloaded spring serving as a force amplifier. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the tripping mechanism includes a camshaft having a plurality of cam lobes, wherein at least one actuating device is associated with each cam lobe having an offset rotational angle, and wherein, when tripped, at least two actuating processes associated with the respective actuating means take place consecutively, so that the full spring force is transmitted by way of the camshaft to at least one of said actuating means so as to perform the relevant actuating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Gassmann, Matthias Kulke, Thomas Müller
  • Patent number: 8542084
    Abstract: A trip unit for use with a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a support bracket and a magnet member coupled to the support bracket. The magnet member is configured to emit a magnetic field when a current is transmitted through the trip mechanism. The magnet member includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion coupled between the first side portion and the second side portion. The trip unit also includes a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the support bracket. The pivot arm includes a first end, a second end, and a curved portion coupled to the first end and the second end. The pivot arm is configured to pivot towards the magnet member to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the current when the current exceeds a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yatin Vilas Newase, Girish Hassan Mruthunjaya, Hemant Kirit Anjaria, Praneeth Kumar Madamshetty
  • Patent number: 8476998
    Abstract: An electromagnetic trip device comprising a shell and a moving core sliding due to the action of a coil, the shell comprising a radial surface having an opening through which the moving core passes, superposition of a radial crown of the moving core and the radial surface forming a magnetic flux transfer surface enabling flow of an axial magnetic flux. The trip device comprises intercalary adjustment means of said transfer surface respectively positioned between the moving core and the opening, said intercalary adjustment means comprising two calibrated elements adjoined surface against surface and being respectively formed by an alternation of magnetic sectors and non-magnetic sectors; movement of a calibrated element with respect to the other enabling a variation of said transfer surface to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Jean Claude Ramirez, Pierre Bussieres, Bernard Loiacono
  • Patent number: 8471654
    Abstract: A flux shifter for a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a trip arm and a pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin, a biasing member positioned proximate to the pin, and a latch coupled to the pin and to the biasing member. The pin assembly is configured to enable the trip arm to rotate into an engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter enters a trip state and to prevent the trip arm from rotating into the engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter is in one of an operational state and a reset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Umashankar Shanmugaraj, Lars Pommerencke, Amit Bose
  • Publication number: 20130009733
    Abstract: A short-circuit release is disclosed, in particular for a power circuit-breaker. In at least one embodiment, the short circuit release includes an armature and pole that are located inside a coil former and further includes a yoke plate and terminal connection that are positioned around the coil former. Arranged opposite the yoke plate is a magnetic plate resting against the terminal connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Bernhard RÖSCH, Yi ZHU
  • Publication number: 20120218062
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed, wherein the circuit breaker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a permanent magnet rotatably hinged to a yoke, and wherein the permanent magnet is changed in magnetic path direction thereof by rotation to set up a sensitivity current, whereby a defect ratio of product is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Seung Jin HAM
  • Patent number: 8207804
    Abstract: An operating device performs opening and closing operations of a switch. The operating device includes a lever member that is coupled to a movable contact of the switch and biased by an energy storage spring; a tripping latch that can be engaged with the lever; a tripping trigger that can be engaged with the tripping latch; first and second electromagnets that can operate independently of each other and each of which has a plunger; and a rotating lever that can come into contact with a different portions of the plunger of the first electromagnet, the plunger of the second electromagnet, and the tripping trigger and that is rotated by being pushed by at least one of the plunger of the first electromagnet and the plunger of the second electromagnet, thereby pushing the tripping trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoichi Ohtsuka, Shuichi Tanigaki
  • Patent number: 8143980
    Abstract: A switching device, for example a circuit breaker, has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. For triggering the disconnect device, an overcurrent trigger device and/or a short-circuit trigger device are in mechanical operative connection with the disconnect device by way of a reversing lever. The reversing lever includes a first lever arm with a trigger extension that can be actuated by the overcurrent trigger device and/or by the short-circuit trigger device, and a second lever arm with an actuating extension for triggering the disconnect device. To ensure safe operation, the actuating extension is configured to be resiliently compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: MOELLER Gebäudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: Adolf Tetik
  • Patent number: 8138862
    Abstract: An installation switching device having at least one pole current path comprises two stationary contact pieces; a moving contact bridge including two moving contact pieces forming a double-break pole with the two stationary contact pieces; a contact pressure spring exerting a pressure on the moving contact bridge in a closing direction of the moving contact bridge; a pusher configured to act on the moving contact bridge counter to the pressure of the contact pressure spring in an opening direction, the pusher including a slide and a striking pin disposed moveably relative to the moving contact bridge and to one another in a movement direction of the moving contact bridge; a switch latch having a latching point; an operating lever configured to act on the pusher; and an electromagnetic release having an impact armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Ralf Mueller, Frank Hustert, Hans-Peter Weyand
  • Patent number: 8138440
    Abstract: A fast acting switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a drive rod articulated to a drive module and supporting at an end thereof a contact bridge having at opposite ends thereof respective moveable contacts for switchably engaging a pair of fixed contacts of the circuit breaker. A contact spring unit is operatively coupled to the drive module for applying closing pressure in the order of 200 Kg; and a latch latches the drive rod in an open or closed position after operation of the circuit breaker and prevents rebounds. The contact bridge includes a pair of side conductors supporting on upper edges thereof an armature having an exposed upper surface that supports the moveable contacts at opposite ends of the armature; and a reinforcing element inserted between the side conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Arcoline Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuriy Onufriyenko, Eduard Ulanovsky, Dov Yeger, Yefim Gofman
  • Patent number: 8134428
    Abstract: A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell T. Watford, Kevin Miller
  • Publication number: 20120025933
    Abstract: A switch and an electronic device maintain a power supply ON state until data processing is completed, and automatically turn OFF the power supply after the data processing is completed. The switch includes a rotation operating body that does not receive an operation force from an operating element when OFF operated is arranged inside the operating element. The rotation operating body includes a switch operating portion for turning ON a power supply switch mechanism and a return spring regulating piece for biasing a return spring in an anti-biasing direction. A regulating state of the return spring regulated by the return spring regulating piece is held, where the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism is held with a permanent magnet, and the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism is released by applying a release force on the permanent magnet when the power supply is reset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kiyono, Toshihiro Naruo
  • Patent number: 8098123
    Abstract: A power inductor includes a first magnetic core having a first end and a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and an inner cavity defined by the inner surface. A slotted air gap in the first magnetic core extends from i) the first end to the second end and ii) from the inner surface to the outer surface. A second magnetic core is located inside the slotted air gap between opposing inner walls of the slotted air gap. The second magnetic core i) extends from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first magnetic core inside the slotted air gap and ii) has a shape configured to lock the second magnetic core between the opposing inner walls of the slotted air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventor: Sehat Sutardja
  • Patent number: 8049584
    Abstract: A switching device having a magnetic release includes a yoke having a U-shaped first section that includes a first limb having an opening in the form of a slot open towards a free end of the first limb, a second limb disposed parallel to the first limb, and a web connecting the first and second limbs. The switching device also includes a coil including a coil former, a coil winding and an armature disposed between the first and second limbs, wherein the coil is insertable into the slot towards the web and the armature extends through the slot. A restraint spring is connected at a free end of the armature and disposed outside the first limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Ralf Mueller, Frank Hustert, Ralph Burckhardt, Guido Niewoehner, Hans-Peter Weyand
  • Patent number: 7986203
    Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker and method include at least two breaker modules including circuit breakers therein. The circuit breakers include a moveable arm configured to connect and disconnect contacts therein. The at least two modules including armatures connectable to the moveable arms of each of the at least two modules. A center module connects the at least two modules. The center module includes an actuator and a beam connected to the actuator at a mid-portion. The beam connects to each armature of the at least two modules wherein under a trip condition the actuator displaces the beam to simultaneously trip the at least two modules using the armatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell T. Watford
  • Publication number: 20110169593
    Abstract: A pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising: (i) a body, (ii) a ferrite core, (iii) a plunger, (iv) a ferrite surrounding, (v) a permanent magnet, (vi) a trip/reset coil, (vii) a reset spring positioned between a plunger block and the body, (viii) a first fixed contact holder having a first fixed contact point, and (ix) a first movable contact holder having a first movable contact point, wherein the first movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: General Protecht Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Juhai Hu, Yulin Zhang, Bin Liu, Jianning Jiang
  • Patent number: 7961480
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for housing and connection of accessories, particularly for low-voltage automatic switches, comprising an integrated wiring support. In particular, the housing and connection device (1) has a shaped structure (10) comprising an integrated wiring bus for electrical connection of the accessories. The shaped structure (10) moreover comprises one or more seats (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) for housing the accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ABB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Besana, Antonello Antoniazzi
  • Patent number: 7911303
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a vacuum valve, an electromagnet including a first coil for driving an operating shaft of the vacuum valve toward an opening direction by electromagnetic repulsion, a movable core and a permanent magnet. Further, an operating mechanism is provided which excites the first coil to close the vacuum valve, holds the vacuum valve closed by an attractive force of the permanent magnet and excites the first coil in a direction reverse to an excitation direction in closing operation to open the vacuum valve. In the circuit breaker, together with the first coil, a second coil is disposed which is excited simultaneously with an electromagnetic repulsion coil for a quick opening operation by electromagnetic repulsion is provided in the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumu Morita, Minoru Hosoda, Yoshihiko Matsuda, Masato Suzuki, Keiichi Miyashita, Shigetoshi Oouchi, Masaaki Saitou, Akihito Yano
  • Patent number: 7830231
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the contacts, and a trip unit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts. The trip unit includes a sensor structured to sense current flowing through the contacts, a processor structured to output a trip signal responsive to the sensed current, and a trip actuator. The trip actuator includes a housing including a recess, a coil within the recess, the coil having an opening therethrough, a magnet within the recess, a thermoplastic bushing including a conduit therethrough, the thermoplastic bushing being coupled to the housing, and an armature disposable within the opening of the coil and slidably disposed within the conduit of the thermoplastic bushing. The magnet attracts the armature toward the housing. A spring biases the armature away from the housing, in order to cause the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Harry James Carlino, Lloyd Allen Maloney, Joseph Bell Humbert, Martha Suryani
  • Publication number: 20100164659
    Abstract: An operating device performs opening and closing operations of a switch. The operating device includes a lever member that is coupled to a movable contact of the switch and biased by an energy storage spring; a tripping latch that can be engaged with the lever; a tripping trigger that can be engaged with the tripping latch; first and second electromagnets that can operate independently of each other and each of which has a plunger; and a rotating lever that can come into contact with a different portions of the plunger of the first electromagnet, the plunger of the second electromagnet, and the tripping trigger and that is rotated by being pushed by at least one of the plunger of the first electromagnet and the plunger of the second electromagnet, thereby pushing the tripping trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoichi OHTSUKA, Shuichi TANIGAKI
  • Publication number: 20100066470
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter trip apparatus operably connected to an operating mechanism of a circuit interrupter includes a sensor and a switch operably connected and responsive to the sensor. The switch is positioned such that the sensor changes the operating state of the switch in response to detection of a predetermined electrical condition, such as an electrical fault. A controller is operably connected to the switch and is configured to activate the operating mechanism in response to a change in the operating state of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Jason Edward Harmon
  • Patent number: 7663457
    Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Bela Peter Szeifert, Michael Peter Dunk
  • Patent number: 7623011
    Abstract: A device for remotely operating a circuit breaker apparatus is provided. Such a circuit breaker apparatus includes a trip device and a reset device that are externally accessible with respect to an enclosure enclosing the circuit breaker apparatus. The device comprises at least one actuator capable of being operably engaged with the circuit breaker apparatus, externally to the enclosure, and in physical engagement with at least one of the trip and reset devices. A remotely disposed controller device is in communication with the at least one actuator and is capable of selectively actuating the at least one actuator, from a remote location with respect to the circuit breaker apparatus, so as to at least one of actuate the trip device to trip the circuit breaker apparatus and actuate the reset device to reset the circuit breaker apparatus. An associated assembly and method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Ronald Lee Rowe, John Larkin Nelson
  • Patent number: 7595710
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a magnetic latch solenoid for actuating a moveable contact of a contact pair. The magnetic latch solenoid includes a magnet that latches the contact assembly in an open position, and a coil that moves an armature to the latched position under current in one polarity, and disrupts the permanent magnet field to release the armature from the latched position under current in a reverse polarity. A spring biases the contacts to the closed position. The spring is separate from the magnetic latch solenoid. The contact assembly may also include a printed circuit board for providing pulses to the coil to operate the assembly. The contact assembly is part of a remote operated circuit breaker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Publication number: 20090237190
    Abstract: A tripping module for a switching device includes at least a magnetic system having at least an armature, a coil, and a yoke. The coil is arranged about the armature, and the yoke is arranged about the coil. The armature is provided for tripping at least indirectly a disconnecting apparatus of the switching device. In order to increase security in electric installation arrangements, the yoke includes at least a bent sheet-metal part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Moeller Gebaudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: ALFRED NYZNER
  • Patent number: 7570140
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a magnetic trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The magnetic trip mechanism includes a support structure including a slotted support portion therein, and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes a movable core resting in the support portion of the support structure, and a plunger member including a first portion cooperating with the operating mechanism, a second portion coupled to the movable core, and a third portion engaging the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Helms, Yu-Wei Chou, Mark A. Janusek, William G. Eberts