Voltage Responsive (under, Over Or No Voltage) Patents (Class 335/20)
  • Patent number: 11908646
    Abstract: A device for switching a medium-voltage electrical circuit, including: a vacuum interrupter including a mobile electrode, an actuating lever linked to the mobile electrode and mobile between an opening position and a closing position, an insulator linked to the actuating lever, a control fitting secured to the mobile electrode, and an elastic return, for example, a spring, exerting a return force between the control fitting and the insulator, wherein a travel of displacement of the actuating lever is greater than the opening distance such that the control fitting is distanced from the insulator when the actuating lever is in the closing position. The switching device further including an indicator stem secured to the control fitting, which is configured to extend at least partly out of the insulator when the actuating lever is in the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Meley, Said Attak, Frédéric Toti-Buttin, Philippe Picot
  • Patent number: 11581159
    Abstract: Circuit interrupter devices have a first housing with a circuit interrupter, a second housing coupled to the first housing, a ground fault circuit and current transformer in the second housing. The current transformer has an open channel. The circuit interrupter devices also include at least one power conductor having a rigid or semi-rigid body with opposing first and second end portions extending between the first and second housings. The second end portion of the at least one power conductor extends through the open channel in the current transformer and terminates in a breaker load collar(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Gibson
  • Patent number: 10410811
    Abstract: A power tool (1) includes an electric motor (2) as a drive source and a start switch (20; 61) that starts the electric motor (2) and is lockable in an ON position in a lock-ON state. An electromagnetic actuator (30; 40; 50; 60) pushes out or pulls in an actuation pin (30a; 40a; 50a; 60a) with respect to a body of the electromagnetic actuator (30; 40; 50; 60) in response to cutting off of a supply of electrical current to the power tool (1). The pushed-out or pulled-in actuation pin, directly or indirectly, disengages the start switch (20; 61) from the lock-ON state and/or prevents the start switch (20; 61) from being shifted into the lock-ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takamasa Hanai, Hikaru Sunabe, Satoshi Ninagawa, Shin Nakamura, Masatoshi Nakahama, Kazusa Fukuda, Kenichi Miyata
  • Patent number: 9984845
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, a trip mechanism, a first terminal, a second terminal, a first press fit connector, a second press fit connector, a first socket, and a second socket. The first terminal is electrically connected with a first contact of the separable contacts and includes a first base section disposed outwardly from the housing. The second terminal is electrically connected with a second contact and includes a second base section disposed outwardly from the housing. The first press fit connector is attached to the first base section via a first press fit. The second press fit connector is attached to the second base section via a second press fit. The first socket is attached to the first press fit connector. The second socket is attached to the second press fit connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER
    Inventors: Justin M. Clay, James Michael McCormick, Peter Nerstrom
  • Patent number: 9053886
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a fault interrupter device comprising at least one sensor comprising at least one first transformer having at least one outer region forming an outer periphery and at least one inner hollow region. There is also at least one second transformer that is disposed in the inner hollow region of the at least one first transformer. The transformers can be substantially circular in configuration, and more particularly, ring shaped. In another embodiment there is a rotatable latch which is used to selectively connect and disconnect a set of separable contacts to selectively disconnect power from the line side to the load side. The rotatable latch is in one embodiment coupled to a reset button. In at least one embodiment there is a slider which is configured to selectively prevent the manual tripping of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kamor, James Porter, Kurt Dykema
  • Patent number: 8803640
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable contact arm for opening and closing the circuit which is controlled separately by a circuit breaker mechanism for circuit protection and by a switch lever mechanism which does not require actuation of the circuit breaker mechanism to function. The switch lever may be activated by a solenoid or other suitable means, and various interlocking mechanical states exist among the elements that provide added safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 8749328
    Abstract: Provided is a shortage voltage trip device of a molded case circuit breaker. In the molded case circuit breaker, driving current applied into a trip driving part is reduced in proportion to reduction of a power applied into a circuit. When the voltage applied into the circuit is greater than a rated voltage, the trip driving part is stopped, and an operation of a trip driving mechanism is restricted by a trip lever. When the voltage applied into the circuit is less than the rated voltage, the trip driving part is operated, and the restriction of the trip driving mechanism is released by the trip lever rotated by being linked with the operation of the trip driving part. Thus, the circuit may be more simply switched, and operation reliability of a product may be improved. Also, the product may have a more simplified structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Jin Ham
  • Publication number: 20130169387
    Abstract: Provided is a shortage voltage trip device of a molded case circuit breaker. In the molded case circuit breaker, driving current applied into a trip driving part is reduced in proportion to reduction of a power applied into a circuit. When the voltage applied into the circuit is greater than a rated voltage, the trip driving part is stopped, and an operation of a trip driving mechanism is restricted by a trip lever. When the voltage applied into the circuit is less than the rated voltage, the trip driving part is operated, and the restriction of the trip driving mechanism is released by the trip lever rotated by being linked with the operation of the trip driving part. Thus, the circuit may be more simply switched, and operation reliability of a product may be improved. Also, the product may have a more simplified structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LSIS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20120286905
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a bistable magnetic actuator for a medium voltage circuit breaker arrangement, including at least one electrical coil for switching a ferromagnetic armature between a first limit position and a second limit position effected by an electromagnetic field, at least one permanent magnet for holding the armature in one of the two limit positions corresponding to an open and a closed electrical switching position respectively of the mechanically connected circuit breaker. The armature includes an upper plunger resting on a ferromagnetic core element of the one electrical coil for static holding the armature in the first limit position, which is attached to a plunger rod extending through the ferromagnetic core element and through the permanent magnet for mechanically coupling the actuator to the circuit breaker arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Christian REUBER
  • Patent number: 8116919
    Abstract: A circuit breaker configuration contains a number of circuit breakers each to be connected via lines to a system component of a power distribution system and a plurality of control buttons with a respective one of the control buttons connected to a respective one of the circuit breakers. The respective control button for the respective circuit breaker passes through a control panel and is actuated from a front side of the control panel. A coupling element accessible from the front side of the control panel is provided for an interchange of diagnosis data and/or parametrization data. The coupling element is associated with the circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Naumann, Markus Miklis, Peter Meckler, Patric Gross
  • Patent number: 7936239
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a breaker interlock system. The system includes, a trip unit for a breaker, and a breaker receptive of the trip unit. The breaker is closable when the trip unit is assembled thereto and the breaker is non-closable when the trip unit is not assembled to the breaker. The interlock system is further configured to prevent disassembly of the trip unit from the breaker when the breaker is in a closed configuration. The breaker having a plurality of solenoids and each of the plurality of solenoids is in operable communication with the breaker to trip the breaker on command. A first of the plurality of solenoids is responsive to a signal from the breaker via the trip unit, and a second of the plurality of solenoids is responsive to an externally supplied signal from a source other than the electronic trip unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Triplicane Gopikrishnan Babu, Janakiraman Narayanan, Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Soundararajan Narayanasamy
  • Publication number: 20110057750
    Abstract: A magnetic circuit includes a stationary iron core, a permanent magnet, and an armature, in a circular pattern. A contact mechanism spring separates the armature from the stationary iron core to open the magnetic circuit to switch a contact mechanism to a reset position. A coil on the magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in a direction same as that of the permanent magnet when an overload is detected and in an opposite direction when a predetermined time is elapsed after detecting the overload. A reset bar switches a movable stopper between an engaging position and a non-engaging position with the contact mechanism against a biasing force of the contact mechanism spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichirou Suzuki, Sadaaki Baba, Tomoyuki Kamiyama, Tsuyoshi Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 7830230
    Abstract: A handle arm assembly is for a circuit interrupter including an undervoltage release mechanism having a reset mechanism. The handle arm assembly includes a body portion rotatable through an arc between an on position, an off position, and a reset position beyond the off position and an arm portion projecting laterally from the body portion out of the plane of the arc through which the body portion rotates. The body portion and the arm portion are formed from a single piece of material wherein the body portion and the arm portion are different portions of the single piece of material. The arm portion is structured to engage the reset mechanism in a manner such that arcuate movement of the arm portion as the body portion moves to the off position is translated into actuation of the reset mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Schaltenbrand, Robert W. Mueller, Mark A. Janusek, William M. Randal
  • Patent number: 7706927
    Abstract: A circuit breaker configuration contains a number of circuit breakers each to be connected via lines to a system component of a power distribution system and a plurality of control buttons with a respective one of the control buttons connected to a respective one of the circuit breakers. The respective control button for the respective circuit breaker passes through a control panel and is actuated from a front side of the control panel. A coupling element accessible from the front side of the control panel is provided for an interchange of diagnosis data and/or parameterization data. The coupling element is associated with the circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Naumann, Markus Miklis, Peter Meckler, Patric Gross
  • Patent number: 7616082
    Abstract: The electromagnetic relay of the present invention comprises a base (10), an electromagnet (20) disposed on the base, an armature (30) supported rotatably by the base, a movable spring (40) whose one end has a movable contact (41) and the opposite end is secured to the base, a fixed contact (51) disposed opposite to the movable contact, and a card (60). The card has a coupling part (61) to be coupled to the armature and an insertion hole (62) to which the one end of the movable spring is inserted, and it deforms the movable spring elastically in conjunction with a swing motion of the armature to selectively open or close a connection between the movable contact and the fixed contact. The movable spring has a U-shaped hook formed by bending the one end of the movable spring toward the opposite end side, and the hook can pass through the insertion hole while being pushed by an inner surface of the insertion hole and being deformed elastically, and an end of the hook is engaged with the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Katou
  • Publication number: 20090237187
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an auxiliary release for a circuit breaker. The auxiliary release includes an undervoltage release for mechanically actuating an actuating element, and a connection point for connecting a voltage release is arranged in the circuit of the undervoltage release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Gawendowicz
  • Patent number: 7538646
    Abstract: A relay includes a magnetic system provided with an armature and a contact system provided with a first contact and a moveable second contact. An electrically insulating base plate is arranged between the magnetic system and the contact system and has an opening therein. First and second walls extend from the base plate and are arranged between the opening and the magnetic system or the opening and the contact system. An actuator extends between the armature and the contact system through the opening and transfers movement of the armature to the second contact to move the second contact into electrical engagement with the first contact. The actuator has a third wall that extends toward the base plate and between the first and second walls. The first, second, and third walls extend a leakage path of an electrical leakage current between the contact system and the magnetic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Mikl
  • Publication number: 20090108967
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a line terminal, a load terminal, separable contacts electrically connected in series between the terminals, a neutral conductor, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the contacts and trip open the contacts in response to a trip signal. A first sensor senses an electrical characteristic operatively associated with the contacts. A second sensor detects zero crossings, a consecutive pair of the crossings defining a corresponding half-cycle and a first frequency. A processor cooperates with the sensors and includes a routine and a timer having a second frequency. The routine determines, for each of the half-cycles and responsive to the timer, plural samples of the sensed electrical characteristic in a phase synchronized relationship to a corresponding one of the crossings, and determines whether one of the frequencies exceeds a number of corresponding predetermined values for a number of times and responsively outputs the trip signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: KEVIN L. PARKER
  • Publication number: 20080246564
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus accessory sub-assembly is for an electromagnetic coil including a movable stem. The electrical switching apparatus accessory sub-assembly includes a coil frame having a first end and an opposite second end. A housing includes a plurality of interior surfaces, a first end and an opposite second end. The second end of the housing has an opening structured to receive the movable stem of the electromagnetic coil. A number of the interior surfaces of the housing are structured to selectively hold the coil frame in either one of a first position in which the coil frame first end faces the housing first end and the coil frame second end faces the housing second end, and a second position in which the coil frame first end faces the housing second end and the coil frame second end faces the housing first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas A. Whitaker, Erik R. Bogdon
  • Publication number: 20080164961
    Abstract: A system that includes micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry is provided. The system may include a first over-current protection circuitry connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry for suppressing a voltage level across contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry during a first switching event, such as a turn-on event. The system may further include a second over-current protection circuitry connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry for suppressing a current flow through the contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry during a second switching event, such as a turn-off event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: William James Premerlani, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Kathleen Ann O'Brien, John Norton Park, Owen Jannis Schelenz, Maja Harfman Todorovic
  • Publication number: 20080164962
    Abstract: A switchgear control apparatus includes main contacts for first to third phases, operating mechanisms for activating the main contacts for the respective phases, voltage sensors for detecting phase voltages of a three-phase power source, and a contact closing control circuit. The contact closing control circuit first outputs a contact closing signal to the first-phase operating mechanism to close the first-phase main contact corresponding to a central leg of a core of a three-phase reactor at a first-phase voltage peak, and then a contact closing signal to the second- and third-phase operating mechanisms to simultaneously close the second- and third-phase main contacts corresponding to two outer legs of the reactor core at a zero-voltage point of the first phase three-quarter cycle later than close of the main contact for the first phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruhiko Koyama, Tomohito Mori, Kenji Kamei, Sadayuki Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20080106359
    Abstract: A breaker connected between a power source end of an electric device and a power source comprises a power retriever for setting a first reference voltage; the first reference voltage being corresponding to a limiting value; a comparator for comparing a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage value; the second reference voltage value being corresponding to a power used in the electric device; a timer; when the second reference voltage value being smaller than the first reference voltage; the timer determining whether a counting time period is over a breaking time; and a switch; if the time period is over the breaking time, the switch will turn off a connection between a power source end of the electric device and the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Chiu-Yueh Chang
  • Patent number: 7369021
    Abstract: The reset lever on a circuit breaker undervoltage relay is actuated by translating arcuate movement of a handle arm pin as the circuit breaker handle is moved to the off position into rotation of the reset lever through a complaint interface lever that is stiff enough to actuate the reset lever, but flexible enough to accommodate for overtravel of the handle arm pin when the circuit breaker is reset and for the stackup of tolerances in the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Dominic P. Martelli, James A. Trax, Craig A. Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20080012667
    Abstract: A time-synchronized trip implementation for a motor circuit protector (MCP) having a reconfigurable microcontroller. The microcontroller causes a power supply to, be charged for an initial time period during a charging mode. An onboard comparator is configured for a predetermined self-protection level of the MCP, and fault currents that exceed the comparator's threshold will directly drive a solenoid to trip the MCP. The microcontroller reconfigures the comparator's threshold to both measure and charge the power supply toward a stored energy trip voltage, which will charge quickly when high fault currents are present. As a result, self-protection is not compromised. After the trip voltage is reached, the microcontroller reconfigures the onboard comparator's threshold for self-protection trip levels. When a trip event occurs in this mode, stored energy trip activation occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Susan Jean Walker Colsch, William Davison, Kevin John Malo, Steve M. Meehleder, Richard Allen Studer
  • Patent number: 7232971
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a shell, a movable press strip, a metal strip, a C-shaped plate spring, and three conductors. A first and a second conductor are inserted through the bottom of the shell, respectively have an upper end extending up in the shell, with a first contact point on its upper end of the first conductor, with an upper end of the second conductor connected with a metal strip, which has one end facing under a first press member of the press strip and an elastic contact strip with one end provided with a second contact point facing under the first contact point. A C-shaped plate spring has two lower ends connected with the metal strip, and a curved-up portion facing a second press member. The contact strip may disfigure by high heat caused by excessive current, curling upward to force the first contact point snap off the second contact point to cut off the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7038562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a simulation switch for incorporation into a flight simulator and to the simulation of an excess-current circuit breaker which can be manually actuated using an actuating element (10). The inventive simulation switch comprises a switching mechanism that is identical to the switching mechanism of the excess-current circuit breaker (9) for opening and closing a switching contact (2, 4), in addition to an electromagnetic release device (20) for releasing the closed switching contact (2, 4) by means of a control current (i).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen
    Inventors: Peter Meckler, Ewald Schneider, Gerd Abraham
  • Patent number: 7019606
    Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated by a controller is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism, a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism, and a control circuit in operable communication with the main contacts. The drive system includes a motor, and a primary drive responsive to the motor and in operable communication to open and close the main contacts. The control circuit indicates a closed main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being closed, and an open main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being held open via the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Craig B. Williams, Henry H. Mason, Jr., Roger Castonguay, Joseph G. Nagy, Heather Pugliese, Narayansamy Soundararajan, John Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6888431
    Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker system, comprising a single voltage input connector for receiving current from an external power supply, at least two pole assemblies each including a trip mechanism, and a trip crossbar. The input connector provides a single power source to both pole assemblies, and the trip crossbar couples the trip mechanisms together. One of the pole assemblies further includes a remote-controlled actuator that controls only one of the two pole assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Scott C. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6861930
    Abstract: A transfer switch includes a miniature circuit breaker housing, a first line terminal, a second line terminal, a load terminal, and separable contacts electrically connected to the first line terminal. A transfer arm is electrically connected to the load terminal and is adapted to move between a first position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the separable contacts and a second position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the second line terminal. A solenoid having a first coil, a second coil and a plunger moves the transfer arm between the first and second positions thereof. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Simms, John A. Wafer
  • Patent number: 6812815
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker includes main contacts, secondary contacts and an arc plate drawing an arc from a fixed main contact when an operating mechanism opens the main contacts. A primary circuit electrically connects the main and secondary contacts between line and load terminals. A solenoid actuator selectively moves the secondary contacts between open and closed states. A magnetic bypass circuit is electrically connected between the arc plate and the load terminal. A movable magnetic armature cooperates with a fixed magnetic armature and is coupled to a movable arm controlled by the actuator. The circuits pass between the magnetic armatures, which respond to short circuit current flowing in the primary circuit and to arcing current flowing in the magnetic bypass circuit, in order to hold the secondary contacts in the closed state during both current conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Simms, Edward E. Lias, Jeffrey W. Lockhart, Michael J. Erb
  • Patent number: 6801109
    Abstract: A transfer switch includes a miniature circuit breaker housing, a first line terminal, a second line terminal and a load terminal. A transfer arm is adapted to pivot between a first position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the first line terminal and a second position in which the transfer arm is electrically connected to the second line terminal. A solenoid having a first coil, a second coil and a plunger moves the transfer arm between the first and second positions thereof. Separable contacts are electrically connected between the transfer arm and the load terminal. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin A. Simms
  • Patent number: 6787937
    Abstract: A remote operated device including: a plurality of circuit breakers; a first actuator in operable communication with a second actuator, the first actuator positions the second actuator at a circuit breaker of the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator mounted external to the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator moves a handle of the circuit breaker to an on position, an off position, or performs a reset operation; and a controller in electronic communication with the first actuator and the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hemant Kumar Mody, Guillermo Wille
  • Patent number: 6768402
    Abstract: An externally controllable circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the main contacts; and a set of secondary contacts electrically connected in series with the main contacts. A control mechanism to open and close the secondary contacts includes an electromagnet with an armature having a first position, which opens the secondary contacts, and a second position, which closes the secondary contacts. The electromagnet also includes a coil electrically interconnected with the main contacts for energization therefrom and adapted for control by one or two external signals from one or two external contacts to operate the armature between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Davidson, Wayne G. Adamson, Kevin A. Simms, Kenneth L. Uhlman
  • Patent number: 6724284
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, an operating mechanism having a pivotally mounted operator handle for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism releasing the operating mechanism to move the operator handle to its tripped position. A micro-switch includes an actuator lever movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position and adapted to engage a surface of the operator handle. The micro-switch also includes a normally open contact having a closed state corresponding to the actuated position and an open state corresponding to the non-actuated position. The operator handle surface engages and moves the actuator lever to the actuated position in only the ON position of the operator handle. The actuator lever is in the non-actuated position in the OFF position and the tripped position of the operator handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Anthony Simms, Jeffery Wayne Lockhart, Wayne Gerald Adamson
  • Publication number: 20030142452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective circuit for a breaker gap (2), said gap being used to connect a load voltage (UL) to a load (1). The circuit is characterized in that a voltage detection circuit (3) is connected to a detection point (4) on the input side and a detection point on the output side of the breaker gap (2), via detection resistances (R1) said voltage detection circuit (3) being connected to the detection points (4) at high-resistance but in a permanently galvanized manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Heider, Norbert Mitlmeier, Diethard Ringgaldier, Johann Seitz, Bernhard Streich
  • Patent number: 6570269
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying power to a load circuit from main and alternate electric power sources involves actuating a signal-controlled selector inside a housing, at least a portion of which is received in a breaker receptacle of an electric power distribution panel such that a first conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from the electric power distribution panel and a second conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, to selectively connect the load circuit to the first conductor on the housing or to a second conductor on the housing operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, in response to a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Xantrex International
    Inventors: Glenn McMillan, Neil Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 6531938
    Abstract: A remote operated circuit breaker assembly has at least one circuit breaker, a remote module for remotely operating the circuit breaker and an actuator tie pin. Each circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker enclosure of generally rectangular shape having one side and an opposing side, and a circuit breaker actuator link pivotally mounted inside the circuit breaker enclosure. The remote module includes a module housing mounted to the one side of the circuit breaker enclosure and having a shape generally congruent with the circuit breaker enclosure. A motor is disposed in the module housing, a module actuator is pivotally mounted inside the module housing and a gear means couples the motor to the module actuator. The actuator tie pin connects the circuit breaker actuator link to the module actuator within the interior of the circuit breaker enclosure and the module housing. The actuator tie pin is received in aligned slots defined by the abutting circuit breaker enclosure side and module housing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Carling Technologies
    Inventors: Joseph R. Smith, Gurdev Singh Bains
  • Patent number: 6522227
    Abstract: A remote operated device including: a plurality of circuit breakers; a first actuator in operable communication with a second actuator, the first actuator positions the second actuator at a circuit breaker of the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator mounted external to the plurality of circuit breakers, the second actuator moves a handle of the circuit breaker to an on position, an off position, or an off position, or performs a reset operation; and a controller in electronic communication with the first actuator and the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hemant Kumar Mody, Guillermo Wille
  • Patent number: 6469601
    Abstract: An under-voltage tripping device installed on a main body of a circuit breaker includes an electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism; an early-operation auxiliary switch for switching a conductive path of an electromagnet of the electromagnetic under-voltage tripping mechanism in connection with a handle mechanism of the circuit breaker; and a unit case having two opposite ends and external connection terminals at the two opposite ends thereof. The unit case is shaped to fit an outward frame of the main body. The wiring circuits for the electromagnet and the early-operation auxiliary switch are separated from each other in the unit case. The early-operation auxiliary switch is connected between the external connection terminals of the unit case, and the electromagnet has leads emerging directly from the unit case and connected to an external wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Miura, Koji Asakawa
  • Patent number: 6326871
    Abstract: A switchgear unit having a switching device which has a rotary operating mechanism (12) and a breaker mechanism and having a leading auxiliary switch (1) coupled to it is provided. The switching device has a gate guide (15) which is in operative connection with a projection (9) on the contact bridge carrier of the auxiliary switch (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Freimuth
  • Patent number: 6313445
    Abstract: An electric appliance control comprising an electromagnet; an electrical switch assembly; a ferromagnetic section movable with a contact of the switch assembly towards the electromagnet; and a user actuated member adapted to move the ferromagnetic section and the contact towards the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is energized and the ferromagnetic section and contact are moved by the user actuated member to an actuated position, the electromagnet can retain the contact at the actuated position by magnetically holding the ferromagnetic section at the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventors: Paul F. Garneau, Charles Z. Krasznai, James P. Sandor
  • Patent number: 6259339
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker has a set of secondary contacts in series with the main contacts and which can be opened and closed from a remote location by a magnetically latchable solenoid. A pivotally mounted operating member/indicator member coupled to the plunger of the solenoid by a non-magnetic pin has an extension which projects through an opening in the circuit breaker housing to provide an indication of the open/closed state of the set of secondary contacts and an operator for manually closing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Coporation
    Inventors: Kevin Anthony Simms, Jeffrey Wayne Lockhart, Michael Joseph Erb
  • Patent number: 6060797
    Abstract: A solenoid operated remote resetting device with a protective solenoid activation circuit is disclosed. The device includes a housing for enclosing and protecting a solenoid with a movable plunger, a movable mechanical operator having an operator arm extending through an opening defined in the housing and a circuit board on which a solenoid activation circuit is mounted. The solenoid activation circuit includes circuitry for protecting the solenoid from overheating due to intentional or unintentional prolonged current flow in the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Harris, Gregory R. Lawrence, Timothy B. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5861784
    Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a gear mechanism for reliable remote control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. The gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the contact carrier so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The gear mechanism controls the contact carrier using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the contact carrier and a second part coupled to the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner, Dennis William Fleege
  • Patent number: 5841616
    Abstract: A module for use with the circuit breaker, the module being arranged to be mounted on an end of the circuit breaker and to monitor and/or control the circuit breaker and/or an electrical circuit control thereby in use. The module can be active or passive, and, where circuit breakers are ganged in side-by-side relationship, the module can be equal in width to the width of the gang breaker unit to which the module is mounted. The invention also resides in the combination of a module and a circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Delta Circuit Protection & Controls Limited
    Inventor: Mark David Crosier
  • Patent number: 5838219
    Abstract: An electricity switching device has an control handle reciprocally moveable between two positions. A remotely controllable operator attaches to the switching device and has an actuator that is coupled by a lever to the control handle enabling for manual operation of the device. A motor drives a threaded shaft on which a driver in mounted. Rotation of the threaded shaft by the motor causes the driver to slide within the operator. A handle actuator is coupled to slide with the driver and pushes the control handle between the two positions. Once the handle actuator has been pushed into one of the two positions, the handle actuator moves over the other side of the control handle in order to push in the opposite direction. Movement to the other side also eliminates the handle actuator from interfering with manual operation of the electricity switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kebo Du, Stefan Gabrielson
  • Patent number: 5834996
    Abstract: An electric switch (1) includes a switching device (4), movable between its ON position and OFF position, for switching a current circuit. The switch (1) is combined with a magnetic circuit (28, 29) for electromagnetic undervoltage tripping. In the event of undervoltage, the magnetic circuit (28, 29), as it opens, shifts the switching device (4) to its OFF position. The switching device (4) shifted to its OFF position closes the magnetic circuit (28, 29) again. A linearly movable fixing slide (24) couples the switching device (4) with the magnet armature (28) of the magnetic circuit and fixes the magnet armature (28) on the magnet core (29) in the OFF position of the switching device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ullermann
  • Patent number: 5834997
    Abstract: A coupling member for securing a spring to a rotatable motor shaft so that the spring rotates with the motor shaft. The coupler has a cylindrical hollow middle which fits snugly onto the motor shaft and includes a main body portion having a smaller cylindrically shaped nose portion extending therefrom for receiving one end of the spring therearound. The main body portion includes a ramp portion, extending upwardly therefrom, a wall behind the ramp portion and a slot therein for receiving a hook portion extending from the spring. The hook portion is snugly secured in the slot and behind the wall so that as the motor shaft rotates, the coupler member causes the spring to rotate with the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Fleege, James Arthur Heise, Duane Lee Turner
  • Patent number: 5831500
    Abstract: A circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts is disposed on a contact carrier which is movable for interrupting the current provided to the load. A contact status indication arrangement is provided for indicating the status of the contacts. The contact status indication arrangement includes a trip flag, a status insert, a clear plastic lens, a flag guide, and a status flag. The trip flag, status insert and status flag are viewable through the lens, which is disposed in an aperture in the circuit breaker housing. Only one status indicator is viewable through the lens at any one time, each indicating a different circuit breaker status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Duane Lee Turner, James Arthur Heise
  • Patent number: 5774031
    Abstract: A low-voltage power switch with a relative auxiliary switch which is actuated as a signalling switch only when the generally multi-pole low-voltage power switch is triggered. The problem to be solved is that of controlling relative auxiliary switches simply and independently of the switch latch. To this end, the switch latch is designed in such a way that the included angle of the moveable contacts or the switching sprindle (18) is greater in the "triggered" than in the "off" state. A radial extension (60) is arranged on the switching spindle (18) in such a way that, in the "triggered" state, it engages a fixed pivoted lever (68) which itself is effectively connected to the prestressed actuating pushrod (66) of the relative auxiliary switch (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Klockner-Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Linzenich, Andreas Baldewein, Bernd Howald, Volker Heins