With Housing Or Support Means Patents (Class 335/202)
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Patent number: 6614334Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, line and load terminals, first and second circuit breaker mechanisms, an operating handle having on and off positions, and first and second links from the operating handle to the respective first and second operating mechanisms. Each of the circuit breaker mechanisms includes a set of separable contacts in series with the other separable contacts between the line and load terminals, an operating mechanism for moving the corresponding separable contacts between open and closed positions, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the corresponding operating mechanism for moving the corresponding separable contacts from the closed to the open position thereof. The first and second links engage the first and second operating mechanisms to move the first and second separable contacts, respectively, between the corresponding closed and open positions thereof responsive to the on and off positions, respectively, of the operating handle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Jeffrey S. Gibson, Craig A. Rodgers, Lance Gula
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Patent number: 6614333Abstract: An auxiliary switch block is provided for attachment to a basic device, while maintaining forcible guidance. The contact carrier of the auxiliary switch block is supported by guide means.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Siemens AGInventor: Norbert Zimmermann
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Patent number: 6600396Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker having an operating mechanism with a cradle pin, a cross bar and a trip bar and a main breaker cover. The signal accessory comprises a signal accessory mounting having a bottom mount and a top mount coupled to the bottom mount with the top mount configured to receive a switch and engage the breaker cover in an accessory socket. A switch member is rotably mounted on the bottom mount with the switch member having an actuator lever in contact with the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker and an actuator pad in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount. When the circuit breaker is opened or closed the operating mechanism moves a cross bar coupled to the contact arm. The cross bar moves the actuator lever of the switch changing the state of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Mauricio Rodriguez, Elizabeth Blessitt, Bernard DiMarco, Russell Green, Günther Kachelrieb, Fritz Freidenstein
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Patent number: 6597267Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device includes a housing and a plug-in module which can be inserted into the housing at an insertion point in a direction of insertion. The plug-in module holds a magnetic yoke, attached to which is a coil unit. Two extensions, which point respectively to the front and to the rear in relation to the direction of insertion, are formed on the magnetic yoke. In order to retain the magnetic yoke, a retaining bracket extending transversally in relation to the direction of insertion, overlaps one of the fixing extensions and engages two retaining tongues from below, said tongues being formed as one-piece with the plug-in module.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Johann Bauer, Stephan Faber, Bardo Koppmann, Manuela Lueftl, Markus Meier
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Patent number: 6590480Abstract: A low strength part (groove) 62, which is low in rigidity and on which stress concentrates, is formed along a portion demarcating the end edge part 61 of a flange 32b located at the inner part of a case, which faces the top end part (plate-like part 41a) of a fixed terminal 41. The fixed terminal 41 is secured to a flange 32a which is located at the opened side of the case.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Omron CorporationInventor: Kazuhisa Matsuda
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Patent number: 6577215Abstract: In an instantaneous-tripping circuit breaker, a heater-mounted main bimetal, a shifter of a differential shifter mechanism, and an adjustment dial of a thermal overload/open-phase tripping device are removed from a standard circuit breaker equipped with a breaking section, an opening and closing mechanism section, a thermal overload/open-phase tripping device, and an electromagnetic instantaneous tripping device in a case. Instead, a trip coil of the instantaneous tripping device is connected to a main circuit via a connection conductor of a low resistance, a test-tripping part is mounted in place of the shifter of the differential shifter mechanism, and the adjustment dial is replaced with a dummy dial. Accordingly, the standard circuit breaker is changed to an instantaneous-breaking circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Nomura, Katsunori Kuboyama, Koji Asakawa, Isamu Nagahiro, Takeshi Emura
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Patent number: 6573815Abstract: The circuit breaker includes a stationary contact member having a stationary contact, a movable contact member having at one end a movable contact contacting and separating from the stationary contact and having at the other end a rotational center, a case surrounding the stationary contact and the movable contact and defining a pressure accumulating space at one side of an arc generation position at which an electric arc is generated for temporarily storing a pressurized gas pressurized by the arc generated between the stationary and the movable contact upon a current interruption, and an exhaust port disposed at the other end of the arc generation position in the case so that the pressurized gas stored within the accumulation space upon the current interruption is exhausted by passing between the stationary contact and the movable contact.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsuru Tsukima, Takao Mitsuhashi, Masahiro Fushimi, Shinji Yamagata
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Patent number: 6573814Abstract: An electromagnetic relay and a circuit substrate comprising the same are disclosed, for preventing erroneous operation when they are wet by water, at low cost. The electromagnetic relay comprises a case having fluid-tight characteristics; an excitation coil provided in the case; and electrodes connected to both ends of the excitation coil in a manner such that at least a portion of each electrodes is formed outside the case and is exposed to an area where a liquid can penetrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Ichikawa, Tatsumi Ide, Kazuyoshi Nago
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Patent number: 6566989Abstract: A contactor having electromagnetically operated contacts, wherein main contacts and connections for power supply are arranged in a bottom area of the contactor and contact control means such as electric magnet and coil are arranged above the main contacts. The contactor includes a contactor enclosure being sequentially detachable in two dependent, successive steps through a locking element utilized by both.steps, such that in a first step access is provided to the contactor main contacts, and in a second step access is provided to the electric magnet and coil. The locking element is formed to engage a first and second arresting seat defined in the contactor enclosure. The arresting seats are arranged to urge the locking element into engagement with the second arresting seat as the locking element is released from engagement with the first arresting seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: ABB ABInventors: Krister Linnarud, Joakim Wåhrenberg, Arne Axelsson, Mats Johansson, Tomas Baltzer
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Publication number: 20030090352Abstract: A hermetically sealed electrical switch assembly comprises a casing having an opening end. A cover is sealingly attached to said opening end of said casing for forming a primary volume hermetically sealed from external environment. Received in said primary volume are a switch means and a magnetic responsive means. A magnetic activating means is fitted at the upper surface of said cover for effecting the movement of said magnetic responsive means. The switch means comprises electrical contacts to change the conducting state of a power circuit with which said switch means is connected, a switching lever which can change its positions according to the conducting state of the power circuit. The magnetic responsive means couples with said switching lever for moving with it.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Wen-Fong Lee, Ming-Hung Lee, Ming-Tung Lee, Ming-Yu Lee
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Publication number: 20030076204Abstract: A removable quick connect terminal for an electric power switch has a molded housing with an open cavity and an electrically conductive terminal member with a plurality of male terminations that project through slots in a cavity wall in the housing into the open cavity. The terminal member has a tang projecting outward from the housing that is clamped by a conventional collar terminal to a power conductor of the switch projecting into an external terminal recess in the molded switch casing. The terminal member is secured to the molded housing by a pair of oppositely facing chamfered catches engaging an opening in the flat center section of the terminal member. The molded housing of the quick connect terminal has hooks which engage abutment surfaces on the switch casing and a pair of integral compliant latches which engage latch ledges in the external terminal recess to removably secure the housing to the switch casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Michael Jerome Whipple, Edward Ethber Lias
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Patent number: 6545584Abstract: A pair of spring mounted masses have sufficient inertia to remain stationary in response to a shock force applied to the housing of a trip assembly in a circuit breaker to block movement of the trip bar and thereby prevent a nuisance trip.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: David Curtis Turner
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Patent number: 6545574Abstract: An arc fault circuit breaker assembled such that electrical interconnections, i.e., electrical connections between compartments, are made without disassembling any previously assembled compartment. The arc fault circuit breaker comprises housings having compartments within. Electrically connected components having interconnecting components, i.e., components which provide electrical interconnections between compartments, are disposed within the compartments. The housings are assembled together to enclose the compartments. Interconnecting components within an enclosed compartment extend through openings in the housings to provide electrical interconnections to the next compartment to be assembled. Therefore, no disassembly of the enclosed compartment is necessary to make the interconnections.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Raymond K. Seymour, Michael Guerrette, Murali Magham
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Patent number: 6531941Abstract: A clip designed to retain a conductive strap to a circuit breaker case is disclosed. The clip comprises a main body portion and a flange. The main body portion includes a first edge and a second edge. The flange depends from the first edge of the main body portion and includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the flange is configured for attachment to the conductor strap and the second end of the flange and the main body portion configured to secure the conductor strap in mounting stability within the case and to prevent movement of the conductor strap relative to the case.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Lee Greenberg, Roger Neil Castonguay
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Patent number: 6518866Abstract: A circuit breaker programmer enclosure in the form of a plastic housing having an external access door houses the electronic trip unit and accessories that control the circuit breaker operation. The door assumes two positions when arranged on the housing for both excluding and allowing access to the circuit breaker rating plug and trip unit adjustment knobs. In one position, access is made to both the rating plug and trip unit adjustment knobs while in another position access to the rating plug and trip unit is denied.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1997Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Andre J. M'Sadoques
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Patent number: 6512192Abstract: A circuit breaker fitted with an exhaust arc gas manifold arranged over ventilation slots of the circuit breaker and disposed at a line end thereof to redirect the arc exhaust gases exiting the ventilation slots.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Edgar Yee, Andre Joseph M'Sadoques, Lloyd Eugene Wentler, David Edward Thorn
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Patent number: 6512433Abstract: The invention concerns a protection relay, in particular of the thermal type, recessed relative to its front face (24), a recess acting as through passage for interconnection of the conductors (C) between the terminals of the relay control (23) and of the contact switch (16). The recess (27) is concealed in normal operation by a shutter consisting of a flap (26) or a fixed part (26′) of the housing (20). The interconnection conductors can consist of individual cables (C) or can be integrated to a precabling addition (40) housed in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAInventors: Denis Bouchard, Daniel Sinthomez
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Patent number: 6496090Abstract: Casing 5 is formed with a recess 67 toward an internal space in which the internal components are not located. The recess 67 is formed with a gate portion 69 as a resin inlet for forming the casing 5, and a bleeder portion 68 which is opened during a sealing operation and then sealed.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Takeshi Nishida, Takashi Asao, Jiro Kumagae, Masanori Nakamura
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Patent number: 6492888Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker has a contact arrangement, a drive mechanism for actuating the contact arrangement , and an actuating shaft, which is used for transmitting a drive force from the drive mechanism to the contact arrangement. A bearing device for the actuating shaft has at least one bearing body, which is connected to a pole component accommodating the contact arrangement. Thus a unit is formed, which can be tested independently of the other components of the circuit breaker. In the case of multipole circuit breakers, a common actuating shaft is used for all contact arrangements and pole components, which is mounted approximately in the center of the main bearing body and near the ends of the auxiliary bearing bodies.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa, Marc Liebetruth
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Patent number: 6486762Abstract: In a magnetic switch for a starter motor, a magnetic core member providing a magnetic flux path is composed of separate components: a first core, a cylindrical yoke and a second core, all contained in a cup-shaped frame in close contact to one another. The first core is forcibly inserted into the cup-shaped frame, and the cylindrical yoke formed by rounding a flat plate into a C-shaped body having a small opening is also forcibly inserted in the cup-shaped frame by squeezing the small opening. The separate components are firmly pressed to each other by an axial force generated by caulking an open end of the cup-shaped frame. A switch cover is connected to the magnetic core member not to loosen the axial force connecting the components. Thus, magnetic resistance increase in the magnetic flux path formed by separate components is effectively suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tadahiro Kurasawa, Kazuhiro Andoh, Yasuyuki Wakahara
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Patent number: 6483407Abstract: In an electromagnetic relay wherein one of the flanges 2b of the spool 2 is located inside of the opening of the case and a stationary terminal 11 is attached to this spool 2, the problem of dust occurrence due to the attachment of the stationary terminal 11 is solved so as to implement the attachment of the stationary terminal (in particular, a portion to which a stationary contact point 10 is provided) in an excellent condition. In order to achieve this, protruding portions 11e and 11f extending from the stationary terminal 10 are compressively inserted into through holes 2e and 2f configured in the flange 2b and the vicinity of the stationary contact point of the stationary terminal 11 is engaged with the engagement portion 2f formed on the other flange 2a and, thereby, the stationary terminal 11 is attached to this structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Kazuhisa Matsuda, Muneo Nakata, Nobuyoshi Kubota, Kenichi Matsuo
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Patent number: 6480082Abstract: A circuit breaker having a safe construction, where no electrically charged portions are exposed in an accessory installation area or anywhere outside a main circuit case even if a cover of the circuit breaker is opened in a live condition. In order to achieve above object, the circuit breaker of this invention includes the main circuit case made of an insulating material, and an opening-closing trip mechanism disposed outside of the main circuit case and electrically insulated from the main circuit. According to this invention, a circuit breaker capable of eliminating the risk of an electric shock, thereby providing the excellent safety can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Aihara, Terumi Shimano, Eietsu Sato, Yukihide Yamada, Koichi Yokoyama, Toru Ohshima, Hidetaka Fujita, Toshihiro Sekiguchi
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Patent number: 6476698Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism comprising a blocking member sized to fit within the elongated slot through which a circuit breaker handle extends is disclosed. The blocking member may be seated adjacent the circuit breaker handle within the elongated slot and may snap or otherwise be locked into place to prevent the circuit breaker handle from moving within the slot. Thus, if the blocking member is placed within the elongated slot when the circuit breaker handle is in an OFF position, then the circuit breaker handle will be locked in the OFF position. The blocking member can be converted for locking the circuit breaker handle in an ON position. Then, when the blocking member is placed within the elongated slot when the circuit breaker handle is in an ON position, then the circuit breaker handle will be locked in the ON position.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: R. Prem Anand, Tumkur K. Shachidevi, Ganesh C. Shankar, Patrick Letient, K. V. Sridhar, Janakiraman Narayanan, Mahesh J. Rane
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Patent number: 6476697Abstract: A modular, multi-phase electrical relay contactor assembled from a number of electrical relay contactor units. Each unit has a housing, an electromagnetic motor located within the housing, a pair of stationary contacts attached to the housing, a moveable contact, and a moveable contact carrier. The moveable contact carrier is engaged with the moveable contact and has a metallic clapper plunger attached to its upper end. A protrusion extends from one side of the moveable contact carrier and an aperture, sized to receive the protrusion of another electrical relay contactor unit, is formed through another side of the moveable contact carrier. A plurality of units are adapted to be connected together such that when engaged, the protrusion extending from the moveable contact carrier of a forwardly located unit will fit into the aperture formed in the moveable contact carrier of a rearwardly located unit, thereby providing synchronous movement of the plurality of moveable contact carriers and the moveable contacts.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Kilovac CorporationInventors: Brent James Swartzentruber, Daniel C. Sullivan, Lyhn Phung, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, James Clayton Reed, Marcus Priest, Bernard Victor Bush, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Publication number: 20020158734Abstract: A handle operating mechanism of a multi-pole circuit breaker is provided for operating a pivot handle thereof. The handle operating mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, a driven portion and a manual portion. The manual portion includes a stem with a first passage, a first connecting device coupled with the outside surface of a panel of an appliance and a second connecting device coupled with the driven portion, wherein the first connecting device is used as a fulcrum and the second connecting device moves along the first passage when the stem is rotated. The stem is rotated to drive the driven portion and the movable portion such that the pivot handle is securely held in one of an on position and an off position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Ta-Jung Yang, Chang Ter-Hsiang
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Patent number: 6472963Abstract: The utility model discloses an alternating current contactor, including a foundation-support and a pedestal. A yoke iron on which mounts a coil unit is set inside the said foundation-support, and an armature iron and a contact unit are set in the said pedestal. The characteristics are that one side of the said foundation-support is open, and the coil unit and the yoke iron are constituted into a whole via a supporting board and buffer springs, and then it is fixed on the convex face of pulling part of the said foundation-support. A baffle plate with openings is on the top of the foundation-support, and a repelling force spring is installed between the baffle plate on the top of the foundation support and the armature iron. The coil unit can be easily inserted into or pulled out from the opening of the foundation-support, so that either repairing or replacing the coil unit become rather convenient.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Chint Group CorporationInventors: Chuanting Liu, Xiaoming Yang, Henming Yan, Yinghao Li
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Patent number: 6472965Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit breaker (10) and a cover (20) for a molded case circuit breaker having an operating mechanism (40) and an intermediate latching mechanism (52) with the cover (20) comprising a substantially planer member having a central opening (29) and an accessory compartment (22) formed in the planer member on either side of the opening (29) with the accessory compartment (22) configured to accept a plurality of different types of accessories (20) and having a plurality of holes (24) wherein a circuit breaker accessory (80) is nested in the accessory compartment (22) and is in contact with one of the operating mechanism (40) and the intermediate latching mechanism (52) within the housing (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: David A. Leone, Peter P. Clickner, Russell Green, Mauricio Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20020140534Abstract: In a breaker apparatus, from the state where the main circuit is closed, in case where a drive member is moved, in the process while the drive member is moved to an energization preventive position, a driven pin moves within a loose fit groove. While maintaining the state in which two electrodes are not shifted from each other in their separating direction, the relay circuit starts its opening operation to thereby close the main circuit. After then, in case where the drive member is moved further, due to the engagement between the driven pin and inclined groove, the electrodes are separated from each other. Due to provision of the loose fit groove, there can be secured sufficient time to open the main circuit while maintaining the electrodes in their mutual fit state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: Kazumoto Konda
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Patent number: 6452470Abstract: A circuit interrupter including separable main contacts, an operating mechanism interconnected with the contacts, and a housing in which the contacts and the operating mechanism are disposed. The housing includes a cover positioned on top of a base, the cover including first contact surfaces for contacting and mating with second contact surfaces of the base. The cover also includes a contact region. The operating mechanism includes a support member that is situated within the base and which has an upper surface with a raised region. The raised region is positioned to make contact with and pierce into the contact region before the first contact surfaces fully mate with the second contact surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Teresa I. Hood, Lance Gula, Craig A. Rodgers, William E. Beatty
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Patent number: 6445274Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the separable main contacts. A trip mechanism is disposed within the housing that includes a trip bar assembly rotatable about an axis and that, when rotated, generates a tripping operation causing the operating mechanism to open the contacts. The trip bar assembly includes a trip member translatable along the axis. The trip mechanism includes a tripping actuator movable along a predetermined path of travel as a function of electrical current. The tripping actuator contacts a contact area of the trip member at a predetermined location along the predetermined path of travel of the tripping actuator and causes the trip bar assembly to rotate and generate the tripping operation upon a predetermined current threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard Paul Malingowski, Craig Allen Rodgers, Lance Gula, Teresa Inez Hood, Raymond Peter Gundy, Jonathan Moore Peifer
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Patent number: 6441707Abstract: A electrical conductor relay. The relay has a unitary, non-conducting, chassis/bobbin assembly with a base portion, a bobbin portion, and an upper portion with a window and a plunger slide passage. An electromagnetic coil is located around the bobbin portion and a magnetic metal core passes through the bobbin and extends partially into the window. First and second electrodes are attached to the chassis/bobbin assembly. The first electrode has a first electrode contact, and the second electrode has a top end. A plunger slide member is positioned within the plunger slide passage and has a magnetic metal plunger plate affixed to its bottom. The magnetic metal plunger plate is movably located in the window and is spaced above the magnetic metal core extending up into window. An armature with a fulcrum end and a rearwardly extending spring attachment end and a front end with an armature contact is provided. The armature pivotally engaged with the plunger slide member.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Kilovac CorporationInventors: Brent James Swartzentruber, Eric Glenn Hufstedler, James Clayton Reed, Marcus Priest, Bernard Victor Bush, Michael Henry Molyneux
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Patent number: 6441328Abstract: An electrical service switching device includes a contact point, a moveable contact piece, an auxiliary switch associated with the contact point and having a coupling element and an auxiliary switch contact point coupled to the moveable contact piece, the coupling element actuating the auxiliary switch contact point, and a T-shaped housing. The housing has a transverse web with two trailing narrow-side walls and a fastening surface perpendicular to the two trailing narrow-side walls, a longitudinal web with a leading front surface parallel to the fastening surface, leading narrow-side walls on both sides of the leading front surface, the leading narrow-side walls perpendicular to the leading front surface, and two trailing front surfaces parallel to the fastening surface. At least one of the two trailing front surfaces connects the transverse web and the longitudinal web. The auxiliary switch is releasably attachable to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Rainer Matejka, Richard Kommert
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Patent number: 6437268Abstract: An improved connector comprises a circuit breaker terminal having a cold formed, countersink aperture on a top surface of the breaker terminal and an extruded raised ring on the bottom surface of the breaker terminal. The wire connector is a square-shaped element having a plurality of openings for receipt of at least one wire, the circuit breaker terminal and the wire connector shoe. In assembly of the three piece connector, the circuit breaker terminal is inserted into an opening in the wire connector. The wire connector shoe is then inserted into at least one opening in the wire connector and surrounds a portion of the circuit breaker terminal within the wire connector. The wire connector shoe has a protrusion, which is cold formed by displacing shoe material into the countersink aperture on the top surface of the circuit breaker terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Ronald Etscheidt, Donald Nohavec, Joni Orum, Douglas Thomas
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Patent number: 6437671Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing including an abutment wall, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the contacts. A terminal is at least partially disposed within the housing. A locking plate is positionable between the terminal and the abutment wall for securing the terminal within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Lance Gula, Mark A. Janusek
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Publication number: 20020105399Abstract: The present invention relates to a breaker apparatus and breaker unit. The breaker apparatus comprises a breaker unit including a power supply/cut-off breaker part, a power connecting part, a first unit connecting part, a ground connecting part and a second unit connecting part and further comprises a breaker unit mounting board including a mating power connecting part, a mating ground connecting part, a first connection mediating part and a second connection mediating part. This breaker apparatus is capable of constituting a power distributing apparatus with a necessary but minimized construction, and of extending the breaker unit in a minimum unit according to necessity. In addition, with this breaker apparatus, parts can be used in common irrespective of a change of a ground system, and further, can be replaced in the hot-line condition without cutting off the power supply to a system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 1998Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: YASUHISA KANEMARU, TAKAHISA YOSHIZUMI, KAZUNORI OOMORI, YOSHIAKI TOBIMATSU, YASUNORI MURATA, MITSURU ETOU
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Patent number: 6429760Abstract: A cross bar designed to securely retain a conductive strap to a circuit breaker case is disclosed. The cross bar comprises a main body portion having a first end and a second end. The main body portion is configured for attachment to the conductive strap and the first and second ends are configured for attachment to the circuit breaker case. The cross bar secures the conductive strap in mounting stability to the circuit breaker case to prevent movement of the conductive strap relative to the case.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Lee Greenberg, Roger Neil Castonguay, Dean Arthur Robarge, Jacinto Endaya Malabuyoc
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Patent number: 6426688Abstract: A circuit breaker rotary contact arm is used within a plurality of single pole modules ganged together to form a single multi-pole circuit breaker. To provide for use in quiescent conditions having high ampere ratings, low ampere rated rotary contact arm assemblies are combined in parallel to form a higher rated single pole module, which are then ganged together to form a single multi-pole circuit breaker having a high quiescent ampere rating.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1999Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Francesco DeVizzi, Stefan Kranz
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Publication number: 20020097119Abstract: A sealed relay intended for high-voltage or high-power switching. The relay is enclosed in a hermetically sealed container comprising an open ended metal can sealed with an epoxy potting compound. The sealed relay is capable of long-term maintenance of either a high-vacuum or a pressurized insulating gas for the suppression of contact arcing during switching.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Michael H. Molyneux, Bernard V. Bush, Brent J. Swartzentruber
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Patent number: 6417749Abstract: A unitary housing structure is provided for an electrical switching device such as a three-phase contactor. The housing includes internal partitions for separating an operator section from contact sections, and for isolating phase sections from one another. The partitions are contiguous with one another and with side walls of the housing, inhibiting plasma flow within the housing cavities. The housing is made of a thermoplastic material which is molded as a single piece. The thermoplastic may be partially protected from plasma and arcs by shields within the phase sections, such as splitter plate supports.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Richard G. Smith, Donald F. Swietlik, Raymond H. Hannula, Christopher J. Wieloch
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Patent number: 6407354Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an electrically insulating housing, an arc chamber, line and load terminals, separable contacts in series with the terminals, and an operating mechanism. The open position of the separable contacts causes arcing therebetween and the development of ionized gases. The housing includes a first wall, an opposite second wall, a pair of side walls, and a barrier wall forming a compartment for containing the line terminal. The barrier wall has an opening between the arc chamber and the compartment. The first wall has an aperture aligned with the line terminal. A baffle member includes a base portion, a flap and a pair of leg members. The flap extends over the aperture and is deflectable by a tool inserted through the aperture for adjustment of the line terminal. The leg members engage the side walls, thereby supporting the baffle member within the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: David Curtis Turner, Craig Joseph Puhalla, Ramon Javier Ojeda, Ralph Mason Ennis
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Patent number: 6400245Abstract: A draw out interlock mechanism comprises a draw out trip arm pivotally attached in a draw out circuit breaker and an interlock activating assembly attached to a the draw out circuit breaker. The draw out trip arm comprises a first extension on a first end and a second extension on a second end. The first extension is positioned to interact with a trip latch of the operating mechanism. The interlock activating assembly comprises an extended arm and a camming arm, which are pivotally attached to a pin supported by a mounting bracket attached to the draw out circuit breaker. The extended arm extends through an aperture in the draw out circuit breaker with an end thereof proximate to the second extension of the draw out trip arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Girish Hassan, Dave S. Christensen
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Patent number: 6396370Abstract: The circuit breaker (10) of the present invention is a molded case circuit breaker and includes a molded case (12) having a main cover (20), a first terminal (16) and a second terminal (16) mounted inside the case (12) with a stationary contact (44) electrically coupled to the first terminal (18) and a movable contact (42) electrically coupled to the second terminal (16). The movable contact (42) is coupled to an operating mechanism (40) which has a pivoting member (13) moveable between an ON position, an OFF position and a TRIPPED position. An intermediate latching mechanism (52) also is mounted in the housing (12) and is coupled to the operating mechanism (40). The intermediate latching mechanism (52) is selectively operated by a trip unit (60) which comprises a magnetic short circuit release and a thermal overload release.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: David A. Leone, James E. Ferree, Bernard DiMarco
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Patent number: 6392514Abstract: A terminal unit having connection conductors to be connected to corresponding terminals of a switch is installed in a terminal section of the switch, and an external electric wire is connected to each terminal section of the connection conductors. Thus, the insulation distance between phases for the terminal sections and the insulation distance between the terminal section and a panel cut surface are increased according to the requirement of the switch. The shape and size of the terminal unit can be set regardless of the switch, so that a required insulation distance is obtained without increasing the size of the switch main body.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisao Kawata, Naoshi Uchida, Katsunori Kuboyama, Mitsuyoshi Yamazaki
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Patent number: 6388217Abstract: Strain relief for the electrical leads of attachment devices for electric power switches is provided by pairs of diverging through apertures extending through a molded wall of the switch casing from a first face to a second face to form opposed acute angles at the second face. Each lead is routed through a first aperture of a diverging pair from the first face to the second face, then along the second face and back through the second aperture to the first face. Separate pairs of diverging apertures can be provided for each lead, or they may all be routed through a common, laterally widened pair of apertures. Any tension applied to the leads so routed causes the edges created by the opposed acute angles to bite into and restrain the leads. An adhesive can be injected into the apertures to prevent the leads from being pushed back through the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: David Curtis Turner, Craig Joseph Puhalla
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Publication number: 20020053963Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker has a contact arrangement (19), a drive mechanism (20) for actuating the contact arrangement (19), and an actuating shaft (2), which is used for transmitting a drive force from the drive mechanism (20) to the contact arrangement (19). A bearing device for the actuating shaft (2) has at least one bearing body (1), which is connected to a pole component (4) accommodating the contact arrangement (19). Thus a unit is formed, which can be tested independently of the other components of the circuit breaker. In the case of multipole circuit breakers, a common actuating shaft (2) is used for all contact arrangements (19) and pole components (4), which is mounted approximately in the center of the main bearing body (1) and near the ends of the auxiliary bearing bodies (8, 9).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2000Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventors: Jorg-Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa, Marc Liebetruth
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Patent number: 6384702Abstract: Stationary contact structures for an electrical contactor include a base plate portion, a riser portion and a turnback portion. The riser portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the base plate portion and a stationary contact pad is disposed directly above the riser, reducing the occurrence of mutually opposing flux during closure of movable contacts in the device. A current carrying extension may extend beyond the riser for carrying current during steady state operation. In such case, separate current carrying paths are defined in the stationary contact for transient and steady state operation. The portions of the structure are formed by processes, such as extrusion, which permit the desired geometry to be obtained between the base plate and riser. The turnback portion may descend towards the base plate portion to introduce arcs into an elevated position in a splitter plate stack.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard G. Smith, Donald F. Swietlik, Jeffrey R. Annis
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Publication number: 20020050892Abstract: A multipolar circuit breaker of great breaking capacity prevents arc gas from blowing out from the side at the time of cutting off a short-circuit current. A stationary contact and a movable contact generating arcs when a short-circuit current is cut off, and an arc extinguisher extinguishing the arc are stored in an arc extinguisher casing. By forming the ceiling, the bottom and the sidewalls connecting the ceiling and the bottom of the arc extinguisher casing in continuity so that no gap is formed by an outward internal pressure, blow out of arc gas from the sidewall portion is suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Applicant: TERASAKI DENKI SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shozo Kaneko, Yukihiko Asao, Yoshiaki Kagari
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Publication number: 20020050891Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker housing employs a tri-furcated design that imparts structural stability and manufacturing efficiency. The design provides a separate top cover, mid-cover and base wherein the mid-cover wall height to base wall height ratio is such that the stresses imparted upon the base sidewalls when pressures are exerted, for example, by gaseous discharges are withstood.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 1999Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: ROGER CASTONGUAY, DAVE S. CHRISTENSEN, DEAN A ROBARGE, RANDY GREENBERG
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Publication number: 20020050890Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing including an abutment wall, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the contacts. A terminal is at least partially disposed within the housing. A locking plate is positionable between the terminal and the abutment wall for securing the terminal within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 1999Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: LANCE GULA, MARK A. JANUSEK
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Patent number: 6380830Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker includes a retrofittable motor reset mechanism. Its output shaft can be coupled to a charging shaft, mounted in a bearing block, of the spring energy store of the low-voltage circuit breaker. Centering elements are provided on a flange of the bearing block of the charging shaft of the spring energy store so as to engage in mating elements on the gearbox output of the motor reset mechanism, in such a way that the motor reset mechanism can be pushed axially into these centering elements with little movement in the direction of the charging shaft. In order to lock the motor reset mechanism in the pivoting direction, a fixing element is provided at a point fitted at a specific distance from the centering elements. The motor reset mechanism is fixed axially in the centering elements of the flange of the bearing block of the charging shaft of the spring reset mechanism, and in the coupling of the charging shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa, Marc Liebetruth