Automatic Circuit-interrupting Devices (e.g., Circuit-protective Devices) Patents (Class 335/6)
  • Patent number: 11972919
    Abstract: A plug-in circuit breaker that includes a housing with a limiting hole, a button mechanism having a closing position and an opening position, and an operating mechanism actuated by the button mechanism. The plug-in circuit breaker includes a locking member arranged inside the housing. The locking member has a locking protruding stand opposite the limiting hole. When the button mechanism is in the closing position, the locking protruding stand of the locking member extends out of the limiting hole and limited by the button mechanism. When the button mechanism is in the opening position, the locking protruding stand of the locking member extends out of the limiting hole to apply an external force on the locking member for retraction. The locking protruding stand of the locking member can retract into the housing, and the locking member limits the button mechanism to perform the closing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kejun Lu, Xiangyi Gu, An Yang, Jun Zhu, Shaojun Guo
  • Patent number: 11961690
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker, which includes a button mechanism, a circuit breaker housing, and a locking mechanism, wherein the button mechanism is arranged at one end of the circuit breaker housing and is in sliding fit with the circuit breaker housing, the locking mechanism includes a second locking member, the second locking member is pivotally arranged on the circuit breaker housing, the circuit breaker housing includes a second opening hole arranged on one side thereof, one end of the second locking member is in driving fit with the button mechanism, and the other end of the second locking member passes through the second opening hole and is in limit fit with a housing at an assembly position of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kejun Lu, Xiangyi Gu
  • Patent number: 11923608
    Abstract: An artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) antenna apparatus includes a ground plane and a flexible antenna element layer above the ground plane. The ground plane includes a conductive base surface, a plurality of memory metal wires, and a frequency selective surface (FSS) layer above the base surface, where the FSS layer includes a plurality of conductive patches separated from one another. Each of the memory metal wires electrically connects one of the conductive patches to the base surface. Each of the memory metal wires is rigid in a memory-shaped state, causing the FSS layer to be fixedly spaced from the base surface during operation of the AMC antenna apparatus. The memory metal wires are each flexible in a non-memory-shaped state, enabling the FSS layer to be collapsed towards the base surface when the antenna apparatus is stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: David D. Greenidge, David C. Wittwer, Michael T. Kretsch, Kevin D. House, Mark D. Vossler
  • Patent number: 11728114
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low-voltage switching device comprising an electromagnetic drive having a coil (1), a fixedly positioned yoke (2), and an armature (3), which is movable relative to the yoke (2), and also comprising a contact system consisting of a fixedly positioned switch piece carrier (4) having a movable switch piece carrier (5) arranged opposite thereto, wherein the movable switch piece carrier (5) is acted upon by a contact load spring (7). The invention is characterized in that a first means for electromagnetic contact load support is positioned on the fixedly positioned switch piece carrier (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludwig Niebler, Vadzim Kulinovich, Tobias Viehauser
  • Patent number: 11621581
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling transfer switch operations in a power distribution system. The method and system involve monitoring an electrical parameter of an electrical signal from a first power source associated with supplying power to a load; determining whether the electrical parameter satisfies a parameter threshold; selecting to increment or decrement a count value in accordance with the determination; and responsive to determining that the count value satisfies a first count threshold, initiating a start signal to start operation of a second power source to supply power to the load. The electrical parameter can be voltage or frequency, or other parameter(s) from which a power quality of the electrical signal may be evaluated. The electrical signal can be a single or polyphase electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: ASCO POWER TECHNOLOGIES, L.P.
    Inventors: Vladimir Miloslavskiy, Victor E. Bonachea
  • Patent number: 11329504
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling transfer switch operations in a power distribution system. The method and system involve monitoring an electrical parameter of an electrical signal from a first power source associated with supplying power to a load; determining whether the electrical parameter satisfies a parameter threshold; selecting to increment or decrement a count value in accordance with the determination; and responsive to determining that the count value satisfies a first count threshold, initiating a start signal to start operation of a second power source to supply power to the load. The electrical parameter can be voltage or frequency, or other parameter(s) from which a power quality of the electrical signal may be evaluated. The electrical signal can be a single or polyphase electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: ASCO Power Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Vladimir Miloslavskiy, Victor E. Bonachea
  • Patent number: 11295914
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection device has a plurality of overvoltage arresters and a disconnecting apparatus. For each of the overvoltage arresters a blocking element is present, each of which is arranged so as to block the path of movement of a mechanically preloaded wedge slide having a wedge bevel. A rocker lever arrangement has first lever arms corresponding to the number of wedge slides and at least one second lever arm for blocking or releasing a displacement element, wherein ends of the first lever arms each have a surface for contacting the respective wedge bevel of the wedge slides in such a way that, when the respective path of movement is released, at least one of the wedge slides lifts the corresponding first lever arm with its wedge bevel, as a result of which the second lever arm releases the displacement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: DEHN SE + CO KG
    Inventors: Stephan Hierl, Michael Waffler
  • Patent number: 11152769
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overvoltage protection arrangement consisting of a horn spark gap accommodated in an insulating housing (1) having a deion chamber. A trigger electrode is located in the ignition area of the horn spark gap. A varistor is also present, electrically connected in series to the horn spark gap. According to the invention, a first and a second disconnection apparatus are formed in the housing, wherein the first disconnection apparatus (2) is in heat-conducting connection with the varistor and, when a limit temperature is reached or exceeded, releases a spring-loaded slide (3) which interrupts the series connection between varistor and horn spark gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventors: Helmut Hirschmann, Georg Wittmann, Edmund Zäuner, Ralph Brocke, Sebastian Haas
  • Patent number: 10984974
    Abstract: A circuit breaker has a first stationary contact connected to line power and a second stationary contact connected to neutral. A first moveable contact coupled to a load power terminal, is mounted on a moveable actuator and juxtaposed with the first stationary contact to form a power circuit when the first moveable and first stationary contacts are closed. A second moveable contact connected to a load neutral terminal is mounted on the moveable actuator juxtaposed with the second stationary contact to form a neutral circuit when the second moveable and second stationary contacts are closed. The movable actuator moves the first and second moveable contacts in unison to open the power circuit between the first stationary and first moveable contacts and to simultaneously open the neutral circuit between the second stationary and second moveable contacts, in response to actuation of an operating handle or to sensing a tripping event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Mittelstadt, I
  • Patent number: 10439291
    Abstract: A radio frequency surface wave attenuator structure is provided. The structure may be configured to be operably coupled with a plurality of other radio frequency surface wave attenuator structures to form a metamaterial. The radio frequency surface wave attenuator structure may include a patch disposed in a first plane and defining a patch area and a backplane disposed in a second plane and extending along the second plane to be shared with the other surface wave attenuator structures. The structure may further include a via spring having a number of turns and being comprised of a conductive material. The via spring may electrically couple the patch to the backplane. The structure may further include a dielectric disposed between the patch and the backplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Grossman, Joseph A. Miragliotta, Adam J. Maisano, Douglas B. Trigg
  • Patent number: 10365616
    Abstract: A portable switching device to remotely operate a high voltage circuit breaker, the portable switching device is locally temporarily electrically connected to the controlling circuit of the high voltage circuit breaker and comprises: a voltage input (206); a voltage output (208, 210) for connecting to the external circuit; a ground input (212); an overvoltage protection circuit (201) connected between the voltage input (206) and the ground input (212); and a switching unit (203, 205) comprising a first switching circuit having an input connected to the voltage input and an output connected to the voltage output, the first switching circuit comprising a relay (2032), a relay contact protection circuit (2034), and an overload protection circuit (2036); wherein the first switching circuit is remotely controllable to switch the external circuit from a first operating state to a second operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Eoin Caldwell
  • Patent number: 10362702
    Abstract: An avionics power management panel and door assembly where the panel includes a cabinet including a set of walls at least partially defining an interior with an open face and door assembly includes a central panel a front panel that includes a set of rows with apertures formed between two adjacent rows and where the set of rows have a crimped profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: John Michael Brett, Adrian John Hughes
  • Patent number: 10236152
    Abstract: Fuse assemblies in the form of fuse blocks and fuse holders include embedded permanent magnet arc suppression features that facilitate higher voltage operation of fusible circuit protection without increasing the size of the fuse assemblies. The embedded magnets apply an external magnetic field upon an overcurrent protection fuse and produce an arc deflection force to enhance arc quenching capability of the fuse without increasing its form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Robert Stephen Douglass, Vincent John Saporita
  • Patent number: 9919722
    Abstract: A railroad vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle units, a cable, and a disconnector. In the plurality of vehicle units respective vehicles are coupled. The cable is placed astride the vehicles to connect the power supply unit of each vehicle unit. The disconnector is installed at some midpoint in the cable and electrically separates the vehicle units from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Tsuchiya, Ayumu Morita, Makoto Watanabe, Yoshinori Shimada, Hideo Kitabayashi, Wataru Murata
  • Patent number: 9899180
    Abstract: Fuse assemblies in the form of fuse blocks and fuse holders include embedded permanent magnet arc suppression features that facilitate higher voltage operation of fusible circuit protection without increasing the size of the fuse assemblies. The embedded magnets apply an external magnetic field upon an overcurrent protection fuse and produce an arc deflection force to enhance arc quenching capability of the fuse without increasing its form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Robert Stephen Douglass, Vincent John Saporita
  • Patent number: 9437993
    Abstract: A device for imparting electrical energy to one or more male plugs, the device including at least three female receiving ports for receiving the blades from one or more male plugs wherein the at least three female receiving ports are positioned within the device side by side such that the first female receiving port is capable of receiving a hot blade from the male plug, the second female receiving port is capable of receiving a neutral blade from the male plug and the third female receiving port is capable of receiving a hot blade from the male plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas G. Stephens
  • Patent number: 9343215
    Abstract: A solenoid includes a magnetic frame, a bobbin having a length, a hold coil, a pick up coil having a length, a fixed pole, a movable armature having a length, and a return spring biasing the armature away from the pole. The solenoid includes a pick up state when the armature and the pole are separated by a magnetic gap, and a holding state when the armature and the pole are proximate each other. The pick up coil is wound around the bobbin for a portion of the length of the bobbin and the hold coil is wound around the bobbin for a remaining portion of the length of the bobbin. The length of the pick up coil is about the same as the length of the armature and is less than the length of the bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LABINAL, LLC
    Inventors: Archit Agarwal, Christopher Kenneth Wyatt
  • Patent number: 9142375
    Abstract: Switching device comprising: a switching unit comprising, for each electric pole, a first disconnection contact, a second disconnection contact and one or more solid state switches; a supporting frame comprising, for each electric pole, a third disconnection contact and a fourth disconnection contact, which are coupled/separated respectively with/from the first and second disconnection contacts, when the switching unit is in an insertion/withdrawn position with respect to the supporting frame; actuating means for moving the switching unit between the insertion position and said the withdrawn position, and viceversa; a control unit comprising control means that are configured to coordinate the operation of the actuating means and the solid state switches, when an insertion/withdrawn operation of the switching unit has to be performed, so that the actuating means move the switching unit only when the solid state switches are in an off-state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ABB S.P.A
    Inventors: Stefano Besana, Flavio Pasquale
  • Patent number: 9129768
    Abstract: A switching device include at least two switching poles. Each of the switching poles has one current path and one switching contact system for opening and closing the current path, wherein a movable contact arrangement of the switching contact system of the switching poles has an integral switching shaft segment, formed from insulating material, which bears a contact lever arrangement and in which the switching shaft segments of adjacent switching poles are connected by way of at least two connecting branches; so as to form the switching shaft. The connecting branches extending at a distance parallel to the axis of rotation and are formed from corresponding connecting elements. In at least one embodiment, all of the connection elements of the at least two connecting branches are formed by first sections of the integral switching shaft segments, which bear the contact lever arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa, Andreas Hierl, Siegfried Pirker, Thomas Pniok
  • Patent number: 9117613
    Abstract: A short circuit indicator module is disclosed for an electrical switching device, in particular for a circuit breaker. The electrical switching device is configured to interrupt a current flow in the event of a short circuit and/or an overload in a subordinate power circuit. The module includes a housing, a display facility for indicating tripping of the electrical switching device in the event of a short circuit and a movable unlatching element, it being possible for the display facility to be activated by a movement of the unlatching element and the unlatching element being configured to form a functional connection between the short circuit indicator module and the electrical switching device. The module is configured to test the activatability of the display facility of the short circuit indicator module and/or to test the functional connection between the short circuit indicator module and the electrical switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Freimuth, JĂĽrgen Renner
  • Publication number: 20150137914
    Abstract: An actuator for a switchgear is disclosed, which can include a core having a package of core element layers made of magnetic material, and permanent magnets between the core elements, fixed with screws with screwheads. A movable plate is configured to open or close a magnetic circuit to the core, and an electromagnetic coil is surrounded by the core elements. To avoid mechanical infringement of the environment of the actuator by prominent screwheads, without weakening the magnetic force, screws for mechanical connection of the core element layers and the permanent magnets can be oriented perpendicular to the plane of stacking of the core element layers, and screw-holes for the screws can be implemented through the core element layers and the permanent magnets, and the screw-holes can end in diameter extended openings, so that the screwheads and/or the screwnuts are recessed into the diameter extended openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Christian REUBER
  • Publication number: 20150130566
    Abstract: Improved circuit breaker operation is achieved by a system that includes a circuit breaker unit and a secondary actuator. The secondary actuator is operable to place the circuit breaker unit into an inoperable position when de-energized and in an operable position when energized. When in the operable position, the circuit breaker can be energized to close its contacts into an ON position. The circuit breaker cannot operate on its own as it cannot be placed into an ON position when energized alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: James K. Kinsella
  • Publication number: 20150070114
    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 also be activated remotely by a remote actuator, for example, a solenoid. A manual reset mechanism is provided so that, actuation of which, when power has been lost to the remote actuator when the remote actuator is in the off position, moves the remote actuator to the on position, thereby resetting the circuit to the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Fasano, Jianzhuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20150048908
    Abstract: A contact device includes a contact mechanism including a pair of fixed contacts disposed to maintain a predetermined distance and a movable contact disposed to be capable of contacting to and separating from the pair of fixed contacts. The movable contact has a conductive plate portion extending in a direction crossing a moving direction of the movable contact in a contact housing case. Each of the pair of fixed contacts includes an inner side conductor plate portion having one end and the other end portion extending toward the outside of the contact housing case in parallel to the conductive plate portion, and an outer side conductor plate portion connected to the other end portion of the inner side conductor plate portion and extending in a direction separating from the movable contact, to form an L-shaped conductor portion to generate a Lorentz force opposing an electromagnetic repulsion force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Masaru Isozaki, Osamu Kashimura, Hiroyuki Tachikawa, Kouetsu Takaya, Yasuhiro Naka, Yuji Shiba
  • Patent number: 8947181
    Abstract: An arc runner assembly for use in a circuit interrupter provides a pair of arc runners that are situated at opposite sides of a stationary contact of the circuit interrupter. If used in a DC application, the arc runner assembly is configured to communicate a positive DC arc along one of the arc runners in a first direction away from the stationary contact and is further configured to communicate a negative DC arc along the other arc runner in another direction away from the stationary contact. The arc runner assembly additionally includes a support that is electrically engaged with a conductor of the circuit interrupter on a surface opposite that on which the stationary contact is disposed. The improved arc runner assembly advantageously facilitates extinction of electrical arc and extinguishes both positive and negative DC arcs in a DC application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Paul Malingowski, James Patrick Sisley, Craig Joseph Puhalla, Kelly Julia McCarthy, Lance Gula
  • Publication number: 20150028973
    Abstract: A slot motor apparatus for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The slot motor has first and second legs connected by a thin web, and an extending portion extending rearward from the rear faces of the legs. Slot motor-arc plate assemblies having an arc plate assembly received at least partially overtop of the extending portion are also disclosed, as are assemblies having the arc plate assembly received very close to the rear faces of the slot motor legs. Circuit breakers, slot motor-arc plate assemblies, slot motor covers, and methods of operating the slot motor-arc plate assemblies are disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Justin Michael Cardwell, James Edward Ferree, Thomas William Holland
  • Patent number: 8884728
    Abstract: A stationary contact arm assembly for a molded case circuit breaker includes a stationary contact arm having a terminal portion and a contact portion provided at both end portions thereof in the length direction, and an inclined extension portion provided between the contact portion and the terminal portion, a flat extension portion forming a space between the flat extension portion and a bottom surface of the contact portion, a bent portion formed from the flat extension portion to the terminal portion; a magnet assembly having a plurality of steel plates at least part of which is installed to be pushed into a space between the flat extension portion and contact portion in the stationary contact arm; and an elastic support plate having an elastic support portion installed on the flat extension portion of the stationary contact arm to support the magnet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yong Jang
  • Patent number: 8866569
    Abstract: A pry plate tripping circuit breaker includes a housing, an operation mechanism, a lock catch, a tripping mechanism, a movable contact, an immovable contact, an arc extinguish chamber and a bimetallic strip. The lock catch includes a lock portion to cooperate with the operation mechanism and an action portion to cooperate with the tripping mechanism. The trigging mechanism includes a pry plate unit and a drive unit to drive the pry plate unit. The drive unit includes a conductive plate electrically connected with the bimetallic strip and an electromagnetic induction member on the conductive plate. The pry plate unit includes a pry plate. One end of the pry plate is provided with an armature, and another end of the pry plate corresponds to the action portion of the lock catch. The pry plate is provided with an elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Wenzhou New Blue Sky Electrical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mingguang Huang
  • Patent number: 8836453
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker subassembly and circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly. The circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly has a main contact terminal connectable to a main power terminal, a secondary electrical contact set having a stationary secondary electrical contact and a moveable secondary electrical contact, a lockout conductor provided in spring-engaged contact with the main contact terminal on a first end and including one of the stationary or moving secondary electrical contacts on a second end, and a spring having the moveable secondary electrical contact provided on a moveable portion. Circuit breakers and methods of operating the electronic circuit breaker are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Publication number: 20140240064
    Abstract: A solenoid-driven automatic bus transfer switch may automatically transfer one or more electrical loads from a first power source to a second power source, or vice versa, in the event of a power failure or other casualty that affects either power source. The transfer switch may be operated in response to the energization of a solenoid coil, which causes a main shaft having a transfer element to rotate from being in contact with the first power source to being in contact with the second power source. The transfer element may be spring-mounted to the shaft, which ensures that a sufficient electrical contact exists between the surfaces of the transfer element and the respective leads of the first and second power sources, regardless of any wear or degradation that may be experienced at any of the surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Howard H. Plude, Myron Moroz
  • Patent number: 8749326
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Timothy Biedrzycki
  • Patent number: 8749325
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Timothy Biedrzycki
  • Patent number: 8749327
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter trip apparatus operably connected to an operating mechanism of a circuit interrupter includes a sensor and a switch operably connected and responsive to the sensor. The switch is positioned such that the sensor changes the operating state of the switch in response to detection of a predetermined electrical condition, such as an electrical fault. A controller is operably connected to the switch and is configured to activate the operating mechanism in response to a change in the operating state of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jason Edward Harmon
  • Patent number: 8711548
    Abstract: A load center includes a housing, a cover, and a circuit breaker. The load center can be retrofitted to further include a rotational motor, an actuator member, and a guide insert. The rotational motor includes a threaded drive shaft positioned through an aperture formed in the cover. The actuator member is threadingly engaged with the threaded drive shaft. The actuator member is oriented relative to the cover such that a handle of the circuit breaker is positioned through an aperture of the actuating member. Rotation of the threaded drive shaft causes the actuator member to translate such that a first actuating surface of the actuator member engages the handle and switches the handle from an OFF position to an ON position. The handle of the circuit breaker has full range of travel between the ON and OFF positions in response to the actuator member being moved into a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Montemayor Cavazos, Jose Enrique Parra Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8698436
    Abstract: A relay device includes: an electromagnet constituted by a metallic core and an electrical winding associated therewith; and a mobile anchor associated with a traction spring and suitable for oscillating around a respective axis of oscillation in response to the combined action of an electromagnetic attraction force, generated by the electromagnet and intended to attract the anchor towards the core, and an elastic recovery force, exerted by the spring and intended to move the anchor away from the core and make it return to an initial position, so as to open or close selectively via the anchor a contact or switch of an external electrical circuit, wherein the anchor has a balanced or equilibrium configuration in which its center of gravity is arranged substantially along the axis of oscillation, and thereby the masses of various portions anchor portions are distributed in a balanced manner around the same axis of oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Electrica S.r.l.
    Inventor: Pietro Cecconi
  • Publication number: 20140062623
    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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Fasano
  • Patent number: 8618896
    Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-storing mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-storing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Johannes Nestler
  • Patent number: 8570121
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker comprises: a make-and-break unit having a stator and a blade-shaped movable element rotatably supported with a support shaft; an electromagnetic operation unit having a fixed iron core, a movable iron core provided below the fixed iron core, a coil to produce an electromagnetic force, and a permanent magnet; a capacitor to store electric power to excite the coil; a control circuit board that controls a carrying direction of a current supplied from the capacitor to the coil in response to an input command or a breaking command to the make-and-break unit; and a servo mechanism provided above the electromagnetic operation unit and connected to the movable iron core, that transmits a driving force from the electromagnetic operation unit to the make-and-break unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Sawada, Ayumu Morita, Masato Yabu, Motoki Shibuya
  • Publication number: 20130278361
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a cover assembly having a plurality of receptacle openings, a reset button and a test button. The reset button and the test button are disposed along a first diagonal and in opposite corners of a substantially square area defined by the reset button and test button. At least one receptacle contact structure includes a portion extending across the first diagonal and at least one receptacle contact substantially aligned with one of the receptacle openings. An electromechanical apparatus is disposed in the back body within a region substantially aligned with the substantially square area. The electromechanical apparatus includes a toroidal sensor assembly coupled to an actuator coil arranged along a center axis in substantial alignment with the first diagonal, the center axis forming an acute angle relative to a side wall of the back body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: PASS & SEYMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Weeks, Michael McMahon, Richard Rohmer, David Finlay, SR., Thomas Packard
  • Patent number: 8558646
    Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bingham McCutchen LLP
    Inventor: Cheng Li Li
  • Patent number: 8542084
    Abstract: A trip unit for use with a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a support bracket and a magnet member coupled to the support bracket. The magnet member is configured to emit a magnetic field when a current is transmitted through the trip mechanism. The magnet member includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion coupled between the first side portion and the second side portion. The trip unit also includes a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the support bracket. The pivot arm includes a first end, a second end, and a curved portion coupled to the first end and the second end. The pivot arm is configured to pivot towards the magnet member to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the current when the current exceeds a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yatin Vilas Newase, Girish Hassan Mruthunjaya, Hemant Kirit Anjaria, Praneeth Kumar Madamshetty
  • Patent number: 8542083
    Abstract: A device can be installed inside a circuit breaker assembly to reduce friction between an armature and a cradle, which in turn, allows the circuit breaker to trip without requiring significant force. Such device can be a collapsible mechanism configured to swivel about its hinged connection to the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James Gerard Maloney
  • Publication number: 20130241675
    Abstract: An improved solenoid having an enhanced magnetic field and failsafe operation is provided, wherein a primary winding and a secondary winding are constructed such that the combined force imparted on a plunger by both windings energized together is greater than the sum of the forces imparted by the primary and secondary windings energized separately, resulting in a smaller solenoid capable of providing a predetermined force, and providing a solenoid capable of tripping a circuit interrupting latch even if one of the windings is broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen P. Simonin
  • Patent number: 8519290
    Abstract: A non-homogeneous cam includes an eccentric disk having side surfaces with an opening therethrough, and a cam surface disposed between the side surfaces. A first radius extending from a point within the opening to a number of first portions of the cam surface and second radii extending from the point to second portions of the cam surface define the cam surface. The first radius is greater than each of the second radii. The cam surface includes a first cam surface generally having the first radius and a second cam surface having a plurality of the second radii. The first and second cam surfaces define an angle of less than 90 degrees. The eccentric disk is generally made of a first material having a first strength. A portion of the eccentric disk between the first and second cam surfaces is made of a different second material having a greater second strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony T. Ricciuti, Daniel E. Palmieri, Patrick C. Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20130187732
    Abstract: A circuit breaker module (which may also be termed an interrupter) including circuit breaker contacts which are opened and closed by an electrically-activated magnetic actuator and capable of interrupting fault currents. The magnetic actuator is stable in either a breaker-closed state or a breaker-open state without requiring electrical current flow through the magnetic actuator. An externally-connectable mechanical drive is linked to the magnetic actuator in a manner such that movement of the externally-connectable mechanical drive can destabilize the breaker-closed state to open the circuit breaker contacts. An external actuator activated by an external condition is connected to said externally-connectable mechanical drive so as to cause said circuit breaker contacts to open upon occurrence of the external condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott A. Bullock, Garry F. Raines
  • Patent number: 8487721
    Abstract: A circuit interruption device includes a conductive element configured to be coupled to a circuit, a contact arm configured to move with respect to the conductive element between a first position and a second position, and a biasing element configured to apply a biasing force on the contact arm to maintain contact between the contact arm and the conductive element when the contact arm is in the first position, wherein the contact arm is configured such that a current flow through the contact arm causes an electromagnetic repulsive force to act on the contact arm in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Praneeth Kumar Madamshetty
  • Patent number: 8476992
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Timothy Biedrzycki
  • Patent number: 8471655
    Abstract: A device for transferring motion from a manual lever to a reset lever of a pressure trip mechanism in a molded case circuit breaker. The pressure trip mechanism is activated when hot gasses are released during an arc event and the resultant increase in pressure forces a piston in the mechanism to expand and thereby activate the breaker. In some interruption events, hot gasses, and occasionally fragments of molten metal, are responsible for marring the plastic piston surface of the pressure trip mechanism and prevent the mechanism from returning to its pre-interruption position even when it is biased to the pre-interruption position with a spring. A configuration disclosed herein provides for linking the motion of the hand-driven manual lever used to reset the breaker to the reset lever connected to the pressure trip mechanism in order to force the pressure trip mechanism to return to its pre-interruption position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron Woodson, Rodney Powell
  • Patent number: 8461947
    Abstract: An installation switching device which rapidly disconnects short-circuit currents is provided. A contact lever is arranged at least partially in an air gap in a magnetic circuit such that, in case of a short circuit, the interaction between current flow and magnetic flux within the air gap can result in an electrodynamic force effect, which leads to rapid opening of at least one contact point. A switching mechanism acts via a first operating connecting line on the contact lever to open the contact point and/or to keep it open. In case of overcurrent tripping, an overcurrent release acts, by a switching mechanism and via a second operating connecting line, on the switching mechanism to open the contact point and keep it open. In case of short-circuit tripping, the contact lever acts via a third operating connecting line on the switching mechanism to keep the contact point open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Joachim Wendel, Roland Ritz, Joachim Becker, Ralf Weber
  • Patent number: 8456259
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a portable actuator for actuating a trip button and a close button of a circuit breaker. In one embodiment, the trip button is actuated by a linear actuator that transmits rotation forces produced by a motor to the trip button in response to a trip signal. The close button is actuated by a rotating arm that uses an anti-friction roller to apply a rotating motion to the close button in response to a close signal. The portable actuator is configured to receive the input signals from a remote location with a remote controller that is in electronic communication with the portable actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: MarTek Limited
    Inventors: Russell R. Safreed, III, Charles Mark McClung