With Individual Latch Or Trip Means In Each Leg Patents (Class 335/9)
  • Patent number: 11740262
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a first component and a second component shaped to fit together to create a combined unit with multiple openings through the combined unit. The opening is bounded on a first side by the first component and on a second side by the second component. The first component and the second component are configured to be fitted together around current-carrying conductors passing through the openings. The first component includes first portions of an inductive energy harvesting device and a current sensing device, both proximal to the first side of the opening. The second component includes second portions of the inductive energy harvesting device the current sensing device, both proximal to the second side of the opening. The inductive energy harvesting device may include a split-core ferrite current transformer and the current sensing device may include a Rogowski coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ETACTICA EHF.
    Inventors: Kristján Guδmundsson, Karl Pálsson, Ragnar Einarsson
  • Patent number: 11362622
    Abstract: A smart, self-feeding fuse with current detection and communication capabilities for use in overhead medium voltage electrical distribution networks (15 kV to 34 kV). The device is configured to detect transient or permanent electric faults (sensor), and/or to be used as a communication device (gateway) that preserves the main protection function of the fuse element. The device is assembled on a base fuse and is simply installed by using a maneuver pole, similarly to the installation of a conventional fuse tube. The invention is self-fed by a high output current transformer with the help of photovoltaic cells, using a supercapacitor bank as the only power storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ENERGISA S.A.
    Inventors: Celso Garcia Lellis Junior, Ayres Antonio de Paes de Oliveira
  • Patent number: 10818462
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a short-circuit trip and an overcurrent trip. The short-circuit trip has a trip coil, and the overcurrent trip has a bimetallic element. A first terminal of the trip coil is conductively connected to a fixed contact carrier of the circuit breaker. The bimetallic element is connected in series with the trip coil. The bimetallic element is connected at least indirectly to a first connection terminal of the circuit breaker, and the first connection terminal is connected to the fixed contact carrier by a bypass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Adolf Tetik, Alfred Nyzner
  • Patent number: 10541520
    Abstract: An interlock system includes a number of lock assemblies and a number of keys. Each key is associated with at least one lock assembly. The number of lock assemblies includes a number of actuator lock assemblies and a number of multi-purpose lock assemblies. The number of keys includes a number of actuator keys and a number of multi-purpose keys. At least one lock assembly is operatively coupled to a reliable indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Koustubh Dnyandeo Ashtekar, Logan D. Weigle
  • Patent number: 10510497
    Abstract: A removable electric current switching element includes a housing including a first bottom plate and a second bottom plate opposite to one another. The housing includes insulating walls which extend around electrically mobile contacts from the second bottom plate and in a direction perpendicular to the second bottom plate. The housing also includes protection walls which at least partially cover internal faces of the insulating walls, these protection walls being formed of a single piece with the second bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Patrick Larcher, Patrick Comtois
  • Patent number: 9099269
    Abstract: An adapter configured to connect a switch device to a data bus, wherein the switch device has a box-like body which houses a switching unit for switching an electric circuit, wherein the adapter includes a case having a first opening and a second opening and an electronic control unit housed in the case and having a first connection element adapted to be connected to the switching unit through the first opening and second connection element adapted to be connected to the data bus through the second opening to convert the electric signals generated by the switching unit into data signals and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: PIZZATO ELETTRICA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marco Pizzato, Giuseppe Pizzato
  • Patent number: 9000870
    Abstract: A multipolar electrical switch includes at least one central pole housing, which adjoins two adjacent pole housings of the switch. In at least one embodiment of the invention, an electrical switching mechanism for switching an electrical phase current on and off is contained in each of the pole housings respectively. The central pole housing is equipped with a fastening element, which extends through the central pole housing into the two adjacent pole housings, namely in each instance to at most the center of the adjacent pole housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Pavel Naiman, Milos Petracek
  • Patent number: 8988174
    Abstract: A two-pole circuit breaker is provided that includes an electronic pole disposed between a first mechanical pole and a second mechanical pole. The first mechanical pole includes a first armature, and the second mechanical pole includes a second armature. The first and second armatures each are adapted to rotate in a first plane. The electronic pole includes a trip mechanism having a first trip arm disposed adjacent the first armature and a second trip arm disposed adjacent the second armature. The first trip arm and the second trip arm are each adapted to rotate in a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Thomas Watford
  • Publication number: 20150070113
    Abstract: A two-pole circuit breaker is provided that includes an electronic pole disposed between a first mechanical pole and a second mechanical pole. The first mechanical pole includes a first armature, and the second mechanical pole includes a second armature. The first and second armatures each are adapted to rotate in a first plane. The electronic pole includes a trip mechanism having a first trip arm disposed adjacent the first armature and a second trip arm disposed adjacent the second armature. The first trip arm and the second trip arm are each adapted to rotate in a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Russell Thomas Watford
  • Patent number: 7999641
    Abstract: A bimetal in a circuit breaker can deflect in a first direction or a second direction depending upon conditions. If the bimetal deflects in the second direction it can increase the force necessary to operate a trip mechanism of the circuit breaker. A yoke stop helps to control bimetal deflection forces and thus, the amount of force necessary to operate the trip mechanism. This allows better control, size, and selection of operating parts for the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: William J. Broghammer, Cameron L. Woodson
  • Publication number: 20100164657
    Abstract: An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the breaker contacts for operating a trip mechanism in response to a predetermined mechanical movement of any of the transducers, and a mechanical reset arm coupling the reset mechanism to the mechanical actuator for resetting the actuator in response to the resetting of the host circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SQUARE D COMPANY
    Inventors: Chad R. Mittelstadt, Cameron Woodson
  • Publication number: 20100134220
    Abstract: An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, and a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the breaker contacts for operating a trip mechanism in response to a predetermined mechanical movement of any of the transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: SQUARE D COMPANY
    Inventors: Chad Mittelstadt, Cameron Woodson
  • Publication number: 20100134221
    Abstract: An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the movable contacts for operating the trip mechanism in response to a predetermined movement of any of the transducers, and a calibration element for adjusting mechanical movement of at least one of said multiple electromechanical transducers so as to control an aspect of trip actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: SQUARE D COMPANY
    Inventors: Chad R. Mittelstadt, Cameron Woodson
  • Patent number: 7586395
    Abstract: A trip actuator assembly is provided for a circuit breaker including a housing having a mounting surface, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The trip actuator assembly includes a trip actuator cooperable with the operating mechanism, and a planar member having first and second ends, first and second edges, and an aperture. The trip actuator is at least partially disposed within the aperture and is further disposed between the planar member and the mounting surface of the housing. The first edge of the planar member is removably coupled to the mounting surface, thereby removably coupling the trip actuator to the housing. The circuit breaker may include an accessory tray which is insertable on and is removable from the mounting surface. When inserted, the accessory tray abuts the body of the trip actuator enclosure further securing the trip actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan J. Weister, Lance Gula
  • Patent number: 7558034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of resettable circuit interrupting devices that eliminates the need to rewire a resettable circuit interrupting device after it is installed and powered up to correct for a reverse wiring conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaetano Bonasia, Benjamin Moadel, James A. Porter, Steve Campolo
  • Patent number: 7541899
    Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-pole circuit breaker and an apparatus for preventing deformation of a driving shaft thereof. The multi-pole circuit breaker includes: a plurality of single pole breaking units having a pair of fixed contactors, a movable contactor, and shafts; a switching mechanism disposed on a certain one of the plurality of single pole breaking units; a pair of driving shafts connected to each shaft; and a driving shaft deformation prevention unit disposed between the single pole breaking unit, spaced relatively far from the switching unit among the plurality of single pole breaking units, and the adjacent single pole breaking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoung-Soo Ahn
  • Patent number: 7515022
    Abstract: A trip lever for a shared tripping device, wherein the shared tripping device is structured to operatively couple at least two circuit breakers, a primary circuit breaker and a secondary circuit breaker, the trip lever having an elongated trip lever body with a mounting end and a distal end. The trip lever body mounting end pivotally is coupled to a cage in the primary circuit breaker and engages a trip bar in the secondary circuit breaker. The trip lever body distal end is disposed in a path of travel of an inter-phase link body distal end within the primary circuit breaker. The trip lever body distal end is structured to be engaged by the inter-phase link body distal end as the inter-phase link body distal end moves along the path of travel and the trip lever is structured to actutate the secondary circuit breaker trip bar when the trip lever is engaged by the inter-phase link body distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Mark O. Zindler
  • Patent number: 7268652
    Abstract: An opening assist mechanism is for the cradle assembly of a circuit breaker including a housing enclosing separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a trip bar and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes a first toggle link, a second toggle link pivotally coupled to the first toggle link by a first pivot, and a cradle member pivotally coupled to the second toggle link by a second pivot. The cradle member includes a third pivot and a latching portion structured to engage the trip bar when the cradle assembly is disposed in a position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed or otherwise closeable. The opening assist mechanism comprises an actuator, such as a kicker pin, disposed on the cradle member and structured to engage and move at least one of the first and second toggle links in response to an actuation of the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas C. Marks, Robert M. Slepian, David C. Turner
  • Patent number: 7130173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trip assembly for use in an electro-mechanical device, such as a circuit breaker. The trip assembly is used for interrupting the flow of current upon the detection of excess current in a circuit breaker and comprises a trip bar, a stationary armature bracket, a movable armature, and a spring. The movable armature includes a first end coupled to a base portion of the armature bracket, and a trip-actuating surface being disposed proximate a trip finger of the trip bar. The spring is directly coupled at its respective ends to a spring-support portion of the armature bracket and to a spring tab of the movable armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: David W Barewz
  • Publication number: 20040012468
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch that includes a housing, a pawl pivotally supported by the housing and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, a spring biasing the pawl toward the unlatched position, and a locking member being rotationally movable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a locked position. The locking member interferes with the movement of the pawl such that the pawl is maintained in the latched position when the pawl is in the latched position and the locking member is in the locked position. The locking member allows the pawl to move to the unlatched position when the locking member is in the open position. The latch may further include a motor housing, a lockplug, a lockplug member, at least one roller switch, at least one gearbox, and a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Eric D. Hyp
  • Patent number: 6552637
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenburg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20030016103
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-pole contactor-circuit breaker type switch composed of a housing (1) containing breaking poles (11) activated by a control electromagnet (16) and by a trip control mechanism (18, 14) and comprising a protection module (2) equipped with means (21) for measuring pole currents and means (22) for acting on the electromagnet (16) and on the trip control mechanism (14) if a fault current is detected, characterised by the fact that it comprises a control and/or communication module (3) that is installed removably on the housing, below the protection module (2) and communicating with the processing circuit (22) on the said protection module (2) through connectors (23, 33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Jean Haudry, Philippe Guibert
  • Publication number: 20030001702
    Abstract: A current measuring device (15) for a multi-pole low voltage circuit breaker (1). comprises a support body (20) with a through opening for a current conductor (4) for each of the poles and a receiving chamber (22), surrounding the through opening (21), for secondary components (26, 31) of current sensors and/or current transformers. The support body (20) is essentially plate-like and rectangular and forms part of the rear wall (13) of the circuit breaker (1). Should Rogowski coils (26) be used as secondary components of a transformer, then adjustable voltage dividers are also mounted on the support body for interdependent adjustment. The multi-pole current measuring device (15) simplifies the production of circuit breakers as approved components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Tuerkmen
  • Publication number: 20030001700
    Abstract: The invention concerns a switching appliance comprising several main dual cut-out poles provided with fixed contacts housed in an arc box and mobile contacts located on a mobile contact-holder (30). The latter is equipped, for the main contacts, with main housings (31) aligned transversely to the direction (X) of displacement of the contact-holder (30), and, for the auxiliary contacts, secondary housings (32) aligned transversely to the direction (X) and located in front of the main housings (31). The contact-holder comprises between the main housings and the secondary housings a vertical insulating wall (35). The arc box consists of two half boxes (20, 40) assembled in a horizontal plane, so that one of the two halves provides guiding elements and stop elements for the contact-holder (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick Comtois, Patrick Larcher, Alain Moreux, Regis Perrocheau
  • Publication number: 20030001701
    Abstract: A switchgear, for low-voltage switching units with a linearly-displaceable contact support, includes a case-like housing with guide grooves, running in the direction of travel of the contact support, in the housing side walls thereof. Suitable projections on the side of the contact support, engage in the grooves, whereby the linear travel of the contact support is achieved. Pivoting contacts are arranged on the contact support as displaceable switch contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Tuerkmen
  • Patent number: 6366187
    Abstract: A plunger assembly support structure for a molded case circuit breaker magnetic trip mechanism for aligning a trip mechanism plunger assembly. The plunger assembly support structure includes a base member assembly having a plurality of guide members, and a plunger carriage assembly slidably disposed adjacent to said base member assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Paul Malingowski, Robert Michael Slepian, Teresa Inez Hood, Lance Gula, Trent Allen Chontas, Mark O. Zindler, Joseph Humbert
  • Patent number: 6353377
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spring for a tripping mechanism in a circuit breaker for connection to a circuit. The tripping mechanism has a first component which is accelerated along a predetermined path of travel to a trip release velocity upon occurrence of a trip event in the circuit and a second component which is initially stationary prior to engaging the first component. The spring includes a body for decreasing the trip release velocity of the first component prior to engaging the second component. A tripbar for a tripping mechanism in a circuit breaker for connection to a circuit is also provided. The tripping mechanism has an armature which is accelerated along a predetermined path of travel to a trip release velocity upon occurrence of a trip event in the circuit while the tripbar is initially stationary prior to engaging the first component. The tripping mechanism further includes a spring having at least two ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Neil Ray Palmer
  • Patent number: 6346868
    Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Dave S. Christensen, Randy Greenberg, Girish Hassan, Dean A. Robarge
  • Patent number: 6317019
    Abstract: A low-voltage multipole circuit breaker with high electrodynamic strength comprises a case made of insulating material, subdivided into a front compartment housing an operating mechanism commanding opening and closing of the circuit breaker and a rear compartment separated from the front compartment by an intermediate wall. The rear compartment is itself subdivided into individual compartments by separating partitions, each individual compartment housing one of the poles of the circuit breaker. The operating mechanism is linked to a pole shaft common to all the poles. The pole shaft is located in the rear compartment and supported by bearings passing through the separating partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Herpin, André Raso, Jean-Pierre Nebon
  • Publication number: 20010017580
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Roger Castonguay, Randy Greenburg, Dennis Doughty, Dave S. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6107902
    Abstract: A circuit breaker including a housing having a window, a line terminal and a load terminal, and a circuit trip assembly. The circuit trip assembly includes a rotatable cradle, a moveable armature latch and a pivotable trip support including a trip indicator. Upon the occurrence of a tripping condition in the circuit breaker, the trip indicator moves from a first position where it is not visible through the window to a second position where it is visible through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhiqun Brenda Zhang, Anupam Gyaneshwardayal Tiwari, Kevin J. Fuhr, Roger N. Castonguay, Javier I. Larranaga, Raymond K. Seymour
  • Patent number: 6064012
    Abstract: A crossbar or trip bar for spanning the poles of a multi-pole electric circuit breaker and a plurality of trip levers each having a slot formed by interior walls with a plurality of tapered ribs for compressing the outer surface of the trip bar and security the trip bar and trip levers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Beard, Parker A. Bollinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6031437
    Abstract: A switching apparatus including an electromagnetic command device fitted with a magnetic circuit made up of a main circuit polarized by a permanent magnet and linked to a depolarizing coil and through a movable circuit integral with a movable support subject to a return spring and acting directly or indirectly on at least one disconnecting pole. The main magnetic circuit has at least two air gaps in series on the path of the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet and the movable magnetic circuit includes at least two parts capable of closing the air gaps when the main magnetic circuit and the movable magnetic circuit are joined together and are crossed by the magnetic flux created by the permanent magnetic, thereby carrying out a locking function and creating a multiplication of the locking forces, with an unlocking function being provided by the depolarization coil the counter-flux from which crosses the magnetic circuit and air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Gilles Baurand, Jean-Christophe Cuny, Pierre Duchemin, Gerald Gaschet, Christian Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5912604
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator and an automatic recloser incorporating such actuator are disclosed. The actuator is shown to include a housing, a permanent magnet member, a coil, an armature, mounted to move axially within the housing between first and second positions, and a non-magnetic spacer. The armature, when in the second position, is spaced a distance from the housing by the spacer. The spacer is mounted to stop movement of the armature in the second position. In the preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet member includes a core and a number of magnet segments attached thereto. It is especially preferred for each of the permanent magnet segments to be arcuate shaped and that each segment be polarized substantially radially or in a direction parallel to the center radius of each segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian James Harvey, Aftab H. Khan, Robert A. Smith, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5910757
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for interrupting the flow of electrical current in a multiphase circuit path between at least one source and at least one load including a circuit breaker having an electro-mechanical assembly and a blade carrier corresponding to each phase of the multiphase circuit path and a phase barrier between each blade carrier. The blade carriers are interconnected, preferably, with a crossbar wherein, when one or more phases of the circuit path are interrupted, opening one or more of the blade carriers, the crossbar moves all of the blade carriers to open positions. The phase barrier is positioned circumferentially around the crossbar between each blade carrier and includes a thermoplastic material. The electro-mechanical assembly is housed within a circuit breaker enclosure having an insulating base wall and cover wall. The phase barrier has a main body planar surface perpendicular to the blade carriers and extending from the base wall to the cover wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: William J. Broghammer, Richard W. Niccolls, Darrell P. Ophaug
  • Patent number: 5898351
    Abstract: A multipolar circuit breaker is provided for securely operating tripping sections of other poles when the tripping section of any pole operates. In the case of a first embodiment, a protrusion 5 for further moving a trigger plate in the tripping direction when a cradle 3 is tripped is provided for the cradle 3 of each pole so that the movement of the trigger plate 1 is securely transmitted to other poles connected by a trigger joint 2. Moreover, in the case of a second embodiment, a protrusion for further moving the trigger plate 1 in the tripping direction by pushing the cradle 3 when the cradle 3 is tripped is provided for the trigger plate of each pole to obtain the same above mentioned advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Nitto Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kurono, Masakazu Saida, Tatsuya Nagashima
  • Patent number: 5831499
    Abstract: A selective magnetic trip unit comprises a fixed magnetic armature located facing a movable magnetic armature and a damping device with a blade mounted on the movable magnetic armature. The damping device is designed to be in an inactive state up to an intermediate non-tripping position when the movable magnetic armature is attracted by polar parts of the fixed magnetic armature during a first travel, switching to the active state resulting from a deformation of the damping device during a second travel of the movable armature between the intermediate position and the final attraction position causing tripping of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Pierre Batteux, Olivier Dujeu, Serge Terpend
  • Patent number: 5557082
    Abstract: A circuit breaker mechanism is provided with a U-shaped tripping lever which has a base and first and second parallel legs. The tripping lever is arranged around the magnetic frame of the circuit breaker and is mounted on pivot points which coincide with the pivot axis of the circuit breaker armature. On one leg is an outwardly extending projection, while on the other leg is a complemental cavity. A number of circuit breakers can be assembled side-by-side, with the projection on the tripping lever of a first circuit breaker engaging the cavity in the tripping lever of an adjacent circuit breaker. Thus, when one circuit breaker is tripped, the others are tripped together with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Circuit Breaker Industries Limited
    Inventors: Edward Leet, Manuel F. V. Ribeiro, Carlos A. Ferreira
  • Patent number: 5124678
    Abstract: An interrupter actuator comprising a frame, a pivot lever mounted on the frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about a first axis and between first and second positions, an operating lever mounted on the pivot lever for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second axis spaced from the first axis, and the operating lever being moveable between an open position and a closed position, and a linkage for opening an interrupter in response to movement of the operating lever when the pivot lever moves to the second position, for opening the interrupter in response to movement of the operating lever to the open position when the pivot lever is in the first position, and for closing the interrupter in response to movement of the operating lever to the closed position when the pivot lever is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel B. Yamat, Timothy J. Tythcott
  • Patent number: 5057806
    Abstract: A crossbar assembly is formed from an elongated metal bar. A pair of contact arm carriers are slid onto the metal bar and welded in place. Molded electrically insulated sleeves are sliding received at each of the crossbar. The insulated sleeves can be either molded directly on the crossbar or molded separately, in which case, the sleeves are glued with epoxy and pinned to the crossbar to prevent axial movement of the sleeves with respect to the crossbar. The insulated sleeves are formed with a pair of plates disposed at each end. A pair of oppositely disposed slots formed in the plates is used to receive the ends of a cam roll pin assembly. Since the crossbar in accordance with the present invention does not require wrapping with insulating paper, the possibility of dielectric failure due to cracking of the insulating paper is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Jere L. McKee, Lance Gula, Glenn R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4882557
    Abstract: A multiple circuit breaker system wherein each single pole breaker within the multiple breaker system have very similar structure and dimensions, except that at least one of the breakers (e.g. the one which is connected to a floating neutral pole) has an additional articulation which the other breakers do not have. This additional articulation, and the associated spring action, provide extended contact time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Airpax Corporation
    Inventor: George S. Harper
  • Patent number: 4754245
    Abstract: A multi-pole circuit interrupter comprising first and second pole units separated by a partition wall in a housing, each of the pole units having a pair of separable contacts. The contacts of the first and the second pole units are connected by a cross bar for simultaneous movement. An operating mechanism is disposed in the first pole unit for separating the contacts in response to an overcurrent flowing through the interrupter. An alarm switch is disposed in the second pole unit for indicating the tripping of the operating mechanism, and an actuator is disposed between the operating mechanism and the alarm switch for detecting the tripping of the operating mechanism and actuating the alarm switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruhisa Toda, Junichi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 4713635
    Abstract: A multi-phase circuit breaker characterized by a plurality of phase compartments separated by spaced barriers, a circuit breaker structure within compartment and having separable contacts, manually operable handle within one compartment and including a crossbar extending laterally through the compartments and barriers and each barrier having a removable portion that is retained in place by an overlying portion of a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert H. Flick, Lawrence D. Dennis, Roger E. Walker
  • Patent number: 4679016
    Abstract: An interchangeable operating mechanism assembly for molded case circuit breakers having a detachable movable contact arm and trip unit assembly allows the same mechanism assembly to be employed across a wide range of breaker ratings. A snap-on common trip bar attachment further allows multiple-pole facility off the common interrupter mechanism assembly. The mechanism assembly is designed to maintain the operating handle in the "on" position upon the occurrence of a welded contact and prevents the mechanism from being reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Ciarcia, Gregory T. DiVincenzo, Richard E. Bernier, Joseph G. Nagy
  • Patent number: 4347488
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for interconnecting a set of two or more circuit breakers such that tripping of one will cause concurrent tripping of the others. A coupler adapted to be placed in a recess defined by the abutting side walls of two adjacent breakers is engageable with trip members in both of the associated breakers and provides operative interconnection between the two breakers. Only one of the breakers of the set need be provided with an operating handle which can be used to turn all of the breakers "on" and "off" in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Mune, Bohdan Krasij
  • Patent number: 4288768
    Abstract: An electrical full protection circuit breaker for interrupting a current circuit in response to an overload current, or a short circuit current, or in response to an earth leakage or fault current, includes the structural and functional combination of one or several single pole circuit breakers with an earth leakage current circuit breaker. Each circuit breaker has a narrow and compact structure and the same housing contour. The fault current circuit breaker member, which is coupled with one or more single pole circuit breakers, has its own contact interruption elements. Additionally, the fault current circuit breaker is provided in its outwardly located terminal connection zone with a freely accessible summing current transformer which is constructed as a bushing transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Firma Heinrich Kopp GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Hans Arnhold, Peter Flohr
  • Patent number: 4179675
    Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker is provided with a trip bar subassembly including a molded bar having integrally formed bearings defining a pivot axis for the subassembly remote from the bar. The bar also includes an integrally formed projection for releasing a latch of a trip free contact operating mechanism. The subassembly also includes an extension unit of formed sheet metal and an elongated pin pivotally connecting the unit to the bar. The unit includes an elongated main section and links individually connected to overload sensing devices of each pole. The links are spaced along the length of the main section extending transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof with the latter being generally parallel to the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventor: Norman P. Perkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4166988
    Abstract: A compact three-pole circuit breaker is modularly constructed utilizing two identical operating mechanisms in controllably articulating three movable contact arms. The operating mechanisms are ganged together for concerted manual operation by an external handle tie and internal means intercoupling the three movable contact arms and the operating mechanisms. Trip units, one in each breaker pole, independently act on an internal common trip bar to simultaneously trip the two operating mechanisms and thereby effect concerted opening movement of the contact arms in quick break fashion under the urgence of mechanism springs and assisting helper springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1979
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Ciarcia, Raymond K. Seymour
  • Patent number: 4128822
    Abstract: The following specification describes a circuit breaker trip crossbar having diverging radial surfaces receiving a tapered rail therebetween. The rail extends from the bottom edge of the conventional breaker barrier wall recess and forms a small area pivot adjacent the crossbar axis to reduce the torque required to pivot the bar and to render the torque reproducible for calibration purposes.The radial surfaces are economically formed by flat mold surfaces in opposite mold halves to avoid mold flash in the pivot area while enabling one of the mold halves to conventionally form the latch plate securing hole in the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Maurice W. Peterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4123734
    Abstract: A three pole molded case circuit breaker including a push-to-trip button, a flux transfer shunt trip mechanism, an undervoltage trip mechanism, and an improved latch mechanism. The latch mechanism comprises a metal trip bar covered with insulating tubing and adapted for translational movement to actuate the latch mechanism and trip the contacts. Contact carrier movement during the tripping operation serves to reset the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Maier, Robert H. Hill