With Manual Or Other Mechanical Contact Control Means Patents (Class 337/143)
  • Patent number: 10529521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device (2) for an electrical circuit (1), including a first fuse (8), a pyroelectric switch (12) connected in parallel with the first fuse and comprising a control area (16), capable of receiving a trigger signal (S), and a power area (18) for the passage of the electric current. The device also comprises a control circuit configured to produce and transmit the trigger signal to the control area. The device includes a second fuse connected in series between a first input conductor (4) and the first fuse and capable of supplying a power supply voltage (V) to the control circuit, which is connected between the second fuse and the control area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: MERSEN FRANCE SB SAS
    Inventors: Gianfranco De Palma, Remy Ouaida
  • Patent number: 10328801
    Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker, method for operating an electrical circuit breaker, and an electrical traction supply system, including an electro-pyrotechnic igniter, a severing element that moves by the electro-pyrotechnic igniter, and a current rail having a separation section, wherein the movable severing element is arranged in relation to the electro-pyrotechnic igniter and the separation section of the current rail so that, after the electro-pyrotechnic igniter is triggered, the movable severing element is set in motion and severs the current rail in the separation section, wherein the electrical circuit breaker includes at least one triggering apparatus configured to provide an ignition current necessary for triggering the electro-pyrotechnic igniter. Also disclosed are an associated method and an electrical traction supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Roland Kube
  • Patent number: 9007163
    Abstract: A device for protecting an electrical installation from surges. The device includes a protective component for protecting from overvoltages and two thermal disconnectors. Each thermal disconnector includes a respective mobile contact suitable to move from a closed position to an open position to disconnect the protective component from the electrical installation, and a respective thermosensitive element for making the mobile contact move from the closed position to the open position when the temperature of the protective component exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventors: Michael Duval, Alain Lagnoux
  • Patent number: 8988183
    Abstract: A monitoring module for a fusible switch disconnect device includes an open fuse detecting element and wire leads for completing an electrical connection with a fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Joseph James Ventura
  • Patent number: 8854174
    Abstract: A fusible switching disconnect device includes a switch housing and terminal cover therefore that blocks access to a line side fuse clip and prevents insertion of a rectangular fuse module when switch contacts in the device are closed. An interlock element further presents the fuse from being retracted when the switch contacts are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Jiehua Su, Matthew Rain Darr
  • Patent number: 8766761
    Abstract: A rocker switch unit (1) with fuse comprising a housing (2); a rocker switch (3) lodged pivotally in the housing (2); at least a fuse lodged in the housing (2) and at least two connection elements (9) for connecting the rocker switch unit (1) with an external apparatus, wherein the two connection elements (9) are connected to each other by the fuse, when rocker switch (3) is in an ON-position. According to the invention the housing (2) provides at least one blind hole (4) for accommodating the fuse, wherein one terminal of the fuse serves as a first connection element for connecting the rocker switch unit (1) with the external apparatus. The rocker switch unit 1 can be used in any apparatus, in a network filter or as IEC entry plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schaffner EMV AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schwabenland
  • Patent number: 8692645
    Abstract: A disconnector for electric power equipment filled with dielectric liquid, especially transformers, applicable in protecting the operation of electric power equipment. The disconnector contains at least two cylindrical current-limiting fuses situated inside a tank, and each fuse is electrically connected with external phase power supply and through fixed contacts and moving contacts of the disconnector with the active part of the piece of electric power equipment. The disconnector is characterized in that the current-limiting fuses are placed in a common housing, in which a slide with a pilot is situated, and to the slide there are inseparably fixed moving contacts, which move together with the slide when the slide makes a to-and-fro motion. The to-and-fro motion takes place as a result of the operation of a tripping device situated in the current-limiting fuses and of the compression or stretching of springs fixed to the pilot and to a fixing disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Slawomir Ciesielski
  • Patent number: 8614618
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to displace the switchable contact, as well as multiple other components in the device, in response to a predetermined electrical condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Hundi Panduranga Kamath
  • Publication number: 20130200983
    Abstract: A thermal overload protection apparatus for protection of an electrical component is disclosed. In one exemplary implementation, such apparatus may comprise a switching element for short-circuiting or disconnecting electrical connections, an actuator apparatus for switching the switching element to a short-circuit or disconnect position, and a tripping element which trips the actuator apparatus on a thermally sensitive basis. In some implementations, the actuator apparatus may be configured to be switched over for activation from an inactive state, in which the switching element cannot be switched by the actuator apparatus, into a trippable state, in which the switching element is capable of being switched by the actuator apparatus. Innovations herein also relate to corresponding arrangements having a conductor track mount, at least one component arranged thereon, and at least one associated overload protection apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Meyer, Steffen Pfortner, Peter Berg
  • Publication number: 20130106563
    Abstract: A temperature switch is electrically connected with a first wire and a second wire, and includes a base, a conducting mechanism including a first conducting piece electrically connected to the first wire, a second conducting piece electrically connected to the second wire, a fixed conducting component electrically connected to the first conducting piece and having a fixed contact, a conducting resilient piece having a movable contact contactable with the fixed contact, and at least one fuse electrically interconnecting the conducting resilient piece and the second conducting piece, and a temperature control mechanism for controlling contact between the movable contact and the fixed contact according to a sensed temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Yu-Kang Yang
  • Patent number: 8384509
    Abstract: The invention relates to holders for receiving fuses, with a housing having a receiving shaft, the receiving shaft containing contacts which are provided for contacting at least one fuse inserted into the receiving shaft, a cover which is adjustably arranged in the receiving shaft, a fuse holding device which is adjustably guided in the receiving shaft, wherein the cover has a unit being engageable with a guiding mechanism and which holds the cover at a predetermined position within the housing, a coupling device for detachably coupling the cover to the fuse holding device, wherein the unit of the cover is formed by feet which protrude laterally from the cover and are engageable with the guides in the housing, and wherein the guiding mechanism comprises stops and/or stop faces which are provided in the guiding mechanism, and which hold the cover in a top position of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Woehner GmbH & Co., KG Elektrotechnische Systeme
    Inventors: Alex Buettner, Frank Leistner
  • Patent number: 8344844
    Abstract: Fuse state indicators for use with disconnect devices having a fuse are provided. Fuse state indicators include a housing having circuitry, a detecting means for detecting an open circuit condition, conductors adapted for electrical connection to a disconnect device so as to complete a circuit connecting the detecting means with a fuse of the disconnect device, and a signal transmitting means The detecting means is configured to transmit a signal to the signal transmitting means for determining an operational state of the fuse. The signal transmitting means, in turn, is configured to transmit a signal to a remote device the state of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Matthew R. Darr
  • Patent number: 8089335
    Abstract: A monitoring module for a fusible switch disconnect device includes an open fuse detecting element and wire leads for completing an electrical connection with a fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Joseph James Ventura
  • Publication number: 20110221563
    Abstract: A fusible switching disconnect device includes a switch housing and terminal cover therefore that blocks access to a line side fuse clip and prevents insertion of a rectangular fuse module when switch contacts in the device are closed. An interlock element further presents the fuse from being retracted when the switch contacts are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jiehua Su, Matthew Rain Darr
  • Publication number: 20110175699
    Abstract: A fuse box system and method providing for visual and/or remote sensing of interrupted fusing elements is disclosed. The system incorporates LEDs and/or remote sensing apparatus to permit indication of a “blown” fuse and/or circuit protection breaker. This system may be configured for both polarized and/or non-polarized applications and generally provides for indicator illumination when a fuse/breaker is blown. Some preferred embodiments may incorporate current sourcing technologies to permit operation of the system over wide range of system voltages, as well as provisions for wired and/or RF/wireless interrogation of the fuse/breaker status. Alternate embodiments including systems/methods to permit remote sensing of fuse status and/or circuit current monitoring, and may be retrofit within existing fuse/breaker panel systems in some configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Roy Allen Huss, Jerry Anthony Dufour, Kevin Mark Klughart
  • Publication number: 20110169599
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to displace the switchable contact, as well as multiple other components in the device, in response to a predetermined electrical condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Hundi Panduranga Kamath
  • Publication number: 20110163836
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to a predetermined electrical condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Hundi Panduranga Kamath
  • Patent number: 7965168
    Abstract: A fuse is provided that includes a housing and a first lead and a second lead. The fuse further includes a fuse element having a current capacity. The fuse element forms a part of an electrical pathway between the first lead and the second lead. The fuse also includes a switch unit in communication with the housing and in series with the fuse element. The switch unit has an open state and a closed state. When the switch unit is in the closed state, the electrical pathway is connected to form a closed pathway between the first lead and the second lead, and when the switch unit is in the open state, the electrical pathway is disconnected to provide an open circuit between the first lead and the second lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard D. Nicoletti, III
  • Patent number: 7924136
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Patent number: 7855630
    Abstract: Fuse state indicators for use with disconnect devices having a fuse are provided. Fuse state indicators include a housing having circuitry, a detecting means for detecting an open circuit condition, conductors adapted for electrical connection to a disconnect device so as to complete a circuit connecting the detecting means with a fuse of the disconnect device, and a signal transmitting means. The detecting means is configured to transmit a signal to the signal transmitting means for determining an operational state of the fuse. The signal transmitting means, in turn, is configured to transmit a signal to a remote device the state of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Matthew R. Darr
  • Publication number: 20100231347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a triggering device (1) for a thermal fuse comprising an actuator (11), which is designed to trigger at a threshold temperature, and a conductive bridge element (6) that is attached and connected to multiple connector points (9) exclusively by means of detachable connecting elements (10) for current flow. According to the invention the connecting elements (1) fully detach the bridge element (6) when a threshold temperature is reached or exceeded so that, in case the actuator (11) is triggered, the bridge element (6) is detached from the connecting elements (10) in order to interrupt the current flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Norbert Knab, Georg Schulze-Icking-Konert, Thomas Mohr, Stefan Kotthaus, Nikolas Haberl, Stefan Stampfer, Michael Mueller, Peilei Chen
  • Publication number: 20100060405
    Abstract: A fuse is provided that includes a housing and a first lead and a second lead. The fuse further includes a fuse element having a current capacity. The fuse element forms a part of an electrical pathway between the first lead and the second lead. The fuse also includes a switch unit in communication with the housing and in series with the fuse element. The switch unit has an open state and a closed state. When the switch unit is in the closed state, the electrical pathway is connected to form a closed pathway between the first lead and the second lead, and when the switch unit is in the open state, the electrical pathway is disconnected to provide an open circuit between the first lead and the second lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicants: SONY CORPORATION, SONY ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Leonard D. NICOLETTI, III
  • Patent number: 7576630
    Abstract: A fusible disconnect device having auxiliary connections to line-side and load-side terminals and color coding features to indicate an amperage rating of a fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Matthew R. Darr
  • Patent number: 7561017
    Abstract: A fuse status indicator module for a fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing, a switch within the housing, a switch actuator extending from the housing and operatively coupled to the switch, at least one open fuse detecting element contained within the housing, and at least one pair of wire leads extending exterior to the housing and attachable to the disconnect device to establish an electrical connection with the fuse therein to facilitate detection of an opening of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Joseph James Ventura
  • Publication number: 20090128280
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Patent number: 7504925
    Abstract: An electric device generates a predetermined amount of heat in the event of a malfunction. The electric device is protected from overheating in that it is arranged, with a fuse in a circuit, such that the fuse and the electric device are thermally coupled to one another, so that the generation of the amount of heat by the electric device causes a fusible material in the fuse to melt. In this manner, the current terminal path of the electric device is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Alfons Graf, Martin Maerz, Martin Saliternig
  • Patent number: 7495540
    Abstract: Fusible switch disconnect modules including a housing means adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry and having at least one stationary contact and at least one movable contact selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position to connect or disconnect an electrical connection through the fuse, and a means for biasing or bias element assisting movement of the movable contact to the open or disconnected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Patent number: 6459353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fused switch housing (1) suited to accommodate at least one fuse adapter (2) having a first and a second contact surface (10). The fused switch housing (1) comprises a first and a second set of terminals (15) for respectively connecting the fused switch to a first and a second external circuit, stationary contacts (12, 15, 16), and at least one moving contact (13). The fused switch housing also includes switching means cooperating with each of said moving contacts (13) for making an electrical connection between each of said first terminals (15) respectively with each of said first contact surfaces (10) as well as for making an electrical connection between each of said second terminals (15) respectively with each of said second contact surfaces (10) so that at least one of said connections with said contact surfaces is openable by moving said at lest one moving contact (13) with the help of said switching means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Harri Mattlar, Ilmari Mäenp{umlaut over (aa)}
  • Patent number: 6141202
    Abstract: The response time of a melting fuse is controlled or influenced by temporarily boosting a threshold level from a first constant value (I.sub.1) to a second dynamic value (I.sub.2) which is then caused to decay in a controlled manner during a fixed time between (t.sub.1) and (t.sub.2) and in accordance with a selectable decay function. If a current (m) flowing through the fuse exceeds the decaying threshold value a fuse blowing current is generated and supplied to the fuse, whereby the fuse blows sooner than it would have, if the excess current had prevailed for a long enough time between (t.sub.1) and (t.sub.X). On the other hand, the fuse does not blow in response to short duration transient excess currents that occur, for example at starting an engine. The engine start impulse which may be used to temporarily raise the threshold value from (I.sub.1) to (I.sub.2) and then cause said controlled decay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Rainer Maeckel, Thomas Schulz
  • Patent number: 5835002
    Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for use in a manually operated multi-phase fusible switch having a fuse in series with a blade for each phase and a handle for simultaneously controlling the position of the blades. Each fuse is CONDUCTIVE when it allows current to flow therethrough and is BLOWN when it does not allow current to flow therethrough. The handle is coupled to a drive rod and is movable between an OPEN position and a CLOSED position wherein the blades conduct current therethrough when the handle is in the CLOSED position and do not conduct current therethrough when the handle is in the OPEN position. The interlock assembly includes an interlock mechanism for preventing the handle from being moved from the OPEN position to the CLOSED position when one or more of the fuses are BLOWN or missing, thereby preventing the blade for each phase from moving into the CLOSED position when one or more of the fuses are BLOWN or missing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Richard N. Barnett
  • Patent number: 5633619
    Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for a fusible switch which has a fuse in series with a switch and an operating mechanism for controlling the operation of the switch. The interlock assembly is mechanically coupled to the operating mechanism and includes an indicator member disposed adjacent to the fuse for indicating the status of the fuse and an actuator member mechanically coupled to the operating mechanism for actuating the operating mechanism to open the switch when the fuse is BLOWN. A toggle member is coupled to the indicator member and to the actuator member for mechanically communicating the status of the fuse to the actuator member from the indicator member wherein the toggle member is in one position when the fuse is CONDUCTIVE and the toggle member is in another position when the fuse is BLOWN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Calvin L. Oetjen, Gordon O. Perkins, Antanas V. Narusevicius
  • Patent number: 5041808
    Abstract: A multi-pole load break switch having two sets of contacts in each pole connected in series to isolate its fuse. Also disclosed is a circuit incorporating the switches of the invention in a double-ended switch board having two power supplies normally isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Boltswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Erickson
  • Patent number: 4301339
    Abstract: A high current switch includes first and second contact plates, each having a contact surface. The contact plates are moved between a closed position with the contact surfaces in contact and an open position with the contact surfaces separated. An electric bridge has opposite ends connected to the contact plates and spans the contact surfaces. During opening of the switch, the electric bridge, in the form of a fuse, remains integral and provides a secondary electrical connection between the contact surfaces, thus preventing arcing therebetween. Upon complete opening of the switch, the electrical bridge ruptures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro a.s.
    Inventors: Peder R. Solheim, Oddmund Wallevik
  • Patent number: 4292616
    Abstract: A combined cartridge fuse holder and switch incorporates the cartridge fuse as part of the switching mechanism. One end of the cartridge fuse is pivoted about a fulcrum contact coupled to a first terminal. A switch assembly swings the other end of the cartridge fuse transversely relative to the fuse axis to make and break contact with a contact on a second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Inventor: James H. Andersen