With Dropout Features (i.e., The Fuse Tube Will Be Separated, Or Drop Away From, At Least On The Main Circuit Contacts) Patents (Class 337/171)
  • Patent number: 12107410
    Abstract: A system and method for determining when an electronic interrupting device will open in response to detecting overcurrent, where the interrupting device protects a transformer in a power distribution network. The method includes obtaining a time/current through fault protection curve that is defined by a plurality of time/current points for the transformer that identifies when the transformer may experience thermal or mechanical damage in response to a certain current flow over a certain time in the transformer windings, selecting a time multiplier, and determining an operating curve for the interrupting device by multiplying the multiplier and a time portion of each of the plurality of time/current points on the through fault protection curve, where the operating curve identifies when the interrupting device will open in response to a certain current flow over a certain time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Martin T. Bishop, Stephen E. Williams, Marcelo Perez
  • Patent number: 12051555
    Abstract: A HV HRC fuse, in particular a HH full-range fuse, for a drop-out fuse system with a drop-out release mechanism has an outer fuse housing, wherein at least one melting conductor, which is wound around at least one winding body, is provided in the fuse housing. The fuse housing is at least partially open on two end faces and a contact cap designed for electrical contacting is arranged on each end face of the fuse housing. The upper contact cap is detachably connectable in a contacting position with the drop-out release mechanism and the lower contact cap is pivotally mounted on the drop-out release mechanism. Tripping of the HV HRC fuse results in tripping of the drop-out release mechanism, whereby the upper contact cap is separated from the drop-out release mechanism and the HV HRC fuse swings out from the contacting position to a swing-out position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: S1BA Fuses GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 11561265
    Abstract: A gauge for determining the operational viability of a device that requires that a consumable or otherwise erodible material for safe and/or efficient operation reside along or near an inside wall of a cavity, for example, a fuse tube containing an ablative arc-extinguishing material as found in a fused cutout, is provided, which gauge measures whether a sufficient quantity of the material to be consumed remains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert Wolf
  • Patent number: 11508538
    Abstract: An insulation device is disclosed. The insulation device is allowed to be assembled with a fuse tube device so as to form a load break fuse cutout fully closed. The insulation device comprises: a full-closed cylindrical insulator oriented vertically, a first cylindrical insulator oriented horizontally, a second cylindrical insulator oriented horizontally, a third cylindrical insulator oriented horizontally, a first electrical connection unit accommodated in the first cylindrical insulator, a second electrical connection unit accommodated in the second cylindrical insulator, a first arc extinguishing unit accommodated in the first cylindrical insulator, a second arc extinguishing unit accommodated in the second cylindrical insulator, and a mounting bracket connected to the full-closed cylindrical insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: GOODWELL ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sui-Chan Kao
  • Patent number: 9932191
    Abstract: There is provided a sheet post-processing device that has a first tray, outlet rollers, and a control section. The first tray holds sheets for post-processing with respect to the sheets supplied from an image forming device. The outlet rollers discharge the sheet to the first tray. The control section controls a rotational speed of the outlet rollers to be decelerated after a leading end portion of the sheet passes through the outlet rollers and before the leading end portion of the sheet comes into contact with the first tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiaki Oshiro
  • Patent number: 8729396
    Abstract: An insulator for an electrical cutout having a fuse assembly, and methods of manufacturing. The insulator includes a weathershed housing and a single-piece full composite insulator body having no metal components. The insulator body includes a nonmetal composite polymer and a plurality of fibers. The insulators have improved mechanical strength and electrical performance over conventional insulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Chao Zhang, Alan P. Yerges, Stephen P. Hassler
  • Publication number: 20120032772
    Abstract: An assembly includes an electrically conductive mounting bracket, a current limiting device electrically connected to the mounting bracket, and a fuse assembly that includes a body and a fuse. The electrically conductive mounting bracket is configured to mount about the body of the fuse assembly, and, when the electrically conductive mounting bracket is mounted about the body of the fuse assembly, the mounting bracket forms a path for electrical current between the current limiting device and the fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Smith, Wayne W. Lien
  • Publication number: 20110291793
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical assembly for a wire-fuse circuit-breaker (1) provided with a fuseholder (2) and a drive lever (3) adapted to be actuated by an operator and to actuate a lever for breaking the fuse wire. According to the invention, the direction of pivoting of the drive lever is the opposite of the direction of pivoting of the fuseholder tube and the mounting of the parts leaves sufficiently clear the area in the vicinity of the open lower end of the fuse-holder tube to allow gases produced by breaking the fuse wire to exhaust without disturbing the flow thereof. This makes a wire-fuse circuit-breaker safe to drive and safe in operation. The invention also relates to a method of renovating an existing wire-fuse circuit-breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre FAVREAU, Jamie Roy, Goran Milisav, Nicolas Astruc
  • Patent number: 7948352
    Abstract: A wireless secondary assembly is disclosed for use in an electrical distribution network. The secondary assembly may include a wireless source electrically connected to a first electric cable and adapted to emit an electromagnetic power signal. A wireless receiver is electrically connected to a secondary device and adapted to receive the electromagnetic power signal and convert the electromagnetic power signal to electricity to power to secondary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Le Tang, Mohamed Y. Haj-Maharsi, Ernst Scholtz
  • Patent number: 7898380
    Abstract: A fuse holder (20) is provided that can be installed in the place of a dropout fuse element in an electrical insulating unit (1). The fuse holder has an elongate electrically insulating body providing at least one electrically insulated elongate fuse housing in the form of a passage (21) associated with the body and adapted to receive a fuse wire (22) held under tension therein. The body can be installed in such insulating unit as a replacement to an existing dropout fuse element (5) and itself provides contacts enabling such a conventional dropout fuse element to be installed in the fuse holder body from which it can drop out when the fuse is blown. A switch arrangement is provided for maintaining a fuse in the passage in an inoperative condition whilst a dropout fuse element is functional and for automatically closing an electrical circuit through a fuse installed in said passage when the dropout fuse becomes blown and drops out of the fuse holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lukas Marthinus Fick
    Inventor: Anton Van Heerden
  • Publication number: 20100245023
    Abstract: A safety fusible connector extends between a main feed and a tap of a power line. The connector comprises an insulated tube. A protective sleeve is mounted within an upper portion of the insulated tube. A fuse has an upper contact and a lower elongated fuse line, wherein the fuse is placed within the protective sleeve. A first component is attachable to a top end of the insulated tube for electrically clamping the upper contact of the fuse to the main feed. A second component is attachable to a bottom end of the insulated tube for electrically connecting the fuse line of the fuse to the tap. If a current fault occurs in the tap, the fuse will blow and cause the second component to disconnect the fuse line, so that the main feed can still have power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: STEVEN MASSINGILL
  • Patent number: 7786841
    Abstract: A fuse cutout assembly having enhanced safety features to aid in both removal and replacement of fuse tubes. The inventive assembly can be produced by making modifications to standard fuse cutout assemblies. The modifications include lengthening the trunnions of the lower contact assembly and adding reflectors as a further visual aid for positioning the lower contact portion of the fuse tube within the trunnion sockets. Additionally, a molded plastic guide placed proximate the lower contact area of the fuseholder of the cutout promotes “self guiding” of the fuseholder during replacement. Also, the pull ring is modified by the addition of protruding arcuate sections extending from a standard pull ring, the sections allowing the technician to engage the pull down ring without aiming the hook stick through the ring. Additional reflectors are strategically placed to facilitate replacement of the fuseholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: John Kesting
  • Patent number: 7742269
    Abstract: The circuit breaker according to the present invention has first and second terminals having favorable electric conductivity and joined to each other with solder; and a heater whose circumference is insulated installed for melting the solder and supplied with electric power from the current path separate from current paths passing through the first and second terminals; wherein the first and second terminals are separated by a spring force and insulated when the solder is melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7646282
    Abstract: An insulator for a cutout switch and fuse assembly used in connection with an electrical power grid, including a body including a first end and a second end, a guide connector, a conductor strip, and a tool structure is located, a pivot connector is located at the second end of the body, and a mounting connector is located on the body between the first end and the second end. In an alternative embodiment, universal connectors are located at the first end and the second end. The body is manufactured by a filament winding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jiri Pazdirek
  • Patent number: 7639113
    Abstract: An enclosed insulator assembly has a generally cylindrical polysiloxane body, a tubular Durethan® core with upper and lower terminals, Multilam™ contacts within the terminals, an arc-quenching tube, and a manually removable handle. Entrance holes in the body accommodate the coupling of external cables to the terminals. A threaded cylinder positioned on the handle's interior accommodates one of an interchangeable cutout fuse tube assembly and disconnect tube assembly and permits the assembly to be inserted into the core as the handle is positioned on the body. Both assemblies have top and bottom fittings with O-rings that prevent weather corrosion between the fittings and terminals. A grooved load interrupter is attached to the bottom fitting of the assemblies to suppress arcing when the assembly is pulled out from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Impact Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Heller
  • Publication number: 20090212898
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a trunnion body portion and a coupled guiding member. The guiding member may be a spring or spring like and may further include a blocking structure. The trunnion body portion may include a loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: S & C ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Jorge R. Montante, David A. Hervas
  • Patent number: 7532103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical fuse cutout comprising: (i) an insulator having a composite body and at least two connectors, wherein a first connector couples the composite body to a fuse assembly and a second connector couples the body to a utility structure; (ii) a housing containing the composite body; and (iii) a fuse assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Victor Almgren, Scott Henricks, Michael J. Schomer
  • Publication number: 20090091416
    Abstract: A wireless secondary assembly is disclosed for use in an electrical distribution network. The secondary assembly may include a wireless source electrically connected to a first electric cable and adapted to emit an electromagnetic power signal. A wireless receiver is electrically connected to a secondary device and adapted to receive the electromagnetic power signal and convert the electromagnetic power signal to electricity to power to secondary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Le Tang, Mohamed Y. Haj-Maharsi, Ernst Scholtz
  • Patent number: 7109877
    Abstract: A fault condition monitoring apparatus for use with a fuse cutout includes a housing operable to be supported by the fuse cutout. The housing has first and second contacts operable to make electrical contact with fuse contacts on the fuse cutout when the housing is supported by the fuse cutout. A current sensor is mounted inside the housing and is connected to the first and second contacts. A signaling device is coupled to the current sensor and is operable to cause a signal to be produced when current sensed by the current sensor meets a criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Nikola Cuk
  • Patent number: 6952154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical fuse cutout comprising: (i) an insulator having a composite body and at least two connectors, wherein a first connector couples the composite body to a fuse assembly and a second connector couples the body to a utility structure; (ii) a housing containing the composite body; and (iii) a fuse assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Victor Almgren, Scott Henricks, Michael J. Schomer
  • Patent number: 6940052
    Abstract: A fuse mechanism for a heating device according to the invention functions as a thermal fuse. A heater is located on a support. In spatial proximity and with heat conduction to the heater are provided solder contacts with electrical leads to the support. A metallic connection bridge is firmly soldered to the solder contacts and the position thereof with respect to said contacts is such that in the use state on softening the solder connection at the solder contacts the connection bridge is separated by gravity and drops off. In this way the electrical connection from the heater to a electrical supply is separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Block, Juergen De Marco
  • Patent number: 6922132
    Abstract: An improved fuse cutout is provided of the type having a fuse tube assembly that moves to a dropout position upon operation in response to a fault current or other overcurrent. These types of fuse cutouts include the pivotal mounting of the fuse tube assembly with respect to a support hinge with the fuse tube assembly being released for pivotal movement to the dropout position when the fuse cutout has operated. The fuse tube assembly includes a collapsible toggle joint that collapses upon operation of the fuse cutout. The improved fuse cutout includes additional dropout assistance that is provided via a resilient member operating between the components of the collapsible toggle joint to apply a force to assist the collapse of the toggle joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: S & C Electric Co.
    Inventor: Jorge R. Montante
  • Publication number: 20040239473
    Abstract: A fuse holder assembly (1) is provided having at least two electrically insulated fuse housings in the form of passages (5, 33) associated with the body and each of which is adapted to receive a fuse (6) held under tension therein by means of an elongate tension member (7) and cooperating spring loaded tensioning element. The fuse housings have separate intermediate contacts (16, 17, 34, 35) at one end adapted for sequential connection to a circuit contact (20) by way of a rotatable conductive arm (18, 37) spring loaded to effect rotation of the arm from one intermediate contact to the other. Stop means (22, 23, 36 39) for temporarily maintaining the arm in association with one intermediate contact against the spring loading of the arm acts to release the arm for movement towards a subsequent intermediate contact only when the spring loaded tensioning element has substantially reached the end of its operative movement to clear the blown fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Dorrin Van Heerden
  • Patent number: 6687110
    Abstract: An isolating circuit breaker (40) for pole mounting (12) in relation to a electrical distribution line, said isolating circuit breaker including: an isolating switch (50) with a pivoting link (52), said isolating switch having respective terminals (45, 44) for electrical coupling to load and supply conductors (54, 53) of the electrical distribution line; a circuit interrupter (55) disposed in series with the isolating switch (50), intermediate said load and supply conductors and preferably incorporated in the pivoting link of the isolating switch; an actuator (58) arranged for selectively opening and closing the circuit interrupter (55); an electronic controller (61) controlling operation of the isolating circuit breaker in response to electrical conditions in the distribution line; and said isolating switch, circuit interrupter, actuator and electronic controller arranged together on a mounting structure (41, 42, 43) adapted for pole mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nu-Lec Industries Pty Limited
    Inventor: David R Murray
  • Publication number: 20030231097
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical fuse cutout comprising: (i) an insulator having a composite body and at least two connectors, wherein a first connector couples the composite body to a fuse assembly and a second connector couples the body to a utility structure; (ii) a housing containing the composite body; and (iii) a fuse assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Victor Almgren, Scott Henricks, Michael J. Schomer
  • Patent number: 6593842
    Abstract: An insulator assembly for a polymeric cutout assembly has a core with first and second ends and an outer surface. First and second end caps are attached at the first and second core ends. The end caps have outer surfaces. A sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the core. A projection extends laterally outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve. An insulator is molded around the outer surface of the core, the sleeve and the first and second end caps. A center pin is attached to the projection to secure the cutout assembly to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason R. Haynam, John A. Roche, John A. Krause, Mike J. O'Laughlin, Hester Mae McEuen
  • Patent number: 6518871
    Abstract: A hot stick switch head for a lineman's tool for safely and expeditiously removing and installing fuseholders having a tubular body and a mounting assembly from an overhead mounting comprising a base member having a downwardly depending attachment device for attachment to the end of a hot stick and an elevated slot member on the opposite end thereof for receiving an element of said mounting assembly, and a fusebody-receiving notch. A laterally projecting arm engages a fusebody anywhere along the length thereof an guides the fusebody into the fusebody-receiving notch in the base member. The notch and slot are shaped and juxtaposed relative to each other so that on vertical elevation of the lineman's tool, the fusebody is securely retained thereon while the fusebody is lifted out of the fusebody mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Fennell
  • Patent number: 6512442
    Abstract: A fuse cutout switch (12) attached to electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of electrical distribution systems operable with hooksticks (16) in which a connection assembly (28) detachably engages a first distal end of a fuse body (20) that is pivotably and detachably engaged at a second distal end to a hinge (22). A grab member (32) attached to the fuse body (20) near the first distal end includes a receptacle (36) for selectively receiving the hookstick (16) for disengaging the fuse body (20) from the connection assembly (28). A restoring member (40) attached to the fuse body (20) near a second distal end has a receptacle (42) for selectively receiving the hookstick (16) for pivoting the fuse body (20) about the hinge (22) and engaging the fuse body (20) to the connection assembly (28). Various embodiments of the grab member and the restoring member are disclosed, together with methods of modifying existing fuse cutout switches and of operating a fuse cutout switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Taylor Maddox Technical, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020158745
    Abstract: An insulator assembly for a polymeric cutout assembly has a core with first and second ends and an outer surface. First and second end caps are attached at the first and second core ends. The end caps have outer surfaces. A sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the core. A projection extends laterally outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve. An insulator is molded around the outer surface of the core, the sleeve and the first and second end caps. A center pin is attached to the projection to secure the cutout assembly to a support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jason R. Haynam, John A. Roche, John A. Krause, Mike J.O?apos; Laughlin, Hester Mae McEuen
  • Patent number: 6462639
    Abstract: A fuse cutout for connection to a power source includes a mounting having upper and lower support members extending from opposing ends of the mounting. The upper support member includes a first contact having opposing first and second end portions, with the first end portion being attached to the upper support member, and a dome portion disposed between the first and second end portions. The dome portion includes opposing first and second dome surfaces and a first ridge extending along the second dome surface. A holder member is fixedly attached to the lower support member of the mounting. A pivot member is received in the holder member at a first pivot point, the pivot member being movable between first and second positions. A fuseholder is movable between closed and open positions and has upper and lower ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled to the pivot member at a second pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Samir F. Farag, Daren A. Clark, Bradley W. Davis
  • Patent number: 6448881
    Abstract: An actuating device (22) operated by a hookstick (12) is attached to a manually operated fused cutout switch (10) or a oil circuit recloser switch (22). The device (22) is readily clamped to a ring (14) of the switch with a locking member (30) and a cantilever (24), each defining a boss or raised portion (34) and (60, 64, selectively for the cantilever), which bosses are disposed within the ring (14) to bear against an inner surface of the ring. A fastener (40) secures the locking member (30) and the cantilever (24) together. The hookstick (12), being engaged in the receptacle (48, 50), moves the actuating device (22) to alternatively open or close the switch. An alternate embodiment of the cantilever and a method of actuating a manually operated switch are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Taylor-Maddox Technical, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6392526
    Abstract: A fuse cutout for connection to a power source comprising, a mounting having upper and lower support members extending from opposing ends of the mounting, respectively. A holder member fixedly attached to the lower support of the mounting. A pivot member received in the holder member at a first pivot point, the pivot member being movable between first and second positions. A fuseholder having upper and lower ends, the lower end being pivotally attached to the pivot member at a second pivot point, the fuseholder being movable between closed and open positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the pivot member, respectively. A first biasing member disposed between the pivot member and the lower end of the fuseholder at the second pivot point, biasing the pivot member toward the second position. The pivot member includes a planar cam surface that engages a lower contact of the holder member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald B. Roberts, Daren A. Clark, Robert A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020011916
    Abstract: A hot stick switch head for a lineman's tool for safely and expeditiously removing and installing fuseholders having a tubular body and a mounting assembly from an overhead mounting comprising a base member having a downwardly depending attachment device for attachment to the end of a hot stick and an elevated slot member on the opposite end thereof for receiving an element of said mounting assembly, and a fusebody-receiving notch. A laterally projecting arm engages a fusebody anywhere along the length thereof an guides the fusebody into the fusebody-receiving notch in the base member. The notch and slot are shaped and juxtaposed relative to each other so that on vertical elevation of the lineman's tool, the fusebody is securely retained thereon while the fusebody is lifted out of the fusebody mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Robert B. Fennell
  • Patent number: 6211768
    Abstract: A non-venting current limiting fuse for mounting in a cutout comprises a high current fuse component and a low current fuse component housed in separate compartments of a housing and connected in series. Interruption of a low current overload results in operation of the low current fuse component only, with the high current component being unaffected. The low current fuse component is removable from the housing such that when a low current overload situation exists, the low current fuse component can be simply removed and replaced without the need for replacement of the more costly high current fuse component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ontario Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Cress, Robert J. Tout
  • Patent number: 5986534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuse arrangement, which is particularly suited to high voltage applications, but also has applications across a broad voltage range. The fuse arrangement comprises a fuse link arranged to be connected in a current carrying circuit and a parallel-connected resistor. On occurrence of a fault, conditioning the current carrying circuit, the fuse link is arranged to generate relatively high voltage such that current is commutated to the resistor and electrical energy associated with the fault current is absorbed by the resistor. The resistor element is preferably a varistor and, for high voltage applications, a fuse link preferably comprises a deeply confined expulsion fuse. Because electrical energy flowing in the circuit is diverted to the resistance element on occurrence of a fault condition, the current carrying circuit is thus protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Anthony D. Stokes, Andrew Wolny
  • Patent number: 5936506
    Abstract: A delay mechanism for retarding relative movement between two members has particular application in a hinge assembly for a dropout fuseholder. In one embodiment, a pin member rotatably connecting two adjacent members is disposed through a sleeve which has a cavity filled with viscous material, such as silicon putty. Protrusions extending from the shaft of the pin engage the putty and retard the relative rotational movement of the two members. In another embodiment, a friction member, such as a washer or annular seal, is disposed between the adjacent rotatable members. The friction member has facing surfaces contacting the opposing surfaces of the rotatable members such that the frictional forces between the friction member and the rotatable members retard rotation. In still another embodiment, the hinge assembly of a dropout fuseholder includes a latch member which rotates away from the fuseholder once dropout is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Hassler, Stephen Paul Johnson, John Lapp
  • Patent number: 5805046
    Abstract: A current responsive latching apparatus may be employed in a dropout fuseholder or other electrical component for retaining the component in a current-carrying position and disconnecting and isolating the electrical component upon the occurrence of an overcurrent of a predetermined magnitude. The apparatus includes a current path through the component, including a current-carrying stud or conductor, a portion of which extends outside the component for releasably engaging a support member. A latching apparatus, which may include an actuating member of memory allow or a bimetallic material, engages the conductor to retain the support member in a supporting position beneath the electrical component. The apparatus may further include a heater element in the current path to ensure that the actuation member is heated to the temperature necessary to cause it to change shape and release the conductor upon the presence of an overcurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Hassler, Stephen Paul Johnson, John Lapp
  • Patent number: 5796326
    Abstract: A fuse holder which has a plurality of fuses to be automatically and sequentially connected into an electrical network on failure of an operatively positioned fuse so that transient current surges can be prevented from damaging equipment in the network and from unnecessarily closing down the network for manual repair, the fuse holder having a carrier biased for relative rotation with respect to contacts in the network and fuses with latching contact mechanisms releasable on rupture of the fuse to permit rotation of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Derick V.J. Benito
  • Patent number: 5773777
    Abstract: A circuit-interrupting device for electrical power distribution and transmission systems is provided having improved handling provisions for removal and installation with respect to conventional mountings. The handling provisions permit the circuit-interrupting device to pivot about the lower hinge of the mounting before the circuit-interrupting device is lifted out of the mounting via a handling tool. This permits the dimensions of the circuit-interrupting device to be greater than conventional circuit-interrupting devices. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the circuit-interrupting device includes exhaust diverter structure which directs exhaust away from the mounting, the exhaust diverter structure extending beyond the maximum dimensions which allow the circuit-interrupting device to be directly lifted out of the mounting hinge, i.e. the exhaust diverter structure interferes with the mounting if the circuit-interrupting device is lifted in a direction out of the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: Henry W. Scherer
  • Patent number: 5760673
    Abstract: A current-limiting dropout fuseholder includes multiple current paths through the fuse body. A primary current path includes a high current fusible element. A secondary current path in parallel with the primary path includes a triggering conductor that extends outside the fuse body and is connected to a moveable support. The second current path further includes a first spark gap for severing the triggering conductor upon the occurrence of a fault and the shifting of the fault current from the primary current path to the second current path. A second spark gap formed between the primary and the second current paths ensures that the fault current flows across the first spark gap for a time sufficient to sever the triggering conductor, thereby ensuring that dropout will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Hassler, Stephen Paul Johnson, John Lapp
  • Patent number: 5742220
    Abstract: A handling-tool fitting is provided for use in the removal and installation of overhead mounted devices in power distribution and transmission circuits, the handling-tool fitting including a curled prong having a first, substantially straight portion and a second, cured portion that is inclined upwardly with respect to the first portion. The handling-tool fitting is inserted through a loop of the device, the loop being supposed in a stable manner on the first portion of the handling-tool fitting and the second portion preventing any movement of the loop of the device away from the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: Henry W. Scherer
  • Patent number: 5670927
    Abstract: A universal fuse holder and cut-out is provided with a slot having a length L and width W aligned with the fuse tube and engageable with the fuse tube and engageable by a projecting arm or member of a hot switch stick so as to enable safe and expedient maintenance and service, particularly in high wind and storm conditions. One contact assembly is lengthwise and rotatably mounted to accommodate long and short fuse tubes and different manufacturer styles of switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Robert B. Fennell
  • Patent number: 5612661
    Abstract: A resettable internal actuating mechanism, used in an electronic sectionalizer having a tube assembly movable between a closed position and an open position, includes a latching element of an electro-mechanical component mounted in the tube assembly and biased to move to an extended position and movable to a retracted position in response to receipt of an electrical signal, an actuating member spaced from the latching element and mounted in the tube assembly and being biased to move from a non-actuated position to an actuated position, and a linking lever mounted in the tube assembly between the latching element and the actuating member and biased to pivotably move from a latched position to an unlatched position. The linking lever has opposite ends latched respectively to the latching element and actuating member when the linking lever is at the latched position and the latching element is at the extended position to thereby hold the actuating member at the non-actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Byron T. Twenter, Daren A. Clark
  • Patent number: 5604475
    Abstract: A current-limiting device is provided having a low profile configuration (generally flat polyhedron) that defines a cavity of predetermined dimensions and an elongated circuitous path through the cavity. The device also includes provisions for supporting a current-limiting fusible element along the path. The cavity is filled with a pulverulent arc-quenching filler material. In one specific arrangement, the path of the fusible element is defined by one or more U-shaped sections substantially spanning the length or width of the cavity. The fusible element is arranged in a predetermined geometry to include a length of the fusible element that is longer than the overall straight-line path via a configuration of steps or bends along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: Hiram S. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5532668
    Abstract: A universal fuse holder and cut-out safety adapter. The adapter is adapted to be secured to the fuse tube and has a slot having a length L and a width W for engagement by the projecting arm of a hot stick switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Robert B. Fennell
  • Patent number: 5502427
    Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from the mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-tube assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Henry W. Scherer, Bruce A. Biller, Hiram S. Jackson, Roy T. Swanson, David W. Zabel
  • Patent number: 5440287
    Abstract: A current responsive latching apparatus may be employed in a dropout fuseholder or other electrical component for retaining the component in a current-carrying position and disconnecting and isolating the electrical component upon the occurrence of an overcurrent of a predetermined magnitude. The apparatus includes a current path through the component, including a current-carrying stud or conductor, a portion of which extends outside the component for releasably engaging a support member. A latching apparatus, which may include an actuating member of memory allow or a bimetallic material, engages the conductor to retain the support member in a supporting position beneath the electrical component. The apparatus may further include a heater element in the current path to ensure that the actuation member is heated to the temperature necessary to cause it to change shape and release the conductor upon the presence of an overcurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Hassler, Stephen P. Johnson, John Lapp
  • Patent number: 5274349
    Abstract: The fuseholder includes a current limiting fuse mounted within a fuse body and a lower contact and hinge assembly. The fuse body has contact assemblies mounted on each end thereof. The lower contact assembly on the fuse body is mounted on a hinge which is rotatably supported on an interchangeable cutout mounting. The current limiting fuse includes a fuse element spirally wound around a spider which extends the length of the fuse body. The fuse element includes a high current fusible element and a low current fuse element. The fusible element includes a plurality of spaced reduced areas and is supported on the spider by support surfaces which are located between adjacent reduced areas of the fusible element. An auxiliary wire also extends the length of the fuse body about the spider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Cooper Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Hassler, Stephen P. Johnson, John Lapp
  • Patent number: 5162967
    Abstract: The sectionalizer comprises a means that automatically sections a circuit under preset conditions, for the purpose of insulating and signaling the line defect, when said sectionalizer is mounted between some contacts fixed to an insulating support.The sectionalizer consists of a conductor tube which, independently of other elements, includes an electromagnetic triggering mechanism or device formed by an electromagnet functionally associated to a mechanical multiplier which is comprised by two arms that, in the inoperative position of the electromagnet, sustains a triggering rod maintaining the contact of the sectionalizer, while the activation of the electromagnet entails liberation by the arms of the multiplier, of the triggering rod, producing the opening of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Mesa Gatica, S.A.
    Inventor: Javier Ojanguren Torrontegui
  • Patent number: 4795996
    Abstract: An electronic sectionalizer for a branch line of a high voltage power distribution system has a resettable actuator for unlatching a trunnion member and release of a sectionalizer tube toward a disabled or drop-out orientation. The actuator includes an elongated, spring-loaded plunger normally held by a latch in loaded position, and a solenoid or the like is provided to shift the latch and enable movement of the plunger toward a released position for simultaneous swinging movement of the trunnion member. In certain forms of the invention, the plunger is directly engageable with a wall of the trunnion member, while in other embodiments of the invention mechanical advantage is provided by use of an elongated lever which is disposed in the path of the plunger and which bears against the trunnion member for initiating rotational movement of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: A.B. Chance Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Brown, Daren A. Clark