Cyclically Or Periodically Actuated Patents (Class 337/51)
  • Patent number: 6538549
    Abstract: An advanced circuit breaker system and method includes first and second terminals to electrically couple the advanced circuit breaker to an electrical circuit. A cam applies a first torque to a rotatable contact arm, having an arm contact electrically coupled to the first terminal, from a first position to a second position of the contact arm and a second torque to the contact arm from the second position to a third position. A bimetal blade, having a blade contact electrically coupled to the second terminal, changes shape when electrical current flowing through it exceeds a threshold for at least a predetermined amount of time. The arm contact maintains contact with the blade contact when the first torque occurs and separates from the blade contact when the second torque occurs. The blade contact changes shape to increase separation from the arm contact if electrical current exceeds at least a certain amount above the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Blue Sea Systems
    Inventors: Scott W. Renne, Kevin L. Lacy, Porter Hoagland, Jr.