Electrical Switchgear Patents (Class 361/605)
  • Publication number: 20110032663
    Abstract: A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Jason Leeman, Edgar Yee, Robert Allan Morris, Marsha Jean Harris
  • Patent number: 7881044
    Abstract: A dampening mechanism for an electrical for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a draw-out circuit breaker, includes a mounting bracket coupled to the circuit breaker, a pivot member, at least one biasing element, and a damper. The circuit breaker is movable into and out of an installed position within a switchgear enclosure. The pivot member pivots between first and second positions corresponding to the circuit breaker not being fully installed and being disposed in the installed position, respectively. The biasing element biases the pivot member toward the first position. When the circuit breaker is moved toward the installed position, the second end of the pivot member engages at least one of a back panel and a ledge of the enclosure, thereby pivoting the pivot member toward the second position. When the pivot member is disposed in the second position, the damper is biased against the ledge of the enclosure to dampen undesired vertical motion of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark William Jacobsen, Judith Robin Prince, Barry Tuck Rambo
  • Patent number: 7869192
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus includes a base with a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second side. A number of first adjustable members are coupled to the opposite second side. Each of the first adjustable members includes a first end and an opposite second end. A number of second adjustable members are coupled transverse to the first adjustable members and include a first end and an opposite second end. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is adjustable generally toward or generally away from the base. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of the at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is coupled to a number of walls of a switchgear enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Jacobsen, Jaymie L. Davenport, Barry T. Rambo
  • Publication number: 20100296229
    Abstract: A system for multiple connection of switchgear devices comprising a first connection plane comprising at least one plug-in socket designed to receive a switchgear device pluggable in a plug-in direction. Said system comprises a second protection plane comprising a removable cover provided with at least one opening for the control means of said switchgear device to pass through. The removable cover comprises at least a first pressing area designed to press against a second pressing area of at least one switchgear device, pressing of the first pressing area on the second pressing area at the time the removable cover is positioned providing a holding force of said at least one switchgear device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: CROUZET AUTOMATISMES
    Inventors: Dominique Meux, Morgan Verdier
  • Publication number: 20100290175
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus includes a base with a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second side. A number of first adjustable members are coupled to the opposite second side. Each of the first adjustable members includes a first end and an opposite second end. A number of second adjustable members are coupled transverse to the first adjustable members and include a first end and an opposite second end. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is adjustable generally toward or generally away from the base. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of the at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is coupled to a number of walls of a switchgear enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Mark W. Jacobsen, Jaymie L. Davenport, Barry T. Rambo
  • Patent number: 7830648
    Abstract: A system includes an electrical busway, an electrical enclosure enclosing an electrical apparatus, the electrical enclosure including an interior and a mounting portion with an opening therethrough; and a tap apparatus electrically interconnecting the electrical busway and the electrical apparatus. The tap apparatus includes a first portion electrically interconnected with the electrical busway through the opening of the mounting portion, a second portion removeably coupled to the mounting portion of the electrical enclosure from the interior of the electrical enclosure, and a third portion including a flexible electrical connection electrically interconnected with the electrical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan J. Strong, Mark T. Teaken
  • Patent number: 7821775
    Abstract: Disclosed is a racking mechanism for a drawout circuit breaker including a cross shaft movably positioned in an enclosure and at least one input link in operable communication with the cross shaft via at least one connecting link. At least one racking cam is movably positioned in the enclosure and is in operable communication with the input link. Each racking cam has at least one cam slot receptive of a portion of the circuit breaker. Movement of the cross shaft about an axis of the cross shaft is capable of moving the at least one racking cam from an open position toward a closed position with the portion of the circuit breaker disposed in the at least one cam slot, thereby securing the circuit breaker in the enclosure and the at least one racking cam is in the closed position. A method for securing a circuit breaker in an enclosure and a circuit breaker assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Soundararajan Narayanasamy, Janakiraman Narayanan, Yatin Vilas Newase, Partha Sarathy Doddapadam Srinivasa Raghavachar
  • Patent number: 7821774
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a mounting base with arc plenum for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The switchgear mounting base with internal arc plenum can be an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly and is preferably located under the switchgear. The switchgear mounting base works in conjunction with a ventilation system in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from the lower breaker compartments in the front of the switchgear in the event of an internal arcing fault in one of the breaker compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry W. Josten, Keith Flowers, Rahul Rajvanshi
  • Patent number: 7813109
    Abstract: Switchgear having a vacuum-insulated switchgear 2 comprising switches having at least breaking and disconnecting functions, each placed in a unit, and solid-insulated bus bars 12 for electrically connecting the switches in each unit; an air-insulated switchgear 1 comprising switches having at least breaking and disconnecting functions, each placed in a unit, and air-insulated bus bars for electrically connecting the switches in each unit; and_the vacuum-insulated switchgear 2 and the air-insulated switchgear 1 are installed side-by-side, wherein the vacuum-insulated switchgear 2 and the air-insulated switchgear 1 are electrically connected through flexible conductors 17 which are provided between the solid-insulated bus bars 12 and the air-insulated bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Kikukawa, Kenji Tsuchiya, Yuko Kajiyama
  • Publication number: 20100246102
    Abstract: A vacuum cartridge (1) is manufactured with a dielectric coating (22) made from elastomer directly on the enclosure of the chamber (2) of the cartridge (1). To prevent the elastomer from infiltrating into the chamber (2) of the cartridge and/or its enclosure from breaking, cover-plates (26) performing mechanical protection and dielectric deflection cover the covers (61, 62) of the chamber (2) and their braze (8) with the ceramic tube (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Ludovic Martin, Christian Mennessier, Catherine Herault, Bruno Chatelet
  • Patent number: 7796374
    Abstract: A power switchgear includes a circuit breaker including a container filled with an insulating gas, a stationary contact arranged in the container, and a movable contact that makes a movement to make contact with the stationary contact; an operation unit including a biasing member, and opens and closes the circuit breaker; and a linkage unit that transmits an biasing force of the biasing member to the circuit breaker. The linkage unit includes a rotary shaft, a lever including an engaging hole to be engaged with an outer periphery of the rotary shaft, and a pressing member that presses the rotary shaft onto an inner periphery of the engaging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohito Mori, Kyoichi Otsuka
  • Patent number: 7778013
    Abstract: A venting system is described for use with electrical enclosures in which hot gasses may be generated by certain types of fault. The venting assembly may be mounted to a surface of the enclosure, such as adjacent to an aperture formed in the enclosure door. The vent assembly includes a series of louvers that divert all gasses flowing from the enclosure and provide no direct path for gas. The vent assembly thus provides unimpeded flow of hot gasses during a fault event to divert and cool the gasses before exiting the enclosure. The vent assembly may be configured as a cartridge-type insert mounted either inside or outside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Bruski, Chester Malkowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7772715
    Abstract: Power-generating units and compressor units are arranged in a compressed-air energy storage power station. According to one aspect of the invention, a common grid connection transformer is arranged, to which the power-generating units and the compressor units can selectively be connected. According to a further aspect of the invention, the power-station installation is subdivided into a power-generating area (I) in which the power-generating units are arranged, a switching and voltage-conversion area (II) in which a grid connection transformer is arranged, and a compressor area (III) in which the compressor units are arranged. The stated areas are arranged physically separately from one another. Power-station installations according to the invention can advantageously be combined to form modular power-station centers, which advantageously have common voltage rails and media rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Karl Wiederhold
  • Patent number: 7764486
    Abstract: A gas-insulated power apparatus comprising a vertically arranged gas-insulated circuit breaker included in a vertically arranged gas-insulated main tank, a first gas-insulated branch pipe connected to one side of an upper portion of the gas-insulated main tank substantially orthogonal to a direction of extending the gas-insulated main tank and leading out a feeder from a movable side of the gas-insulated circuit breaker, and a second and a third gas-insulated branch pipes which are respectively connected to both sides in a peripheral direction of a lower portion of the gas-insulated main tank substantially orthogonal to the direction of extending the gas-insulated main tank, one of which connects a fixed side of the gas-insulated circuit breaker to one gas-insulated Y bus of gas-insulated double buses and other of which connects the fixed side of the gas-insulated circuit breaker to other gas-insulated X bus of the gas-insulated double buses, respectively, by which a gas-insulated power apparatus having a str
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Otsuka, Hitoshi Sadakuni, Daisuke Fujita
  • Publication number: 20100116945
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for arranging and fastening electrical units (152, 154, 156) in particular in a switchgear cabinet (1), wherein the apparatus (10) has a mount element (14), on the fitting side of which it is possible for a module mount (150) with at least one electrical unit (152, 154, 156) arranged thereon to be arranged and fastened, characterized in that the mount element (14) has a groove (16), which extends in a longitudinal direction and is open towards the fitting side and in which the module mount (150) can be suspended in an optional position in the longitudinal direction of the groove (16), and in that the groove (16) is shaped in such a way that, owing to the force of the weight which acts on the suspended module mount (150), the module mount (150) is arranged on the mount element (14) and is secured against falling down from the mount element (14), and to a fitting system with such an apparatus (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: FRIEDRICH LÃœTZE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Udo Lütze
  • Publication number: 20100118471
    Abstract: A method of making a panel for a switchgear cabinet is provided. In accordance with the method one or more base plates, a plurality of main cover plates of different types and a plurality of auxiliary cover plates of different types are provided. One or more main cover plates and one or more auxiliary cover plates are selected and mounted to the base plate. One or more electrical devices are mounted to at least one of the selected main cover plate and the selected auxiliary cover plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Michael G. Urmson
  • Patent number: 7688572
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting supply power to motor control components includes use of a motor control center subunit with moveable supply power contacts. After a motor control center subunit is secured into a motor control center compartment, the supply power contacts may be advanced to engage supply power buses. For disconnection, the supply power contacts may be retracted and isolated from the buses before physical removal of the subunit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Robert Allan Morris, Scott Edward McPherren, Neal Edward Rowe
  • Publication number: 20100046146
    Abstract: A power operator for switchgear for use in mains power distribution systems such as public medium high voltage distribution systems, where the switchgear comprises a closed cabinet (5) with an operating shaft protruding there from. The operating shaft is rotable at least between two positions and has a coupling part. The motor operator comprises a housing (11, 20, 21, 27), which is mountable on the external surface (4) of the switchgear cabinet (5), and a rotatable connection shaft connected to an electric motor via a transmission. It has a first coupling part to fit with the coupling part of the switchgear in a longitudinal axial sliding and non-rotational interlocking manner. The housing (11, 20, 21, 27) is a tube element which has the inherit quality that it does not invite to vandalism and unauthorized access. It is relatively easy to seal against dust and moisture. When cut from a length of a pipe it is easy to manufacture as well as inexpensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Bruno Christensen, Anders Lorenzen, Verner Smidt, Jens N. Paulsen, Glenn Smith
  • Publication number: 20100039752
    Abstract: A switchgear assembly is disclosed wherein to combine individual functions to form a standardized unit, without deviating from known technology, electrical cabling between the electrical functional components of the switchgear assembly can be replaced by a wiring in a box. The electrical components can each be connected directly to the box by a bundle of bound cables. Another embodiment includes a coding plug for being plugged from the exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Karl-Michael SCHMIDT, Ralf Henke, Sven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 7663867
    Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a circuit breaker, having a housing surface perpendicular to a plane of a front side of the circuit breaker and internal components, a terminal block structurally coupled to the housing surface, first terminal housings arrayed on the terminal block to each support first components and to be receptive of second terminal housings each of which supports second components, at least some of which are electrically coupled to the internal components, to be electrically coupled to at least some of the first components, and an access block. The access block is disposed on the terminal block and has apertures defined therein to provide for front-side access to the first terminal housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Simhadri Ramalingeswara Rao Gupta, Janakiraman Narayanan, Pankaj Agrawal
  • Patent number: 7652395
    Abstract: A power control system includes a base having a housing configured for releasably receiving a control unit and a cavity within the housing for receiving a solid state relay having a hockey puck configuration. The base includes an input power terminal for coupling to an input power source, an output power terminal for coupling to a power receiving load, and coupling fixtures for fixedly and electrically coupling to input and output power terminals and control terminals of the received solid state relay. A control unit is configured to control the solid state relay for selectively providing, at least a portion of, the power received at the input power terminal to the output power terminal. The control unit has a housing adapted to be releasably coupled to the base housing. The control unit and base each configured to electrically couple the control unit to the control terminals of the received solid state relay as a function of the control unit being coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Theodore Thomas Von Arx, Donald Leo Commare, Craig Richard Dennis, Leon J. McNutt, Thomas Robert Pfingsten, Keith Douglas Ness, Robert Allen Pape, John Frederic Lemke, Larry Emil Tiedemann, Stanton Hopkins Breitlow
  • Publication number: 20100008022
    Abstract: A power operator for switchgear (1) for mains power distribution systems, where the switchgear comprises a closed cabinet (5) with an operating shaft protruding there from. The operating shaft is rotable at least between two positions and has a coupling part (2, 3). The operator comprises a housing (10), which is mountable on the external surface (4) of the switchgear housing, and a rotatable connection shaft (14) connected to an electric drive mechanism (11). It has a first coupling part to fit with the coupling part of the operating shaft in a longitudinal axial sliding and non-rotational interlocking manner. The coupling part of the connection shaft (14) is a separate interchangeable part (24, 24a) of the connection shaft attached thereto by non-rotational interlocking means. Further, it has an activation knob (16) extending from the housing (10) to operate the switch manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: LINAK A/S
    Inventors: Bruno Christensen, Anders Lorenzen, Verner Smidt, Jens N. Paulsen, Glenn Smith
  • Patent number: 7633741
    Abstract: Apparatus, method, and system for rigidly supporting a switchgear bus assembly through the use of one or more support plates, thereby providing the primary support for the other active modules and bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Brian Todd Steinbrecher, Dan Wycklendt, Timothy A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20090284901
    Abstract: A subsea switchgear apparatus including a frame, at least one electrical power inlet mounted to the frame, at least one electrical power outlet mounted to the frame, a distribution chamber mounted to the frame, and at least one canister mounted to the frame. The at least one canister includes a chamber accommodating at least one high voltage circuit breaker. Electrical connections are arranged in the distribution chamber for electrically connecting a respective circuit breaker of a canister to an associated power inlet and power outlet of the switchgear apparatus. The chamber of the respective canister is separated from the distribution chamber by a pressure barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Rune Sletten, Tor-Odd Rønhovd, Alf Gerhard Hay
  • Patent number: 7612988
    Abstract: A switchgear installation has a cubicle with a door to provide access thereinto, and a low voltage circuit breaker is mounted therein and accessible through the door. Coupled to the circuit breaker is a logic module, and a portable user interface module is releasably mounted on the exterior of the cubicle and operatively connected to the logic module to display information concerning the operation of the breaker and to provide an interface for the user to interact with the logic module and thereby with the breaker. The user interface module includes a battery providing the required power for setting and monitoring the functions of the breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Satin America Corporation
    Inventor: Algerd M. Ulinskas
  • Publication number: 20090185332
    Abstract: A panel assembly for an electrical enclosure has a fixed mounting portion and a movable panel portion. The electrical enclosure has an interior substantially sealed from an exterior except at a number of apertures. The panel assembly includes a mounting portion coupled to the enclosure and a panel portion generally disposed over a corresponding one of the number of apertures. The panel portion is movable in a first direction from a first position to a second position by gas formed from an arcing event within the electrical enclosure passing outward through the corresponding aperture. The panel portion is constrained from movement in an opposite second direction due to a portion of the electrical enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: JARROD L. COOMER, MICHAEL H. ABRAHAMSEN, DAVID A. METCALF, TIMOTHY FAIR
  • Patent number: 7560654
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rotary handle. More particularly, the invention encompasses an improved support bracket for a deliberate action rotary handle. The invention further includes an improved support bracket to support an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle, such that to turn on a component, such as, a circuit breaker, requires a deliberate manual action by the user. If a deliberate action is not taken by a user but the handle is accidentally pushed then the handle does not engage with a drive shaft and the handle moves to an outer edge of a drive plate thus preventing the engagement of the handle with the other components to turn on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Blankemeyer, Sheenfar Fong, Jose Hurtado, Huy Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7558052
    Abstract: A seal assembly for an electrical enclosure having a draw-out circuit breaker and a number of conductors is provided having a movable first seal member and a movable second seal member. The circuit breaker includes a protruding nose portion that is engaged by the first and second seal members in a manner that sealingly engages the nose portion. The arrangement of the first and second seal members and the nose portion provides for the sealing engagement to be maintained when the circuit breaker is moved from a first position in which the circuit breaker is not electrically connected to the number of conductors and a second position in which the circuit breaker is electrically connected to the number of conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jarrod L. Coomer, Michael H. Abrahamsen, David A. Metcalf, Timothy Fair, Stanley E. Moore
  • Patent number: 7522025
    Abstract: A switchgear comprises a switching device, such as a relay, with a switching mechanism. A printed-circuit board that is provided with at least one electronic component is electrically connected to the switching device to form a supplementary electrical circuit, which receives an operating voltage supplied to the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Zeitlberger, Werner Falkner, Fritz Kaplanek
  • Publication number: 20090097190
    Abstract: A device for measuring gas temperature in a casing box having different heat-generating units disposed therein. The device includes a temperature-measuring arrangement disposed substantially in a plane above the different heat-generating units. The temperature-measuring arrangement includes a matrix of uniformly distributed temperature sensors configured to measure a temperature of rising gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Rudiger Kratschmar, Ralf Graf, Hans-Peter Merkel
  • Patent number: 7518851
    Abstract: A distribution switchgear has an equipment room, main busbar room and cable room, which are formed in a distribution panel housing by partitioning the housing, from front to back such that the equipment room is located just behind the front door of the housing, with the busbar room behind the equipment room. In the equipment room are disposed a circuit breaker, a current transformer on a load side of the circuit breaker and a zero-phase-sequence current transformer on a power supply side of the circuit breaker. The equipment units are vertically arranged in the equipment room. In the busbar room are a solid-insulated main busbar, a solid-insulated link busbar connected with the main busbar and connected with one side of each of the equipment units and a solid-insulated branch busbar connected with the other side of each of the equipment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Tsuchiya, Yoshinori Nishizawa, Yuko Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 7515398
    Abstract: In a one-and-a-half circuit breaker system gas-insulated switchgear assembly for three-phase AC transmission, the circuit breakers are located on a common horizontal floor directed in Y direction. First main bus bars extending in X direction are located above the first circuit breakers. The positions of the first main bus bars in different phases are different from one another only in height. Similarly, the second main bus bars extending in X direction are located above the third circuit breakers. Each phase of the main bus bars and disconnecting switches is located in a common horizontal plane. The heights are different for different phases. Relative locations of the disconnecting switches are substantially common for every phase horizontally, but are shifted in the X direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takao, Masayuki Fukunaga, Reiji Ohara
  • Publication number: 20090052121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module front for a switchgear module, particularly a slide-in module, comprising a control device, the control device being integrated in the module front, and the module front forms an integral component of the switchgear module. The invention relates to a switchgear module, particularly a slide-in module provided with an inventive module front, and to a switchgear equipped with at least one switchgear module of this type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Schmitt, Klaus Kraft, Hans-Peter Merkel, Klaus-Georg Muller
  • Patent number: 7485817
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly for a power circuit breaker includes a frame having a first sidewall disposed opposite a first side of the housing of the power circuit breaker and a second sidewall disposed opposite the second side of the housing. At least one moveable block is disposed between the first and second sidewalls of the frame and the corresponding first and second sides of the housing. An adjustment mechanism, such as a jackscrew coupled to the moveable block, adjusts in order to move the block into engagement with the corresponding sides of the housing. A fastening mechanism, such as a lock screw, secures the moveable block and the frame with respect to the housing. The adjustable mounting assembly securely mounts the frame and the power circuit breaker within a switchgear enclosure in order to resist damage potentially caused by an impact force sustained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew L. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 7486499
    Abstract: A securing mechanism is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, which is movable into and out of an installed position within a switchgear enclosure. The securing mechanism includes a mount coupled to the circuit breaker, and a movable assembly movably coupled to the mount and including an engagement member. The movable assembly moves among first and second positions corresponding to the circuit breaker not being fully installed within the switchgear enclosure and being disposed in the installed position, respectively. When the circuit breaker is moved toward the installed position, the engagement member engages the switchgear enclosure and moves the movable assembly toward the second position, in which the engagement member securely engages the switchgear enclosure to resist undesired movement of the circuit breaker with respect to the switchgear enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Barry T. Rambo, Judith Robin M. Prince, Mark W. Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20090009932
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical low-voltage switchgear, comprising at least two power units accommodated in slide-in units or in a housing, and comprising control units assigned to the power units. The control units are spatially separated from the power units and power levers and are connected to one another via signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ABB PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Kraft, Hans-Peter Merkel
  • Publication number: 20080297986
    Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Bela Peter Szeifert, Michael Peter Dunk
  • Patent number: 7457105
    Abstract: A vacuum switchgear system, which comprises a plurality of vacuum switchgears each comprising a vacuum container for accommodating the desired number of vacuum switches selected from a disconnecting switch or load break switch, an earth switch and an vacuum circuit breaker. Each of the vacuum switches has connecting terminals. The switchgears constitute different types of switchgears, the switchgears being classified into the power receiving side and power distribution side. The switchgears are connected with the adjoining switchgear or an element selected from an arrester and a PCT by means of an insulated connecting conductor having terminals around both ends thereof. The terminals are electrically connectable with and detachable from the connecting terminals of the switchgears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuuichi Kikukawa, Kenji Tsuchiya, Satoru Kajiwara, Masato Kobayashi, Yoshiki Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20080259531
    Abstract: A DC switchgear provided with a commutation-type DC circuit breaker having a main circuit provided with a main switch for interconnecting a DC power supply and a load and for enabling and disabling a main circuit current flow, and a commutating circuit provided with a commutating capacitor and a commutating switch, which is connected electrically parallel to the main switch, comprising: a DC circuit breaker accommodating box includes, as a standard arrangement, the main circuit provided with the main switch, and the commutation-type DC circuit breaker having the commutating circuit provided with the commutating capacitor and the commutating switch, which are connected electrically parallel to the main switch; a front accommodating box disposed on the front of the DC circuit breaker accommodating box, which accommodates devices having functions for controlling the switchgear and indicating a status of the switchgear including a failure status thereof; and a rear accommodating box disposed on the back of the DC
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Masato SUZUKI, Yoshihiko MATSUDA, Naoki KAWAMURA, Masaru HAGA
  • Patent number: 7440260
    Abstract: An electrical bus member mounting system is provided for an electrical enclosure including a housing having a front, a back and a plurality of sides, a plurality of sections disposed between the sides, at least one electrical apparatus disposed within a first one of the sections, and an electrical bus assembly electrically connected to the electrical apparatus. The electrical bus member mounting system includes a mounting assembly having a first portion and a second portion. A plurality of electrical bus members are coupled to the first portion and the second portion is coupled at or about at least one of the sides of the housing within a second one of the sections thereof. Accordingly, the electrical bus member mounting system consolidates a substantial portion of the electrical bus assembly at a single location within the second one of the sections of the housing, in order to facilitate access thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul K. Parker, James E. Smith, Paul A. Colbaugh, Marcy D. Scialabba, Ronald A. Carder
  • Patent number: 7440259
    Abstract: A closure device for a withdrawable rack adapted for receiving power circuit breaker includes a plate arrangement having at least two plates provided with openings and movable relative to one another so that the plate arrangement is changeable between an open position in which the openings of the plates are in alignment and a closed position in which the openings are out of alignment. An actuating mechanism is acted upon by the power circuit breaker as it is inserted to cause a movement of at least one of the plates to thereby change the plate arrangement between the closed and open positions. The actuating mechanism includes two V-shaped linkage assemblies. Each linkage assembly has two legs connected by a hinge to allow the linkage assembly to spread apart, with one of the legs having a free end which is connected to the at least one of the plates, and a coupler is connected to the hinge. Both couplers are jointly articulated to actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erhard Deylitz, Burkhard Engemann, Stefan Losch
  • Publication number: 20080247123
    Abstract: A switchgear installation has a cubicle with a door to provide access thereinto, and a low voltage air circuit breaker is mounted therein and accessible through the door. Coupled to the circuit breaker is a logic module, and a portable user interface module is releasably mounted on the exterior of the door and operatively connected to the logic module to display information concerning the operation of the breaker and to provide an interface for the user to interact with the logic module and thereby with the breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Algerd M. Ulinskas
  • Patent number: 7414828
    Abstract: A current distributor includes a common, uninterrupted first main busbar as a main current supply and a number of current distributor modules which are each associated with a respective circuit breaker and can be disposed in a row along the main busbar. The current distributor module or each current distributor module has a first connection line for supplying current to a load circuit. The current distributor module or each current distributor module has a housing, a slot formed on a front side of the housing for plugging on an associated circuit breaker, and a first channel which passes through the housing in a transverse direction for accommodating the first main busbar. A first contact opening of the slot corresponds to the first channel and a second contact opening of the slot corresponds to a housing receptacle for a connection socket of the first connection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Birner
  • Patent number: 7414827
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas-insulated switchgear device, in which a space for dismantlement and inspection work which facilitates the dismantlement and inspection work of circuit breakers at the time of the occurrence of accidents of the circuit breakers are provided and an installation area for the gas-insulated switchgear device can be reduced. The gas-insulated switchgear device includes a pair of spaced apart main bus lines, three circuit breakers connected between the main bus lines, a common space for dismantlement and inspection work provided between two of the three circuit breakers, and branch bus lines provided above the common dismantlement and inspection work space using the common dismantlement and inspection work space and disposed in such a manner that insulatedly leading-out directions of the branch bus lines cross in order to balance voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Japan AE Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Kashiwa, Ryoichi Shinohara, Takeru Yamamoto, Yoshiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080192409
    Abstract: Assemblies for livebreak removal of fuse assemblies for deadfront electrical apparatus such as switchgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Michael Roscizewski, Thomas Joseph Cahill, Timothy Allan Myers
  • Patent number: 7391605
    Abstract: The switchgear assembly has a polyphase design and has a gas-filled, modular encapsulation for each phase. Provided as the modules are at least one busbar, which is guided predominantly horizontally, a circuit breaker and two combined disconnecting-earthing switches having a disconnection and grounding function. A first one of the combined disconnecting-earthing switches supports a section of the busbar and is connected between the busbar and a first current terminal of the circuit breaker. The second combined disconnecting-earthing switch is connected between an outgoing feeder or a further busbar of the assembly and the second current terminal of the circuit breaker. The combined disconnecting-earthing switches are aligned such that two drive apparatuses, which are provided for their actuation, point in the same, predominantly horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Diego Sologuren-Sanchez, Walter Holaus, Lorenz Müller, Michael Bruckert
  • Publication number: 20080062619
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure includes a housing having a front, a back, a plurality of sides, a plurality of sections disposed between the sides, at least one electrical apparatus, and a plurality of electrical bus members electrically connected to the electrical apparatus. The electrical apparatus is disposed within a first one of the sections of the housing, and a substantial portion of the electrical bus members are collectively disposed within a second one of the sections of the housing. At least the second one of the sections and the substantial portion of the electrical bus members collectively disposed therein are accessible from the front of the housing, regardless of whether the electrical apparatus is within or removed from the first one of the sections of the housing. An electrical bus assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Paul K. Parker, James E. Smith, Chandrakant Z. Tailor, Robert Yanniello
  • Publication number: 20080062620
    Abstract: An electrical bus member mounting system is provided for an electrical enclosure including a housing having a front, a back and a plurality of sides, a plurality of sections disposed between the sides, at least one electrical apparatus disposed within a first one of the sections, and an electrical bus assembly electrically connected to the electrical apparatus. The electrical bus member mounting system includes a mounting assembly having a first portion and a second portion. A plurality of electrical bus members are coupled to the first portion and the second portion is coupled at or about at least one of the sides of the housing within a second one of the sections thereof. Accordingly, the electrical bus member mounting system consolidates a substantial portion of the electrical bus assembly at a single location within the second one of the sections of the housing, in order to facilitate access thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Paul K. Parker, James E. Smith, Paul A. Colbaugh, Marcy D. Scialabba, Ronald A. Carder
  • Patent number: 7334315
    Abstract: For use in switchgear equipment having channel bus bars joined together at a bus joint, there is provided a method of servicing and maintaining a channel bus splice assembly and method. The channel bus splice assembly comprises switchgear or switchboard equipment having channel bus bars joined together at a bus joint, there is provided a channel bus splice assembly. The channel bus splice assembly comprises an inner splice plate defining a plurality of throughbores. A sliding clamp plate is configured to reciprocally move within the inner splice plate. The sliding clamp plate defines a plurality of access ports. A pair of nut plates is coupled to the sliding clamp plate and having threaded orifices corresponding to selected throughbores in the inner splice plate. An outer splice plate having a plurality of throughbores corresponding to the threaded orifices in the nut plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Wiant, Harry W. Josten
  • Patent number: 7310221
    Abstract: A switching installation (5) having a circuit breaker (12), which is connected to a cable connection (33), and optionally a disconnector (14) for making or breaking a conductive connection between the cable connection (33) and a rail system (15), and an electrically insulating barrier (10). The electrically insulating barrier (10) surrounds at least the parts which are under electric voltage in operation from the circuit breaker (12) to the rail system (15), including a branch (18) leading to a rail (15) of the rail system, separately for each phase of the switching installation (5). Furthermore, inside the electrically insulating barrier (10) the switching installation may be provided with field-control means and/or voltage-sealing means (22, 25, 37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Electric N.V.
    Inventor: Arend Jan Willem Lammers