Circuit Breaker Supporting Means (i.e., Attaching, Mounting, Etc.) Patents (Class 361/673)
  • Patent number: 11515102
    Abstract: A safety shutter of the present disclosure comprises: a base unit; a shutter unit; and a cam unit. The base unit is coupled to a cradle of an air circuit breaker, and a terminal connected to a main circuit passes through the base unit. The shutter unit is coupled to the base unit so as to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and accommodates the terminal in the space between the shutter unit and the base unit. The cam unit extends from the base unit and penetrates the shutter unit. The shutter unit deactivates insulation by exposing the terminal in the direction of the air circuit breaker when the air circuit breaker is inserted in the direction of the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: LS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Kook Kim
  • Patent number: 10778002
    Abstract: A method selects between AC and DC power inputs for delivery to power distribution circuits in a building. Power distribution circuits includes power distribution wiring and a socket. Power distribution wiring connects between the socket and a circuit breaker and is selectively coupled through the circuit breaker to either the AC or DC power input. DC and AC power inputs, and the circuit breaker are dispositioned at a building service panel. The method includes monitoring a voltage level of the DC power input using a detection circuit in the circuit breaker, using a switch circuit in the circuit breaker to couple the power connection wiring to the AC power input when the detection circuit detects the voltage level is below a threshold level, and coupling the power connection wiring to the DC power input when the detection circuit detects the voltage level is equal to or above the threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Kong-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 10709034
    Abstract: A data center rack system includes a rack housing that includes side panels and a top panel coupled to the side panels, the top and side panels defining a rack volume sized to enclose a plurality of data center server rack trays, each of the data center server rack trays configured to support a plurality of heat generating electronic devices; and a rack bottom coupled to the side panels to at least partially define the rack volume, the rack bottom including a bottom panel having a top surface coupled to the side panels and a plurality of blocks coupled to a bottom surface of the bottom panel opposite the top surface, at least one pair of the plurality of blocks defining an opening between the blocks and below the bottom surface of the bottom panel and sized to receive a lifting member of a lifting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Jayson Michael Jochim, Michael Chi Kin Lau, Winnie Leung
  • Patent number: 10658819
    Abstract: A bussing connector is provided and includes bus bar connections, output elements and dielectric material. The bus bar connections each include an output section and an input section. The input sections cooperatively form a multiphase alternating current (AC) input. The output elements are arranged along and in electrical communication with the output sections of each of the bus bar connections. The dielectric material is configured to partially surround and partially electrically insulate the input and output sections and the output elements of each of the bus bar connections. The dielectric material is further configured to expose the multiphase AC input and portions of each of the outlet elements of each of the bus bar connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert C. Cooney, Jeffrey T. Wavering, Nhia Yang
  • Patent number: 9368928
    Abstract: An adaptor (44, 70) mating a non-plug-in type circuit breaker (42) to a bus structure (14, 64) of a plug-in breaker panel (40, 62) includes a first portion (48, 72) coupled to a terminal (46) of the non-plug-in type circuit breaker (42) and an opposite second portion (50, 74) engaging a portion (24, 66) of the bus structure (14, 64). The first portion is formed from a first conductive material and the opposite second portion is formed from a second conductive material. The firs portion and the second portion form a conductive pathway between the terminal (46) of the non-plug-in type circuit breaker (42) and the portion (24, 66) of the bus structure (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Labinal, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Wellington Mills, Richard George Benshoff, James Michael McCormick
  • Patent number: 9218928
    Abstract: An operating system for a circuit breaker includes a bail and a base that supports the circuit breaker and the bail. The bail extends around the circuit breaker and is pivotally attached to the base, such as by snap engagement. The bail and the base are made of an insulative plastic material such that the circuit breaker may vent hot gases, charged particles, plasma and the like without transferring charge to the operating system components. Additional features may be molded into the parts, such as supports and operators for auxiliary switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Micheal Bellows, Jacek Tomasz Pochopien, Krzysztof Adam Nowacki, Miroslaw Safian, Paul T. Krause, Todd Richard Sauve
  • Patent number: 9093825
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus for housing a pair of opposing circuit breakers each circuit breaker of the pair of opposing circuit breakers having an opposing end face including an exhaust vent disposed thereon is disclosed. The electrical switching apparatus includes a panelboard to operatively support the pair of opposing circuit breakers to define a gap therebetween, and an insulative barrier to be operatively disposed in the gap. The insulative barrier includes a first cantilever wall member arrangeable to define a first plenum region having a first cross sectional area, and a second plenum region having a second cross sectional area. The insulative barrier is operative to deflect in a first direction to thereby increase one of the first and second cross sectional areas in response to a venting of ionized gases from one circuit breaker of the pair of circuit breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mariusz Duda, William Maurer, Dean Robarge, Michael Wood
  • Patent number: 9083171
    Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has one or more grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables, and may have handles for manual transportation. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding. Optionally, the main body may define a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: R U Grounded Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Mundle
  • Publication number: 20140313644
    Abstract: A retaining insert coupleable to an enclosure for a primary circuit breaker and a pair of opposing circuit breakers arranged to define a recess. The retaining insert includes a base portion configured to be disposed between the primary circuit breaker and the pair of opposing circuit breakers, the base portion configured to be operatively coupled to the enclosure. Also included is a tab portion extending from the base portion and configured to retain the pair of opposing circuit breakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kiran Bhattar, Jonathan David Potter, Veeresh Somalilngayya
  • Publication number: 20140311878
    Abstract: A retaining insert coupleable to a base assembly configured to operatively support a primary circuit breaker and a pair of opposing circuit breakers that define a recess is provided. The retaining insert includes a base portion configured to be disposed between the primary circuit breaker and the pair of opposing circuit breakers, the base portion configured to be operatively coupled to the base assembly. The retaining insert also includes retaining portion extending from the base portion into the recess, the retaining portion configured to retain the pair of opposing circuit breakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Veeresh Somalingayya, Kiran Bhattar, Jonathan David Potter
  • Patent number: 8796562
    Abstract: A combiner box includes a combiner module and an electrical connector unit disposed in a casing. The combiner module includes an insulating board, and plural first and second input electrodes disposed on opposite surfaces of the insulating board along a first direction and corresponding respectively to plural first and second input sockets of the casing. The second input sockets are disposed below and alternatingly arranged with the first input sockets along the first direction. The electrical connector unit includes plural first and second input terminals disposed in the first and second input sockets and electrically connected to the first and second input electrodes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Chi-Jen Yang
  • Patent number: 8749957
    Abstract: A device for holding at least one switch within an enclosure includes a frame configured to surround at least a portion of the switch. The frame includes a bridge portion extending along a back portion of the switch, and lateral arms extending along respective side portions of the switch. The lateral arms include fastening equipment configured to provide an adjustable retention of the switch in the enclosure. The device may be included in a switch cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Henning Schneider, Marc Willius, Philipp Werb, Ronny Zabel
  • Patent number: 8737043
    Abstract: A sealed electrical enclosure for housing an electrical component is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the sealed electrical enclosure includes a housing, a first and second electrical connector, an actuator, and a terminal. The housing has a sealed interior when a top portion is coupled to a bottom portion. The first electrical connector extends from the sealed interior through the bottom of the housing and is electrically coupled to the electrical component. The actuator extends from the sealed interior through the housing and is configured to manipulate the electrical component. The terminal is electrically coupled to the second electrical connector. The second electrical connector is configured to mate with the first electrical connector. The first and second electrical connectors are configured to be connected and disconnected to attach and remove the housing to and from the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ericson Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Ron Hughes
  • Publication number: 20140104758
    Abstract: A switching device for electric power distribution, includes a breaker that is electrically connectable to a conductor, and an electrically conductive housing to which the breaker is mounted. The device provides a current path between the breaker and the conductor. The housing houses at least one guiding member for operating the breaker and a first part of the current path, the first part being electrically connected to the breaker. The device also includes a switch for electrically connecting the breaker to the conductor, the switch having a switch element movable to a first position where the switch element is connected to the first part and the conductor, movable to a second position where the switch element is disconnected from the conductor and connected to the first part and a grounded element, and movable to a third position where the switch element is disconnected from the conductor and the grounded element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Tom-Rune Bjortuft, Thor Endre, Paal Kristian Skryten, Havard Hadland, John-Anders Tveten, Stanley Lohne
  • Publication number: 20140104760
    Abstract: An outdoor unit of an HVAC system comprises a frame, at least one refrigerant coil mounted to the frame, a fan motor, a compressor, a controller, and a premises power source accessory panel. The fan motor is coupled to a fan which drives air through the refrigerant coil. The compressor is coupled to the refrigerant coil to drive refrigerant therethrough. The controller is coupled to the fan motor and compressor. The premises power source accessory panel is removably coupled to the frame and includes a bracket and circuit protection element. The bracket has at least one electrical conduit aperture. The circuit protection element is mounted to the bracket and coupleable to a premises power source. The premises power source is a renewable-energy power source located on a premises of the HVAC system. The bracket is removably coupleable to the outdoor unit in lieu of a conventional electrical conduit panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Lennox Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Uselton, Timothy J. Brizendine
  • Patent number: 8693169
    Abstract: A loadcenter is equipped with a unitary neutral bus bar capable of receiving AFI and GFI circuit breakers having either a plug-on-neutral connection or a wire-neutral connection. The neutral bus bar is connected to line neutral and has a rolled rail that is formed by rolling an end of a conductive plate and bending the plate at a transition portion to position the rolled rail above and at an angle of a major flat surface of an extension of the neutral bus bar. Wire-capture apparatuses secured along an edge of an extension of the neutral bus bar can capture wires from circuit breakers that lack an internal connection to a neutral plug-on mounting jaw or that lack a neutral plug-on mounting jaw altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Mauricio Diaz, Hildegard Peralta, Ezequiel Salas
  • Patent number: 8693170
    Abstract: A control assembly including: a variable-speed drive for controlling an electric charge, the variable speed drive including a rear attachment mechanism for attaching same to a mounting and a power terminal board receiving a power via power lines; and an electrical interrupter connected to the power lines to control or protect the variable-speed drive. The electrical interrupter is electrically connected to the power terminal board of the variable-speed drive, and the control assembly includes attachment means for mechanically attaching the electrical interrupter to the variable-speed drive only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SAS
    Inventors: Jerome Barreau, Frederic Leon
  • Patent number: 8644007
    Abstract: A secondary disconnect assembly is provided for a racking assembly of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The racking assembly movably couples the circuit breaker to a switchgear enclosure. The secondary disconnect assembly includes a mounting assembly having an elongated mounting member. The elongated mounting member has first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides. A sliding assembly is movably coupled to the first side between the first and second ends. A latching member is pivotably coupled to the sliding assembly. The latching member moves between an unlatched position corresponding to the circuit breaker being movable independently with respect to the sliding assembly, and a latched position corresponding to the latching member fixedly coupling the sliding assembly to the circuit breaker in order that the circuit breaker moves with the sliding assembly. The racking assembly may also include a position indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Davis Pearce, Michael Howard Abrahamsen, Jon Christopher Beaver, Melvin Lavern Hughes
  • Patent number: 8593791
    Abstract: A sealed electrical enclosure used in hazardous locations for enclosing circuit breakers having a bottom housing and a removable top housing with a labyrinth joint or serrated joint formed therebetween, the bottom housing adapted to receive one or more circuit breakers, a first metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through a first end wall to a point external thereto, and a second metal bus extending from a point internal to the bottom housing through a second end wall to a point external to thereto, where the first and second metal buses are adapted to contact first and second electrical terminals of a circuit breaker when placed within the bottom housing, and a first lug retaining bracket secured to the bottom housing and extending to a position beneath the first metal such that a bottom portion of a connector assembly may fit within the space between the end of the lug retaining bracket and the bottom of the first metal bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: EGS Electrical Group, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Baird, Nabil Mina, Yogesh Kanole
  • Patent number: 8587243
    Abstract: A rotary breaker that interrupts a transmission of a driving force from a motor to a drive mechanism unit is provided between the motor having a permanent magnet incorporated therein and the drive mechanism unit of an electric vehicle. A second controller controls the rotary breaker based on operation states of a power converting unit that has a power converter that drives the motor by converting a direct-current voltage or an alternate-current voltage into an alternate-current voltage with an arbitrary frequency and a first controller that controls the power converter, operation states of the motor and the rotary breaker, and an operation state of the second controller itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Sakane, Kenta Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8576547
    Abstract: A safety module (24) is adapted to be connected to one or more smoke detectors (36) and mounted adjacent circuit breakers (12, 14) on a switch board (10). The safety module has an arm (26) that overlies the circuit breaker levers (28, 30) of the adjacent circuit breakers (12, 14). When a smoke alarm activates the arm (26) moves the circuit breaker levers (28, 30) to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Jayzi Innovation Pty Limited
    Inventor: Shaun William Garrard
  • Publication number: 20130286550
    Abstract: A system and method for coupling electrical power subsea. The system comprises a subsea electrical distribution system having at least one modular subsea circuit breaker assembly. The modular subsea circuit breaker assembly may be coupled to sources of power and/or subsea loads via one or more subsea power cable harness assemblies. The modular subsea circuit breaker assembly has at least electrical connector. Each subsea power cable harness assembly has a corresponding electrical connector. At least one of these electrical connectors is extendable to engage an electrical connector opposite it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Terrence George Hazel, Pierrick Andrea
  • Patent number: 8482905
    Abstract: A mounting module for a DC distribution assembly is provided. The module includes a base portion that holds at least first and second electrically conductive straps thereon. The straps are disposed on and coupled to the electrically non-conductive base portion. The module further includes a first breaker pole assembly having a first line side electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive strap. The mounting module further includes a second breaker pole assembly having a second line side electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Frederick Mooney, Mariusz Duda, Nicholas Ryan Goodine, Eric Duane Rowland, Ganesh Venkataraman, Michael Richard Wood
  • Patent number: 8437141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a first electric contact (8, 98) and a substrate (1, 91). The first electric contact (8, 98) comprises a first area (10, 110) with a first wettability, and the substrate (1, 91) comprises a second area (3) with a second wettability and a third area (2) with a third wettability and being adjacent to the second area (2). The first electric contact (8, 98) is attached on the substrate (1, 91) so that the first area (10, 110) of the first electric contact (8, 98) is adjacent to the second area (3), and the second area (3) is located between the first area (10, 110) and the third area (2). The first and the second wettability are higher than the third wettability. The invention also relates to a transponder (T1, T2, T3) which comprises the substrate (1, 91), an electric device (50, 80) and an antenna (7, 93).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Reinhard Rogy, Cristian Zenz
  • Patent number: 8378243
    Abstract: An arrangement including at least two separate switch pole housings and a joining facility for joining the switch pole housings. Each of the switch pole housings forms an insulating enclosure of a switching space for receiving a single switch pole of an electric switching device. A side wall of a first switch pole housing, facing a second one of the switch pole housings, includes at least one recess for receiving at least one joining device of the joining facility. The at least one recess forms a first undercut with respect to a side wall and a first locating surface in parallel with a front wall of the housing. The at least one joining device engages behind the first undercut and is braced against a first locating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa, Marc Liebetruth
  • Patent number: 8284542
    Abstract: Electrical circuit breakers in an electrical panelboard are equipped with tie-down devices to secure the circuit breakers to the panelboard. Each circuit breaker includes a standard housing or case having a raised portion that forms a pair of end walls and a slot at the base of each of the end walls. The panelboard includes mounts for attaching the tie-down devices to the panelboard. Each tie-down device includes (1) a breaker-attachment portion adapted to be mounted on the circuit breaker housing around the raised portion and having a pair of mounting hooks adapted to fit into the slots for attaching the tie-down device to the circuit breaker housing, and (2) a panelboard attachment portion extending beyond the circuit breaker housing for attachment to the panelboard mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Siebels, William J. Broghammer
  • Publication number: 20120229958
    Abstract: A sealed electrical enclosure for housing an electrical component is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the sealed electrical enclosure includes a housing, a first and second electrical connector, an actuator, and a terminal. The housing has a sealed interior when a top portion is coupled to a bottom portion. The first electrical connector extends from the sealed interior through the bottom of the housing and is electrically coupled to the electrical component. The actuator extends from the sealed interior through the housing and is configured to manipulate the electrical component. The terminal is electrically coupled to the second electrical connector. The second electrical connector is configured to mate with the first electrical connector. The first and second electrical connectors are configured to be connected and disconnected to attach and remove the housing to and from the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Ericson Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ron HUGHES
  • Publication number: 20120200986
    Abstract: A load center assembly comprising a main circuit breaker configured to be connected with bus plates through side openings in the main circuit breaker is described. The openings in the main circuit breaker comprise plug-on clips by which the bus plates connect. The plug-on clips are configured to use friction to grasp the bus plates as the bus plates are slidably inserted between the jaws of the plug-on clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: James Gerard Maloney, Eric Alan Samuelson
  • Patent number: 8144025
    Abstract: A current limiting system in accordance with the present invention comprises an accessory or canopy mount device that is permanently installed between a source of electrical power 1 and a track lighting system 2. The system may be installed integrally with a track lighting system to supply power to a plurality of lighting tracks from a plurality of power sources or circuits, as desired by a user or lighting designer. The system may also be configured to be compatible with a wide variety of track lighting system power tracks and is difficult to remove once properly installed, thereby making it tamper-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Mackenzie, IV, Alejandro Mier-Langner, Michael S. O'Boyle, James Edward Kuchar
  • Publication number: 20120019987
    Abstract: A control assembly including: a variable-speed drive for controlling an electric charge, the variable speed drive including a rear attachment mechanism for attaching same to a mounting and a power terminal board receiving a power via power lines; and an electrical interrupter connected to the power lines to control or protect the variable-speed drive. The electrical interrupter is electrically connected to the power terminal board of the variable-speed drive, and the control assembly includes attachment means for mechanically attaching the electrical interrupter to the variable-speed drive only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Schneider Toshiba Inverter Europe SAS
    Inventors: Jerome Barreau, Frederic Leon
  • Publication number: 20110273818
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with a time-delay function, including a first circuit breaking unit, a remote control unit comprising a time-delay control circuit, and a housing. The first circuit breaking unit and the remote control unit are disposed in the housing, the first circuit breaking unit operates to switch on or off loads and electric lines, the remote control unit operates to control interruption of the circuit breaker with a time-delay function via a remote control signal, the time-delay control circuit operates to implement time delay after the remote control unit receives the remote control signal and before the first circuit breaking unit switches on or off the loads and the electric lines, and the housing is made of insulating and flame-retardant materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: HUBEI SHENGJIA ELECTRIC APPARATUS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiasheng WAN, Zhiqiang WANG
  • Publication number: 20110273817
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remotely-controllable circuit breaker, including a first circuit breaking unit, remote control unit, and housing. The first circuit breaking unit and the remote control unit are disposed in the housing; the first circuit breaking unit operates to switch on or off loads and electric lines; the remote control unit operates to control the interruption of the remotely-controllable circuit breaker via a remote control signal; and the housing is made of insulating and flame-retardant materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: HUBEI SHENGJIA ELECTRIC APPARATUS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiasheng WAN, Zhiqiang WANG
  • Patent number: 8027154
    Abstract: A panel board retrofit kit, and method of selecting a panelboard retrofit kit, for replacing a panel board having a switching device in an enclosure is disclosed. The panel board retrofit kit has a first dead front plate having a first aperture, and a second dead front plate having a second aperture. The second aperture of the second panel board dead front plate is configurable to overlap at least a portion of said first aperture of said first dead front plate. The disclosed panelboard retrofit kit and method enable replacement of an installed panel board without removing or replacing the panel board enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rathishchandra Gatti, Peter James Greenwood, Bradley E. Parlee, Veeresh Somalingayya
  • Publication number: 20110216480
    Abstract: A support for anchoring a trip unit of a circuit breaker to a base thereof to prevent separation of the trip unit from the base during a short circuit fault. The support has top-facing two locking tabs that snap into place behind a wall in a lug-receiving area of the base. The support also has an opening through which a terminal of the trip unit is received snugly. The locking tabs keep the support in place and prevent forces produced by gasses during a fault from forcing the trip unit away from the base. The terminal, attached to the trip unit, is retained by the opening, which transfers upward forces to the top of the support, which is positioned against a top section of the base. The snug fit by the terminal through the opening and retention of the support in the lug-receiving area during a fault increases post-fault dielectric performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Siebels, Gary A. Volesky
  • Patent number: 7969744
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular rear wall for a switching system module, in particular an insertion module. Said modular rear wall comprises a measuring device which is integrated therein and which forms an integral component of the switching system module. The invention also relates to a switching circuit module which comprises said type of modular rear wall, in addition to a switching system comprising at least one switching system module having a modular rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Werner Mathes, Klaus Kraft, Hans-Peter Merkel, Klaus-Georg Müller
  • Patent number: 7957122
    Abstract: A load center is equipped with a neutral phase conductive rail with breaker mounting and retention features providing automatic neutral connection for a plug-on mounted AFI and/or GFI circuit breaker. Breakers may be designed to have specific interfaces to the breaker mounting and retention features of the load center rails. The neutral rail may have two pieces including a breaker undercut positioning rail shorted to a standard neutral rail, or a neutral rail may be designed to have all mounting features integrated therewith. The new panel is compatible with non-AFI and non-GFI breakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey O. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20110109421
    Abstract: A switch module having a surge absorber is disclosed. In one embodiment according, the switch module includes a casing having an input terminal, an output terminal and an auxiliary terminal, a switch unit installed in the casing for connecting or disconnecting the input terminal to the output terminal, and a surge absorber installed in the casing and between the output terminal and the auxiliary terminal. Therefore, the switch module is capable of absorbing a voltage spike from the input terminal and thus shielding the circuitry of the switch module from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-LUNG LEE, JUNG-HUI HSU
  • Patent number: 7911768
    Abstract: A drawout system with an interface proving a lower ingress protection rating is provided. The system includes a flange mounted to a door. A sleeve is movably mounted to the door adjacent to the flange. As the circuit breaker is moved from a racked-in position to a test position to a racked-out position, the sleeve moves with the circuit breaker and avoids creating exposure to electrical components within the drawout. The drawout system allows the operator to operate the circuit breaker with the door open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tomasz Ignasiak, Adam Skrudlik
  • Patent number: 7911351
    Abstract: A current limiting system in accordance with the present invention comprises an accessory or canopy mount device that is permanently installed between a source of electrical power 1 and a track lighting system 2. The system may be installed integrally with a track lighting system to supply power to a plurality of lighting tracks from a plurality of power sources or circuits, as desired by a user or lighting designer. The system may also be configured to be compatible with a wide variety of track lighting system power tracks and is difficult to remove once properly installed, thereby making it tamper-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Mackenzie, IV, Alejandro Mier-Langner, Michael S O'Boyle, James Edward Kuchar
  • Patent number: 7903393
    Abstract: Withdrawable racks for power circuit breakers should be reliably switched. To this end, the movement of the plates of a shutter in the withdrawable rack can be blocked so that the shutter is not permitted to open unintentionally. In a special embodiment, the opening mechanism for the plates can have two V-shaped linkages that are connected to a telescopic rod. The telescopic rod can be locked by a locking element so that the shutter plates, which can be moved by sliders, can no longer be displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Clifford A. Buxton, Stefan Losch
  • Patent number: 7899630
    Abstract: A metering device of a power substation and method are provided for operating on a secondary analog waveform output by a transformer assembly receiving a primary waveform. The method includes stepping down the secondary waveform and generating a corresponding output signal; operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding first digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a first range; and operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding second digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a second range. The method further includes processing the first digital signal and outputting a corresponding first output signal; processing the second digital signal and outputting a corresponding second output signal; processing the first and second output signals; and generating output corresponding to the processing of the first and second output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventor: Erran Kagan
  • Publication number: 20110013345
    Abstract: A configurable circuit breaker is disclosed which is, for example, applicable for medium voltage range, with flexibility in configuration, based on the electrical and mechanical constraints. The circuit breaker can include multiple poles, which can be fitted on a shaft at desired positions, using clamping, dowelling, bolting or other types of connections. An epoxy frame can mount the circuit breaker on a truck horizontally or vertically, by mounting inserts and the clamping mechanism. Side sheets of the pole allow internal access. Flexible contacts and the vertical slots enable adjustability in the incoming and outgoing distances, as per design constraints. A tulip contact can be provided for mounting incoming/outgoing conductors. A common actuator can be mounted anywhere on the shaft, via the movable contact or on any of the poles, which are robust enough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Shailendra SINGH, Subbiahthever DUKKAIAPPAN
  • 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: 20110002089
    Abstract: A load center is equipped with a neutral phase conductive rail with breaker mounting and retention features providing automatic neutral connection for a plug-on mounted AFI and/or GFI circuit breaker. Breakers may be designed to have specific interfaces to the breaker mounting and retention features of the load center rails. The neutral rail may have two pieces including a breaker undercut positioning rail shorted to a standard neutral rail, or a neutral rail may be designed to have all mounting features integrated therewith. The new panel is compatible with non-AFI and non-GFI breakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Square D Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey O. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7852617
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a main circuit terminal assembly for a vacuum circuit breaker, which can prevent temperature increase by increasing a surface area of a main circuit conductive unit, the main circuit terminal assembly for a vacuum circuit breaker which is electrically connected to a vacuum interrupter, including: a clamp electrically connected to a movable unit of the vacuum interrupter, and configured as a pair of conductors so as to support the movable unit by clamping; a heat sink fixed to the clamp that increase a surface area of the clamp; a flexible shunt having one end thereof electrically and mechanically connected to the clamp, and configured as a flexible conductor to allow the movable unit to move; a terminal block electrically and mechanically connected to another end of the flexible shunt, and configured as an electrical conductor; and a contactor unit electrically connected to the terminal block and having a plurality of clip-shaped contactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 7808363
    Abstract: An overheating protection device id disclosed for electrically coupling an electrical power source to a fluid propulsion device. The fluid propulsion device includes a propelling member within a manifold for pressurizing a fluid. The propelling member is keyed with a motor. The overheating protection device comprises a housing including a back plate, a top plate, a bottom plate, a first side plate and a second side plate for defining a cavity. The back plate, the top plate, the bottom plate, the first side plate and the second side plate define an aperture. A thermostat switch is positioned within the cavity and is electrically coupled between the electrical power source and the motor. A cover engages the aperture for sealing the thermostat switch within the housing. The cover includes a bore for relieving the thermostat switch. A thermo-conductive layer has an interior surface and an exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: John J. Cantalice
  • Patent number: 7754985
    Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7751180
    Abstract: A power distribution panel having circuit elements such as KTK and GMT fuses removably mounted to a unit housing by means of module members, thereby allowing for ease of customization of the circuit elements of the power distribution panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Schomaker, Carlos Arroyo Gonzalez, Delfino Hernandez, Luis Manuel Sanchez Aguilar, Narciso Delgado Guevara, Celsa Mora Curiel
  • Patent number: 7679887
    Abstract: A switching system includes switchgear that can be contacted via pin contacts. In at least one embodiment, the switching system is provided with pin contacts and mating pin contacts and at least one device(s) for the transmission of force onto the switchgear, thereby allowing to establish and interrupt contact to the switchgear even when only little space is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Adunka, Georg Bollinger, Johann Drexler, Berthold Heldmann, Eugen Mayer
  • Publication number: 20100061038
    Abstract: An electrical switching device which enables an electrical system, particularly a power distribution system, is structured rationally and simply. The switching device, in particular embodied in the form of a rail-mounted device, contains a housing and, included therein, a switching unit for interrupting an electrical circuit, and a supply connection for feeding a current to the switching unit. The supply connection has a first coupling contact for connecting to a current busbar, a load connection for connecting a feed conductor of a load circuit to the switching unit, and a return connection which has a connecting terminal for connecting to the return conductor of the load circuit and a second coupling contact connected to the connecting terminal inside the housing for connecting to a second current busbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: ELLENBERGER & POENSGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Herbert Roth