US3631369A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Blowoff means for circuit breaker latch
Assignee: ITE Imperial Corp
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Filing: 1970-04-27
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Granted: 1971-12-28
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Expires: 1990-04-27
Abstract
Abstract A circuit breaker having automatic fault responsive trip means for releasing a latch to permit the operating mechanism to open the contacts is provided with a baffle which extends into the arcing gas venting passage. The baffle is connected to the latch and is positioned transverse to the flow of arcing gases through the venting passage, so that upon the occurrence of severe overload conditions, rapid gas pressure buildup in the passage will act to move the baffle and thereby physically moving the latch toward tripping position prior to movement of the latch by the fault current responsive means.
Inventors
- 👤 Gustavo A Menocal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:06
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H71/00; H01H71/10; H01H71/12; H01H71/24; H01H71/2418; B; B60; B60S; B60S3/00; B60S3/04; H01H2071/2427; H01H77/00; H01H77/02; H01H2077/025; H01H71/2472
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A circuit interrupter including cooperating contact means; an operating mechanism connected to said contact means for opening and closing the latter; said operating mechanism including a releasable member; latch means for maintaining said member in an operating position wherein said operating mechanism is selectively operable to open and close said contact means; first means responsive to overload currents in said interrupter for automatically tripping said latch means under predetermined overload conditions to release said member, thereby causing said operating mechanism to open said contact means; an arc chute to receive electric current arcs drawn between said contact means upon opening thereof during current interruption, and assist in extinguishing said arcs; guide means for directing gas pressure, derived from arcing gases formed in said arc chute, against second means connected to said latch means to physically move said latch means toward its tripped position during very severe overload conditions in advance of latch tripping by said first means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A circuit interrupter including cooperating contact means; an operating mechanism connected to said contact means for opening and closing the latter; said operating mechanism including a releasable member; latch means for maintaining said member in an operating position wherein said operating mechanism is selectively operable to open and close said contact means; first means responsive to overload currents in said interrupter for automatically tripping said latch means under predetermined overload conditions to release said member, thereby causing said operating mechanism to open said contact means; an arc chute to receive electric current arcs drawn between said contact means upon opening thereof during current interruption, and assist in extinguishing said arcs; guide means for directing gas pressure, derived from arcing gases formed in said arc chute, against second means connected to said latch means to physically move said latch means toward its tripped position during very severe overload conditions in advance of latch tripping by said first means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
A circuit interrupter as set forth in claim 1, in which the guide means includes an elongated passage; said second means including a baffle disposed in said passage and mounted for limited movement lengthwise of said passage; said baffle connected to said latch means and forming a barrier extending across a substantial portion of the transverse cross-sectional area of said passage to intercept and be moved by arcing gases flowing from said arc chute through said passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
A circuit interrupter as set forth in claim 2, in which there is a housing wherein the previously recited elements and disposed; a first and a second terminal means at respective first and second ends of said housing; said arc chute positioned in the vicinity of said first end; said passage extending to an exit opening in said housing located at said second end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A circuit interrupter as set forth in claim 2, in which said first means includes a movable control member to which said latch means and said baffle are mounted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
A circuit interrupter as set forth in claim 4, in which said control member includes a current-carrying elongated bimetal element; a pivotal mounting for said element at one end thereof; said baffle secured to said element and extending beyond the other end thereof; said latch means secured to said element intermediate the ends thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2719203A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-27 | 1975-06-28 | 1975-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-27 | 1979-06-28 | 1979-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-27 | 1983-06-28 | 1983-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |