US3867602A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contact cluster for arcing and current carrying means in a circuit breaker
Assignee: Cooper Industries LLC
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Filing: 1973-10-25
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Granted: 1975-02-18
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Expires: 1993-10-25
Abstract
Abstract A contact cluster for arcing and current carrying in a circuit breaker including a plurality of contact fingers pivotally supported on a cylindrical base member and uniformly spaced about the base member by a spacer. Garter springs are provided about the contact fingers to bias them into engagement with both the base member and a movable contact inserted between the free ends of the contact fingers. Arc resistant materials are provided on the contact fingers and on the movable contact on the portions between which arcing takes place.
Inventors
- 👤 Melbourne G Jawelak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:45
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/12; H01H1/36; H01H1/38; H01H1/385
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
242 words
A contact cluster arrangement for a circuit interrupter having arc suppressive and continuous current carrying abilities comprising: a. a base member having a mounting portion and a projecting contact support portion having a cylindrical external surface, with a groove formed therein, b. a plurality of contact fingers each having a first pivotally supported end and a second movable contact engaging end, said pivotally supported ends engaging said groove formed in said projecting contact support portion of said base member at two separate points so as to provide improved current transfer therebetween, c. a spacer means supported on said projecting contact support portion and positioned to engage said contact fingers between said pivotally supported ends and said movable contact engaging ends to uniformally space said contact fingers about said projecting contact support portion, d. at least one garter spring encircling said contact fingers between the point of engagement with said spacer means and said first pivotally supported end to bias said pivotally supported ends of said contact fingers into engagement with said contact support portion, e. at least one garter spring encircling said contact fingers between the point of engagement with said spacer means and said movable contact engaging ends to bias said movable contact engaging ends into contact with a movable contact when moved therebetween, and f. arc resistant material provide on the movable contact engaging ends of said contact fingers and said portion of said movable contact engaging said contact fingers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
242 words
A contact cluster arrangement for a circuit interrupter having arc suppressive and continuous current carrying abilities comprising: a. a base member having a mounting portion and a projecting contact support portion having a cylindrical external surface, with a groove formed therein, b. a plurality of contact fingers each having a first pivotally supported end and a second movable contact engaging end, said pivotally supported ends engaging said groove formed in said projecting contact support portion of said base member at two separate points so as to provide improved current transfer therebetween, c. a spacer means supported on said projecting contact support portion and positioned to engage said contact fingers between said pivotally supported ends and said movable contact engaging ends to uniformally space said contact fingers about said projecting contact support portion, d. at least one garter spring encircling said contact fingers between the point of engagement with said spacer means and said first pivotally supported end to bias said pivotally supported ends of said contact fingers into engagement with said contact support portion, e. at least one garter spring encircling said contact fingers between the point of engagement with said spacer means and said movable contact engaging ends to bias said movable contact engaging ends into contact with a movable contact when moved therebetween, and f. arc resistant material provide on the movable contact engaging ends of said contact fingers and said portion of said movable contact engaging said contact fingers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
The contact cluster arrangement as set forth in claim 1 wherein the outer periphery of said spacer means is provided with a series of uniformly spaced notches, each of which receives the central portion of one of said contact fingers to maintain said contact fingers uniformly spaced about said central support member, the depth of said notches in said spacer means is such as to provide for slight inward movement of said movable contact engaging ends of said contact fingers upon withdrawal of said movable contact to open the circuit interrupter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The contact cluster arrangement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said projecting contact support portion of said base member is provided with a central base to provide a passage for exhausting arced products from the contact cluster.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |