US4339642A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Current switching member for circuit breakers
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1981-01-19
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Granted: 1982-07-13
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Expires: 2001-01-19
Abstract
Abstract The movable arm of a circuit breaker provides at its lower extremity a backing surface against which a copper carrier is clipped. A movable contact is affixed to the exposed surface of the carrier beyond the backing surface, such that current flow between the contact and a flexible, conductive braid, also affixed to the carrier, is conducted through the carrier rather than the arm which may then be fashioned from a less expensive, relatively low conductivity material such as steel.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond K. Seymour
- 👤 Frank H. Murphy
- 👤 Lelio C. Vergnano
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 23:09
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H11/00; H01H11/04; H01H11/041; H01H11/042; H01H1/00; H01H1/58; H01H1/5822
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
In an electric circuit breaker having a spring-power toggle-type operating mechanism, an improved current switching member comprising, in combination: A. an elongated steel arm including (1) an upper end portion accommodating pivotal connection with a circuit breaker operating handle, (2) means on said arm intermediate its ends to anchor the hooked one end of a circuit breaker operating mechanism tension spring, and (3) a lower extremity portion providing a backing surface; B. a copper carrier including (1) a body, and (2) means capturing said carrier to said arm with a first surface of said body in intimate relation with said backing surface, said means including a tang extending from said body and clenched in engaging relation with said arm lower extremity portion; C. an electrically conductive braid having one end affixed in electrical connection with said carrier; and D. a circuit breaker movable contact affixed to a second surface of said body opposed from said first surface in electrical connection with said carrier.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
In an electric circuit breaker having a spring-power toggle-type operating mechanism, an improved current switching member comprising, in combination: A. an elongated steel arm including (1) an upper end portion accommodating pivotal connection with a circuit breaker operating handle, (2) means on said arm intermediate its ends to anchor the hooked one end of a circuit breaker operating mechanism tension spring, and (3) a lower extremity portion providing a backing surface; B. a copper carrier including (1) a body, and (2) means capturing said carrier to said arm with a first surface of said body in intimate relation with said backing surface, said means including a tang extending from said body and clenched in engaging relation with said arm lower extremity portion; C. an electrically conductive braid having one end affixed in electrical connection with said carrier; and D. a circuit breaker movable contact affixed to a second surface of said body opposed from said first surface in electrical connection with said carrier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The current switching member defined in claim 1, wherein said capturing means further includes a tab projecting from said arm and means forming a slot in said carrier body at a location remote from said tang, said tab being accommodated through said slot to cooperate with said clenched tang in capturing said carrier to said arm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The current switching member defined in claim 2, wherein said spring anchor means is in the form of a hole created in the free end portion of said tab projecting through said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The current switching member defined in claim 2, wherein said arm further includes means forming a notch in the lower edge of said lower extremity portion, said clenched tang being accommodated in said notch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The current switching member defined in claim 4, wherein said tab is lanced from said arm and said carrier body includes a bumped portion adjacent said slot, said bumped portion protruding into the gap in said arm created by the lancing of said tab.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The current switching member defined in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein said arm is formed of steel.
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) | 1985-07-12 | 1986-01-11 | 1986-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-07-12 | 1990-01-11 | 1990-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-07-12 | 1994-01-11 | 1994-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |