US4646200A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Circuit breaker support saddle with removable phase barriers
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1985-11-27
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Granted: 1987-02-24
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Expires: 2005-11-27
Abstract
Abstract Circuit breaker support saddles for electrical load centers and panel boards are fabricated from a single thermoplastic molded structure. The saddle contains integrally formed posts for supporting the power bus and neutral terminal conductors along with a plurality of circuit breaker hooks. To accommodate for varying numbers of circuit breakers when mounted to the saddle, a plurality of thermoplastic modular phase barriers are provided for supporting the circuit breaker branch strap conductors. The phase barriers include integrally-formed pedestals, posts and stops to facilitate down-loaded robotic assembly of the branch straps to the saddle during the automated manufacturing process.
Inventors
- 👤 Andre J. M'Sadoques
- 👤 Joseph F. Rich
- 👤 George L. Shuttleworth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 09:00
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02B; H02B1/00; H02B1/015; H02B1/04; H02B1/056
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
239 words
A modular phase barrier assembly including a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle comprising: a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle having insulative phase barrier members thereon supporting main bus conductors and branch strap conductors; each phase barrier member comprising a molded plastic support defining a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of opposing ends, said plastic support having access means through both of said surfaces for passage of a molded case circuit breaker connector stab; a plurality of planar walls integrally formed within said plastic support and extending upwards from said top surface to provide electrical insulation between a plurality of branch strap conductors when mounted on said top surface; a plurality of post means integrally formed within said plastic support for guiding and supporting said branch strap conductors on said top surface; rail means integrally formed within said plastic support and extending from said bottom surface and attaching said plastic support to corresponding support track means extending from a top surface of said plastic circuit breaker support saddle, said rail means and said track means further provide electrical insulation between said main bus conductors and said branch strap conductors; and a step integrally formed at one of said support ends for receiving an end integrally formed in a separate plastic support whereby a plurality of said plastic supports and said separate plastic supports can be abuttingly assembled together on said plastic circuit breaker support saddle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
239 words
A modular phase barrier assembly including a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle comprising: a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle having insulative phase barrier members thereon supporting main bus conductors and branch strap conductors; each phase barrier member comprising a molded plastic support defining a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of opposing ends, said plastic support having access means through both of said surfaces for passage of a molded case circuit breaker connector stab; a plurality of planar walls integrally formed within said plastic support and extending upwards from said top surface to provide electrical insulation between a plurality of branch strap conductors when mounted on said top surface; a plurality of post means integrally formed within said plastic support for guiding and supporting said branch strap conductors on said top surface; rail means integrally formed within said plastic support and extending from said bottom surface and attaching said plastic support to corresponding support track means extending from a top surface of said plastic circuit breaker support saddle, said rail means and said track means further provide electrical insulation between said main bus conductors and said branch strap conductors; and a step integrally formed at one of said support ends for receiving an end integrally formed in a separate plastic support whereby a plurality of said plastic supports and said separate plastic supports can be abuttingly assembled together on said plastic circuit breaker support saddle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The modular phase barrier assembly including a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle of claim 1 wherein said rail means comprises an inverted U-shaped rail, said rail further comprising a pair of legs spaced and in press-fit attachment to said support track on said plastic circuit breaker saddle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The modular phase barrier assembly including a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle of claim 1 further including pedestal means integrally formed on said plastic support and having recesses formed therein, said recesses receiving a dimple formed on each of said branch strap conductors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The modular phase barrier assembly including a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle of claim 3 wherein one of said post means is positioned on said top surface opposite said pedestal means for contacting a front end of one of said branch straps.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The modular phase barrier assembly including a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle of claim 1 wherein said access means comprises a rectangular opening intermediate both ends of said support.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The modular phase barrier assembly including a molded plastic circuit breaker support saddle of claim 1 wherein said rail means is integrally formed within said plastic support subjacent said step.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-02-23 | 1990-08-25 | 1991-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-08-25 | 1995-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-23 | 1998-08-25 | 1999-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |