Electricity: magnetically operated switches – magnets – and electr – Electromagnetically actuated switches – Tripping means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-27
2001-05-22
Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2832)
Electricity: magnetically operated switches, magnets, and electr
Electromagnetically actuated switches
Tripping means
C335S167000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236294
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to circuit interrupters generally and, more specifically, to those kinds of circuit interrupters having a trip mechanism that uses a spring for biasing purposes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Molded case circuit breakers and interrupters are well known in the art as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,408 issued Mar. 5, 1985, to Mrenna et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,760 issued Jun. 8, 1999 to Malingowski, et al., each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.
Circuit interrupters include trip mechanisms that can be activated in a variety of manners so as to set in motion a tripping operation. These trip mechanisms often employ a rotatable trip bar assembly that, when selectively rotated, releases a portion of the operating mechanism to thereby generate a tripping operation.
In order to bias the trip bar assembly in a position whereby the operating mechanism portion is not released during normal operation of the interrupter, a torsion spring may be mounted on the trip bar assembly. Unfortunately, it has been noted that the spring can slip and become dislodged from its appropriate position on the trip bar assembly, thereby compromising the spring's ability to properly bias the assembly. As such, it would be advantageous if a way existed by which to prevent such dislodgment of the spring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a circuit interrupter that meets all of the above-identified needs.
In accordance with the present invention, a circuit interrupter is provided which includes separable main contacts, an operating mechanism interconnected with the contacts, and a housing in which the contacts and the operating mechanism are disposed. Also provided is a trip mechanism disposed in the housing and including a trip bar assembly that, when selectively rotated in a first direction, generates a tripping operation causing the operating mechanism to open the contacts. The trip bar assembly includes a groove in which sits a torsion spring for rotationally biasing the assembly in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
This and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in connection with the attached drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5393116 (1995-02-01), Bolsworth et al.
patent: 5753877 (1998-05-01), Hartzel et al.
patent: 5866996 (1999-02-01), Navarre
patent: 5894260 (1999-04-01), Cella et al.
patent: 5982258 (1999-11-01), Baginski et al.
Humbert Joseph B.
Zindler Mark O.
Donovan Lincoln
Eaton Corporation
Kosinski Charles E.
Nguyen Tuyen T.
LandOfFree
Circuit interrupter with a trip mechanism having improved... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Circuit interrupter with a trip mechanism having improved..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Circuit interrupter with a trip mechanism having improved... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2473283