Birch L Devault

US Patent:

54401801, Aug 8, 1995

Filed:

Sep 28, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/952242

Inventors:

Birch L. DeVault - Arden NC
Rick A. Hurley - Fletcher NC

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 956

US Classification:

307138

Abstract:

A multiphase contactor with solid state circuity gating rectified pulses to an electromagnetic coil to close and hold closed contacts for each phase, sequentially for each successive opening of the contactor adjusts the delay angle of the last pulse to rotate the sequence in which the individual phase currents are interrupted. By alternately making the last pulse positive or negative the polarity of the interrupted current alternates to further promote even contact wear.

US Patent:

51646943, Nov 17, 1992

Filed:

Apr 25, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/691186

Inventors:

Birch L. DeVault - Arden NC
Glenn H. Edwards - Leicester NC

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

H01H 6702

US Classification:

335132

Abstract:

An interlock, for a pair of electromagnetic switches, includes operating members which are pivoted by movement of armatures of the switches between off and on positions. Ring segment cams are carried by the respective operating members along arcuate paths which intersect such that movement of one switch out of the off position mechanically blocks movement of the armature of the other switch out of the off position. For side by side electromagnetic switches, the operating members are directly confronting. For other arrangements of the switches, such as one above the other, the operating member of one switch includes a first pivot member pivoted by the associated armature, and a second pivot member on which the ring segment cam is carried, confronting the second operating member, and connected to and pivoted with the first pivot member by a connecting member.

US Patent:

46175466, Oct 14, 1986

Filed:

Oct 5, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/657924

Inventors:

Walter J. Kellogg - Black Mountain NC
Birch L. DeVault - Arden NC
Kenneth L. Paape - Asheville NC

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

H01H 920

US Classification:

337170

Abstract:

An electrical control apparatus characterized by a pair of separable contacts with electromagnetic means for opening and closing the contacts and including a U-shaped core having spaced legs and a yoke, a permanent magnet across the yoke, and the magnet having a cross-section greater than that of either leg.

US Patent:

47392932, Apr 19, 1988

Filed:

Feb 19, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/016415

Inventors:

Ricky A. Hurley - Arden NC
Birch L. DeVault - Arden NC

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

H01H 6702

US Classification:

335132

Abstract:

An electromagnetic contactor is taught having an E-shaped movable magnetic armature and a complementary E-shaped permanent magnet. The outboard legs of the E-shaped members abut at closure. Each of the central legs of the complementary magnetic members have significant magnetic material removed from the face thereof leaving complementary abutting nipples or protrusions which mate or make with each other as the outer legs make or mate with each other. The total reluctance of the magnetic system when in the abutted state is significantly lower than if the air-gap material had not been removed. This allows the kickout spring to operate effectively to separate the magnets at an appropriate time. The lower the magnetic reluctance the higher the residual magnetism and the more difficult it is for the kickout spring to separate the magnetic members and thus the contacts of the contactor during an opening operation. The central nipple portions or protrusions abut against each other to prevent longitudinal movement of one magnetic central leg member relative to the other.