David M Groves

US Patent:

7218192, May 15, 2007

Filed:

Oct 1, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/958172

Inventors:

Amelia M. Stay - Monaca PA, US
David A. Parks - Baden PA, US
David E. Little - Midland PA, US
David H. Groves - Monaca PA, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 75/00
H01H 3/00

US Classification:

335 6, 335189, 335190, 200244

Abstract:

A lockable fastener connects together a plurality of components of a circuit breaker and maintains electrical conductivity between the components while permitting relative movement therebetween. The lockable fastener includes a first clinch nut member and a second clinch bolt member. The clinch nut member includes a threaded cavity formed therein, a side having opening therein, and a passageway between the side at the opening and a surface proximate the threaded cavity. The clinch bolt member includes a threaded shank. At least a portion of the threaded shank is threadably receivable in the threaded cavity of the clinch nut member, in order to axially align the clinch nut and clinch bolt members. The clinch nut and clinch bolt members are adapted to be locked by deformation of the surface of the clinch nut member to prevent loosening of the members.

US Patent:

62974653, Oct 2, 2001

Filed:

May 25, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/578668

Inventors:

David Herman Groves - Beaver Falls PA
Justin Matthew Dravis - Beaver Falls PA

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 3302

US Classification:

218156

Abstract:

An improved arc chute wrapper for an arc chute of a circuit breaker includes left and right halves that form a conjoined two-part member and that carry a plurality of spaced arc plates thereon. The left and right halves of the wrapper are formed with a plurality of left and right grooves, respectively, in confronting relation when the left and right halves are assembled together. The left and right grooves extend at most only partially into the arc chute wrapper, such that the arc chute wrapper is free of holes extending therethrough in the vicinity of the arc plates. The arc plates are free of spinning tabs extending outwardly therefrom, and rather are securely mounted in the left and right grooves of the wrapper. The arc chute wrapper is manufactured by molding or other appropriate method. The arc chute employing the wrapper of the present invention is more reliable, less expensive, and easier to produce than arc chutes employing wrappers and arc plates of the type heretofore known.

US Patent:

58214879, Oct 13, 1998

Filed:

Sep 19, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/715556

Inventors:

David H. Groves - Beaver Falls PA
Thomas T. Kuzniarski - Coraopolis PA

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 920

US Classification:

200 5002

Abstract:

The handle operator for a circuit breaker mounted in an enclosure is locked in the OFF position when the enclosure is opened by a lock-out member which directly engages the operator member of the handle operator which contacts and moves the circuit breaker handle. The lock-out member is a metal plate having an engagement edge which is positioned transverse to an engagement edge of the metal plate forming the handle operator member. Preferably, the lock-out member plate has a slot in which the engagement edge of the operator plate is received. The operator plate is pivotally mounted for rotation in its own plane and the lock-out plate slides parallel to the operator plate and has a flange providing the engagement edge which engages the operator plate at a point where any attempt to rotate the operator plate to move the circuit breaker handle toward the ON position, jams the lock-out plate into tighter contact with the operator plate. Preferably, the flange of the lock-out plate is bent at an angle which places it perpendicular to the engagement edge of the operator plate when engaged.