David R Mcclellan

US Patent:

46332073, Dec 30, 1986

Filed:

Apr 1, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/718692

Inventors:

David P. McClellan - Snellville GA
John M. Brown - Westminster MD
Gustave E. Heberlein - Delafield WI

Assignee:

Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

H01H 7500

US Classification:

335 16

Abstract:

A current limiting circuit breaker is provided which has a stationary contact assembly and a movable contact bridge. A contact carrier is connected to the contact bridge and biases the contact bridge toward the closed position. The downward biasing force on the contact bridge is mechanically reduced in response to a preselected amount of opening movement of the contact bridge.

US Patent:

46300147, Dec 16, 1986

Filed:

Apr 1, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/718693

Inventors:

David P. McClellan - Snellville GA
John M. Brown - Westminster MD
Robert E. Black - Ellenwood GA

Assignee:

Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

H03J 304

US Classification:

335 16

Abstract:

A stationary contact assembly is provided for a current limiting circuit breaker. The contact assembly includes a curved input arm which has a contact fastened thereon and a generally straight output arm which also has a contact fastened thereon and which has an opening for receiving the contact end of the input arm. The contacts are encapsulated in an insulating material which separates the contact arms from each other. A magnetic element is also embedded in the encapsulation material between the input and output contact arms. As current flows through the contact arms, a field is developed about the magnetic element which draws in an armature which reduces the opening force of the contacts.