Kathryn K Palmer

US Patent:

60023139, Dec 14, 1999

Filed:

Jun 8, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/093085

Inventors:

Stephen A. Mrenna - Beaver PA
Richard P. Malingowski - Finleyville PA
Kathryn M. Palmer - Sewickley PA

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 902

US Classification:

335202

Abstract:

A circuit interrupter including an operating mechanism and separable main contacts interconnected with load and line terminals has an interface region between the top and bottom portions of the completed housing thereof, which may be of reduced cross section relative to the remainder of the side walls of the circuit interrupter for being moved or pushed outwardly under the pressure of expanding gas during a circuit interruption operation. To more easily clear or separate abutment surfaces by near lateral movement thereof to provide a small opening for pressurized gas to escape the elasticity of the side wall is utilized for this purpose. Provided that the elasticity limit is not exceeded, the wall will return to its original position sealing the internal portions of the circuit interrupter from the exterior once the gas pressure has dropped below a predetermined level.

US Patent:

62044656, Mar 20, 2001

Filed:

Apr 3, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/542076

Inventors:

Lance Gula - Clinton PA
Richard Paul Malingowski - Finleyville PA
Kathryn Miles Palmer - Sewickley PA
William Ellsworth Beatty - Beaver PA

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 3334

US Classification:

218154

Abstract:

A molded case circuit breaker has paddles on the trip bar to utilize the arc gases generated during interruption to speed operation of the latchable operating mechanism and to protect the trip mechanism from debris in the arc gases. Alternatively, or in addition, lateral projections can be provided on the crossbar for similar purposes.

US Patent:

58050388, Sep 8, 1998

Filed:

Apr 29, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/841731

Inventors:

Kathryn M. Palmer - Sewickley PA
Stephen A. Mrenna - Beaver PA
Kevin A. Simms - Eighty-four PA

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 7510

US Classification:

335 42

Abstract:

A circuit breaker has a shock absorber to prevent nuisance tripping which results from shock generated during ON to OFF operation of the circuit breaker. The shock is primarily caused by a snap action which occurs within the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker when the handle is moved from the ON to OFF position. The snap action results from the circuit breaker employing, as part of the operating mechanism, a toggle mechanism within an over center tension spring as a means for imparting motion in the operating mechanism. By strategically positioning the shock absorber for engagement with the operating mechanism when the circuit breaker is in the OFF position, the shock may be effectively absorbed thereby preventing the undesirable nuisance tripping.