General Electric Company

Harold F Larkin

David A Hibbert

Julie A Beberman

Dennis J Doughty

Michael C Guerrette

Ira B Goldman

Clarence W Walker

Dennis C Zuffelato

Anthony L Richards

Geoffrey H McKay

Conrad R Turmelle

A molded case circuit breaker of the type using electrodynamic repulsion to separate the circuit breaker contacts under intense overcurrent conditions also includes an arc chute arrangement for cooling and quenching the arc that occurs during such contact separation. A plastic cover insert added to the interior of the circuit breaker cover multi-functionally retains the arc chute within the circuit breaker case while providing clearance for the circuit breaker operating handle shutter. A resilient pad on the top surface of the cover insert receives the circuit breaker operating handle skirt upon contact separation and dampens the energy imparted to the operating handle and to the circuit breaker cover.

Molded case circuit breaker cover insert

The outer surfaces of adjoining electrical busway side frames are shaped to define a protruding rail extending along the vertical axis thereof. A pair of recessed channels formed within the inner surfaces of the side frames of an intervening busway joint receive the busway rails at opposing ends thereof. Clearance arranged within the respective busway joint channels allows lateral movement of the busway side frames relative to the busway joint. Slots are provided on the busway joint side frames for visual indication of the position of the busway rails.

Adjustable joint for electrical busway

A thermally efficient joint for electrical power distribution busway electrically connects between adjacent busway sections. Each busway joint includes a modular assembly containing spaced metallic splice plates separated by corresponding insulating plates. The module is sandwiched between a pair of joint covers by means of an insulated thru-bolt. The spacing between the splice joint for receiving corresponding busway stabs is accurately set by an apertured depression stamped within each of the splice plates.

Thermally efficient splice joint for electrical distribution busway

A two-piece extruded aluminum alloy housing is shaped to provide support and ground conduction facility to power busway conductors contained therein. The two-piece housing is attached together with snap-fit connectors along its top and bottom surfaces. The housing is attached to the busway power conductors by means of insulated bolts. The bolts may be hollow so that air can flow through the bolts to aid in cooling the conductors within the housing by convection.

Thermally efficient power busway housing

Growing community of inventors

Plainville, CT, United States of America

Harold F Larkin