Eaton Corporation

Michael Thomas Little

Xin Zhou

James J Kinsella

Christopher John Wieloch

Engelbert Hetzmannseder

Chris Wieloch

David Curtis Turner

Robert Michael Slepian

Peter J Unsworth

Edward Louis Wellner

William George Eberts

James A Becker

Denis J Leveque

H Richard Beck

Jackson H Smith

Anthony Edward Develice

Jan J Walker

William C Farrow

David Y Tsai

Paul Wesley Lombard

Lucian J Copeland

A method and apparatus to independently control the closing or making of contactors in a modular contactor assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a contactor assembly having multiple contactors such that each contactor is separately controlled such that one contactor may be closed without the other contactors of the assembly being closed. The contactors are arranged such that a pair of contactors is caused to close following a zero-voltage crossing of a power signal. A third contactor is caused to close after the pair of contactors has closed.

Method and apparatus to independently control contactors in a multiple contactor configuration

Control of an induction motor is carried out to limit damaging arcing stress and mechanical stresses placed on the control contactor assembly and the induction motor resulting from the simultaneous or synchronous breaking and making of contactors employed to connect the windings of the motor to a power supply. Asynchronously connecting the windings to the power supply via the asynchronous or non-simultaneous closing of the contactors of a modular contactor assembly reduces the potentially damaging transient current, the associated torque oscillations, and mechanical stresses. The present invention is particularly applicable to delta motors that are started with its windings in a star or wye configuration followed by the reconnection of the windings in a delta configuration when the motor is at normal running speed.

Method and system of controlling asynchronous contactors for a multi-phase electric load

The present invention provides an electrical isolation apparatus having independently controllable contactors. The isolation apparatus includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device as well as each phase or pole of a load. Each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies that may be independently controlled to open and close. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors in the contactor assembly. Additionally, the contactors are constructed and controlled such that a single line side contactor and a single load contactor open simultaneously when an open circuit condition is desired.

Modular contactor assembly having independently controllable contractors

The present invention provides an electrical isolation apparatus having independently controllable contactors. The isolation apparatus includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device as well as each phase or pole of a load. Each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies that may be independently controlled to open and close. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors in the contactor assembly. Additionally, the contactors are construct and controlled such that a single line side contactor and a single load contactor open simultaneously when an open circuit condition is desired.

Isolation contactor assembly having independently controllable contactors

A modular asynchronous contactor assembly includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device. The contactor assembly is applicable as both a switching device and an isolation or load protection device. As such, each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors of the contactor assembly.

Method and apparatus to control modular asynchronous contactors

A logic controller formed by self-contained device modules plugged onto a DIN rail and onto a backplane contained in the DIN rail, the modules variously comprising a power supply, a logic control, I/O devices and gateways, each I/O device having microprocessor power, and the modules having a sliding lock movable into position adjacent DIN-rail-engaging flexible tabs to block deflection of the tabs and removal of the module from the DIN rail.

Logic controller having DIN rail backplane and locking means for interconnected device module

A system and method for preventing contact weld under various fault current conditions is disclosed. The system includes a contactor having stationary and movable contacts biased towards each other and switchable between an open and closed position. Energization of an electromagnetic coil engages the contacts creating an electric path for current flow through the contactor. Pulse width modulation is used to lower the power to the coil and maintain the contacts in the closed position. The contactor is equipped with safeguards to prevent contact welding. Under low fault currents, welding is prevented by contact material composition. Under intermediate fault currents, the contacts are blown open and remain open using magnetic components until the arc dissipates and the contacts have cooled sufficiently. Under high fault currents, the arrangement causes the contacts to blow open and separate the armature from the coil preventing re-engagement of the contacts until the coil is energized again.

Weld-free contact system for electromagnetic contactors

Molded case electric power switches such as circuit breakers, disconnects and transfer switches have an energy storage spring which rotates a cam assembly to close and initiate opening of the switch contacts. The cam assembly includes a drive cam with a cam lobe which engages a drive cam follower on the moving contact assembly. Due to space limitations, the cam assembly is positioned so that the drive cam follower initially moves toward the cam assembly during closing. To accommodate for this, the cam lobe has a generally radial leading edge to prevent binding of the drive cam follower. A single latch mechanism latches the cam assembly in a spring charged position and in a closed position. A Y-shaped latch member has one leg which is engaged by a latch, a second leg which engages stops on the drive cam at the charged position and the closed position, and a third leg which sequentially engages the stops to reset the latch mechanism. The cam assembly, a charging mechanism including a rachet wheel and handle, the latch mechanism and the energy storage spring are all mounted between and supported by a pair of side plates. In a multi-pole switch, the drive cam engages the moving contact assembly of one pole which is coupled to the moving contact assemblies of the other poles by a cross-bar.

Molded case electric power switches with cam driven, spring powered open

A motor control circuit for a power tool includes a function switch which has a first battery contact, a speed control contact, a bypass contact and, a second battery contact connected in that order in a line. The function switch also has a movable contact which sequentially connects the first battery contact to the bypass contact, the speed control contact to the second battery contact, and the bypass contact to the second battery contact. A solid state switch has conduction path connecting the speed control contact to the second motor terminal wherein the conduction path is controlled in response to an oscillator signal.

Variable speed control switch for direct current electric power tools

A lever operated rotary reversing switch wherein a lever is snap-fit attached to the switch housing with a portion of the lever inserted under an overhang on the housing to maintain that portion of the lever against the exterior surface. A detent is provided between the overhang and the end of the lever to direct the forces longitudinally in the plane of the lever. A rotor plate located exteriorly of the housing is connected to the rotor by an axial shaft, and an eccentric received in a slot in the lever for providing a driving coupling between the lever and internal contact mechanism is located on the exterior surface of the rotor plate.

Growing community of inventors

Milwaukee, WI, United States of America

Michael Thomas Little