Thomas C Pendrick

US Patent:

7034242, Apr 25, 2006

Filed:

Nov 9, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/984666

Inventors:

John J. Shea - Pittsburgh PA, US
Paul R. Rakus - Beaver Falls PA, US
Thomas C. Pendrick - Clinton PA, US
Francois J. Marchand - Jiangsu, CN
Glen C. Sisson - Monaca PA, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 33/02

US Classification:

218157, 218156, 218149, 218 34

Abstract:

A circuit interrupter arc chute includes first and second support portions, an exit portion supported by the support portions, and a plurality of arc plates supported by the support portions. The exit portion has one or more vent openings. The arc plates have a first edge offset from the exit portion and an opposite second edge distal from the exit portion. A plurality of insulating dividing members are disposed between the arc plates. The members have a first edge proximate the exit portion and an opposite second edge distal from the exit portion. The second edge of the members extends beyond the arc plate first edges and toward the arc plate second edges. The first edge of the dividing members extends beyond the arc plate first edge and away from the arc plate second edge.

US Patent:

7091438, Aug 15, 2006

Filed:

Jan 13, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/035310

Inventors:

John Joseph Shea - Pittsburgh PA, US
Paul Richard Rakus - Beaver Falls PA, US
Thomas Clements Pendrick - Clinton PA, US

Assignee:

Eaton Corporation - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

H01H 33/02

US Classification:

218 34, 218149

Abstract:

An improved circuit breaker includes an arc extinction system having one or more insulators that generates a desirable gas in the presence of an arc. The exemplary circuit breaker includes gas-generating insulators disposed at three sides of a stationary contact and an arc chute at a fourth side of the stationary contact. The gas promotes the desirable extinction of the arc in a number of exemplary fashions. The presence of the gas on three sides of the stationary contact can resist movement of the arc toward the gas, thereby substantially limiting movement of the arc in a direction other than toward the arc chute. The gas can remove heat from the arc, thereby promoting deionization of the plasma by forming neutral molecular species at a lower temperature state. The presence of the gas can reduce the concentration of ions and electrons within the interior of the circuit breaker and can increase the pressure within the circuit breaker, and these also facilitate extinction of the arc.