US 10,804,057 B2 · Method for replacement of mercury switches in a switchgear with alternative switch types

Abstract

For replacing position detecting switches in a breaker, a mechanical breaker switch is moved to permit removal of first and second position detecting switches, the first indicating whether the mechanical breaker switch is in a first position by transitioning between first and second states when disposed at or greater than a first threshold angle, the second indicating whether the mechanical breaker switch is in the second position by transitioning between first and second states when disposed at or less than a second threshold angle. The position detecting switches are removed and replaced with replacement position detecting switches. The first replacement switch is adjusted to transition between the first and second states at when disposed at or greater than the first threshold angle, and the second replacement switch is adjusted to transition between the first and second states at when disposed at or less than the second threshold angle.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An apparatus comprising:

a housing having a central opening defined therein;
and
a detection apparatus comprising:
a first support biased towards a second position of a mechanical breaker switch;
a tilt activated switch disposed within the central opening of the housing and carried by the first support and for indicating whether the mechanical breaker switch is in a first position, the tilt activated switch rated to handle a second voltage less than a first voltage;
wherein the central opening is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing such that rotation of the housing changes the angle of the tilt activated switch with respect to gravity;
and
wherein the tilt activated switch is adjustable so as to permit change of an angle thereof with respect to gravity without changing an angle of the first support with respect to gravity.

5 more elements

A breaker apparatus comprising:

a mechanical breaker switch movable between first and second positions;
an electric motor configured to move the mechanical breaker switch between the first and second positions when powered by a first voltage;
a first position detection apparatus comprising:
a first support biased toward the second position of the mechanical breaker switch;
a first position detecting switch carried by the first support and for indicating
whether the mechanical breaker switch is in the first position, the first position detecting switch rated to handle a second voltage less than the first voltage;
wherein the first position detecting switch is adjustable so as to permit change of an angle thereof with respect to gravity without changing an angle of the first support with respect to gravity;
and
a control circuitry comprising:
a voltage converter coupled between the first voltage and the mechanical breaker switch, the voltage converter configured to convert the first voltage to the second voltage;
and
a relay circuit actuated by the mechanical breaker switch and configured to switch the electric motor.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for replacement of mercury switches in a switchgear with alternative switch types

Life of this patent

Method for replacement of mercury switches in a switchgear with alternative switch types

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12