Handheld control device to mechanically operate molded case circuit breakers from a distance

A handheld control device (HCD) for safely operating molded case circuit breakers by remote operation, the handheld device comprising:

• a circuit breaker handle engagement fixture having a body, the fixture body defining an aperture shaped and sized to receive therein a circuit breaker handle of a molded case circuit breaker;
• an actuating first arm, the actuating first arm having a longitudinal body extending between right and left end portions, the fixture body attached to a central part of the arm longitudinal body;
• right and left actuating members, each actuating member having a longitudinal body extending between controlling and working end portions, each of the working end portions moveably attached to a respective actuating first arm end portion;
• a second arm having a longitudinal body extending between and along the right and left actuating members;
• a motor-driven actuating arm having a longitudinal body extending between right and left end portions, a central part of the actuating arm pivotally attached to the second arm, each of the motor-driven actuating arm end portions moveably attached to a respective controlling end portion of a respective actuating member;
• an electric gear motor having a rotatable drive shaft, the motor-driven actuating arm being rotatable via the shaft in order to move forward and rearward each of the right and left end portions;
• and
• a control switch connected to the motor to enable selective control of movement of the motor-driven actuating arm.

A handheld control device (HCD) for actuating an electrical circuit breaker with a circuit breaker handle that extends outwardly from the circuit breaker and that is moved between an on position and an off position to close and open a molded case circuit breaker, the handheld control device comprising:

• handle actuation means for enabling removable engagement and disengagement of the circuit breaker handle and for moving the handle in a direction toward the on position and in an opposite direction toward the off position;
• a second arm having a longitudinal body extending between a working end portion and a controlling end portion, the second arm body extending sufficiently to reduce any hazardous electrical arc exposure at the controlling end portion when the circuit breaker is actuated;
• and
• control means situated at the controlling end portion of the second arm, the control means for controlling the handle actuation means to move the circuit breaker handle in the directions.