Circuit Breaker Internal Manipulator and Door Lock
AssigneeM&I Electric, LLC
InventorsNeal Thomas Hare, Thomas Matthew Stevens
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosed invention ensures safe operation of an electrical switchgear by preventing an operator from contacting or interacting with an active circuit breaker. The locking system prevents a door to the interior of the switchgear from opening until the circuit breaker is in a disengaged position. A circuit breaker decoupler, accessible from the exterior of the switchgear, directly manipulates the circuit breaker into disengagement and also allows physical manipulation of the circuit breaker. By having the decoupler and tool interface in the same device, this removes the need to open the arc covers, negating arc resistance.
Claims20
An apparatus to manipulate an electrical device in an switchgear, comprising:
- an interior projection;
- and
- an exterior button in communication with said interior projection;
- wherein movement of said exterior button causes a corresponding movement by said interior projection.
A system for preventing contact with active electrical equipment, comprising:
- an switchgear with at least one opening;
- at least one door allowing access to the interior of said switchgear through said at least one opening;
- and
- a locking mechanism to secure said at least one door to said switchgear to prevent access to the interior of said switchgear.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.