A circuit breaker includes a vacuum interrupter having a closed position and an open position. The circuit breaker includes a linkage operatively coupled to and extending from the vacuum interrupter and a high-speed actuator operatively connected to the linkage. The high-speed actuator is operable to move the linkage by a repulsion force and cause the vacuum interrupter to move to the open position. The circuit breaker includes a decelerator with an integrated latch assembly operatively coupled to the high-speed actuator. The decelerator decelerates the repulsion force of the high-speed actuator and latches the actuator with the integrated latch assembly to maintain the vacuum interrupter in the open position.

A circuit breaker includes a pole unit with a moveable electrode and a fixed electrode. A resilient member is operably connected to a first end of the pole unit. A linkage extends from the second end of the pole unit and operably connects to the moveable electrode. A linear actuator is operably connected to the linkage and located away from the pole unit. A Thomson coil or other high-speed actuator is also operably connected to the linkage. A gap is provided between the pole unit and the linear actuator member when the resilient member is not extended. To open the electrodes, the high-speed actuator first acts on the linkage by pulling the movable electrode away from the fixed electrode. The linear actuator then actuates and increases the distance between the contacts of the breaker by pulling the pole unit toward it, closing the gap.

Automatic transfer switches and methods of forming such switches are disclosed herein. One automatic transfer switch disclosed herein includes a first source bar structured to connect to a first power source, a second source bar structured to connect to a second power source, and a stationary bar structured to be coupled to a load. The automatic transfer switch also includes a first movable bar and a second movable bar each electrically coupled and rotatably connected to the stationary bar. The length of each movable bar and the angle of each movable bar with respect to the stationary bus bar are selected to approximately balance the contact force on each movable bar. Thus, smooth and reliable operations of the automatic transfer switch can be achieved.

An electrical switch assembly includes a contact element to be moved towards a further contact element for generating an electrical connection; and a drive for moving the contact element; wherein the drive includes a plunger with a connection member interconnected with the contact element; wherein the plunger includes a mechanical structure with a top side to which the connection member is connection, and a bottom side opposite to the top side; wherein the drive includes a Thomas coil for moving the plunger via an electrically conducting top face, which is provided on the top side and an electrically conducting bottom face, which is provided on the bottom side. The mechanical structure includes at least one channel between the top side and the bottom side, the at least one channel extending transverse to a movement direction of the plunger. Furthermore, the mechanical structure fills less than 50% of a volume between the top side and the bottom side.

An armature for an electromagnetic actuator, the armature including an armature body, at least one electrically conductive member configured for cooperation with a magnetic field generator of an electromagnetic actuator, and a connection end configured for connection of the armature to an apparatus operable by an electromagnetic actuator. The armature body also having a cellular structure. The armature may form part of an electromagnetic actuator, which in turn may be a component in a switch device. The armature may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

A circuit breaker includes at least one moveable contact. The moveable electrode is operably connected to a Thomson coil actuator that can separate and open the contacts of the circuit breaker. A sensor senses current or voltage in the circuit breaker. When a condition exists that triggers an opening action, a controller will use select a current level to apply to the Thomson coil actuator. The selected current level will vary based on the sensed current or voltage level. The controller will cause a driver to apply the selected current level to the Thomson coil actuator, and it will cause the contacts to separate and open. If the circuit breaker is a vacuum interrupter, the vacuum interrupter may employ a multi-section bellows in which each section has unique structural characteristics as compared to the other sections, so that different sections will dominate as the Thomson coil's speed of operation varies.

A circuit breaker includes a pole unit with a moveable electrode and a fixed electrode. A resilient member is operably connected to a first end of the pole unit. A linkage extends from the second end of the pole unit and operably connects to the moveable electrode. A linear actuator is operably connected to the linkage and located away from the pole unit. A Thomson coil or other high-speed actuator is also operably connected to the linkage. A gap is provided between the pole unit and the linear actuator member when the resilient member is not extended. To open the electrodes, the high-speed actuator first acts on the linkage by pulling the movable electrode away from the fixed electrode. The linear actuator then actuates and increases the distance between the contacts of the breaker by pulling the pole unit toward it, closing the gap.

A disc member is for a Thomson coil actuator of an electrical switching apparatus. The Thomson coil actuator has at least one generally planar coil. The disc member includes at least one annular-shaped conductive member structured to be driven by the coil, and a structural support member directly coupled to the conductive member.

A system includes a first group of cassettes, each cassette including a first stationary bar, a first plurality of fixed contact members, and a first plurality of movable contact members, each of which is electrically coupled and rotatably connected to the first stationary bar and configured to contact one of the first plurality of fixed contact members. The system includes a second group of cassettes each including a second stationary bar, a second plurality of fixed contact members, and a second plurality of movable contact members, each of which is electrically coupled and rotatably connected to the second stationary bar and configured to contact one of the second plurality of fixed contact members. The system includes at least one operating mechanism to control opening and closing of the movable contact members. The first stationary bar is coupled to the second stationary bar.

A movable contact conductor assembly is provided. The movable contact arm assembly includes an elongated member with a distal tip, a first end, a medial portion, an actuator coupling second component, a primary pivot second component, a secondary pivot second component, a clinch joint second component, a second end, and a proximal tip. During an over-current event the movable contact arm assembly member generates a loop force. A loop force first portion is disposed on a first longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component, and, a loop force second portion is disposed on a second longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component.