Patent ID: 8456259
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A portable actuator for remote operation of a circuit breaker, the portable actuator comprising: an actuator frame for supporting and positioning the portable actuator in relationship to a plurality of circuit breaker operating controls without obscuring a breaker status window and a spring status window; a plurality of magnets for holding the actuator frame in a proper position relative to a pull handle and a faceplate associated with the circuit breaker, wherein the holding occurs by magnetic attraction; at least one electric motor and an associated gearbox mounted to the actuator frame; a linear actuator that transmits a rotational force produced by the at least one electric motor and the associated gearbox to a trip button, wherein the trip button is one of the plurality of circuit breaker operating controls; a rotating arm having an anti-friction roller on one end of the rotating arm for applying a rotating motion to a close button, wherein the close button is a second one of the plurality of circuit breaker operating controls; a safety interlock device that prohibits installation of the portable actuator to the circuit breaker when the portable actuator is not in a neutral position; an angular sensor that senses an angular position of the associated gearbox; a controller for operating the at least one electric motor; and a control station for controlling the portable actuator, wherein the control station is configured to be operated remotely by a human operator.