METHOD FOR REMOVING AN AUXILIARY CONTACT DEVICE FROM A MOTOR CONTROLLER UNIT, AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

• US 20110296659A1
• Filed: 06/08/2010
• Published: 12/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: R J Reynolds Tobacco Company (R. J. Reynolds Tobacco)
• Original Assignee: R J Reynolds Tobacco Company (R. J. Reynolds Tobacco)
• Inventors: Coleman, Benjamin Floyd Sr., Weaver, Robert Eugene, Van Hoorne, Charles Julius
• Granted Patent: US 8,516,677 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/426.5
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 27/005 for pulling off battery terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/056 Tools for actuating a switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 50/045 Details particular to contactors H01H50/042 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 50/545 Self-contained, easily replaceable microswitches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49815 Disassembling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49822 by applying force
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53283 Means comprising hand-manipulatable implement

Abstract

A method and associated apparatus are provided for removing an auxiliary contact device from a motor starter assembly engaged with a motor controller unit of a motor control center. The method includes engaging an extraction tool with a securement member operably engaged between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly. The extraction tool includes a handle portion and a securement-engaging portion. The handle portion extends along the auxiliary contact device for the securement-engaging portion to engage the securement member. The method further includes exerting an axial force on the handle portion such that the handle portion cooperates with the securement-engaging portion to disengage the securement member from between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly, and to disengage the electrically-conductive engagement between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly, to remove the auxiliary contact device from the motor starter assembly.

Claims

1. A method for removing an auxiliary contact device from a motor starter assembly engaged with a motor controller unit of a motor control center, the method comprising:

engaging an extraction tool with a securement member operably engaged between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly, the auxiliary contact device being secured by the securement member in electrically-conductive engagement with the motor starter assembly, the extraction tool having a handle portion and a securement-engaging portion, the handle portion being configured to extend along the auxiliary contact device for the securement-engaging portion to engage the securement member; and

exerting an axial force on the handle portion such that the handle portion cooperates with the securement-engaging portion to disengage the securement member from between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly, and to disengage the electrically-conductive engagement between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly, to remove the auxiliary contact device from the motor starter assembly.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein engaging an extraction tool with a securement member further comprises engaging an extraction tool comprised of a non-conductive material with a securement member.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein engaging an extraction tool with a securement member further comprises engaging an extraction tool with a securement member such that a beveled tip portion of the securement-engaging portion is inserted between the securement member and the motor starter assembly.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein engaging an extraction tool with a securement member further comprises engaging an extraction tool with a securement member such that the securement-engaging portion of the extraction tool, configured to have a substantially V-shaped profile, is at least partially inserted between the securement member and the motor starter assembly.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein engaging an extraction tool with a securement member further comprises engaging an extraction tool with a securement member such that the securement-engaging portion of the extraction tool, configured to have a substantially L-shaped profile, is at least partially inserted between the securement member and the motor starter assembly.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein engaging an extraction tool with a securement member further comprises engaging an extraction tool comprised of a resilient material with a securement member.

7. An extraction tool adapted for removing an auxiliary contact device from a motor starter assembly engaged with a motor controller unit of a motor control center, the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly having a securement member operably engaged therebetween for securing the auxiliary contact device in electrically-conductive engagement with the motor starter assembly, the extraction tool comprising:

a handle portion configured to extend along the auxiliary contact device toward the securement member; and

a securement-engaging portion operably engaged with the handle portion, the securement-engaging portion being configured to engage the securement member such that an axial force exerted on the handle portion causes the securement-engaging portion to disengage the securement member from between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly, disengages the electrically-conductive engagement between the auxiliary contact device and the motor starter assembly, and removes the auxiliary contact device from the motor starter assembly.

8. An extraction tool according to claim 7 wherein at least one of the handle portion and the securement-engaging portion comprises a non-conductive material.

9. An extraction tool according to claim 7 wherein the securement-engaging portion includes a beveled tip portion adapted to be insertable between the securement member and the motor starter assembly.

10. An extraction tool according to claim 7 wherein the securement-engaging portion is configured to have a substantially V-shaped profile capable of being at least partially inserted between the securement member and the motor starter assembly.

11. An extraction tool according to claim 7 wherein the securement-engaging portion is configured to have a substantially L-shaped profile capable of being at least partially inserted between the securement member and the motor starter assembly.

12. An extraction tool according to claim 7 wherein at least one of the handle portion and the securement-engaging portion comprises a resilient material.