Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an operating mechanism having an integral or one-piece, rotatable, molded cross bar. The cross bar includes an enlarged section, associated with each phase or pole of the circuit breaker, having a window, pocket or enclosed opening formed therein for the receipt of a base portion of an upper movable electrical contact of a pair of separable electrical contacts. Also disposed in the opening is a compression spring and an associated spring follower positioned between the compression spring and the base portion of the upper electrical contact. The compressive spring force biases the upper electrical contact for movement in unison with the cross bar. Upon the occurrence of a high level short circuit or fault current condition, the spring follower may be downwardly deflected to enable the upper electrical contact to move independently of the cross bar.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided which includes stationary and movable contacts and a mechanism for moving the movable contact. A rotatable cam is included which has a cam pin fixedly secured thereto. The cam pin extends outwardly from the cam, and is contacted by releasable latch member which prevents the breaker from closing until the latch member is released.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a plurality of pole-units adapted for interrupting multi-phase circuits having an operating mechanism releasable to effect simultaneous opening of the multi-phase circuits, at least two latch levers biased against a latch member with each latch lever having a beveled surface to effect simultaneous release of both levers.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter characterized by a stationary contact and a movable contact which are operable along a predetermined path between open and closed positions to establish an arc, an arc chute for extinguishing the arc, a pair of spaced apart conductors extending from the movable contact to the arc chute which conductors provide parallel current paths for conducting an arc away from the contacts and into the arc chute.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter mechanism comprising an overcenter toggle linkage and a releasable toggle latch means for latching the linkage in a partially closed position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises an adjustable trip unit having electronic circuitry for initiating a tripping command upon detection of overcurrent conditions. The trip unit includes an externally accessible interchangeable plug-in rating adjuster removably supported on the housing of the circuit breaker by a threaded rod and tube. An interlock mechanism cooperates with the trip bar of the circuit breaker and secured mechanism to insure that only when a compatible rating adjuster is properly seated in the housing and the threaded rod is completely engaged within the threaded tube will the circuit breaker mechanism be removed from the trip-free condition.

Abstract: An electric control system characterized by a pair of spaced circuit breakers and a mechanical interlock therebetween, each circuit breaker having a pair of stationary and movable contacts and a trip bar for opening the contacts, and the interlock extending between the movable contact means of each movable contact of one circuit breaker and the trip bar of the other circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker structure comprising a multipole circuit breaker having separable contacts for each pole, which circuit breaker is contained within an insulating housing; incoming and outgoing terminals extending from one wall of the housing which incoming terminals are aligned and reinforced against movement due to short circuits by a brace extending between and around the terminals on one side and a cap on the other side of the terminals for clampingly holding the aligned terminals in place.

Abstract: A multiphase circuit breaker structure characterized by stationary and movable contact means for each phase, a cross bar operatively connected to the movable contact means, a stop plate for stopping movement of the cross bar during opening of the contacts, and shock absorbing means on one of the stop plate and cross bar for absorbing energy released when the cross bar moves to the open position of the contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including first and second spaced-apart stationary contacts and a movable contact operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact wherein the movable contact, when in the closed position, conducts electricity between the stationary contacts and wherein the movable contact, when in the open position, is spaced apart from one of the stationary contacts. The movable contact has a longitudinal slot extending from one end thereof, and the movable contact is pivotally engaged to one of the stationary contacts at the movable contact end wherein the slot is located. The first stationary contact has an end portion thereof which is disposed within the movable contact slot. Also included are means for effecting movement of the movable contact between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with an anti-bounce mechanism characterized by separable contact means operable between open and closed positions and including a cross bar, an operating mechanism releasable to effect movement of the contacts and comprising a link connected to the cross bar, means for preventing bouncing of the cross bar when the contacts are open and comprising a stop member engageable with the length.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with the movable contact being biased in an open position. The movable contact is mounted to a contact holder which engages a toggle system which toggle is part of an operating mechanism which effects movement of the movable contact between open and closed positions. An insulating barrier is disposed between the movable contact and the operating mechanism to electrically insulate the current carrying parts from the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including first and second spaced-apart stationary contacts and a movable contact operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact wherein the movable contact, when in the closed position, conducts electricity between the stationary contacts and wherein the movable contact, when in the open position, is spaced apart from one of the stationary contacts. The movable contact has a longitudinal slot extending from one end thereof, and the movable contact is pivotally engaged to one of the stationary contacts at the movable contact end wherein the slot is located. The first stationary contact has an end portion thereof which is disposed within the movable contact slot. Also included is a mechanism for effecting movement of the movable contact between the open and closed positions and magnetic repulsion and magnetic attraction elements for increasing the contact pressure between the stationary and movable contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has first and second spaced-apart stationary contacts, a plurality of movable contacts and an arcing contact which are capable of operating between open and closed positions. An arc chamber is disposed adjacent one of the stationary contacts, the arcing contact, and the movable contacts, and comprises a frame with back and two parallel sides. A plurality of deionization plates are supported by the frame, and each deionization plate has an opening therein distant from the back of the frame. The deionization plate openings are aligned with each other, and the arcing contact is disposed within the aligned openings. A generally U-shaped arc runner is secured to one of the end deionization plates and one of the stationary contacts. An insulating member is disposed between the arc runner and the stationary contact so that the arc runner is electrically insulated from the stationary contact except where it is secured thereto.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with the movable contact being biased in an open position. An operating mechanism, for effecting movement of the contacts between the open and closed positions includes a toggle having first and second links and a toggle lever. Also included is a releasable toggle latch for holding the toggle in a toggle position. The toggle latch includes a rod having a flat surface which is adjacent to and contacts, the toggle lever. The rod is rotatable between first and second positions with the rod flat surface, when in the first position, preventing movement of the toggle lever and when in the second position permits movement of the toggle lever such that the toggle can be released from toggle position. A latch catch is fixedly secured to, and rotatable with, the rod, with movement of a latch catch causing movement of the rod.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an interchangeable trip unit removably disposed in the circuit interrupter housing and connected between a current transformer and a trip mechanism. The trip unit contains electronic circuitry for activating the trip mechanism to open the contacts upon detection of overload current therethrough and includes rejection means provided to ensure that only a trip unit having circuitry compatible with the electrical characteristics of the circuit interrupter can be inserted into the housing. The rejection means comprise a plurality of pins mounted within the housing and extending into the recess to be occupied by the trip unit. The pins are arranged in a pattern unique to all circuit interrupters having identical electrical characteristics. A pattern of holes is provided in the enclosure of the trip unit, the hole pattern being unique to trip units having identical electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with the movable contact being biased in an open position. The movable contact is mounted to a contact and spring holder which engages one link in a toggle means. The first link is connected to a second link which has a drive pin secured thereto, and the second link is pivotally connected to a toggle lever. A cam is secured to a rotatable drive shaft, and the cam engages a cam roller which is secured to a follower plate. The follower plate, which rotates about an axis different from the drive shaft axis, has a drive pawl attached thereto, with the drive pawl being disposed adjacent the drive pin. Spring means are pivotally connected to the follower plate and are capable of being in spring charged and discharged positions. The spring is charged by rotation of the drive shaft and cam causing the cam roller to move outwardly.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with the movable contact being biased in an open position. The movable contact is mounted to a contact holder which engages one link in a toggle means. The first link is connected to a second link which has a drive pin secured thereto, and the second link is pivotally connected to a toggle lever. A cam is secured to a rotatable drive shaft, and the cam engages a cam roller which is secured to a follower plate. The follower plate has a drive pawl attached thereto, with the drive pawl being disposed adjacent the drive pin. Spring means are pivotally connected to the follower plate and are capable of being in spring charged and discharged positions. The spring is charged by rotation of the drive shaft and cam causing the cam roller to move outwardly. The outward movement of the cam roller causes rotation of the follower plate, resulting in charging of the spring means.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including stationary contact means and a plurality of movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact means. A plurality of contact springs engages the movable contacts, and the contact springs increase the engagement pressure between the stationary contact means and movable contacts when the movable contacts are in the closed position. A contact carrier engages the movable contacts, and holds them such that the movable contacts operate together between the open and closed positions. A crossbar and spring holder is secured to the contact carrier and has a plurality of openings therein for holding the contact springs and an aperture therethrough through which is disposed a cross arm. The cross arm extends outwardly from the crossbar and spring holder, and moves upon movement of the crossbar and spring holder, the contact carrier and the movable contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a stationary contact and a movable contact operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact. The circuit breaker includes means for moving the movable contact between the open and closed positions. These movement effecting means include an opening spring capable of being in two positions; a first position whenever the movable contact is in the open position, and a second position whenever the movable contact is in the closed position. An indicator rod is coupled to the opening spring and indicates the position of the opening spring.