Abstract: A lockable fastener connects together a plurality of components of a circuit breaker and maintains electrical conductivity between the components while permitting relative movement therebetween. The lockable fastener includes a first clinch nut member and a second clinch bolt member. The clinch nut member includes a threaded cavity formed therein, a side having opening therein, and a passageway between the side at the opening and a surface proximate the threaded cavity. The clinch bolt member includes a threaded shank. At least a portion of the threaded shank is threadably receivable in the threaded cavity of the clinch nut member, in order to axially align the clinch nut and clinch bolt members. The clinch nut and clinch bolt members are adapted to be locked by deformation of the surface of the clinch nut member to prevent loosening of the members.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts for movement between a closed position and an open position to switch electrical current. An operating mechanism moves the separable contacts between the closed and open positions. A sensor senses the electrical current and outputs a sensed current signal corresponding to the electrical current. A shunt shunts a portion of the electrical current. A trip mechanism employs the sensed current signal to produce a trip signal. A trip actuator trips the operating mechanism to move the separable contacts to the open position. The trip actuator includes a trip solenoid having a coil energized by the trip signal and also includes one or more loops energized by the shunted portion of the electrical current.

Abstract: The handle operator for a circuit breaker mounted in an enclosure is locked in the OFF position when the enclosure is opened by a lock-out member which directly engages the operator member of the handle operator which contacts and moves the circuit breaker handle. The lock-out member is a metal plate having an engagement edge which is positioned transverse to an engagement edge of the metal plate forming the handle operator member. Preferably, the lock-out member plate has a slot in which the engagement edge of the operator plate is received. The operator plate is pivotally mounted for rotation in its own plane and the lock-out plate slides parallel to the operator plate and has a flange providing the engagement edge which engages the operator plate at a point where any attempt to rotate the operator plate to move the circuit breaker handle toward the ON position, jams the lock-out plate into tighter contact with the operator plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to game cards and systems for tracking game cards. A computer tracking system is used which includes game or lottery type cards which must be activated to be eligible for a particular game or event. The activation step includes reading of a unique serial number or other identification code uniquely identifying the card. With this system, surplus game cards can be disposed of when they have not been activated. This simplifies tracking of sales of game cards and simplifies the distribution of funds to various parties in the sale and distribution chain.

Abstract: A card reader stores the energy imparted by a user inserting a card into a slot. When the card is fully inserted, a release mechanism is triggered and the stored energy moves a read head over a coded stripe. In the preferred embodiment, a torsion spring mounted on a carriage winds about an axle. The axle has a gear at one end which engages a rack fixed on the base of the reader. The gear and axle rotate as the carriage is moved relative to the reader, thereby winding the torsion spring and storing energy. A set of ratchet teeth mounted on the base prevents the return of the carriage before the card is fully inserted into the slot. The reader can also accommodate reading and writing to smart cards.

Abstract: A reading head mounting arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card. Preferably, the base has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a credit card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot. Accuracy in positioning the strip for movement past the magnetic head is predetermined during the manufacture of the mounting arrangement.