Abstract: A breaking device for a low voltage circuit breaker comprises in each pole a switching bar, a pair of stationary contacts connected to the connection terminals, a double-break rotary contact extending in a housing of the bar, and two arc chutes disposed on each side of the bar. Two contact pressure springs ensure elastic positioning of the rotary contact along the longitudinal direction of the pole. Pivoting of the rotary contact takes place around a fictitious axis mounted floating with respect to the fixed rotation axis of the bar.

Abstract: A multi-position contact for use in high voltage switchgear utilizes a multi-laminar electrical contact and a movable contact blade to maintain continuous electrical contact with a first circuit component and a switch blade assembly movable concomitantly with said movable contact blade for selective connection to second or third circuit components.

Abstract: A common contact and at least one fixed contact are planted on an insulating bottom panel of an insulating case. A movable contact piece formed by bending a conductive spring material into a U-shape to have a pair of opposed contact leaves is pivotally mounted on the common contact so that it is turned from side to side by an actuator such as a push button or toggle lever. As the movable contact piece turns from one side to the other, it makes sliding contact with the fixed contact gripping it between the pair of opposed contact leaves.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker movable contact arm or carrier electrically connects with the circuit breaker trip unit or load terminal without requiring a flexible electrical conducting braid. The contact carrier is pivotally arranged within a contact carrier support to which the trip unit or load terminal lug is attached. The contact carrier pivot pin is supported on a pair of parallel posts extending from the contact carrier and a spring clip is positioned around the parallel posts and the pivoting end of the contact carrier to promote good electric transport without interfering with the rotational movement of the contact carrier.

Abstract: A contact assembly is provided for current-limiting low-voltage circuit breakers. The contact assembly has a two-armed contact lever swivel-mounted on a central bearing pin whose lever arms are equipped at their ends with contact pieces. The contact lever is equipped with a slot for mounting on the bearing pin whose longitudinal axis extends approximately at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of contact lever. The contact lever has a stop extending at approximately a right angle to its longitudinal axis for a catch swivel-mounted on the bearing pin. The contact forces on both lever arms cannot be influenced by the swivel mount or by the drive mechanism of the contact lever, but are determined exclusively by the biasing springs.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a movable upper electrical contact member having an end portion with an arcuate cam surface formed thereon for engaging an exposed spherical surface of a spring-loaded ball that is disposed in a pocket provided in a rotatable cross-bar of the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. A compression spring is also disposed in the pocket between the cross-bar and the ball to supply sufficient biasing force to the end portion of the movable upper electrical contact member to enable the upper electrical contact member to move in unison with the cross-bar during normal operation of the breaker. Upon the occurrence of a high level short circuit or fault current of sufficient magnitude, the upper electrical contact member rotates and the arcuate cam surface thereof moves against the exposed surface of the then stationary spring-loaded ball.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a movable upper electrical contact carried by a contact member having an end portion with an arcuate cam surface formed thereon for engaging an outwardly projecting cam surface of a leaf spring. The leaf spring is secured to and disposed around an enlarged portion of a rotatable cross-bar of the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The leaf spring has an outwardly protruding cam surface and is mechanically configured to provide sufficient biasing force to the end portion of the movable upper electrical contact member to enable the upper electrical contact member and upper contact to move in unison with the cross-bar during normal operation of the breaker. Upon the occurrence of a high level short circuit or fault current of sufficient magnitude, the upper electrical contact rotate member and upper and the arcuate cam surface thereof is moved against the then stationary cam surface of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A microswitch comprises an insulating base, fixed contacts secured on the insulating base (1), a movable contact (4) adapted for selectively engaging the fixed contacts (2, 3) an actuating member (5), and means for shifting the movable contact (14) by the use of the actuating member (5). The means for shifting the movable contact (4) includes an actuating lever (6), an intermediate lever (7) a flat spring (8), and a contact lever (9) all connected in series with one another, the actuating and the contact levers (6and 9) being pivotally connected to the insulating base (1), the ends of the intermediate lever (7) and of the flat spring (8) being connected with one another a bearing up against a limit stop (17), and the contact lever (9) having a free end (12) whereon the movable contact (4) is located.

Abstract: An electric circuit interrupter and associated mounting comprises an elongated support element of insulating material mounted for swinging movement about a fixed pivot and having a pair of movable contacts mounted thereon and engageable with fixedly mounted contacts, a circuit interrupter mounted on said elongated support element and having a pair of terminals respectively connected with the movable contacts, and an electric bus of conducting material connected with one of the movable contacts and having a plurality of points of connection for cooperating with one terminal of the circuit interrupter whereby circuit interrupters of different ratings and physical dimensions may be mounted on said elongated support element.

Abstract: A so-called blow-off type current limiting circuit breaker is provided with an elongated movable contact arm that is pivotally mounted at one end thereof on a pin that projects from opposite sides of a support. The contact arm is constructed of parallel sections that are biased toward one another, by spring means disposed remote from the support, with the support being resiliently clamped between the sections to provide a good electrical connection between the support and contact arm. The pivot pin extends through aligned enlarged pivot apertures in the parallel sections to facilitate weld breaking. A wall of each pivot aperture is disposed to cooperate with the pivot pin to achieve a camming action that moves the contact arm slightly lengthwise after initial butting engagement of the circuit breaker main contacts to wipe the engaged contacts with respect to one another.

Abstract: A thermal magnetic circuit interrupter with instantaneous short circuit current response utilizes a hook-shaped contact arm pivotally mounted on the operating mechanism at the end of the contact arm most distant from the contact. A saddle-type torsion spring proximate the pivot end of the contact arm provides adequate contact pressure while allowing the contact to immediately respond to magnetic forces generated under short circuit conditions. The immediate separation of the contacts reduces the current let-through the operating mechanisms while the tripping mechanism operates to trip the breaker.

Abstract: A movable contact arm for circuit breakers allows the contact opening characteristics to be determined over an entire range of breaker ratings. The contact arm is provided with a camming surface with the contact closure spring arranged as a cam follower. Under short circuit conditions, the contact repulsion force is sufficient to overcome the bias provided by the contact closure spring and to drive the cam follower along the camming surface so that the resulting spring torque rapidly changes from a high initial torque on the contact arm to zero torque in a very short period of time. The contact arm is linked with the contact operating mechanism to open upon current overload in response to the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A contact switching device has a driving link pivoted on its one end, a spring loaded slide slidably disposed within a longitudinal guide groove disposed on the other end portion of the driving link, a connecting link pivoted at one end on the slide and at the other end on an intermediate point of a driven link pivoted on its one end and having a movable contactor disposed on the other end portion of the driven link to separably engage two stationary contacts. Alternatively two connecting links having equal lengths may be pivoted at one end on the slide and at the other ends on respective driven links at points equidistant from the pivot on which the driven links are pivoted. The driven links have equal length and movable contactors for separably engaging pairs of stationary contacts. The contact of one pair is connected to one contact of the other pair.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved dual action switch assembly in which each of two pairs of electrical contacts is alternatively locked in open position by a tensioned locking element upon the interaction of a driving mechanism partially positioned within a frame on a slider unit. The switch assembly in a preferred form includes a base, two movable contact arms and two corresponding fixed contact brackets mounted on the base. The contact arms are mounted for pivotal rotation about mounting terminals. A biasing member, as for example a coil spring, is attached to each of the contact arms to provide a resilient force against pivoting opening movement of the contact arms. A tensioned locking element, preferably formed of two bent, over-center, leaf springs, is mounted between the slider unit and the base.

Abstract: In a seesaw switch having a central terminal, stationary terminals disposed on respective sides of the central terminal, and a movable contact piece placed over the central terminal, the movable contact piece being rocked so as to connect or disconnect the central terminal and the corresponding stationary terminal, the improvement comprising the fact that a receiver for the movable contact piece is provided with an arcuate guide portion interposed between said movable contact piece and said middle terminal for supporting said movable contact piece in a turnable fashion.

Abstract: A push-button switch wherein a spring loaded plunger (22) is carried by a push-button operator (4) along a surface of a rocking contactor (20) across the plane of the support contact (16) for the contactor (20) to rock that contactor into and out of engagement with stationary contacts (12, 14). A U-shaped conductive bearing (18) is mounted over the end of the support contact (16) to provide a uniformly smooth pivot and current transfer surface for the contactor (20). The plunger (22) and spring (24) are loaded in a through-hole (4f) in the operator (4) wherein the spring (24) may be compressed just prior to final assembly into a switch housing (2), facilitating assembly operations for the switch.

Abstract: The movable arm of a circuit breaker provides at its lower extremity a backing surface against which a copper carrier is clipped. A movable contact is affixed to the exposed surface of the carrier beyond the backing surface, such that current flow between the contact and a flexible, conductive braid, also affixed to the carrier, is conducted through the carrier rather than the arm which may then be fashioned from a less expensive, relatively low conductivity material such as steel.

Abstract: A speed control trigger switch of a double-pole configuration. One pole of said switch is an ON-OFF switch, while the other pole controls the speed control circuit. A contact carrier block (20) carries the two movable contacts (22,38), one for each pole of the switch. As the carrier block begins to move, the contact for the speed control side closes the speed control circuit by contacting two contacts, a contact/terminal (26) and a heat sink (24). As the block continues to move due to continued pressure on the trigger (16), the speed of the motor controlled by the switch continues to increase until the FULL-ON position is reached when the movable contact (22) closes the gap between the two contact/terminals (26,36). The contact portion (36a) of that contact/terminal is located between the other contact/terminal (26) and the heat sink (24) for efficiency and compactness of design.

Abstract: A movable contact assembly for use in a circuit breaker includes a movable contact arm having wall portions and an elongated contact member located adjacent to and between the wall portions of the movable contact arm. A supporting member attached to the back of the elongated contact member is engaged with the movable contact arm by means of a pivot pin passing through a pair of aligned holes.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a stationary contact and a plurality of movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact. 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 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. Also included is an operating mechanism engaging the cross arm for effecting relative movement of the cross arm to move the movable contacts between the open and closed positions.

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: Rectangular electric contacts are produced by forming rectangular holes in base pieces, inserting into the rectangular holes contact pieces of a profile identical to the profile of the rectangular holes and pressing the portions of the contact pieces protruding out of the rectangular holes in the opposite directions. In consequence of the pressing, the contact pieces are laterally expanded to fill up the rectangular holes in the base pieces and the portions of the contact pieces protruding from the rectangular holes are crushed sideways to give rise to extended portions somewhat greater in size than the rectangular holes and similar in shape thereto. The extended portions serve as points of contact.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes two parallel pivoting contact arms, the lower of which is connected to a stationary conductor member using a clinch-type contact. The contact arm has an axle member rigidly attached thereto which is supported by a bearing member attached to the conductor. In one embodiment, the bearing member comprises a pair of bifurcated arms which are clamped about each end of the axle member. In an alternative embodiment, the conductor member lies generally parallel to the lower contact arm and is slotted to form a pair of elongated conductor arms, each of which supports a journal bearing member. One end of the axle is extended through each journal bearing.

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 snap acting switch has a switch blade which is pivotally mounted for movement between two positions and is normally held in one position by an actuator spring. An actuator lever is pivotally mounted on the switch housing and has an external lever arm portion and an inner lever arm portion within the housing which is engageable with the actuator spring to move the spring laterally past the longitudinal axis of the switch blade in response to movement of the external actuator lever arm portion, to thereby cause snap acting movement of the switch blade from its normal position to a second position. Release of pressure on the external lever arm portion permits the actuator spring to cause snap acting movement of the switch blade back to its normal position.

Abstract: A rocker type electric switch operated by pressure on a knob which actuates a spring biased plunger that exerts a switch closing force on a movable switch contact element, in combination with means for preventing said plunger from forcing said element to the switch closed position until the knob and plunger have been rotated through a predetermined angle to a preselected position.

Abstract: A modular electric switch or wall socket comprises a pair of electrodes or screws inserted into a case to which are connected the terminals of electric current of the circuit it is desired to control, and a rockable block which actuates the breaking or connecting of the circuit. The case is a solid insulating box having a recess in its upper face and a slot inside the recess and forming steps with the bottom surface of the recess. On the steps are mounted two plates bent at right angles and placed opposite and facing each other in such a way that the vertical portions of these angular plates which are inserted into the inside of the slot bear firmly against and establish electrical contact with two posts inserted in the corresponding opposite sides of the walls of the case, to which posts the terminals of the electric circuit are connected.

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 sub-miniature, two position, double pole switch has flat, terminals of rectangular cross section with projecting portions, bent at right angles to the portions inside the case, and having blades of reduced dimensions for insertion in the circular apertures of a modular printed circuit board. The inner portions of the flat terminals, and the dual rockers are separated by an insulator member having an elongated tongue groove for slidably receiving a tongue on the insulated tip of the spring pressed handle. The tongue and groove means prevents arcing, twisting and uneven closing of the switch.

Abstract: A miniature manually actuated switch is grippingly received over an edge of a printed circuit board or card and has a selector for selectively bridging circuit paths on opposite sides of the card. Electrical contacts with the selector captivated there between are resiliently biased into positive gripping relationship on the card.

Abstract: An electrical connection for the moving contacts of a relay in which a connector pin in the header of the relay and the moving contacts are electrically connected by a cantilever spring contact supported on the connector pin, the cantilevered spring contacts extending substantially parallel to the contact blade of the relay. The free end of the spring has a curved projecting portion which presses lightly against the surface of the contact blade adjacent the pivotal axis of the blade, allowing the contact blade to pivot freely while maintaining electrical contact between the spring and blade.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder-piston door operator is connected to an air supply by a solenoid actuated valve. A control circuit selectively energizes the solenoid valve in response to momentary actuation of switches including control and safety switches. For refrigeration unit installation, the switch contacts are formed with one contact having a pimpled surface and the other contact having a serrated surface to provide a reliably electrical connection. For the manual control switches, a micro-switch is mounted in a suitable enclosure with appropriate gaskets to minimize the effect of adverse environmental conditions. A spring-loaded plunger is mounted within the housing and provided with an external push-button or pull cord actuator.

Abstract: A relay has the contacts arranged in that two pairs of contacts on the armature are arranged so that the contacts of one pair extend at right angles, to the contacts of the other pair, but parallel to a hinge axis. Insulative partitions separate the contacts of the former pair individually from the contacts of the latter pair. Magnetic blower is provided for arc extinguishing.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker, the movable contact carrying contact arm is pivotally connected to the contact carrier which pivots on the circuit breaker frame; the contact arm is stamped copper; the contact arm carrier pivot connection includes a pin passing through the walls of the carrier and with respect to which the contact arm pivots; also, improved means for establishing pressure of movable contacts.

Abstract: The grounding device shorts high voltages within a cabinet to cabinet ground when a cabinet access door is opened. The device includes a base plate secured to the top of the cabinet adjacent the latch side of the access door. A high voltage terminal board having a plurality of high voltage terminals extending therethrough is secured to the base plate. A grounding plate is pivotably secured to the base plate. A plurality of spring finger contacts are secured to the grounding plate with each of the contacts being in a mating relationship with a different one of the plurality of terminals. An actuating lever has one end secured to the grounding plate and the other end engaging the inner surface of the access door to control the movement of the grounding plate to ground the terminals when the access door is opened and to remove ground from the terminals when the access door is closed.