Abstract: A circuit breaker having a stopping groove engaged with part of the main shaft and a rebound preventer rotatably installed in the circuit breaker. The stopping groove includes first and second contact surfaces contactable with the part of the main shaft upon the rotation of the main shaft. Further, an extending line of a force applied from the part of the main shaft to the second contact surface passes through the center of the rotation of the rebound preventer upon a reverse rotation of the main shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for actuating electrical switches remotely. The device is removably attached to the switch and is actuated through the transfer of a user's force. The user is able to remain physically removed from the switch site obviating need for protective equipment. The device and method allow rapid, safe actuation of high-voltage or high-current carrying electrical switches or circuit breakers.

Abstract: A power control apparatus in the form of a standard, toggle, wall-mounted light switch for remote actuation of an electrical load or local manual override. A switch housing supports and retains a latching relay that includes power terminals, a switching terminal for remote actuation by a control signal, and a manual override. A switch lever extends from the body of the switch housing for manual actuation to override the state of the relay. The switch lever engages the manual override of the latching relay upon manual actuation by a person. A centering structure maintains the switch lever in a centered position to allow unimpeded movement of the manual override. The latching relay can be remotely actuated by a signal at its switching terminal to switch a power load connected to the power terminals on or off, or the relay can be manually overridden by actuation of the switch lever.

Abstract: A charging handle is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing having an exterior, an interior and a recess extending from the exterior toward the interior, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and a charging assembly. A first end of the charging handle is coupled to the charging assembly within the interior of the housing. The second end includes a finger pull. An elongated body extends between the first and second ends and includes first and second sides, and inner and outer surfaces. The charging handle is movable among first and second positions. The finger pull is disposed on the outer surface of the elongated body at or about the second end of the charging handle, and is readily accessible from all of the second end and the first and second sides of the charging handle.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for a switching device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the switching mechanism includes a contact element which is mounted in a switching shaft segment such that it can rotate and can be switched off automatically in the event of a fault via said switching mechanism, a switching lever for switching the contact element on and off manually; a cocking lever which is mounted in a fixed position such that it can rotate and interacts with a catch; and a toggle lever joint including a coupling lug for connection to the contact element, a pivoting lever and a toggle lever joint shaft. The switching lever can assume at least one switched-on position, a manual switched-off position or automatically unlatched tripped position, or an intermediate switch position which is located between the switched-on position and the tripped position when a contact element is welded.

Abstract: A load conductor is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing having a number of recesses. The load conductor includes first and second opposing sides, an intermediate portion extending between the first and second sides, and a number of protrusions extending outwardly from the second side. Each of the protrusions is disposed within a corresponding one of the recesses of the housing to secure the load conductor without a separate fastener.

Abstract: An operating mechanism is provided for a circuit interrupter, such as a battery disconnect apparatus, including a housing and a number of stationary electrical contacts enclosed by the housing. The operating mechanism includes a cam member and a two-bar linkage member having a first bar, a second bar, and a pivot member disposed between the two bars. A movable contact assembly includes at least one movable electrical contact, and is cooperable with the cam member and two-bar linkage member to move the movable electrical contact into and out of electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts. An actuating assembly pivots the cam member between a first position corresponding to maintaining the movable electrical contact in electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts; and a second position corresponding to releasing the movable contact assembly in order that the movable electrical contact is movable out of electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: Embodiments provide arc chambers, and methods adapted to rapidly extinguish arcs in circuit breakers. In one aspect, a circuit breaker is provided having first and second electrical contacts, wherein at least one of the contacts is movable and has a maximum contact face transverse dimension (d), and an arc chamber including first and second sidewalls spaced by a transverse spacing (Ts). The sidewalls are provided in close proximity to each other providing a transverse arc compression ratio (TACR) less than or equal to about 2.0, wherein TACR=Ts/d. According to another aspect, an arc chamber including one or more recesses formed into a transverse sidewall is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A trigger device includes a retaining frame, a swing arm, a toggle switch, a resilient member and a touch component. An end of the swing arm is connected to the middle of the retaining frame, and another end of the swing arm is connected to a magnetic sensor, and an end of the toggle switch is pivotally connected to the top of the retaining frame. The swing arm forms a pressing rod disposed on the toggle switch and pressed for swinging the swing arm. The retaining frame and swing arm are connected to the resilient member, and the touch component is mounted into the retaining frame and installed at another end of the toggle switch. An elastic button is installed between the touch component and the toggle switch for pressing the toggle switch. Obvious feel and tough can be provided to enhance the operability and convenience of the trigger device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit breaker having a cam rotation delaying function employed to block current, the circuit breaker performing a charging operation and a charting operation, the circuit breaker including a closing spring having one end portion rotatably coupled to each of plates, a driving lever rotatably installed at each of the plates and connected to another end portion of the closing spring so as to be rotated responsive to compression and extension of the closing spring, a cam rotatably installed at each of the plates and configured to press the driving lever for rotation, a link mechanism having a plurality of links rotatably installed at each of the plates and connected to the driving lever for operation, a movable contact rotatably installed at a side of each of the plates and contactable with a terminal by an operation of the link mechanism, and a cam delaying mechanism installed at each of the plates and configured to attenuate a rotational force of the cam due to a restoring force of the closing

Abstract: A circuit interrupter mechanism includes a first member movable in a first longitudinal direction and an opposite second longitudinal direction, and a second member pivotal in a first pivotal direction and an opposite second pivotal direction. A first tab is fixedly coupled to one of the first and second members, and a second tab is pivotally coupled to the other of the members. The first tab engages and disengages from the second tab during movement of the first member in the first longitudinal direction and in the second longitudinal direction. The second tab pivots with respect to the other of the members when engaged by the first tab during movement of the first member in the first longitudinal direction. The second tab does not pivot with respect to the other of the members when engaged by the first tab during movement of the first member in the second longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A movable arm assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus including a stationary contact and an operating mechanism. The arm assembly includes a biasing member and an arm member having a first end, an opposite second end, a pivot point therebetween, and a portion having a longitudinal axis. A movable contact is disposed at or about the first end. The arm member engages a crossbar member at or about the pivot point such that the arm member can pivot from a first position to a second position. The biasing member engages the arm member at a point between the pivot point and the second end and includes a portion that engages and biases against a housings of the crossbar member. The longitudinal axis of the portion of the arm member is oriented generally parallel to the portion of the biasing member when the arm member is at the first position.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a rotary switch actuator device, and an actuator locking device. The actuator locking device inhibits the rotation of the rotary switch actuator device when the contacts of the switch are closed. Only when the operator tries to open the switch with an operating handle and the contacts do actually open, a lock release device will release the actuator locking device, and allow the operator to move the operator handle to the position corresponding to the open condition. When the contacts do not open, e.g., because they are welded, the actuator locking device will remain locked and the handle movement is blocked. This provides a robust and safe switch that never gives a false “OFF” indication.

Abstract: A multi-staged hinge assembly and a portable electrical device comprising the multi-staged hinge assembly are provided. The multi-staged hinge assembly utilizes a non-circular spindle to associate with a plurality of movable elements disposed thereon. One of the body portions of the portable electrical device automatically tilts at an angle after the body portion slides by the multi-staged hinge assembly. The user could further adjust the angle to meet the demands of various situations.

Abstract: A push-to-trip assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The push-to-trip assembly includes a push-to-trip actuator having first and second ends and being movable among a first position corresponding to the circuit breaker separable contacts being closeable, and a second position corresponding to the second end cooperating with a trip bar to cause the circuit breaker operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The first end is accessible from the exterior of the housing to actuate the push-to-trip actuator from the first position to the second position. A biasing element biases the push-to-trip actuator away from the base toward the first position. At least one cover stop of the push-to-trip actuator engages a corresponding portion of the housing cover to stop movement of the push-to-trip actuator. An overtravel restraint proximate the second end of the push-to-trip actuator restrains movement of the trip bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a visual and electrical indication on the status of “Readiness to close” (RTC) for circuit breakers. Exemplary embodiments include a circuit breaker apparatus, including a lay shaft coupled to circuit breaker contacts, a lay shaft cam profile coupled to the lay shaft, a trip free plate coupled to the lay shaft cam profile, a trip paddle coupled to the trip free plate, wherein the trip paddle is coupled to a trip shaft and a ready to close indicator coupled to the trip free plate and charging cam assembly.

Abstract: A spring discharge mechanism for a circuit breaker is provided. The mechanism includes two linkages for crashing or discharging the circuit breaker compression springs to allow the circuit breaker to be used in either fixed breaker installation or in an installation having a drawout mechanism. The secondary mechanism includes a manual activation linkage that couples with an interface plate. The interface plate is coupled to an opening latch shaft and a closing latch shaft that cooperates to discharge the circuit breaker compression springs. An interface lever is also coupled to the interface plate. The interface lever includes a roller that interacts with a pivoting cam lever coupled to a drawout mechanism. The cam lever interacts with the roller causing the interface lever to rotate the interface plate, the opening latch shaft and the closing latch shaft.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having a contact on mechanism which can perform a trip operation and automatically rotates the handle to the on position or a position toward the on position if the handle is manipulated to move to the off (or reset) position in a state that the contacts are melt-adhered to each other, the contact on mechanism, including: a contact on plate which is vertically movable by being guided according to the operation of the switching mechanism, a trip bar that drives the restricting unit to a releasing position, a lever connected to the handle and that provides a pivot point of the handle, a lever pin fixed to the lever, for driving the restricting unit to the releasing position by pressing the trip bar, and thereby operating the switching mechanism to the trip position, and a trip spring providing an elastic driving force for enabling the switching mechanism to operate to the trip position when the restricting unit is moved to the releasing position.

Abstract: A layered mechanism for use in a circuit breaker fabricated by automated assembly operations includes a movable electrical contact mounted on a blade for movement relative to a stationary electrical contact. The major portion of the blade is substantially flat, and a handle is coupled to the blade to move said blade. A toggle spring is connected to the blade to apply a biasing force in the plane of the flat portion of the blade. The handle and blade form cooperating opposed surfaces that allow engagement of the handle with the blade so that movement of the handle can move the blade while allowing pivoting movement of the blade relative to the handle, while opposed surfaces resist upward pivoting movement of the blade when the toggle spring is attached to the blade during assembly of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A movable contacting device in a circuit breaker comprises: a crossbar linked with the opening/closing mechanism and carried so as to pivot cooperatively with the opening/closing mechanism; a movable contact arm engaged, so as to cooperational with the crossbar, with a shaft fitted into a mutually opposing recesses in the crossbar; and a movable contact arm support fixed to the case accomodating the opening/closing mechanism and having mutually opposing through-holes through which the shaft is passed; and the movable contact being configured so that the movable contact slides between surfaces of movable contact arm support having the mutually opposing through-holes; and the construction of a single-pole portion of the movable contact arm is constituted by arranging in parallel two movable contact arm members each having a movable contact at one end, and in a shaft-supporting portion at the other end, an elastic member is sandwiched between the two movable contact arm members.

Abstract: A transfer switch configured particularly for use with traffic signal controllers, to enable a traffic signal controller to be powered by a portable electrical generator, when utility line power is unavailable. A housing, configured to be mounted either on the surface of a traffic signal controller cabinet, or recessed into an opening of the cabinet, so as to be flush to the surface thereof, is provided. The housing is configured to be substantially weatherproof without requiring the use of gaskets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a railroad toggle switch for a plurality of switching positions, the toggle switch comprising a housing, an operating lever supported on the housing and having a pivot axis, a switching cylinder supported on the housing and having a rotational axis, a plurality of microswitches and an engaging mechanism for engagement of the operating lever in the switching positions. The switching cylinder is here provided with a plurality of cam disks for operating the microswitches. According to the invention the pivot axis of the operating lever is located in the area of the housing top side and is different from the rotational axis of the switching cylinder, the operating lever being in engagement with the switching cylinder.

Abstract: A stored energy assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The stored energy assembly includes a mount removably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. A stored energy mechanism, such as a spring, is coupled to the mount and is movable among charged and discharged positions. An actuating element is cooperable with the gears of a gear assembly in order to move among first and second positions corresponding to the spring being disposed in the charged and discharged positions, respectively. A manual charging mechanism and an automatic charging mechanism are coupled to the gear assembly, and move the gears, in order to move the actuating element and charge the spring. The spring, the actuating element, the gear assembly, and the charging mechanisms are coupled to the mount, thereby forming a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is removeably coupled to the circuit breaker housing.

Abstract: A device for controlling a circuit-breaker intended for opening and closing this electric power cut-off device comprising a mobile contact, this control device comprising a motor with a rotary output shaft and being connected to power supply means and actuating means transforming the output displacement of the motor into a displacement of the contact, this device also comprising a mechanical spring arrangement involved in opening and closing the contact. The actuation means include a set of jointed elements providing the connection of the rotary shaft and of the ring, and, in the closed position of the contact, the set of jointed elements is near a dead centre position, a so-called open dead centre, the opening spring being only able to drive it towards the open position upon moving past this dead centre during opening.

Abstract: An operating mechanism is provided for a circuit interrupter, such as a battery disconnect apparatus, including a housing and a number of stationary electrical contacts enclosed by the housing. The operating mechanism includes a cam member and a two-bar linkage member having a first bar, a second bar, and a pivot member disposed between the two bars. A movable contact assembly includes at least one movable electrical contact, and is cooperable with the cam member and two-bar linkage member to move the movable electrical contact into and out of electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts. An actuating assembly pivots the cam member between a first position corresponding to maintaining the movable electrical contact in electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts; and a second position corresponding to releasing the movable contact assembly in order that the movable electrical contact is movable out of electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: An operating mechanism closing assembly for an electrical switching apparatus having a ram assembly structured to engage and move a toggle assembly is provided. The ram assembly includes a ram body that travels over a, preferably, straight path and engages the toggle assembly. The path may be defined by one or more pins extending through the ram body. One or more springs are coupled to the ram body and bias the ram body toward the toggle assembly. The springs may be conveniently disposed about the pins. In this configuration, the force created by the springs is, essentially, applied directly to the toggle assembly. The toggle assembly is coupled to, and structured to rotate, a pole shaft that is further coupled to, and structured to actuate, the electrical switching apparatus contacts. Accordingly, because the force created by the springs is not transferred via one or more cams, the required force, and therefore the size of the springs, is reduced compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A dampening apparatus has a housing with a plurality of first guide members and a plurality of second guide members coupled together. A first biasing member is located in an area proximate to the first guide members and within the housing. A first planar member is provided having a plurality of first apertures with the first guide members or the second guide members passing through the first apertures. A plurality of second planar members is provided having a plurality of second apertures with the second guide members passing through the second apertures. A plurality of second biasing members is located in an area proximate to the second guide members. An elongated shaft is coupled to the first planar member. The dampening apparatus could be included in a circuit interrupter.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism opening assembly wherein the toggle assembly stop/kicker pin has been separated into a kicker pin and a stop pin. By separating the functions of the stop/kicker pin into separate pins, the kicker pin may now be located at the pivot point of the associated link. Further, the kicker pin and the stop pin are now disposed upon a cradle assembly as opposed to an elongated link. The cradle assembly further supports one of the toggle assembly links. Thus, rotation of the cradle assembly causes the toggle assembly to move. The operating mechanism opening assembly is configured so that, when an associated latch assembly latch plate assembly is released, the cradle assembly rotates so that the toggle assembly is moved away from a closing assembly closing device.

Abstract: A time delay mechanism is provided for a circuit breaker stored energy assembly including a mount, a spring coupled to the mount, at least one charging mechanism for charging the spring to store energy, at least one actuator for releasing the stored energy, and a drive assembly for transferring the stored energy into movement of the circuit breaker operating mechanism. First and second trip shafts of the time delay mechanism are pivotably coupled to the mount. Linking elements interconnect the first and second trip shafts. A trip catch and a drive lever are coupled to the first trip shaft. The linking elements and a damper, which is connected to the drive lever, contribute to a delay from a first time that the first trip shaft initially moves, to a second time that the second trip shaft moves to release the trip catch. The damper is adjustable to adjust the delay.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical installation switching device, having a switching mechanism with a latching point which can be unlatched manually by means of a switching toggle or by means of an electromagnetic or thermal release, having a tripping lever which can be operated by the electromagnetic and thermal release and acts on the latching point, having a latching lever which forms one element of the latching point, and having a movable contact lever, which can pivot, is acted on by the electrical release in the event of a short-circuit and is moved permanently to the disconnected position by the switching mechanism in the event of a short-circuit or overcurrent. The latching lever (which is mounted in the enclosure such that it can rotate) together with the tripping lever forms the latching point. The tripping lever is mounted such that it can rotate on the same rotation axis as the switching toggle.

Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for a circuit breaker charging assembly. The charging assembly includes a cam shaft, a latch mechanism, such as a D-shaft, a latch assembly, and a charging handle. The charging handle pivots the cam shaft. The D-shaft is pivotable between first and second positions corresponding to the D-shaft latching and unlatching the latch assembly, respectively. The interlock assembly includes a lever coupled to and pivotable with the D-shaft, and a latch interlock pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. The latch interlock moves between locked and unlocked positions corresponding respectively to the first end of the latch interlock moving the lever to position the D-shaft in the second position and the first position. Unless and until the stored energy mechanism is substantially fully charged, the latch interlock is disposed in the locked position and the latch assembly is movable with respect to the D-shaft.

Abstract: An insulating part (20) is provided for a high voltage switch of a metal-enclosed circuit-breaker system and is executed as a pressure-gelated casting on the base of a polymeric composite material. It comprises a base-plate (21) with a centrally arranged large through-hole (23) for receiving a current terminal lead of the high voltage switch and with small through-holes (24, 25) for receiving fastening screws. The insulating part further comprises two bearing blocks (22) for receiving a shaft of a movable contact of a contact arrangement of the switch and at least a first collar (26) which surrounds the large through-hole (23). For reason of the execution as a pressure-gelated casting the insulating part (20) can be manufactured easily with low costs but with high precision. In general a finish-maching of the casting is not required.

Abstract: A modular safety switching system (10) with at least one output module (14) and a central control unit (28), which is connected to all output modules (14) via a bus (22). The output module (14) receives input data of at least one sensor (16) or switch (16a) and has at least one output (14b) for an actuator. The central control unit (28) is designed to receive at least a portion of the input data which is evaluated for the transferring of the output data to the output (14b). The output module (14) has its own, dedicated output module control unit (20), which evaluates the input data in collaboration with the central control unit for the purpose of transferring the output data to the output (14b). A suitable method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism opening assembly wherein the toggle assembly stop/kicker pin has been separated into a kicker pin and a stop pin. By separating the functions of the stop/kicker pin into separate pins, the kicker pin may now be located at the pivot point of the associated link. Further, the kicker pin and the stop pin are now disposed upon a cradle assembly as opposed to an elongated link. The cradle assembly further supports one of the toggle assembly links. Thus, rotation of the cradle assembly causes the toggle assembly to move. The operating mechanism opening assembly is configured so that, when an associated latch assembly latch plate assembly is released, the cradle assembly rotates so that the toggle assembly is moved away from a closing assembly closing device.

Abstract: A multi-position apparatus for use with a system operated in at least three distinct positions. The apparatus comprises (i) a position-selection mechanism, (ii) a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism, each link mechanism being operably coupled with the position-selection mechanism, (iii) a first weight-actuated spring mechanism operably coupled with the first link mechanism, (iv) a second weight-actuated spring mechanism operably coupled with the second link mechanism, (vi) a first output-actuating member operably coupled with the first weight-actuated spring mechanism, the first output-actuating member being arranged to operably communicate with the system, and (vii) a second output-actuating member operably coupled with the second weight-actuated spring mechanism. In one example, the system may be an electrical transfer switch having two separate set of electrical contacts.

Abstract: An operating mechanism closing assembly for an electrical switching apparatus having a ram assembly structured to engage and move a toggle assembly is provided. The ram assembly includes a ram body that travels over a, preferably, straight path and engages the toggle assembly. The path may be defined by one or more pins extending through the ram body. One or more springs are coupled to the ram body and bias the ram body toward the toggle assembly. The springs may be conveniently disposed about the pins. In this configuration, the force created by the springs is, essentially, applied directly to the toggle assembly. The toggle assembly is coupled to, and structured to rotate, a pole shaft that is further coupled to, and structured to actuate, the electrical switching apparatus contacts. Accordingly, because the force created by the springs is not transferred via one or more cams, the required force, and therefore the size of the springs, is reduced compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A decoupling assembly structured to decouple the charging motor and the charging assembly cam shaft is provided. The decoupling assembly includes a lifter pin assembly and an elongated second end to a link member in the over-running clutch assembly. The link member supports a pawl which engages an over-running clutch assembly sprocket. The pawl is disposed on one side of a link member that is pivotally attached to an over-running clutch assembly hub assembly. The link member is structured to pivot in a “see-saw” like manner and thereby move the pawl between a first position, wherein the pawl engages the sprocket, and a second position, wherein the pawl does not engage the sprocket. The lifter pin assembly includes a spring loaded lifter pin that is structured to engage the link member second end and thereby move the pawl between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A switching mechanism of an air circuit breaker that allows the overall size of the air circuit breaker to be minimal by making the width of the switching mechanism relatively small. The switching mechanism of the air circuit breaker includes both side plates, a main shaft, a main shaft lever, a first link, a closing spring unit, a charging cam, a rotational shaft of the charging cam, a third link, a driving lever, a spring support pin and an end portion supported by the spring support pin, and a third link elastic bias spring having an end portion supported by the spring support pin and an operation portion for providing elastic force onto one surface of the third link to bias the third link to be rotated in one direction. A third link elastic bias spring directly provides the elastic force onto the third link in order to minimize the distance between a pair of driving levers and thus minimize the width of the switching mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a fixed contact and a moving contact arranged for movement between an ON position in contact with the fixed contact and an OFF position out of contact with the fixed contact, and an operating member for operating the moving contact. A spring co-acts between the operating member and the moving contact and resiliently biases the moving contact towards each of the ON and OFF positions through an over-centre action of the spring. An end piece is fitted at each end of the spring, which has a formations for example, a groove, for pure rotary engagement with a part, for example a pin, movable with the operating member or moving contact for imparting resilient action upon the operating member or the moving contact.

Abstract: A trigger device includes a retaining frame, a swing arm, a toggle switch, a resilient member and a touch component. An end of the swing arm is connected to the middle of the retaining frame, and another end of the swing arm is connected to a magnetic sensor, and an end of the toggle switch is pivotally connected to the top of the retaining frame. The swing arm forms a pressing rod disposed on the toggle switch and pressed for swinging the swing arm. The retaining frame and swing arm are connected to the resilient member, and the touch component is mounted into the retaining frame and installed at another end of the toggle switch. An elastic button is installed between the touch component and the toggle switch for pressing the toggle switch. Obvious feel and tough can be provided to enhance the operability and convenience of the trigger device.

Abstract: A cradle stop assembly is provided for a circuit breaker including an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a pivotable movable contact arm and a cradle member which is movable between a latched position corresponding to separable contacts of the circuit breaker being closeable and an unlatched position corresponding to the separable contacts being tripped open. The cradle stop assembly includes a first member coupled to a portion of the operating mechanism, a second member disposed opposite the first member, and a generally planar stop plate extending between the first and second members. A first stop portion of the stop plate resists movement of the cradle member beyond a first predetermined position to avoid the cradle member undesirably interfering with the pivotable movable contact arm. A second stop portion resists the pivotable movable contact arm from undesirably pivoting beyond a second predetermined position.

Abstract: A cradle stop assembly is provided for a circuit breaker including an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a pivotable movable contact arm and a cradle member which is movable between a latched position corresponding to separable contacts of the circuit breaker being closeable and an unlatched position corresponding to the separable contacts being tripped open. The cradle stop assembly includes a first member coupled to a portion of the operating mechanism, a second member disposed opposite the first member, and a generally planar stop plate extending between the first and second members. A first stop portion of the stop plate resists movement of the cradle member beyond a first predetermined position to avoid the cradle member undesirably interfering with the pivotable movable contact arm. A second stop portion resists the pivotable movable contact arm from undesirably pivoting beyond a second predetermined position.

Abstract: An operating mechanism is provided for a circuit interrupter, such as a battery disconnect apparatus, including a housing and a number of stationary electrical contacts enclosed by the housing. The operating mechanism includes a cam member having a profile with first and second portions. A movable contact assembly includes at least one movable electrical contact, and is cooperable with the cam member to move the movable electrical contact into and out of electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts. An actuating assembly pivots the cam member between a first position corresponding to the first portion of the profile maintaining the movable electrical contact in electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts, and a second position corresponding to the second portion of the profile releasing the movable contact assembly in order that the movable electrical contact is movable out of electrical contact with the stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: Within a closing assembly that utilizes a ram assembly having a spring driven ram body, an energy dissipating spring seat assembly is provided. The ram body is mounted on a guide assembly having at least one pin. The guide assembly also includes a base plate and a stop plate. A ram assembly spring is disposed between the ram body and the base plate and is structured to bias the ram body toward the stop plate. The spring seat assembly includes a spring seat bracket and a spring seat. The spring seat is, preferably, a generally flat, plate-like leaf spring that is disposed between the ram assembly springs and the base plate of the ram body. The spring seat is sufficiently rigid so as to not deflect fully under the force created by the compressed ram assembly springs, but not so rigid as to resist deflecting under the force created when the ram body impacts the stop plate.

Abstract: An opening assist mechanism is for the cradle assembly of a circuit breaker including a housing enclosing separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a trip bar and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes a first toggle link, a second toggle link pivotally coupled to the first toggle link by a first pivot, and a cradle member pivotally coupled to the second toggle link by a second pivot. The cradle member includes a third pivot and a latching portion structured to engage the trip bar when the cradle assembly is disposed in a position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed or otherwise closeable. The opening assist mechanism comprises an actuator, such as a kicker pin, disposed on the cradle member and structured to engage and move at least one of the first and second toggle links in response to an actuation of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having a first insulating portion, a line end, a load end and a pair of separable contacts electrically disposed between the line end and the load end. An operating mechanism includes a second insulating portion and a movable arm carrying one of the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is structured to move the separable contacts between an open position and a closed position. A shunt is electrically interconnected between the movable arm and one of the line and load ends. The first insulating portion is disposed between the separable contacts and a portion of the shunt. The first and second insulating portions cooperate at or about the closed position of the separable contacts to prevent an arc from passing from the separable contacts to the conductor.

Abstract: A switching mechanism provides sequential switching of first and second circuit breakers to enable switching between a primary power supply and a backup power supply. The switching mechanism comprises a first actuator plate to operate a first circuit breaker connected to a primary power supply, a second actuator plate to operate a second circuit breaker connected to a secondary power supply, and an actuator. The first and second actuator plates are independently movable between on and off positions. The actuator is operatively connected to the first and second actuator plates so that the actuator moves the first actuator plate to an on position and the second actuator plate to an off position when the actuator is moved in a first direction, and moves the first actuator plate to an off position and the second actuator plate to an on position when the actuator is moved in a second direction.

Abstract: A switch includes a contact mechanism having at least one contact and defining a longitudinal axis. Actuation of a handle moves the contact mechanism transversely to the longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position in relation to at least one fixed contact, whereby a contact spring loads the contact mechanism to seek the closed position. A support part is operatively connected to the handle and forms an abutment for support of the contact spring. The support part is moveable relative to the contact mechanism. Operated by the handle is a locking mechanism which is constructed to hold the contact mechanism in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions to maintain the contact of the contact mechanism at an electrically insulated distance from the fixed contact. A release mechanism interacts with the locking device for releasing the contact mechanism to move to the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching mechanism for preventing a trip error of a manual motor starter. While using the manual motor starter, even though a latch holder (4) is incompletely released from restraint by a trip lever (3) during trip operation of the switching mechanism (1), the trip lever (3) is pushed upward to allow a restrained state of the latch holder (4) to be completely released at any event. Therefore, when implementing reset operation of the switching mechanism (1), as a latch (2) is smoothly introduced between both pins (4a and 4b) of the latch holder (4) rotated by a predetermined angle, it is possible to prevent breakage of the switching mechanism (1).

Abstract: Described herein is a low-voltage circuit-breaker, which comprises at least one mobile contact and a corresponding fixed contact, and a positive-opening-operation device. The positive-opening-operation device in turn comprises: a moving element associated to the mobile contact; a first kinematic chain, operatively associated to said mobile contact and to an actuating device; and a second kinematic chain, associated to said moving element and to said first kinematic chain. A first lever is associated to the first kinematic chain and a second lever is associated to the second kinematic chain, said first and second levers interacting with one another during the opening operation and being equipped with blocking devices in the event of welding of the contacts together.