Abstract: Microswitches, mounted in a compartment and molded housing of a circuit breaker separate from the compartment in which the circuit breaker mechanism is mounted, are actuated to indicate the operating status of the circuit breaker by cascaded first and second actuating members. The first actuating member bears against a cam surface on an operating member of the circuit breaker where the cam surface actuates the microswitches through the first actuating member when the operating member is in the off position. The second actuating member engages a cradle of the circuit breaker and actuates the microswitches through the first actuating member when the cradle is unlatched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control and signalling device for a protective switching apparatus of the relay switch type which is provided with power switches (1) and a protection assembly (4) and is capable of detecting faults (overloads or overcurrents) on each current path associated with a switch (1), this device being actuated by a manual control member (51) which can take an operating "run" position corresponding to closed contacts, a "stop" position corresponding to open contacts and a "trip" position corresponding to the position after detection of a fault, characterised by the fact that it comprises a mobile spring loaded cam (52) actuated by a triggering spring (54) and capable of--from the "run" position in which it is locked by an automatic interlock (55) and after the triggering and release of the interlock (55)--of turning the manual control member (51) which then actuates the coil switch (81).

Abstract: An accessory module monitoring and controlling the status of a circuit breaker. The accessory module attaches to the side of a circuit breaker and has a mechanism similar to the mechanism in a circuit breaker. The mechanism has multiple positions that correspond to the multiple states of a circuit breaker. Suitably shaped actuators transform the relatively large-scale motions of the mechanism into small-scale motions and transfers these to buttons on switches. Depressing these switches, depending on the position of the mechanical assembly makes and breaks circuits that are in communication with a remote site thereby indicating the status of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a lock (12) having a high position when the circuit breaker is triggered and a low position when the circuit breaker is set. The lock in the low position is held by a locking lever (10) against which the lock abuts. The lever cooperates with a device for detecting a current surge which, during a surge, disengages the lever so that the lock no longer abuts against the lever and is released in order to go back to its high position. The locking lever is movable between a high position and a low position, urged to its low position when the lock is set to low position, and associated with upward biasing means active (50) when the lock no longer abuts against the lever.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is shown having movable contacts carried by an operating member which moves between a circuit breaker contacts closed position and a circuit breaker contacts open position. An auxiliary switch has electrically conductive, flexible contact members adapted to engage an electrically conductive bridging shaft element carried by the operating member when the operating member is in one of its two positions to provide means for indicating the status of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker of a type with a mechanism pole having a switching mechanism in which adjacent poles are disposed in opposition to the mechanism pole with an interphase wall therebetween and each having an internal attachment such as an alarm switch or the like but no switching mechanism. A latch engages a cradle of the switching mechanism and is arranged to be actuated by an automatic tripping device. A supporting shaft rotatably supports the latch, an a lever fixed on the supporting shaft engages the cradle. Actuators are fixed on the supporting shaft so as to engage the internal attachment of the respect adjacent poles. The supporting shaft is made of metal. Insulating caps are inserted and fixed onto end portions of the supporting shaft, the supporting shaft passing at portions of the insulating caps through the interphase walls. The actuators are inserted and fixed onto the insulating caps.

Abstract: A circuit breaker auxiliary switch structure characterized by a contact arm carrying a first contact movable between open and closed positions with a second contact. An auxiliary switch is disposed in the path of movement of the contact arm and operable to open or close an auxiliary circuit associated with a circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having the generally rectangular case with an actuating switch handle on one edge and terminals at the opposite edge is provided with an auxiliary switch receptacle at the edge by the terminal. Retainer means is provided for holding the auxiliary switch in the receptacle and an access opening is provided through the edge wall for communication between the switch actuating member and a portion of the breaker mechanism moving in response to breaker contact opening and closing. A U-shaped retainer is preferably used to retain the switch in the receptacle by passing prongs thereof through the holes in the switch walls and the aligned switch holes. The actuator member may be in accordance with various types of mechanisms, either a compressible member or a rigid slide, and in either case is moved by the breaker mechanism into the actuating means of the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus with remote control features for tripping off magnetothermal switches comprises at least one switch having a central core supporting trip-off linkages wherein a voltmeter coil is housed with each switch being connected to a respective one, e.g. a lamp, of user electric appliances.The apparatus also comprises a pushbutton control connected to each voltmeter coil in each magnetothermal switch for remotely and simultaneously operating the trip-off linkages to thus turn off simultaneously each electric appliance, while enabling function regaining by operating the corresponding switch locally.

Abstract: An integrated protection unit is a circuit breaker which includes basic overcurrent protection facility along with selective electrical accessories. A molded plastic accessory access cover secured to the integrated protection unit cover protects the accessory components contained within the circuit breaker cover from the environment. A trip signal indicator is one such accessory component which can be field-installed without affecting the integrity of the circuit breaker overcurrent protection components.

Abstract: An integrated protection unit is a circuit breaker which includes basic overcurrent protection facility along with selective electrical accessories. A molded plastic accessory access cover secured to the integrated protection unit cover protects the accessory components contained within the circuit breaker cover from the environment. An auxiliary switch unit is one such accessory component which can be field-installed without affecting the integrity of the circuit breaker overcurrent protection components.

Abstract: A split case breaker housing has a depending well at the bottom and any one of three different filler blocks can be assembled with the split case sections to provide a convenient receptacle for a limit switch or for auxiliary studs, or to simply close the opening provided in the well for these filler blocks.

Abstract: An additional switchblock is laterally connected to a contactor of a magnetic control relay. The terminals of the switchblock and contactor are provided for on the front side opposite that of the support bar. A hook connection is used between the two lateral surfaces. When the hooks formed on the additional switchblock are inserted into corresponding recesses in the contactor, a formed-on ring portion of the additional switchblock actuating element engages with a switch position indicator extending from the front side of the contactor so that the actuating coupling is assured. The detent preventing the additional switchblock from sliding back away from the contactor is accomplished via detent arms formed on the additional switchblock arms and having wedge shaped projections which engage recesses in the contactor cover.

Abstract: An auxiliary contact device is taught for utilization with a motor controller or a contactor. A linear cam arrangement is utilized with a rooted flexure arm to cause the contact end of the flexure arm to move in relationship with the linear travel of the stroker carrying the cam surface into a disposition of electrical continuity with a fixed contact. Subsequent linear movement of the stroker in the same direction continues to move the cam surface thereof over an offset in the flexure member after contact has been made. This causes a wiping action between the abutting contact surfaces. The arrangement may be utilized in either the normally open or normally closed disposition. It may be used on multipole devices and the stroker member may be modified for matching a common auxiliary contact assembly arrangement with various kinds of main contactors or controllers or to change timing of contact status change.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with an auxiliary switch actuator mechanism is disclosed. The actuator mechanism includes an actuator member and a locking member. Upon resetting of the breaker, the actuator member is moved by the arm carrying the movable contact of the main breaker mechanism to a position where it is locked by the locking member. Tripping the breaker causes the locking member to unlatch and release the actuator member to switch the auxiliary switch contact to allow indication of the tripped state, while manual operation of the breaker does not alter the condition of the auxiliary switch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with electrical disconnect means characterized by a solenoid operator for moving a handle of a circuit breaker between ON and OFF positions. The solenoid operator includes a movable electromagnet and a movable armature for actuating the handle, an interlock switch serially connected to the electromagnet and a manual operator for overriding the solenoid operator by opening a circuit through the interlock switch.

Abstract: A single pole or multi-pole, manually or thermally operable overload protective circuit breaker contains in its main switching chamber an elbow lever which consists of an actuating arm and a main contact arm, and functions as active connection between an actuating element and a contact bridge member. The ends of the actuating arm and the main contact arm, which face away from the elbow joint, are articulatedly connected with a pressure button or the like actuating element and the contact bridge member, respectively. In any positions of swivelling from a folded, i.e. the circuit-breaking, to a stretched, i.e., an arrested circuit making position, of the elbow lever, the centers of the swivel joints are located on the central longitudinal axis of the circuit breaker, which axis extends toward the depth of an insulating housing of the latter.

Abstract: A compact equipment protecting electrical circuit breaker having a short-circuit and excess current tripping action as well as a signal change switch for actuating and protecting household appliances, office machines, manufacturing devices and the like, includes a breaker and tripping mechanism which is a combination of a cocking body (5) with an unlatching lever (4) supported therein, a tilting contact piece (6), and a cam lever (14) with the functional inclusion of several spring elements. The combination is mounted on a common axis in a central location below the operating mechanism (1-3) and between the hinged armature system (8) and a bimetal strip (10). The combination is further located or mounted above an arc quenching chamber (12) and above a signal change switch contact device (13) and above the various breaker terminals (15). The change switch has its own terminals for signalling the instantaneous operating condition of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a single coil solenoid operator for placing the handle of the circuit breaker in its ON position or in its OFF position. The solenoid operator includes a single coil solenoid formed by an electromagnet secured to a movable electromagnet drive plate and by an armature secured to a movable armature drive plate. The drive plates are disposed for rectilinear movement and are configured alternately to engage a formed trigger plate secured to the handle to move the trigger plate and the handle between the ON position and the OFF position of the handle. A pair of pivotable, bistable mechanical latches are configured to engage and stop further movement of alternate drive plates depending upon the state of the latches. Successive actuations of the single coil solenoid operator cause the handle to be placed alternately in its ON position or in its OFF position.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker in a moulded case comprises a breaker unit (10) and a remote control unit coupled to it that controls the swing of a bistable movable contact (22) housed in the breaker unit. A trip mechanism (50) cooperates with movable contact (22) in the case of a fault to swing movable contact (22) into open circuit position independently of the remote control mechanism (48). A resetting handle (88) must be actuated in order to render the circuit breaker reoperative.

Abstract: A remote control system circuit breaker which latches a trip link and a latch link by the spring force of return springs so that on- or off-hold of a movable contactor supported from the latch link depends upon a holding force of an operating electromagnet pivotally connected to a handle, thereby achieving miniaturization of the electromagnet, in turn the circuit breaker, and a saving of power consumption of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising two or more sections connected in parallel with each other. Each section of the circuit breaker comprises an electromagnetic sensing device and a pair of relatively movable contacts. The electromagnetic sensing devices are electrically connected at one of their ends to the load terminals. The load terminals are electrically connected in parallel with each other. The electromagnetic sensing devices are electrically connected at their other ends to each other and are electrically connected to all of the movable contacts which are themselves all electrically connected together. The stationary contacts are connected to line terminals which are also electrically connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: A remotely controlled circuit control device has first and second load contact assemblies movable into circuit engagement and circuit disengagement positions relative to one another in which one load contact assembly is operatively connected to a solenoid so that alternate forward strokes of the solenoid moves the one load contact assembly between reset and tripped positions through a push-push mechanism having an indexing portion and a latching portion. An overload mechanism cooperates with the latch portion to cause the load contact assemblies to move to the circuit disengaged position upon occurrence of a fault condition. The second load contact assembly includes pivotably mounted contact members which are linked to the first load contact assembly in such a way that circuit engagement during solenoid energization is precluded.

Abstract: A remotely controlled circuit breaker system incorporates a generally conventional circuit breaker having latch means which are moveable in a first direction for moving an operating member so that it is latched in closed circuit position, the operating member being adapted to be independently moveable in the same first direction for unlatching the member to permit the member to return to its open circuit position. A momentarily operable solenoid has a pawl pivotally mounted on the solenoid plunger. Spring means resiliently hold the pawl against a stop in a selected location relative to the latch means so that when the solenoid is momentarily actuated while the operating member is in open circuit position, the pawl engages the latch means and moves the operating member to its latched closed circuit position.

Abstract: An automatic circuit breaker for an electrical storage battery is adapted to be mounted on a battery terminal post so that the battery post forms one contact of the circuit breaker. A latch mechanism holds a contact piston against the battery post to form the main contacts of the breaker, and a solenoid trip mechanism disengages the latch mechanism when energized by a condition responsive switch. An auxiliary switch is provided to be held open by the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism releases the contact piston to open the main contacts of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A normally open close switch and a normally open arming switch are connected in series with a closing solenoid operatively coupled with hook apparatus for releaseably holding breaker movable contacts in a hooked open position against the closing force of a charged breaker operating mechanism. An arm actuates the arming switch in response to the movable contacts assuming their hooked open position, such that subsequent actuation of the close switch effects closing solenoid activation of the hook apparatus to release the movable contacts from their hooked open position. A holding solenoid, wired in shunt with the arming switch, prevents the arm from reactuating the arming switch in the event of sustained actuation of the close switch.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker having a single contact operating mechanism for all poles and a fault current sensing means for automatic tripping of the breaker is provided with alarm switch means to indicate when opening of the circuit breaker has been caused by a fault condition. The operating mechanism includes a metal frame to which a latchable cradle is pivotally mounted. The frame includes parallel guide slots through which a formed pin actuator extends to be moved by the cradle as it operates between its latched and released (tripped) positions. A spring connected between the mechanism frame and the pin actuator biases the latter toward the cradle. An insulating extension element is adjustably mounted on the actuator to transmit motion of the latter to operate a switch in an alarm circuit, in accordance with cradle position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with a hook operating to hold the breaker movable contacts open against the bias of charged mechanism springs. The hook is selectively actuated by a closing solenoid to release the contacts for abrupt closure under the urgence of the mechanism springs. An indicator is appropriately positioned under the joint control of the breaker mechanism and movable contacts to identify OFF, charged and ON breaker conditions and to, in turn, control an actuating lever for a switch operating in an external charged signalling and closing solenoid circuit.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch is incorporated in an accessorial molded circuit breaker case juxtaposed with one or more molded case circuit breakers and operatively interconnected therewith by an internal common trip bar and an external handle tie. The auxiliary switch arm is variously positioned by the common trip bar in relation to a contact variously positioned by the accessorial case handle so as to selectively control an external operating or indicating circuit depending on the relative positions of the trip bar and accessorial case handle. The auxiliary switch may be utilized in a shunt trip solenoid energizing circuit or in a trip alarm circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a handle stop for restraining the handle in a "tripped" or central position after the circuit breaker is electrically tripped to mechanically and visually indicate the tripped position.Also, an actuator is supported within the case of the circuit breaker and pivoted by the linkage mechanism (only when the latter is electrically tripped). During manual opening and closing of the circuit breaker contacts, the linkage mechanism does not pivot the actuator.Pivoting of the actuator (upon electrical tripping of the linkage mechanism) causes the actuator to engage and activate an auxiliary switch.When the circuit breaker handle is moved to the "off" position from the tripped or central position, the linkage mechanism simultaneously releases the actuator and the auxiliary switch is deactivated.