Abstract: An open/closed indicating apparatus for a circuit breaker operating apparatus, comprising a button and an indicating element. The button is provided therein with a cavity. The indicating element is mounted within the cavity. The indicating element can rotate within the cavity. The button is provided thereon with an observation window. The indicating element can display different areas in the observation window while rotating. When a small number of gaps are provided between the indicating element and the housing, the impact on the angle of rotation of the indicating element is reduced, the indicating element can accurately indicate an open/closed state of a circuit breaker, and when a product is being fitted and assembled, a requirement on gap fitness is reduced for the assembly.

Abstract: A switchgear, in particular a circuit protection device, includes: a housing; a fixed contact that is fixed to the housing; a movable contact, the movable contact being arranged on a contact arm that is arranged in the switchgear so as to be movable; a latching device that is connected to the contact arm; a manual actuation device that has an actuation projection, which manual actuation device is connected to the latching device by a bar, the movable contact being brought into contact with the fixed contact when the actuation projection is moved from an off-position of the actuation projection to an on-position of the actuation projection. When the actuation projection is moved from the on-position towards the off-position as far as a specified trip position of the actuation projection, the bar remains still. When the projection is moved past the trip position, the bar is moved past a holding point.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing circuit protection device field issues includes a remote computer system and a diagnostic circuit protection device installed at a customer location, wherein the circuit protection device includes a processor configured to execute a number of routines, a plurality of sensors structured to sense power circuit information, a memory accessible by the processor, and a communications module coupled to the non-volatile memory. The routines are structured to input sensed power circuit information and determine trip information for one or more trip cycles and cause the stored power circuit information and trip information to be transmitted to the remote computer system by the communications module over a network for storage and subsequent access for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a housing with an accessory cover includes an accessory cover interlock assembly that trips the circuit breaker upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly includes a plunger rotatable from an initial install position to an engaged position that moves a trip lever into a de-energize position (tripping the circuit breaker) upon removal of the accessory cover. The accessory cover interlock assembly prevents the circuit breaker from being reset while the access cover is removed. The accessory cover interlock assembly automatically resets upon re-attachment of the accessory cover to the circuit breaker housing. Methods of forced safety tripping in a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing circuit protection device field issues includes a remote computer system and a diagnostic circuit protection device installed at a customer location, wherein the circuit protection device includes a processor configured to execute a number of routines, a plurality of sensors structured to sense power circuit information, a memory accessible by the processor, and a communications module coupled to the non-volatile memory. The routines are structured to input sensed power circuit information and determine trip information for one or more trip cycles and cause the stored power circuit information and trip information to be transmitted to the remote computer system by the communications module over a network for storage and subsequent access for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: An emergency stop device including a control assembly which can be actuated in translation along a control axis between a released position and an actuated position, a locking element cooperating with the control assembly and able to assume a locking position to hold the control assembly in its actuated position, a read device configured to generate a command for authorising unlocking of the control assembly, an unlocking actuator configured to act on the locking device to release the control assembly from its actuated position, an actuating element which can be actuated in movement to generate a mechanical energy, and an energy generator configured to convert the mechanical energy supplied by a movement of the actuating element into an electrical energy intended to power the read device.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a circuit breaker 2, comprising a case 3 that houses circuit breaker components 16, 20, 22. The case has a handle opening 7 for an operating handle 4 to project through the handle opening. The handle opening has a viewing cut-out 6 formed on a side of the handle opening. An operating handle 4 is pivotally 10 mounted inside the case, with an outer portion 17 extending through the handle opening in the case. The operating handle is operatively coupled to a contact operating mechanism 20 and a current-responsive tripping mechanism 22 in the case. An indicator 8 is positioned on a side 9 of the operating handle. The indicator is visible through the viewing cut-out when the operating handle has been moved to a central position (FIG. 3C) in the handle opening, in response to a trip event in the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mounting assembly is provided. The multi-purpose mounting assembly is structured to be disposed in an electrical switching apparatus housing assembly. The multi-purpose mounting assembly includes a body defining a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly. The first mounting assembly includes a first mounting construct. The second mounting assembly includes a second mounting construct. The first mounting construct is structured to support a first electrical component. The second mounting construct is structured to support a second electrical component.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a hydromechanical spring energy store drive for actuating a medium-voltage or high-voltage circuit breaker is disclosed, the spring energy store drive includes a working piston, which is guided in an axial cutout in a pressure housing or working cylinder, and a spring energy store arrangement. The locking apparatus includes a first pressure region and a second pressure region, which are under elevated pressure when the circuit breaker is closed, and a third pressure region, which is unpressurized. The latching bolt can be arranged perpendicular to the working piston, via a latching apparatus, which can be arranged on a side of the latching bolt, which is to point towards the working piston and via the spring energy store arrangement, which is to be pushed away from the working piston.

Abstract: The electrical circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker block including at least an electrical conductor equipped with a first fixed pastille. The circuit breaker block also includes a bridge equipped with at least a second pastille, a unit for controlling the mobile bridge and an actuator of the control unit. This actuator is able to switch between an armed configuration in which it activates the control unit and a disarmed configuration in which it does not activate the control unit. The circuit breaker block also includes a first electrical coupling module. The electrical circuit breaker also includes a trip block including an electronic trip circuit and a second module for electrically coupling with the first coupling module of the circuit breaker block. This circuit breaker is provided with an actuator arming latch.

Abstract: A tripping shaft apparatus for a circuit breaker. Tripping shaft apparatus includes a rigid shaft portion and a polymer shaft portion molded onto the rigid shaft portion, wherein the polymer shaft portion includes a first molded lever. At least one other lever is a part of the tripping shaft apparatus. A torsion spring is received over the shaft between the first molded lever and the second lever providing an integral torsion spring positioned between the levers. Circuit breaker tripping assemblies and methods of assembling a circuit breaker tripping assembly are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A switch for an electrical circuit includes a base, a rotatable cam having a first profile and a second profile, a solenoid, a link, and a member comprising a cam follower configured to follow the second profile. A first cycle of the solenoid includes a first energized state and a first de-energized state and the second cycle of the solenoid includes a second energized state and a second de-energized state. A first portion of the link couples to the solenoid, and a second portion of the link movably couples to the first profile of the cam. When the solenoid is in a first cycle, the member moves from a retracted position to an extended position, and when the solenoid is in a second cycle, the member moves from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trip device of a molded case circuit breaker. The trip device includes a shooter configured to include a body and a rotating shaft which passes through the body, a double torsion spring coupled to both sides of the rotating shaft and configured to provide an elastic restoring force to enable the shooter to rotate, and a crossbar configured to include a hanger that contacts the hanging plate and limits a movement of the shooter. A hanging plate is provided at a lower portion of the body, and a hitting plate is provided at an upper portion of the body.

Abstract: A shunt trip device for a circuit breaker having a trip bar for tripping the circuit breaker. The device includes a housing having a slot and a bottom wall having a pivot pocket. The device also includes a lever arm having a lever projection portion and a pivot portion. The pivot portion is located in the pivot pocket to enable rotation of the lever arm in the slot about a lever rotation axis between first and second positions. When the lever arm is in the second position, the lever projection portion moves the trip bar and trips the circuit breaker. The device further includes an actuation device that moves the lever arm to the second position. The pivot portion and pivot pocket form a configuration that increases a perpendicular distance between a force generated by the actuation device and the lever rotation axis.

Abstract: A contact mechanism includes a current path having a 360° winding formed by a plurality of conductor sections and having an axis that is perpendicular to a plane in which a rotary contact body is movable. The conductor sections include a first section with a first current conductor that extends to a fixed contact. A second conductor section extends through the fixed and rotary contacts. A third conductor section extends through the rotary contact. A final, conductor section, including a second current conductor, extends to the rotary contact body and runs parallel and in close proximity to the first current conductor. Each of the first and second current conductors are substantially parallel to the rotary contact body in the closed position and are formed as straight and rigid busbars having a length corresponding at least to a length of a contact arm of the rotary contact body.

Abstract: Circuit breakers include an arc chamber and an arc chute comprising a plurality of arc plates in the arc chamber. The circuit breakers also include a line conductor assembly with at least one arc runner attached to a line conductor in the arc chamber. The arc runner can extend below but adjacent to a bottom arc plate to thereby guide a respective arc into the arc chute.

Abstract: An switching mechanism is disclosed for an electrical switching device. In at least one embodiment, the switching mechanism is for a low-voltage circuit-breaker. Further, an electrical switching device is disclosed, in particular a low-voltage circuit-breaker, with a switching mechanism.

Abstract: Traditional contactors utilize a magnetic circuit that requires its coil to be continuously powered up to hold contacts together. They are heavy and bulky with the type, quality and size of materials used to develop sufficient magnetic force to hold contacts together. They are inefficient, costly and are a safety concern due to potential overheating which could result into fire or damage to connected loads. The current invention utilizes a solenoid actuator assembly with locking and unlocking mechanism in place of the yoke and armature assembly used in traditional magnetic contactors. It does not require the coil to be continuously powered up during operation and the contactor could be manually, electronically or electrically controlled thereby avoiding unnecessary power loss. They are very efficient, safe to users and connected loads, and have long service life expectancy. They are also more cost-effective and smaller in size than traditional magnetic contactors.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, when a switchgear operating state is shifted from a close state to a cutoff state, a solenoid lever is pushed and rotated by a plunger of an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so that the solenoid lever rotates in a direction opposite from the direction of the urging of a solenoid-lever return spring. A trigger roller pin and the solenoid lever become disengaged from each other, an eccentric pin and a trigger lever are rotated by the urging force from a latch leading end become disengaged from each other, whereby a latch lever is rotated by the released energy of a cutoff spring.

Abstract: A trip unit wherein one sidewall of a trip unit housing assembly captivates a trip bar is provided. A captivation assembly is coupled, or directly coupled, to a trip unit housing assembly, thereby limiting tolerance buildup. The captivation assembly includes a trip bar bearing cap having a stop feature, thereby limiting tolerance buildup. The trip bar includes a radial stop paddle having hemispherical protrusions structured to contact the trip unit housing, thereby limiting tolerance buildup. The captivation assembly elements are incorporated into the trip unit housing assembly and captivates the trip bar in all but one axis, thereby limiting tolerance buildup and improving repeatability.

Abstract: A transformer assembly is described. Embodiments of the transformer assembly are adapted to facile disconnection and removal of a transformer from the transformer assembly without disconnecting service lines from the transformer assembly. Moreover, embodiments of the transformer assembly are adapted to de-energize the transformer without interrupting primary power to downstream devices, and to safely and easily park energized or de-energized connectors such as loadbreak elbows during transformer maintenance. Methods of using the transformer assembly are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker subassembly and circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly. The circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly has a main contact terminal connectable to a main power terminal, a secondary electrical contact set having a stationary secondary electrical contact and a moveable secondary electrical contact, a lockout conductor provided in spring-engaged contact with the main contact terminal on a first end and including one of the stationary or moving secondary electrical contacts on a second end, and a spring having the moveable secondary electrical contact provided on a moveable portion. Circuit breakers and methods of operating the electronic circuit breaker are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A microswitch is disclosed, wherein the microswitch has (1) an electrical path between a first terminal and a second terminal and (2) a closed-loop magnetic path for channeling a magnetic field through a working gap to efficiently actuate the microswitch, where the electrical path and the closed-loop magnetic path are path independent. The electrical path includes a laterally movable mechanically active element. The closed-loop magnetic path includes one or more integrated coils for generating the magnetic field. The microswitch comprises: an electromagnetic module, which includes the one or more coils and some of the magnetic element of the closed-loop magnetic path; and a switch module, which includes the switching elements and the remainder of the magnetic elements of the closed-loop magnetic path. After the modules are joined the magnetic elements on both modules are magnetically coupled to collectively define the closed-loop magnetic path.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for an operating mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus includes a first member movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the first member adapted to lock a drive member of the operating mechanism and a force of the drive member applied to the first member, and in the second position the first member is adapted to release the drive member from the locked position. Guiding means guides the movement of the first member. A trip member is movable between a third position and a fourth position, in the third position the trip member adapted to lock the first member, and in the fourth position the trip member is adapted to release the first member. The guiding means are adapted to guide at least a first portion of the first member in a first direction toward a counter roller.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for an operating mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus includes a first member movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the first member adapted to lock a drive member of the operating mechanism and a force of the drive member applied to the first member, and in the second position the first member is adapted to release the drive member from the locked position. Guiding means guides the movement of the first member. A trip member is movable between a third position and a fourth position, in the third position the trip member adapted to lock the first member, and in the fourth position the trip member is adapted to release the first member.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.

Abstract: A device can be installed inside a circuit breaker assembly to reduce friction between an armature and a cradle, which in turn, allows the circuit breaker to trip without requiring significant force. Such device can be a collapsible mechanism configured to swivel about its hinged connection to the armature.

Abstract: A movable contactor assembly for a current limiting type circuit breaker comprises a movable contactor having a pair of curved protrusions having cam profiles, a shaft to rotatably support the movable contactor located therein, a pair of contact levers each having a contact surface contactable with the curved protrusion of the movable contactor and a pair of spring supporting recess portions and a pair of springs each having both end portions supported by the spring supporting recess portions, the pair of springs applying an elastic force as contact pressure for maintaining a contact state between the movable contactor and the stationary contactor when the movable contactor is located at the first position, and applying the elastic force in a direction to separate the movable contactor from the stationary contactor when the movable contactor is moved over a dead point while rotating toward the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A flux shifter for a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a trip arm and a pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin, a biasing member positioned proximate to the pin, and a latch coupled to the pin and to the biasing member. The pin assembly is configured to enable the trip arm to rotate into an engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter enters a trip state and to prevent the trip arm from rotating into the engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter is in one of an operational state and a reset state.

Abstract: Traditional contactors utilize a magnetic circuit that requires its coil to be continuously powered up to hold contacts together. They are heavy and bulky with the type, quality and size of materials used to develop sufficient magnetic force to hold contacts together. They are inefficient, costly and are a safety concern due to potential overheating which could result into fire or damage to connected loads. The current invention utilizes a solenoid actuator assembly with locking and unlocking mechanism in place of the yoke and armature assembly used in traditional magnetic contactors. It does not require the coil to be continuously powered up during operation and the contactor could be manually, electronically or electrically controlled thereby avoiding unnecessary power loss. They are very efficient, safe to users and connected loads, and have long service life expectancy. They are also more cost-effective and smaller in size than traditional magnetic contactors.

Abstract: A mechanical override device which is suitable for an undervoltage coil of a switching unit, is comprised of a first portion suitable for urging a plunger of the undervoltage coil in a first position which is taken by the plunger when the undervoltage coil is energized, and a second portion suitable for receiving an external movement command for imposing an operating movement to the first portion. The override device further comprises movement control means for controlling one or more cinematic parameters of the first portion so as to make the operating movement independent from the external movement command.

Abstract: A magnetic latching actuator operable to control the movement of at least a first contact and second contact between a closed position in which the contacts physically engage each other and an open position in which the contacts are spaced from each other. The magnetic latching actuator includes first and second stationary permanent magnets oriented such that the first magnetic field created by the first magnet and the second magnetic field created by the second magnet are in opposite directions. An actuation coil surrounds both the first and second magnets. Current is supplied to the actuation coil in a first direction to create a first magnetic field or a second direction to create a second actuation magnetic field opposite the first actuation magnetic field. A yoke is movable relative to the first and second magnets to cause the first and second contacts to move between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An energy-saving electromagnetic switching device in the present invention includes a housing, and an electromagnetic assembly and a movable magnetic pole within the housing. The movable magnetic pole connects a resilience means which engages with the movable magnetic pole to control the electromagnetic switching device switched on and off. At least one locking assembly is set between the movable magnetic pole and the housing, via which the electromagnetic switching device can automatically and repeatably change from an on-state to an off-state if the electromagnetic assembly is momentarily energized. The electromagnetic switching device is energy-saved, has higher automatization degree, simple operation, and lower cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching relay (1), particularly for a starting device for starting an internal combustion engine, having a contact device (5), a relay coil (2), an armature (3), and an actuating rod (4), wherein the actuating rod (4) is displaced placed by the armature (3) when current is applied to the relay coil (2) and the contact device (5) is actuated by the actuating rod (4), and having a contact ripping device by means of which the armature (3) and the actuating rod (4) are coupled to each other. In order to simplify assembly and disassembly, the contact ripping device is implemented having a latching device in the armature (3) .

Abstract: A trip unit having a current carrying element, an anchor having an up and a down position, and an oscillator having a first position and a second position. The oscillator in the first position permits the anchor to move into the down position, and the oscillator in the second position blocks the anchor from moving into the down position. Additionally, a magnetic yoke surrounds the current carrying element and the anchor. A magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic yoke moves the anchor into the down position. A magnetic yoke surrounding the current carrying element and the oscillator provides a magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic yoke moves the oscillator into the first position, or into the second position.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism for a power receptacle, which includes a disconnect block, a locking member slidably coupled to the disconnect block, and an electromagnetic device moveably coupled to the locking member. The disconnect block includes two side arms extending outwards. A pressing plate is disposed above the disconnect block, and a disconnect spring is disposed above the pressing plate. The moveable contact arms of the main switch of the receptacle are disposed between the pressing plate and the disconnect block, and the pressing plate pushes the moveable contact arms when the main switch is being opened when a current leakage is detected. The receptacle also includes an auxiliary switch disposed because the disconnect block and the circuit board.

Abstract: A switching device, for example a circuit breaker, has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. For triggering the disconnect device, an overcurrent trigger device and/or a short-circuit trigger device are in mechanical operative connection with the disconnect device by way of a reversing lever. The reversing lever includes a first lever arm with a trigger extension that can be actuated by the overcurrent trigger device and/or by the short-circuit trigger device, and a second lever arm with an actuating extension for triggering the disconnect device. To ensure safe operation, the actuating extension is configured to be resiliently compliant.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.

Abstract: A mechanical override device which is suitable for an undervoltage coil of a switching unit, is comprised of a first portion suitable for urging a plunger of the undervoltage coil in a first position which is taken by the plunger when the undervoltage coil is energized, and a second portion suitable for receiving an external movement command for imposing an operating movement to the first portion. The override device further comprises movement control means for controlling one or more cinematic parameters of the first portion so as to make the operating movement independent from the external movement command.

Abstract: An impact solenoid assembly for an electrical receptacle includes an armature having first and second ends. A resilient member is disposed between a latch and the second end of the armature. The resilient member spaces the armature from the latch. A plunger abuts the second end of the armature. When the solenoid is activated, the solenoid drives the armature toward the plunger, thereby creating momentum in the armature prior to striking the plunger. This increases the force with which the armature and plunger strike the latch.

Abstract: A shunt separator is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed within the housing, an operating assembly including a trip bar, and a trip assembly. The trip assembly cooperates with the trip bar to trip open the separable contacts in response to a fault condition. The trip assembly includes a number of shunts. The shunt separator includes a molded projection, which extends outwardly from the housing of the electrical switching apparatus. The molded projection at least partially surrounds a portion of the trip bar, thereby separating the number of shunts from the trip bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof.

Abstract: Electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, with at least one oblong electrical switching element, which is arranged with one contact end between two fixed-contact elements spaced a transverse distance from one another and can be moved by two adjustment elements forming a transverse movement drive transversely to a longitudinal direction optionally towards the one or the other fixed-contact element. The adjustment elements are disposed laterally alongside the switching element and can be moved transversely to and from the switching element. In order to improve the transverse movement drive for the switching element, the switching element-comprises magnetic material, wherein the adjustment elements are formed by magnets.

Abstract: In actuating devices such as, e.g., multifunctional actuators, it is necessary in many cases to block at least one specific direction of movement. A simple and reliably operating device is proposed for this purpose, which uses an electromagnet to bring a ball from a rest position into a blocking position. In the blocking position, the ball mechanically blocks the relative movement between two parts.

Abstract: A magnetic trip mechanism is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The magnetic trip mechanism includes a magnetic member, an armature having opposing first and second ends and first and second sides, an armature restraint and a biasing element. The armature moves among first and second positions corresponding to separable contacts of the electrical switching apparatus being tripped open and closeable, respectively. The armature restraint includes first and second portions. In the first position, the first side of the armature engages the magnetic member. In the second position, the second side of the armature engages the second portion of the armature restraint. The armature restraint and the biasing element comprise a sub-assembly, which is removably coupled to the magnetic member. After being removably coupled to the magnetic member, the biasing element is chargeable to bias the armature away from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: An electrical switching device facilitates selectively controlling residential power. The switching device is configured to couple between a residential electrical-energy meter and a residence. The device includes a solenoid assembly, a yoke, and at least two conductor busbars. The solenoid assembly includes an electrically-activated solenoid that is coupled to an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a biasing mechanism and a plunger. The yoke is coupled to the actuator plunger such that the plunger is substantially centered relative to the yoke. The biasing mechanism is coupled to the yoke to bias the yoke away from the solenoid. The yoke includes at least two shorting bars that are oriented in a mirrored-arrangement on opposite sides of the actuator plunger.

Abstract: A control element is provided having programmable haptics, in particular a programmable central catch, for a motor vehicle, having a control knob which can be accommodated such that it can rotate, the control knob being connected in a force-fitting or interlocking manner to a toothed ring or having an integral design, and it being possible for the toothed ring (to be rotated by means of the control knob, and at least one latching element which can move towards the toothed ring and/or away from the toothed ring by means of an electromagnet.