Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a thermal tripping mechanism having a bimetallic element deflectable in response to overload current by heating the bimetallic element by radio frequency induction heat.

Abstract: An electric circuit protection device comprising an interruptable current path for interrupting current flow to a load including trip means for tripping the interruptable current path upon occurrence of a load fault, the interruptable current path comprising first and second electrically conductive parts that have been joined by ultrasonic welding to establish electric conductivity between them, the first part comprising non-alloying material, the second part comprising non-ferrous material, and a brazing material that has been acted upon by the ultrasonic welding to join the parts, the brazing material being selected to comprise at least two materials, one of the two materials being elemental copper, and the elemental copper being the largest single constituent of the brazing material.

Abstract: A method of mechanically joining electrically conductive parts to form an electrically conductive joint by providing first and second electrically conductive parts that are to be joined to establish electric conductivity between them wherein the first part comprises non-alloying material and the second part comprises non-ferrous material. Brazing material is disposed between the parts at a location where they are to be joined. Ultrasonic energy is then applied. The brazing material is selected to comprise at least two materials, one of the two materials being elemental copper, and the elemental copper being the largest single constituent of the brazing material. The invention also provides a novel construction for parts that form a portion of an interruptable current path through a circuit protection device such as an electric circuit breaker.