Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the main contacts, and a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism. The drive system includes a motor responsive to first and second control signals, a primary drive responsive to the motor, and an opening spring responsive to the primary drive, the main contacts being responsive to the opening spring. In response to the first control signal, the primary drive moves to charge the opening spring, and in response to the second control signal and the main contacts being closed, the primary drive moves to allow the opening spring to discharge thereby resulting in the main contacts opening independent of the motor.

Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated by a controller is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism, a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism, and a control circuit in operable communication with the main contacts. The drive system includes a motor, and a primary drive responsive to the motor and in operable communication to open and close the main contacts. The control circuit indicates a closed main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being closed, and an open main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being held open via the drive system.

Abstract: Improvements to a rating plug for an electronic trip unit of a circuit breaker are disclosed. The rating plug includes a non-volatile memory which has access to current and frame rating information. A microcomputer in the electronic trip unit may receive new current rating information over the World Wide Web from a vendor system to update the current rating information of the rating plug. A program within the circuit breaker may detect errors in the new current rating information and may reject such and revert to a safe mode of operation. A billing system may be connected to the vendor system for calculating charges based on the transmission of the new current rating information. Preferably, the non-volatile memory of the rating plug is programmed at the factory site and a label adhered to the outer case of the rating plug for indicating the current rating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rejection of an inappropriate rating plug in an electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker including: a microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in operable communication with the microprocessor; the rating plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the rating plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register includes an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based on the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs said microprocessor to perform a validation of said rating plug for operation with said microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a circuit breaker having an arc fault detection circuit, a ground fault detection circuit, a signal indicative of an arc fault in a corresponding pole of the circuit breaker; and a trip mechanism including a pair of separable contacts. The trip mechanism is in operable communication with the ground fault detection circuitry so than in response to receiving the signal from the ground fault detection circuitry, the arc fault detection circuitry causes the ground fault detection circuitry to generate a trip signal causing the trip mechanism to separate the pair of separable contacts.

Abstract: A verifying trip unit includes a microcontroller providing a plurality of input signals to a logic device for controlling a trip unit actuator. The logic device produces an output signal for controlling a trip unit actuator. In response to the plurality of input signals, the logic device provides an output signal indicative of a function performed on the signals for opening the circuit breaker contacts in an overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a circuit breaker having an arc fault detection circuit, a ground fault detection circuit, a signal indicative of an arc fault in a corresponding pole of the circuit breaker; and a trip mechanism including a pair of separable contacts. The trip mechanism is in operable communication with the ground fault detection circuitry so that in response to receiving the signal from the ground fault detection circuitry, the arc fault detection circuitry causes the ground fault detection circuitry to generate a trip signal causing the trip mechanism to separate the pair of separable contacts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rejection of an inappropriate rating plug in an electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker including: a microprocessor programmed to determine an overcurrent condition of the circuit breaker; a nonvolatile memory in operable communication with the microprocessor; the rating plug releasably engaged with the microprocessor, the rating plug includes an identification register; wherein the microprocessor reads the identification register, the identification register includes an identification number; wherein the microprocessor accesses one of a plurality of programs in the nonvolatile memory based on the identification number; and wherein the one of a plurality of programs instructs said microprocessor to perform a validation of said rating plug for operation with said microprocessor.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a dual test mechanism is presented for use in a circuit breaker. More specifically, the dual test mechanism includes a dual test button which comprises a single switch for testing both the AFCI and GFCI circuits of the breaker. The test mechanism includes a circuit board, which forms a part of the circuit breaker, and a test button assembly which includes a test button and signaling components which are electrically connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: A verifying trip unit includes a microcontroller providing a plurality of input signals to a logic device for controlling a trip unit actuator. The logic device produces an output signal for controlling a trip unit actuator. In response to the plurality of input signals, the logic device provides an output signal indicative of a function performed on the signals for opening the circuit breaker contacts in an overcurrent condition.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock is provided with and incorporates the enhanced feature of covert entry detection and notification. Whenever the bolt of an electronic lock provided with this enhancement is retracted to its withdrawn or unlocked position and whenever the lock has not received an authorized combination enabling the movement of the bolt, movement of the bolt is detected and the electronics of the lock is powered for a time sufficient to record an indication of the covert entry in its non-volatile memory. Upon normal operation at a subsequent time, the indication of covert entry is read from the non-volatile memory and a visual indication is displayed to the operator to inform the operator that covert entry has occurred.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system is disclosed which samples a plurality of output ports and lines from the microprocessor and the system electronics of an electronic lock to determine whether the bolt is extended, retracted, or the enabling stepper motor has been activated. The presence of a change key may be monitored and the efficacy of a change key controlled to only permit the changing of the combination of the lock when the central monitoring station approves such a change.

Abstract: A non-metallic ladder for use in a manhole in which permanent manhole steps have been installed and spaced relation from the top of the manhole to a position above the bottom and there being a pair of spaced side members on said ladder connected transversely by spaced steps to form corners at the top in which there are spaces to fit over a respective side members on the step. The spaces may be in the shape of a rectangular cross-section or other configuration. The ladder is "hung" from the step to resist dislodgment therefrom. There may be provided a wall bumper member at the bottom of the ladder to engage the inside wall of the manhole.

Abstract: The present device is especially useful for positioning on forms prior to the pouring of concrete for removal therefrom to create holes in the concrete to receive inserts therein such as in making holes in concrete for steps to be used in a manhole. A tapered steel shaft of any selected length has a collar fixed near one end thereof with an elongated handle passing transversely therethrough. The collar has slanted cam edges on each end providing a cam surface which is approximately 12.degree. from a line perpendicular to the axis. A second collar identical to the first is welded to a form, such as a steel concrete form used in pouring concrete for manholes. The second collar also has slanted cam edges providing a cam surface corresponding to the slanted cam edges on the first collar and there is a hole passing through the steel pin and through the second collar to receive a removable latch pin therein.