Abstract: A Hall effect sensor is transported to and away from a conductor to vary the sensitivity range of the sensor to current flow in the conductor. The device comprises a bracket supported on the conductor which holds a jack screw. At the lower end of the jack screw is a sensor block which holds the Hall effect sensor. The sensor block translates in a slide guide of the bracket, but is prevented from rotating. At the upper end of the jack screw is a knob for rotating the jack screw. Rotating the jack screw causes the sensor block to slide closer or farther from the conductor, which varies its sensitivity in measuring a magnetic field generated by a current in the conductor.

Abstract: A connection verifying trip unit includes a microprocessor circuit and a terminal electrically connected to the microprocessor circuit. A power source is electrically connected intermediate the terminal and the microprocessor circuit. The terminal is electrically connected to ground when the terminal is connected to the circuit breaker. When the terminal is disconnected from the circuit breaker, the terminal is disconnected from ground and the power source provides an input signal to the microprocessor circuit. In response to the input signal, the microprocessor unit provides an output signal indicating, locally or remotely, that the trip unit has been disconnected from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A modular current sensor and power source unit (10) for duplicating the function of a current transformer is disposed on a conductor (11) of an electrical circuit. Modular current sensor and power source unit (10) includes a current transformer (12), a power supply circuit (14), a current sensor (16), and current source circuit (18). Current transformer (12) provides operating power to power supply circuit (14). Power supply circuit (14) regulates the operating power and provides the regulated operating power to sensor (16) and current source (18). Sensor (16) senses current in phase (11) and provides a signal indicative of the current in phase (11) to current source (18). Current source (18) receives the signal from sensor (16) and drives an output current proportional to this signal to the load circuit via lines (34) and (36). The current output by current source (18) has the attributes of the low power sensor (16) with the ability to provide power to the load circuit.

Abstract: An arrangement for connection between motor controller electronic components and silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR) contained within the controller circuit is presented with line and load straps being arranged on the bottom surface of the motor controller compartment at opposite ends thereof. The SCR's are positioned under the compartment on an elongated heat-sink support plate. Intermediate block connectors interconnect the SCR's with the controller line and load straps.

Abstract: A trip unit is provided with non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or Flash memory, for storing the firmware, including initializing parameters, boot code, and operational parameters. This configuration enables one to change the trip unit's firmware after it is manufactured. The present invention provides thus increased functionality to trip units by enabling upgrades and servicing of the trip unit by downloading replacement firmware to it. This would include remotely downloading firmware when the electronic trip unit is connected to a host controller, such as a multi-purpose computer either directly, over the telephone lines, LAN or any other suitable connection such as the Internet.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter of the type including an electronic trip unit for overcurrent determination includes a separate circuit to power the trip unit along with a Hall Effect or GMR Device to sense the current flow within the protected circuit. A removable option plug electrically interconnects with the trip unit to enable ground fault and arcing fault protection.

Abstract: A cooling assembly for semiconductor devices in the form of an enclosure including an inlet and outlet with a semiconductor support assembly is presented. The air passage connection with the inlet defines vortex configuration for the rapid transport of compressed air to the semiconductor devices arranged between the enclosure inlet and outlet.

Abstract: The load lugs electrically connecting circuit breakers employing electronic trip units with associated electrical distribution circuits are shaped to provide magnetic flux concentration to Hall effect current sensors within the electronic trip unit circuit. The Hall effect sensor is positioned within the shaped region of the load lug for optimum focus of the magnetic flux within each phase of a multi-phase electrical distribution system.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter of the type including an electronic trip unit for overcurrent determination which includes a small-sized iron core current transformer to power the trip unit electronics along with a giant magnetic resistor semiconductor (GMR) to sense the current flow within the protected circuit.

Abstract: A ground fault protection module is attached to a circuit breaker employing a thermal-magnetic trip unit to separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of a ground fault. The ground fault module contains a logic circuit and a giant magnetic resistor for detecting the ground fault.

Abstract: An integrated circuit breaker is described having shunt trip capability along with automatic overcurrent protection through the circuit breaker trip unit and shunt trip module. The shunt trip module further provides auxiliary power to the trip unit and allows the trip unit microprocessor to report and record the shunt trip operation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit breaker is described having shunt trip capability along with automatic overcurrent protection. The shunt trip unit provides auxiliary power to the trip unit and allows the trip unit to report and record the shunt trip operation. A control circuit determines whether there is sufficient operating power available as well as the condition of the circuit breaker contacts prior to executing the shunt trip operation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit breaker having several accessory functions along with automatic overcurrent protection, allows selection between the various accessory functions in different combinations. Separate switches are arranged on the circuit breaker to allow factory as well as field selection of the accessory function combinations.

Abstract: A digital circuit interrupter utilizing current transformers for operating power is provided with a re-chargeable battery to power-up the trip unit as well as to power the display after an overcurrent trip occurrence to enable an operator to determine both the magnitude as well as the cause of the overcurrent condition.