Abstract: A solenoid includes a support and an electrical winding located at the support. A plunger may be provided that is movable in response to energization of the electrical winding and an actuator may also be provided that is adjustable relative to the plunger and interconnected therewith. The solenoid may further include at least one switch responsive to movement of the plunger. A solenoid cover is also presented.

Abstract: A rotor assembly may include first rotor half, a first spring supported with the first rotor half, a second rotor half, and a second spring supported within the second rotor half, wherein the first rotor half and the second rotor half are adjoined to enclose the first and second springs. A coiled section of each spring may surround a rotor center pin. A contact arm positioned between the springs may include a non-circular opening. A method for assembling such a rotor assembly is further described.

Abstract: A rotor assembly may include first rotor half, a first spring supported with the first rotor half, a second rotor half, and a second spring supported within the second rotor half, wherein the first rotor half and the second rotor half are adjoined to enclose the first and second springs. A coiled section of each spring may surround a rotor center pin. A contact arm positioned between the springs may include a non-circular opening. A method for assembling such a rotor assembly is further described.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker is provided. The operating mechanism includes a holder assembly being positioned to receive a portion of an operating handle of the circuit breaker. The holder assembly is capable of movement between a first position and a second position wherein the first position corresponds to a closed position of the circuit breaker and the second position corresponds to an open position of the circuit breaker. The operating mechanism further includes a drive plate being movably mounted to a support structure of the operating mechanism. The drive plate is coupled to the holder assembly. The operating mechanism also includes an energy storage mechanism for assuming a plurality of states, each state having a prescribed amount of energy stored in the energy storage mechanism.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for manipulating an operating handle of a circuit breaker is provided. The operating mechanism includes a holder assembly being configured, dimensioned and positioned to receive a portion of the operating handle where the holder assembly is capable of movement between a first position and a second position wherein the first position corresponds to a closed position of the handle and the second position corresponds to an open position of the handle. The operating mechanism further includes a drive plate being movably mounted to a support structure of the operating mechanism. The drive plate is coupled to the holder assembly. The operating mechanism also includes an energy storage mechanism for assuming a plurality of states, each state having a prescribed amount of energy stored in the energy storage mechanism.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism comprising a blocking member sized to fit within the elongated slot through which a circuit breaker handle extends is disclosed. The blocking member may be seated adjacent the circuit breaker handle within the elongated slot and may snap or otherwise be locked into place to prevent the circuit breaker handle from moving within the slot. Thus, if the blocking member is placed within the elongated slot when the circuit breaker handle is in an OFF position, then the circuit breaker handle will be locked in the OFF position. The blocking member can be converted for locking the circuit breaker handle in an ON position. Then, when the blocking member is placed within the elongated slot when the circuit breaker handle is in an ON position, then the circuit breaker handle will be locked in the ON position.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for use on a draw-out mechanism mounted on a circuit breaker within a switchgear cabinet includes a fixed side plate arranged for mounting within switchgear cabinet, a mobile side plate includes a pin extending threrefrom, the mobile side plate arranged to move the circuit breaker in cooperation therewith and an obstructor plate pivotally mounted to the fixed sideplate, the obstructor plate having a slot and a notch extending from the slot, the pin traversing the slot to allow the mobile side plate to move relative to the fixed side plate.

Abstract: A plug-in contact system for a plug-in type circuit breaker is disclosed. The movable contacts are easily engaged within the circuit breaker by the design of the contact support which includes a guiding protrusion, thus lowering the necessary insertion force. The stationary contacts provided on a fixed base, to which the circuit breaker may be plugged in, may be provided with modular contact supports. In addition, a shutter arrangement provides protection to the stationary contacts when a plug-in breaker is withdrawn from the fixed base.

Abstract: An interface for a plug-in circuit breaker for carrying auxiliary components is disclosed. The interface includes a substrate having a base surface secured to the circuit breaker and a mounting surface. A plurality of auxiliary contact blocks, each carrying eight auxiliary contacts, can be mounted on the mounting surface. A plurality of rating plugs, for avoiding insertion of a wrong breaker into a plug-in base, may further be mounted on the mounting surface. The interface may further include a plurality of tunnel-shaped passageways for routing auxiliary circuit wires and preventing their interference with moving parts of the breaker.

Abstract: A motor operator for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The motor operator includes a motor drive assembly connected to a mechanical linkage system for driving an energy storage mechanism from a first state of a plurality of states to a second state of a plurality of states. The motor operator also includes an energy release mechanism coupled to the mechanical linkage system for releasing the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism. The mechanical linkage system includes a recharging cam being driven by the motor drive assembly. The recharging cam rotates a drive plate rotatably mounted to the system. A linear carriage is coupled to the drive plate and the linear carriage manipulates an operating handle of a circuit breaker. The recharging cam is disengaged from the drive plate when the energy storage mechanism is compressed into an energy storage state and the drive plate is latched into a position corresponding to the energy stored state.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a plug-in contact system for a plug-in type circuit breaker is provided. The movable contacts are easily engaged within the circuit breaker by the design of the contact support which includes a guiding protrusion, thus lowering the necessary insertion force. The stationary contacts provided on a fixed base, to which the circuit breaker may be plugged in, may be provided with modular contact supports. In addition, a shutter arrangement provides protection to the stationary contacts when a plug-in breaker is withdrawn from the fixed base.

Abstract: An interface for a plug-in circuit breaker for carrying auxiliary components is disclosed. The interface includes a substrate having a base surface secured to the circuit breaker and a mounting surface. A plurality of auxiliary contact blocks, each carrying eight auxiliary contacts, can be mounted on the mounting surface. A plurality of rating plugs, for avoiding insertion of a wrong breaker into a plug-in base, may further be mounted on the mounting surface. The interface may further include a plurality of tunnel-shaped passageways for routing auxiliary circuit wires and preventing their interference with moving parts of the breaker.

Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for a circuit breaker motor operator is disclosed. The energy storage mechanism has a first elastic member; a first fixture having a plurality of slots therein, the first fixture positioned in the first elastic member; a second fixture having a plurality of members defining an aperture; a second elastic member engaged to the second fixture and positioned within the aperture; wherein the second fixture is engaged to the first fixture. A motor operator for a molded case circuit breaker is disclosed.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker is provided. The operating mechanism includes a holder assembly being positioned to receive a portion of an operating handle of the circuit breaker. The holder assembly is capable of movement between a first position and a second position wherein the first position corresponds to a closed position of the circuit breaker and the second position corresponds to an open position of the circuit breaker. The operating mechanism further includes a drive plate being movably mounted to a support structure of the operating mechanism. The drive plate is coupled to the holder assembly. The operating mechanism also includes an energy storage mechanism for assuming a plurality of states, each state having a prescribed amount of energy stored in the energy storage mechanism.

Abstract: A motor operator for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The motor operator includes a motor drive assembly connected to a mechanical linkage system for driving an energy storage mechanism from a first state of a plurality of states to a second state of a plurality of states. The motor operator also includes an energy release mechanism coupled to the mechanical linkage system for releasing the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism. The mechanical linkage system includes a recharging cam being driven by the motor drive assembly. The recharging cam rotates a drive plate rotatably mounted to the system. A linear carriage is coupled to the drive plate and the linear carriage manipulates an operating handle of a circuit breaker. The recharging cam is disengaged from the drive plate when the energy storage mechanism is compressed into an energy storage state and the drive plate is latched into a position corresponding to the energy stored state.

Abstract: A draw-out arrangement for molded case circuit breakers is disclosed. A circuit breaker plug-in system generally comprises a plug-in base to which the draw-out mechanism is secured. The base includes a right plate and a left plate. A circuit breaker is movable between the right plate and the left plate and is retractably connected to the plug-in base by the action of the draw-out mechanism. The draw-out mechanism of the present invention includes a shaft connecting the right plate to the left plate which provides rigidity to the system and balances the circuit breaker during movement. When a crank is inserted into the draw out mechanism and used to rotate a lead screw connected therein, a rider positioned about the lead screw is prevented from rotating due to being sandwiched between a pair of plates. Movement is thereby translated into linear motion which is used to move the circuit breaker into or out of engagement with the plug-in base.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a locking arrangement for use on a draw-out mechanism mounted on a circuit breaker within a switchgear cabinet includes a fixed side plate arranged for mounting within switchgear cabinet, a mobile side plate includes a pin extending therefrom, the mobile side plate arranged to move the circuit breaker in cooperation therewith and an obstructor plate pivotally mounted to the fixed sideplate, the obstructor plate having a slot and a notch extending from the slot, the pin traversing the slot to allow the mobile side plate to move relative to the fixed side plate.