Abstract: An electromechanical rotary latch for use in current interruption devices disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a fuse device comprises a rotary latch; a rotatable armature configured to actuate the rotary latch; and a contact configured to change between a set position that allows current flow through the fuse device and a triggered position which interrupts current flow through the fuse device; wherein the fuse device is configured such that when a threshold current level passes through the fuse device, the rotatable armature changes configuration in response to a generated electromagnetic field, which actuates the rotary latch causing the contact to transition to the triggered position.

Abstract: Electrical switching devices are disclosed that have pressure relief mechanisms to allow for the release of internal pressure within the switching device housing. The pressure within the housing can be caused by different events with one such event being internal arcing within the housing caused during operation of the housing's internal components. Is some cases the arcing can be caused during separation of the switching device contacts. The pressure relief mechanism allows for the high pressure to pass from the housing in a more controlled matter to minimize or prevent high pressure breach or rupture of the switching device housing. The pressure relief mechanisms are particularly applicable to switching devices with hermetically sealed housings. Many different pressure relief mechanisms can be used including rupture disks or engineered weak points in the switching device housing.

Abstract: A switch assembly including a housing. An escutcheon portion on the front surface of the housing has a raised platform. A transition ramp extends from the platform to a rest area and a finger area is adjacent the rest area. A perimeter frame encloses the finger area so that the escutcheon portion defines opposing notches aligned with the rest area. A handle has a hub with an axial bore so that a pivot pin insert through the axial bore rotatably couples the handle to the housing. A finger grip extends from the hub. The finger grip has a surface for selectively abutting against the rest area and a textured portion for manual actuation when a finger in inserted into the finger area.

Abstract: A circuit interruption device includes at least one constriction zone. The constriction zone provides for interference with arcing of an electrical signal. The device may include at least one expansion zone. The device may include at least one movable component to assist in creation of the at least one constriction zone. A method of fabrication is provided.

Abstract: A circuit interruption device includes at least one constriction zone. The constriction zone provides for interference with arcing of an electrical signal. The device may include at least one expansion zone. The device may include at least one movable component to assist in creation of the at least one constriction zone. A method of fabrication is provided.

Abstract: A circuit interruption device includes at least one constriction zone. The constriction zone provides for interference with arcing of an electrical signal. The device may include at least one expansion zone. The device may include at least one movable component to assist in creation of the at least one constriction zone. A method of fabrication is provided.

Abstract: A circuit interruption device includes at least one constriction zone. The constriction zone provides for interference with arcing of an electrical signal. The device may include at least one expansion zone. The device may include at least one movable component to assist in creation of the at least one constriction zone. A method of fabrication is provided.

Abstract: A retaining element for a toggle switch, including an elongated toggle member which pivots about an axis with respect to a switch body, having an attachment portion, connecting the retaining element to the elongated toggle member and being adapted to supply a force against the elongated toggle member to hold the toggle in a defined position, a connecting arm, extending from the attachment, adapted to supply a force in the defined position against the body with respect to a path of movement of the elongated toggle member, and a manually graspable member, adapted to transmit a force for displacing the attachment from the defined position.

Abstract: A locking plate for releasably securing a circuit breaker to a module includes a back portion for supporting a circuit breaker, legs connected to the back portion for releasably engaging a terminal of the circuit breaker and for releasably securing the locking plate to the circuit breaker and means for releasably securing the locking plate to a module. The legs may be angled to facilitate slidable engagement with the terminal of the circuit breaker. The locking plate may also include a flange for offsetting the circuit breaker from the module when the circuit breaker is mounted on the module. The locking plate may also include a handle guard for preventing a switch on the circuit breaker from inadvertently being toggled.

Abstract: Tripping of the poles of a multi-pole breaker requires less force from current sensing actuators, through use of a lost motion linkage including a trip link which unlatches the linkage holding one pole contact set closed before operating the inter-pole tripping elements. Preferably the breaker has a fast forcing arrangement for forcing a movable contact open under short-circuit conditions, faster than the normal contact opening spring can respond. The lost motion linkage is provided by a trip link which first releases a secondary latch to permit contact opening at normal speed, and then operates an inter-pole tripping element. Under short-circuit conditions the trip link engages the movable contact to force it open, between unlatching and engagement of the inter-pole tripping element.