Abstract: A molded case thermal-magnetic circuit breaker having improved low current magnetic trip response interfaces an intermediate armature between the circuit breaker latching element and the magnet assembly within the circuit breaker thermal-magnetic trip system. The intermediate armature optimizes the magnetic trip forces applied to both the intermediate armature and the latching element to enhance low current magnetic trip response.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker movable contact arm electrically connects with the circuit breaker load terminal without requiring a flexible electrical conducting braid. The contact arm is pivotally arranged within a contact arm support to which the load terminal lug is attached. The contact arm pivot pin is supported on a pair of parallel support posts extending from the contact arm support and a pair of bifurcated shunt plates are positioned on the pivot pin, one on each side of the contact arm to promote good electric transport between the contact arm and the support posts during short circuit conditions without interfering with the rotational movement of the contact arm.

Abstract: An integrated protection unit is a circuit breaker which includes basic overcurrent protection facility along with selective electrical accessories. A molded plastic accessory access cover secured to the integrated protection unit cover protects the accessory components contained within the integrated protection unit cover from the environment. A combined overcurrent trip actuator and multiple accessory unit can be field-installed within the integrated protection unit. The combined actuator-accessory unit includes electronic control circuitry for the accessories along with mechanical trip and reset interface components. The reset mechanism allows the actuator-accessory unit to become reset without interferring with the operation of the integrated protection unit.

Abstract: An integrated protection unit is a circuit breaker which includes basic overcurrent protection facility along with selective electrical accessories. A molded plastic accessory access cover secured to the integrated protection unit cover protects the accessory components contained within the integrated protection unit cover from the environment. A combined overcurrent trip actuator and multiple accessory unit can be field-installed within the integrated protection unit. The combined actuator-accessory unit includes electronic control circuitry for the accessories along with mechanical trip and reset interface components.

Abstract: A molded case industrial circuit breaker is provided with a shortened contact separation distance upon manual operation to reduce the stresses imposed upon the breaker operating mechanism when the breaker is manually operated to open or close the contacts. A camming surface is provided on the cradle operator to provide a stop for the toggle pin both upon opening as well as upon closing the contacts. The decreased separation which occurs between the contacts upon manual operation allows a savings in the amount of contact braid material as well as reducing the size of both the fixed and movable contacts. The decreased stresses on the mechanism correspondingly allows for a reduction in the material strength and mass of the breaker flexible connectors, operating springs, and contacts.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker includes an insulated latch and cradle mechanism to prevent deleterious arc formation between their points of separation when the circuit breaker contacts are opened under short circuit conditions. One embodiment employs an insulated latch mounted on the breaker armature.

Abstract: A rope holder includes a body having anchoring means facilitating attachment to a member. The free end of a rope leading from an object to be tied down, is threaded through a first aperture and then a second aperture, both formed in the body. Also formed in body is a V-shaped notch having its wide end in open communication with the second aperture. The rope is pulled tight through the two apertures and then moved laterally out of the second aperture into the slot, where it is wedged to maintain the desired rope tightness.

Abstract: A unique ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) device is utilized to control either an industrial circuit breaker or a contactor in protecting a large power distribution circuit against ground faults. The GFCI device is equipped with plural sets of switch contacts which are actuated incident with tripping of the GFCI device. The particular switch contacts are selected to control energization of an actuator adapted to the circuit breaker or contactor, depending on the actuator type. A ground fault sensor responds to ground faults on the distribution circuit by injecting a current imbalancing signal into the GFCI device, causing it to trip. The consequent switch contact actuation initiates operation of the circuit breaker or contactor to interrupt the distribution circuit.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) device is utilized to control either an industrial circuit breaker or a contactor in protecting a large power distribution circuit against ground faults. The GFCI device is equipped with switch contacts which are actuated incident with tripping of the GFCI device. The switch contacts control energization of an actuator adapted to the circuit breaker or contactor. A ground fault sensor responds to ground faults on the distribution circuit by injecting a current imbalancing signal into the GFCI device, causing it to trip. The consequent switch contact actuation initiates operation of the circuit breaker or contactor to interrupt the distribution circuit.

Abstract: Actuating elements, operatively coupled with an external circuit breaker manual operating handle and with a circuit breaker internal trip actuating member, are selectively operated to activate an auxiliary switch when the circuit breaker is opened either manually via its operating handle or automatically in response to an abnormal external circuit condition.

Abstract: A ground fault protector includes a conventional ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electronic module which receives operating power over a separate supply circuit to render the protector operable in affording personnel ground fault protection for a circuit whose nominal voltage is inappropriate to power the module. The protector includes contacts operating in both the supply and protected circuits such that, in the event of a ground fault on the protected circuit, both circuits are interrupted. The supply circuit is also equipped to simulate a ground fault condition for verifying operability of the protector.

Abstract: A rope holder includes a body having anchoring means facilitating attachment to a member. The free end of a rope leading from an object to be tied down, is threaded through a first aperture and then a second aperture, both formed in the body. Also formed in body is a V-shaped notch having its wide end in open communication with the second aperture. The rope is pulled tight through the two apertures and then moved laterally out of the second aperture into the slot, where it is wedged to maintain the desired rope tightness.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) device of the type utilized in low voltage, residential type circuits for personnel protection against ground faults is connected in circuit with a high voltage, high current source so as to trip in response to ground fault current returning to the source via a conductor path solidly connecting the source to ground.

Abstract: A molded circuit breaker case complete with line and load terminals is fashioned to house a molded case circuit breaker. Rigid conductive straps affixed to the outer case provide electrical connections between the case line and load terminals and the circuit breaker line and load terminals, respectively, and, in addition, serve to secure the circuit breaker in place. The circuit breaker operating handle protrudes through an opening in the outer case to facilitate manual circuit breaker operation.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) device includes a conventional circuit breaker equipped with a trip mechanism operable automatically to open the breaker contacts in response to overcurrent conditions. A GFCI module, responsive to ground leakage current, actuates a trip solenoid to open the breaker contacts via the trip mechanism in response to a ground fault. An indicator, carried by linkage interconnecting the solenoid and trip mechanism, is moved into registry with an opening in the breaker case only upon actuation of the solenoid to thus indicate the occurrence of a ground fault trip function.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly affording ground fault protection includes a housing containing fixed contacts supported by socket connector sub-assemblies. A support plate mounts an electronics/magnetics module and operating mechanism sub-assembly including a pivotal, movable contact carrying arm, a latch, a reset button and a trip solenoid. The reset button positions the latch to detain the arm with the contacts in circuit completing relation. On a ground fault, the module effectuates energization of the solenoid to unlatch the arm which moves to separate the contacts.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly affording ground fault protection includes a housing containing fixed contacts supported by socket connector sub-assemblies. A support plate mounts an electronics/magnetics module and operating mechanism sub-assembly including a pivotal, movable contact carrying arm, a latch, a reset button and a trip solenoid. The reset button positions the latch to detain the arm with the contacts in circuit completing relation. On a ground fault, the module effectuates energization of the solenoid to unlatch the arm which moves to separate the contacts.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly affording ground fault protection includes a housing containing fixed contacts supported by socket connector subassemblies. A support plate mounts an electronics/magnetics module and operating mechanism sub-assembly including a pivotal, movable contact carrying arm, a latch, a reset button and a trip solenoid. The reset button positions the latch to detain the arm with the contacts in circuit completing relation. On a ground fault, the module effectuates energization of the solenoid to unlatch the arm which moves to separate the contacts.