Abstract: A solid state circuit interrupter provides structures which can manually move an isolation switch of a pole from the ON state to the OFF state without the use of auxiliary power but that advantageously additionally provides an interlock apparatus that avoids manually moving the isolation switch from the ON state to the OFF state until certain conditions exist. One such condition is to ensure that some action is taken, such as by switching a physical interlock between one state and another state. Such a change in state of the physical interlock might additionally result in a change in state of an electronic interlock that would resist the solid state switch being moved to its ON state while the isolation switch is capable of being manually switched to its OFF state. The physical interlock might additionally resist the isolation switch from being manually switched into its ON state.

Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly including an interlock system. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly is structured to maintain the multi-level feedback actuator assembly, and elements thereof, in a safe configuration. The interlock system for the multi-level feedback actuator assembly includes an interlock assembly structured to configure the rotary solenoid and at least one of the first actuator or the second actuator in a safe configuration.

Abstract: A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly includes a rotary solenoid, an electric actuator assembly and a manual actuator assembly. The electric actuator assembly includes a switch assembly with an actuator. The manual actuator assembly includes a number of primary actuators, a linkage assembly, and a cam assembly. The number of primary actuators includes a first actuator with a body. The first actuator body is structured to move over a path having at least a first portion and a second portion. The rotary solenoid is operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is further operatively coupled to an operating mechanism crossbar. In this configuration, the linkage assembly is structured to apply at least a first bias and a second bias to the first actuator body. Further, the first bias is noticeably different from said second bias.

Abstract: A movable contact conductor assembly is provided. The movable contact arm assembly includes an elongated member with a distal tip, a first end, a medial portion, an actuator coupling second component, a primary pivot second component, a secondary pivot second component, a clinch joint second component, a second end, and a proximal tip. During an over-current event the movable contact arm assembly member generates a loop force. A loop force first portion is disposed on a first longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component, and, a loop force second portion is disposed on a second longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component.

Abstract: A movable contact conductor assembly is provided. The movable contact arm assembly includes an elongated member with a distal tip, a first end, a medial portion, an actuator coupling second component, a primary pivot second component, a secondary pivot second component, a clinch joint second component, a second end, and a proximal tip. During an over-current event the movable contact arm assembly member generates a loop force. A loop force first portion is disposed on a first longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component, and, a loop force second portion is disposed on a second longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component.

Abstract: A movable contact conductor assembly is provided. The movable contact arm assembly includes an elongated member with a distal tip, a first end, a medial portion, an actuator coupling second component, a primary pivot second component, a secondary pivot second component, a clinch joint second component, a second end, and a proximal tip. During an over-current event the movable contact arm assembly member generates a loop force. A loop force first portion is disposed on a first longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component, and, a loop force second portion is disposed on a second longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component.

Abstract: A movable contact conductor assembly is provided. The movable contact arm assembly includes an elongated member with a distal tip, a first end, a medial portion, an actuator coupling second component, a primary pivot second component, a secondary pivot second component, a clinch joint second component, a second end, and a proximal tip. During an over-current event the movable contact arm assembly member generates a loop force. A loop force first portion is disposed on a first longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component, and, a loop force second portion is disposed on a second longitudinal side of the movable contact arm assembly member primary pivot second component.

Abstract: A reversal prevention mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, includes an actuator assembly pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing, a first stop element for controlling movement of the actuator assembly, a stop assembly pivotably coupled to the housing, and a second stop element for controlling movement of the stop assembly. The stored energy mechanism is movable among a charged position, a discharged position, and a contact touch position corresponding to a point at which the circuit breaker separable contacts make initial electrical contact. When the stored energy mechanism is disposed in the contact touch position, the stop assembly cooperates with the actuator assembly to prevent the stored energy mechanism from moving backwards.

Abstract: An opening assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft. The opening assembly includes a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to the poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion. A number of opening springs each include a fixed end fixedly coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of the spring link. The spring link is movable between an open position, wherein the opening springs bias the spring link and poleshaft to maintain full separation of the separable contacts, and a closed position, wherein the opening springs do not bias the poleshaft.

Abstract: A charging assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The charging assembly includes a stored energy mechanism, such as a closing spring, which is movable between charged and discharged positions. A cast member is coupled to the closing spring and moves therewith. The cast member includes a projection. A cam shaft is pivotably coupled to the housing, and includes a number of cams. A catchment, which is also pivotably coupled to the housing, includes an impact surface and a protrusion. The impact surface cooperates with a corresponding one of the cams to resist over rotation of the cam shaft. The protrusion of the catchment cooperates with the projection of the cast member to maintain the desired relationship between the catchment and the cam.

Abstract: A charging handle apparatus includes a two-piece support apparatus that is disposed on a handle assembly and that is engaged with a gear. One of the two pieces is movable with respect to the first piece. The second piece of the support apparatus includes a number of engagement structures that are engaged with the gear and that retain the gear in a given position with respect to the handle assembly. The charging handle apparatus thus can be provided as a pre-assembled component that is readily mountable to a shaft of a circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A reversal prevention mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, includes an actuator assembly pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing, a first stop element for controlling movement of the actuator assembly, a stop assembly pivotably coupled to the housing, and a second stop element for controlling movement of the stop assembly. The stored energy mechanism is movable among a charged position, a discharged position, and a contact touch position corresponding to a point at which the circuit breaker separable contacts make initial electrical contact. When the stored energy mechanism is disposed in the contact touch position, the stop assembly cooperates with the actuator assembly to prevent the stored energy mechanism from moving backwards.

Abstract: An opening assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft. The opening assembly includes a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to the poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion. A number of opening springs each include a fixed end fixedly coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of the spring link. The spring link is movable between an open position, wherein the opening springs bias the spring link and poleshaft to maintain full separation of the separable contacts, and a closed position, wherein the opening springs do not bias the poleshaft.

Abstract: A charging assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The charging assembly includes a stored energy mechanism, such as a closing spring, which is movable between charged and discharged positions. A cast member is coupled to the closing spring and moves therewith. The cast member includes a projection. A cam shaft is pivotably coupled to the housing, and includes a number of cams. A catchment, which is also pivotably coupled to the housing, includes an impact surface and a protrusion. The impact surface cooperates with a corresponding one of the cams to resist over rotation of the cam shaft. The protrusion of the catchment cooperates with the projection of the cast member to maintain the desired relationship between the catchment and the cam.

Abstract: A charging assembly for an electrical switching apparatus includes a cam shaft and including a number of cams. A latch lobe and a charging handle are coupled to opposing ends of the cam shaft. Each stroke of the charging handle pivots the cams a predetermined amount. A rocker arm includes a first portion cooperating with the cams, a second portion translating movement of the cams into movement of a stored energy mechanism, and a third portion cooperating with a close D-shaft having a close latch. A close prop includes a first end cooperating with the close D-shaft, and a second end including a roller that cooperates with the latch lobe. The close D-shaft pivots between latched and unlatched positions. The third portion cooperates with the close D-shaft to hold the close latch in the unlatched position until the charging handle has been pivoted a predetermined number of strokes.

Abstract: A status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivotable between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being chargeable, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or discharged, and a third indicator for indicating whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.

Abstract: A shaft assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing and a pivotal shaft. The shaft assembly includes a paddle assembly comprising an elongated body including a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. A number of paddles extend radially outwardly from the elongated body. A support bracket is coupled to the housing of the circuit breaker. The first end of the elongated body is coupled to and supported by the pivotal shaft, and the second end of the elongated body is coupled to and supported by the support bracket. The support bracket is preferably an accessory mounting bracket. The paddle assembly preferably further includes a separate molded member. When the separate molded member moves, the elongated body moves. However, the elongated body is pivotable independently from the separate molded member.

Abstract: A charging assembly for an electrical switching apparatus includes a cam shaft and including a number of cams. A latch lobe and a charging handle are coupled to opposing ends of the cam shaft. Each stroke of the charging handle pivots the cams a predetermined amount. A rocker arm includes a first portion cooperating with the cams, a second portion translating movement of the cams into movement of a stored energy mechanism, and a third portion cooperating with a close D-shaft having a close latch. A close prop includes a first end cooperating with the close D-shaft, and a second end including a roller that cooperates with the latch lobe. The close D-shaft pivots between latched and unlatched positions. The third portion cooperates with the close D-shaft to hold the close latch in the unlatched position until the charging handle has been pivoted a predetermined number of strokes.

Abstract: A catch assembly coupled to the operating mechanism of the ATS is provided. The catch assembly is structured to arrest movement within the operating mechanism when the operating mechanism moves at more than the speed for which it was designed. That is, the catch assembly does not engage when the operating mechanism is stationary, or moving at a standard speed, i.e. the speed at which the operating mechanism was intended to move. When there is a strong over-current, such as during a withstand test, a magnetic field causes a movable contact to separate from a fixed contact assembly which, in turn, causes the operating mechanism to move at a speed that is faster than the standard speed. The catch assembly is structured to engage and arrest the motion of the operating mechanism when the operating mechanism moves at a speed that is faster than the standard speed.

Abstract: A charging handle apparatus includes a two-piece support apparatus that is disposed on a handle assembly and that is engaged with a gear. One of the two pieces is movable with respect to the first piece. The second piece of the support apparatus includes a number of engagement structures that are engaged with the gear and that retain the gear in a given position with respect to the handle assembly. The charging handle apparatus thus can be provided as a pre-assembled component that is readily mountable to a shaft of a circuit interrupter.