Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a molded enclosure comprising a first molded portion and a second molded portion, a plurality of thread cutting screws fastening the first molded portion to the second molded portion, and a plurality of machine screws. The first molded portion and the second molded portion cooperate to form a plurality of exterior walls. The exterior walls define an interior volume, which encloses the separable contacts and at least a portion of the operating mechanism. The machine screws extend within and reinforce the exterior walls and restrict expansion of the exterior walls away from the interior volume.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes fixed and movable contacts, an operating mechanism including a movable arm carrying the movable contact, an arc chute including a plurality of spaced apart first and second arc plates, and a slot motor. A slot motor structure is disposed about the contacts and a portion of the movable arm. An insulative housing at least substantially covers and insulates the slot motor structure from the movable arm and contacts. The insulative housing includes a base and a pair of arms disposed therefrom. Each of the arms includes a first portion disposed proximate the first arc plates and a second smaller portion disposed proximate the second arc plates. A space extending from the first portion, not occupied by the second portion, is generally occupied by a portion of the second arc plates. The second portion forms a debris shield between the second arc plates and the operating mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, separable contacts within said housing, an operating mechanism structured to open and close said separable contacts, and a trip assembly cooperating with said operating mechanism to trip open said separable contacts in response to a trip signal. The trip assembly includes a sensor structured to sense current flowing through said separable contacts, a number of breakpoint trip mechanisms providing a number of breakpoint trips in response to a number of time-current functions of said sensed current over a number of ranges of predetermined values of said sensed current, and a mechanism structured to provide said trip signal responsive to said number of breakpoint trips. A method of operating the electrical switching apparatus and a power distribution system incorporating the electrical switching apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An artificial climbing tree assembly consisting of one or more artificial climbing trees will be constructed of a steel pipe or tubular framework, in segments or welded together, covered with molded segments having the outward appearance of a natural tree trunk texture. The trees will be attached to a base plate with a central support tower housing a safety belaying and repelling system. The unique safety incorporated into the invention is created by the inclination of the trees away from the top of the central support tower. A tether line attaches from the back of the climber to the top of the tree through a pulley system in the extension arm to the safety belaying and repelling system housed by the central support tower. The climbers are required to climb the face of the trees, where if they let go, they will fall away from the tree and will be slowly lowered by the safety belaying and repelling system to the foam-cushioned pad below.

Abstract: A gas segregator barrier is for quenching, segregating and controllably directing ionized gases discharged from a pair of spaced-apart circuit breakers double-branch mounted within a panelboard assembly. The spaced-apart circuit breakers include corresponding pairs of opposing poles, and a housing with exhaust vent openings for discharging ionized gases developed from an electrical fault. The gas segregator barrier includes at least substantially parallel segregator fins divided into first and second portions by a transverse dividing member. Baffles in the transverse dividing member quench the ionized gases and provide fluid communication between exhaust channels formed between the segregator fins of the first portion, and gas ducts disposed between the segregator fins of the second portion. The gas ducts include one or more lateral members structured to controllably direct the discharged ionized gases.