Abstract: A baffle for use in a circuit breaker includes a first baffle mechanism and a second baffle mechanism. Each of the first and second baffle mechanisms includes a base, a plurality of elongated members supported by the base, and cross-pins or other elongated members for supporting the base of one of the baffle mechanisms substantially parallel to the base of the other baffle mechanism. The elongated members of the first and second baffle mechanisms are interleaved to form a labyrinth.

Abstract: A solenoid trip unit is electrically connected in parallel with a current limiting polymer element in series with circuit breaker contacts to function as a shunt resistance for the polymer element, becoming energized by transition of the polymer element to its high resistive state, for tripping the breaker contacts open upon such transition. The solenoid may be particularly wound with a resistive wire.

Abstract: A remote control residential and commercial circuit breaker system (320) provides overload current protection and load management. The system includes a plurality of remote control circuit breakers (20, 322) each including a switch (188, 190, 150, 152) responsive to a control signal (330) for controllably completing and interrupting a respective load circuit (184), a plurality of pole controllers (336, 338) each responsive to a respective address signal (342, 344) and coupled to a respective circuit breaker and supplying the respective control signal to the respective switch. Each pole controller includes a status circuit responsive to actuation of the switch and supplying a status signal indicative thereof. A common controller (348) is coupled to the pole controllers and supplies addresses signals.

Abstract: A remote control residential and commercial lighting and appliance branch circuit breaker provides both overload current protection and load management. Structure is provided enabling packaging in a three-quarter inch width case, including a first set of contacts in the case provided by a pair of separable overload breaker contacts, trip structure in the case for causing separation of the overload breaker contacts in response to overload currents therethrough, a second set of contacts in the case provided by a pair of switching relay contacts having open and closed conditions and electrically connected in series with the overload breaker contacts, and an actuator in the case energizable to mechanically actuate the switching relay contacts. Feedback circuitry is included providing status indication of the condition of the switching relay contacts. Structure is provided for reducing actuator and spring requirements and sizes.

Abstract: A molded generally planar U-shaped plastic member has a pair of lateral projections on one leg and a single lateral projection at a distal end of the other leg, which projections are received in recesses in mutually facing surfaces of a raised escutcheon rib surrounding a handle opening to locate the base of the U-shaped member in the path of the handle, blocking movement of the handle. A notch in the distal end of the leg having the single lateral projection receives a flat-bladed tool which is twistable against the escutcheon rib surface to deflect the leg inward and projection free of the respective recess to release the handle block. The recesses are symmetrically arranged to permit the handle block to be installed to block the handle ON or OFF as desired.

Abstract: An adapter converting a standard plug-on, bolt-in power distribution panelboard type circuit breaker for use in industrial control applications comprises a molded insulating base having a rail engaged by a hook of the circuit breaker and a conductor having a first terminal compatible with the circuit breaker terminal and a second terminal comprising a wiring connector. The adapter is mountable to a panel or within an enclosure, flat against a panel or on a DIN rail or is attached to the breaker when the latter is front-mounted to a door or panel. A snap-on catch for mounting plate and DIN rail mounting is deflectable by an attached breaker to pinch the grip of the catch on the plate or DIN rail to prevent lateral movement, and by a screwdriver or the like from the front to release the base from the plate or rail. The plate accommodates plural bases in ganged relation to provide multiple capability mountable as a unit.

Abstract: A narrow width molded case circuit breaker having a current limiting contact arrangement has the line side terminal brought external near the middle of an end wall of the breaker case. A large mass connector bar is loosely affixed to the terminal by a screw passing through openings in each and engaging a threaded sleeve disposed within a counterbore in the connector bar. The sleeve also engages a threaded post on a supply conductor and is rotated by the screw to clamp the connector bar between the supply conductor and terminal, providing an external current path for heat dissipation and increased spacing from the current limiting contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (2) has a mounting clip (24) for mounting the breaker to rail structure (6) in a panelboard (10). The clip is movable to a disengaging position to allow the breaker to be mounted against a back wall (34) of an enclosure (36) by standard mounting bolts (35-38), without interference by the clip. The clip is pivotally and translationally mounted to the breaker housing (14), for pivotal movement between engaging and non-engaging positions, and for translational movement between extended and retracted positions. Locking structure (86,88) prevents pivoting of the clip from the engaging to the non-engaging position when the clip is in the translationally extended position.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker (1) with a two piece molded housing (30) with a longitudinal mold parting line (33), a retainer (48) is mounted to the housing and has a bore (50) extending parallel to the parting plane for receiving a screw (58) which mounts a filler plate (52) covering open areas adjacent the breaker.

Abstract: A residential or commercial circuit breaker of the narrow case type, typically having a width of 3/4 inch or 1 inch, is provided with a single-piece nonlaminated slot motor 102 mounted within the case 2 and around current carrying conductors 8 and 12 for concentrating magnetic repulsive force and boosting contact separation force. A dramatic increase in short circuit interruption capacity is achieved, at minimal cost.

Abstract: A narrow width, molded case circuit breaker having parallel, oppositely directed current paths in a conductive stationary contact support (8c) and a pivoting movable contact arm (12b) to cause separation of the contacts (10, 16) by repelling electromagnetic forces independently of a manual operating mechanism (6, 22) or a trip mechanism (18, 20, 22, 24, 26). An arc runner (8e) integral with the stationary contact support (8) has a slot communicating with a vent opening (2d) in the case for venting the arc gasses through the arc runner and vent opening. Arc plates (42, 44) are oriented parallel to the arc runner (8e) to reduce resistance to movement of the arc therethrough by means of gas pressure. Insulators (14, 52) are disposed over conductive members comprising the parallel current paths on the opposite side of the contacts from the arc runner to impede any tendency toward arc movement in an undesired direction.