Abstract: A make break switchgear includes a first breaking lever receiving a torque in a counterclockwise direction, a second breaking lever connected through a linkage to the first breaking lever, and a making lever receiving a torque in a clockwise direction. These elements are supported by a main shaft and are rotatable. When a circuit is completely opened by the switchgear, a guide guiding a rotor on an arched surface is engaged with a first releasing latch. It is unnecessary to wait for engagement between the first releasing latch and the guide after the circuit is closed for opening the switchgear, and a subsequent opening can be immediately started. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time from the closing of a make break contact to starting of the next opening.

Abstract: A handle operating mechanism of a multi-pole circuit breaker is provided for operating a pivot handle thereof. The handle operating mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, a driven portion and a manual portion. The manual portion includes a stem with a first passage, a first connecting device coupled with the outside surface of a panel of an appliance and a second connecting device coupled with the driven portion, wherein the first connecting device is used as a fulcrum and the second connecting device moves along the first passage when the stem is rotated. The stem is rotated to drive the driven portion and the movable portion such that the pivot handle is securely held in one of an on position and an off position.

Abstract: A cradle capable of receiving objects having alternative sizes is provided. The cradle includes a main unit, a slide mechanism and a lock mechanism. The main unit loads and holds the object. The slide mechanism is for adjusting the size of the room for placing the object. The lock mechanism positions the slide mechanism by clasping the slide mechanism.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker incorporates vacuum switches operated by a toggle mechanism. Pole arms tied together by a cross bar are rotated simultaneously by the toggle mechanism. A drive link translates the rotational movement of each pole arm into linear movement of a driven member along the axis of the movable electrode of the associated vacuum switch. A coupling bracket has a base section secured to the movable electrode, longitudinal sections straddling the movable electrode axis and terminal sections extending inward toward the plane of rotation of the pole arm from the ends of the longitudinal sections. Coupling members extend from the driven member through slots in the terminal sections of the coupling bracket. Springs couple the free ends of the coupling members to the coupling bracket to open and close the vacuum switch with operation of the toggle mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a compact, lightweight and low-cost operating apparatus for a switchgear. A second cam (50) turned counterclockwise by an electric motor begins to maintain contact with a closing lever (37) at a first angular position (POS1), turns the closing lever (37) counterclockwise to energize a circuit-making coil spring (77), and causes a closing latch (48) to lock the closing lever (37). The second cam (50) further turning counterclockwise becomes separated from the closing lever (37) and actuates a cam switch (156) at a second angular position (POS2) to interrupt an electric current supplied to the electric motor. The second cam (50) further turns due to inertial turning of the electric motor and is braked by a elastic brake member (159) at a third angular position (POS3), whereby the second cam (50) stops within a specific angular range &Dgr;&thgr; of rotation. Despite its simple structure, the elastic brake member (159) can halt the second cam (50) in a reliable fashion.

Abstract: A drive mechanism of a circuit breaker comprises a master mechanism and a slave mechanism. The master mechanism is composed of an energy storage sub-assembly comprising an energy storage spring driven by a loading shaft, and an opening and closing sub-assembly driving a switching shaft. The master mechanism is controlled by a closing latch and an opening latch. The slave mechanism comprises a closing assistance spring connected to the loading shaft by means of a loading cam and a multifunctional lever. Rotation of the loading shaft loads the assistance spring and commands relaxation thereof. The assistance spring drives the switching shaft by means of an arm operating in conjunction with a crank in the form of a hook. At the end of closing travel, the arm uncouples from the crank and withdraws so as not to hamper opening of the mechanism. The assistance mechanism enables the energy delivered globally by the drive mechanism to be increased.

Abstract: A multipole electrical switchgear apparatus comprises a drive mechanism equipped with a pole shaft and a plurality of breaking modules. Each module comprises a vacuum cartridge moved by a movable rod articulated on a transmission lever. The pole shaft is linked to the transmission levers by means of a connecting rod. This common connecting rod gives the kinematic transmission system a great strength. Furthermore, it enables switchgear apparatuses having variable distances between breaking modules to be produced inexpensively, based on a standard pole shaft. Finally, it enables differentiation of the switchgear apparatuses to be delayed.

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include reverse wiring protection, and optionally an independent trip portions and/or a reset lockout portion are provided. The reverse wiring protection operates at both the line and load sides of the device so that in the event line side wiring to the device is improperly connected to the load side, fault protection for the device remains. The trip portion operates independently of a circuit interrupting portion used to break the electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths in the device. The reset lockout portion prevents the reestablishing of electrical continuity in open conductive paths if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.

Abstract: A snap action switch apparatus includes a snap action element that couples a handle to a switch contact apparatus having movable switch contacts so movement of the handle causes movement of the switch contacts. The snap action element may include two rotatably mounted arms that are coupled by a resilient member. One or more plates may shield the resilient member from one or more of the arms, e.g., to prevent mechanical interference during switch operation. The handle and movable contacts may have different ranges of motion, such as 90 degrees and 45 degrees, respectively, to provide verifiable and fast acting switching. The plates or other elements may provide an auxiliary bearing surface for the arms to provide more reliable operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically operating a circuit breaker arranged such that the change-over lever movable between an electrical operation mode position and a manual operation mode position has provided therewith a blocking portion which, while allowing the operation of the manual operation handle when the change-over lever is in the manual operation mode position, engages the manual operation handle to prevent the operation of the manual operation handle when the change-over lever is at the electrical operation mode position. Therefore, the operation of the manual operation handle in the electrical operation mode can be ensured to be prevented, avoiding the damages to the electrical operating apparatus, thsu enabling to provide a highly reliable apparatus for electrically operating a circuit breaker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit breaker, which is in a fault situation arranged to disconnect an electrical apparatus, such as a distribution transformer, from an average voltage network or a high voltage network at each terminal. At least one link-spring mechanism is arranged at a shaft of the circuit breaker for holding contacts live in connected position and for pushing them apart to the extreme disconnected position when disconnected, while the shaft is brought over the dead spot of its turning. For an initial release, the shaft is at each phase provided with a lever arm, each lever arm at each phase being arranged to turn by a trip pin of a striker of a high voltage fuse the shaft of the circuit breaker and thus the moving contacts of all phases from said connected position over the dead spot of turning said shaft.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch activation mechanism is provided for use with a circuit breaker having an auxiliary switch and an operating mechanism for opening and closing main electrical contacts. The auxiliary switch activation mechanism includes a lever having a first end removably connectable to the operating mechanism, a second end of said lever removably connectable to the auxiliary switch, and a spring, mechanically coupled to the lever, which imparts a rotational bias on the lever. The lever provides an assisting force to the operating mechanism for opening the main electrical contacts.

Abstract: A contact portion switch device of a circuit breaker which is capable of guaranteeing reliable operation by restraining distortion of each construction part in the operation of the circuit breaker and permitting an easy installation of an additional part for performing multifunction is disclosed.

Abstract: A blocking apparatus for blocking a contact structure from closing in a circuit breaker is provided. The apparatus includes a link extending from the circuit breaker and connected to a movable contact arm. The contact structure, being operated by an operating mechanism, remains in a separated position even when the operating mechanism is in the “ON” position due to the connection with the link of the blocking apparatus. A release assembly releases the link when it is desired to close the movable contact arm.

Abstract: A motor operator mechanism is disclosed for moving a breaker handle of a circuit breaker between off and on positions. The motor operator mechanism comprises of a first pin biased to engage the breaker handle in a direction to close the circuit breaker, a pin latch configured to releasably engage the first pin when the breaker handle is in a position intermediate to the off and on positions, wherein releasing the pin latch allows the first pin to move the breaker handle to the on position.

Abstract: In a driving force storing device for a switch operating mechanism, a joint device has a first joint portion including a first opposing surface, a second joint portion including a second opposing surface, and a coupling portion. A first torsion bar is connected between the first joint portion and a driving shaft portion. A second torsion bar is connected between the second joint portion and a fixed member. A torque is applied to the joint device by the first and second torsion bars in a direction where the first and second opposing surfaces are separated from each other and the first and second joint portions are pushed toward the coupling portion.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch activation mechanism is provided for use with a circuit breaker having an auxiliary switch and an operating mechanism for opening and closing main electrical contacts. The auxiliary switch activation mechanism includes a lever having a first end removably connectable to the operating mechanism, a second end of said lever removably connectable to the auxiliary switch, and a spring, mechanically coupled to the lever, which imparts a rotational bias on the lever. The lever provides an assisting force to the operating mechanism for opening the main electrical contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker drive is disclosed. The circuit breaker drive includes an actuator for assuming a plurality of positions and a lever coupled to the actuator and responsive to the action of the actuator. The circuit breaker drive also includes a cam rotatable about an axis, the cam is juxtaposed proximate the lever, and the lever is operative to rotate the cam about the axis. The circuit breaker drive further includes a rack coupled to the cam and to an operating handle of the mol circuit breaker. Rotation of the cam about the axis drives the rack to move the operating handle.

Abstract: A spring biased anti-rollover cam extends the drop-off point on the drive cams of the spring powered operating mechanism of a power circuit breaker to preclude premature tripping in response to high short circuit currents. The anti-rollover cam retracts to facilitate normal reset of the latch mechanism when the spring of the operating mechanism is recharged for the next closing of the breaker.

Abstract: A handle operating assembly suitable for use with an electric disconnect switch assembly having a circuit breaker. The handle operating assembly comprises a handle operator extending outward from the electric disconnect switch and movable between an ON and an OFF position and a face plate having a slot therein. The handle operator slidably moves in the slot between the OFF position and the ON position. The face plate mounts to the electric disconnect switch assembly and is positionable between a first position to prevent access to the circuit breaker and a second position to provide access to the circuit breaker. The handle operating assembly provides ease of accessibility to the electrical disconnect switch and ease of assembly.

Abstract: In a driving force storing device for a switch operating mechanism, a joint device has a first joint portion including a first opposing surface, a second joint portion including a second opposing surface, and a coupling portion. A first torsion bar is connected between the first joint portion and a driving shaft portion. A second torsion bar is connected between the second joint portion and a fixed member. A torque is applied to the joint device by the first and second torsion bars in a direction where the first and second opposing surfaces are separated from each other and the first and second joint portions are pushed toward the coupling portion.

Abstract: A motor operator mechanism is disclosed for moving a breaker handle of a circuit breaker between off and on positions. The motor operator mechanism comprises of a first pin biased to engage the breaker handle in a direction to close the circuit breaker, a pin latch configured to releasably engage the first pin when the breaker handle is in a position intermediate to the off and on positions, wherein releasing the pin latch allows the first pin to move the breaker handle to the on position.

Abstract: A draw out unit with improved drawout box and handle assembly is disclosed. The drawout box is designed to accommodate an improved terminal assembly of the present invention, which reduces the dimensions of the box, and further provides access to the interior of the box by providing an open side for allowing service of an electrtical device within the bucket thus permitting the motor control center to remain active during service. The drawout box of the present invention further includes an improved handle assembly with operable connection to a circuit breaker handle within the confines of the smaller drawout box.

Abstract: A motor operator for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The motor operator includes a motor drive assembly connected to a mechanical linkage system for driving an energy storage mechanism from a first state of a plurality of states to a second state of a plurality of states. The motor operator also includes an energy release mechanism coupled to the mechanical linkage system for releasing the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism. The mechanical linkage system includes a recharging cam being driven by the motor drive assembly. The recharging cam rotates a drive plate rotatably mounted to the system. A linear carriage is coupled to the drive plate and the linear carriage manipulates an operating handle of a circuit breaker. The recharging cam is disengaged from the drive plate when the energy storage mechanism is compressed into an energy storage state and the drive plate is latched into a position corresponding to the energy stored state.

Abstract: A drive mechanism of a circuit breaker comprises a master mechanism and a slave mechanism. The master mechanism is composed of an energy storage sub-assembly comprising an energy storage spring driven by a loading shaft, and an opening and closing sub-assembly driving a switching shaft. The master mechanism is controlled by a closing latch and an opening latch. The slave mechanism comprises a closing assistance spring connected to the loading shaft by means of a loading cam and a multifunctional lever. Rotation of the loading shaft loads the assistance spring and commands relaxation thereof. The assistance spring drives the switching shaft by means of an arm operating in conjunction with a crank in the form of a hook. At the end of closing travel, the arm uncouples from the crank and withdraws so as not to hamper opening of the mechanism. The assistance mechanism enables the energy delivered globally by the drive mechanism to be increased.

Abstract: In a slow-make type circuit breaker for opening and closing a main circuit contact in synchronism with the manual operation of a rotary operation handle, a ratchet unit 12 as an artificial quick-make means for forcibly increasing the operating force of the operation handle in the middle of a stroke for ON operation of the contact is constituted by a convex cam 11 made of metal and coupled with the operation handle 5, a ratchet 12b made of metal and disposed at a point close to an ON position of the operation handle so as to face the cam, a driving spring 12c for pressing the ratchet toward a rotary movement path of the cam, and a ratchet case 12a in which these parts are incorporated. The unit is fabricated inside a cover 1b of a circuit breaker body. Here, the cam and the ratchet are formed as common parts, and the driving spring is selected in accordance with the kind of circuit breaker.

Abstract: A compact operating mechanism for switches and circuit interrupters provides improved input drive arrangement and more particularly to a quick-make quick-break operating mechanism for electrical circuit interrupters, i.e. load-interrupter switches and fault interrupters, the drive input arrangement being capable of either power or manual operation without the necessity of any coupling/decoupling or mode selection.

Abstract: A first breaking lever 52, applied with torque in a counterclockwise direction, a second breaking lever 55, connected thereto through a linkage 47, and a making lever 76, applied with a torque in a clockwise direction, are supported by a main shaft 51 so as to be rotatable, and when the circuit is completely opened, a guide 62 for guiding a rotor 59 on an arch surface 62a is engaged with a first releasing latch 69. It is unnecessary to wait an engagement between the first releasing latch 69 and the guide 62 after the circuit is closed, and a next operation of opening the circuit can be immediately started. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a time from a close of the make break contact to a next start of the operation of opening the circuit.

Abstract: A disconnector comprises a first conductor (10), a second conductor (14) which is mechanically connected with the first conductor (10) but electrically insulated therefrom, and a semiconductor switch (28) which provides an electrically switchable electric connection between the first and second conductors.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker includes a retrofittable motor reset mechanism. Its output shaft can be coupled to a charging shaft, mounted in a bearing block, of the spring energy store of the low-voltage circuit breaker. Centering elements are provided on a flange of the bearing block of the charging shaft of the spring energy store so as to engage in mating elements on the gearbox output of the motor reset mechanism, in such a way that the motor reset mechanism can be pushed axially into these centering elements with little movement in the direction of the charging shaft. In order to lock the motor reset mechanism in the pivoting direction, a fixing element is provided at a point fitted at a specific distance from the centering elements. The motor reset mechanism is fixed axially in the centering elements of the flange of the bearing block of the charging shaft of the spring reset mechanism, and in the coupling of the charging shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism for the rapid closure of electrical contacts on modular electrical apparatuses, particularly circuit-breakers is disclosed. The mechanism includes at least one movable electrical contact, which cooperates with at least one fixed electrical contact. The movable electrical contacts pivot with respect to a contact support. The movable electrical contacts are maintained in a rest position through at least one spring. The contact support is capable of rotary movement to alternatively position the movable electrical contacts in and out of electrical contact with the fixed electrical contact. The contact support is moved by a control lever, which may be manually actuated, acting through a toggle system, which imparts opposing rotary movements to the control lever and the movable electrical contacts.

Abstract: In a closing magnetic circuit, when a movable contact is in contact with a fixed contact and a switching device is closed, N and S poles of a permanent magnet attract the fixed member in a direction in which the movable contact is pressed against the fixed contact. In an opening magnetic circuit, when the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact and the switching device is open, one of the N and S poles of the permanent magnet attracts the fixed member in a direction in which the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact. An operating electromagnet winding increases and decreases the magnetism in the closing magnetic circuit and opening magnetic circuit. With this configuration, it is possible to realize an operating apparatus for a switching device using a simple mechanism and assure a stable operation by producing a great contact load.

Abstract: A rotary contact circuit breaker employs a crank to couple a switching mechanism to the rotary contact pole structure. The use of a crank allows for the mechanism and pole structure the individually optimized without effecting the performance of the other. In particular the crank allows for a mechanism that is able to achieve maximum torque delivery to the pole structure.

Abstract: A trip latch in a switch housing having an open position and reset-stop position comprising a force member for providing a force to the trip latch. The trip latch also has a primary trip shaft having a first end rotatably connected at opposed first and second ends in the front and rear frame, and a reductor arm extending therefrom. The trip latch further includes a secondary trip shaft rotatably connected at opposed ends to the front and rear frames of the housing proximate and substantially parallel to the primary trip shaft such that the reductor arm engages a bottom portion of the secondary trip shaft. The secondary trip shaft is shaped such that when the secondary trip shaft is rotated the reductor arm may rotate past the secondary trip shaft, thereby causing the trip latch to open.

Abstract: A fast control device for high-voltage switchgear, in particular a grounding disconnector which is equipped with a moving contact, which fast control device comprises a spring for storing mechanical energy, a cocking mechanism for cocking the spring and comprising an electric motor organized to rotate at least one rotary part organized to take up two stable positions corresponding respectively to the spring being cocked and to the spring being not cocked, said cocking mechanism being provided with a connection rod coupled to an actuating mechanism for actuating a moving contact, the connection rod being associated with a brake shock-absorber device. This brake shock-absorber device comprises at least one hydraulic shock-absorber co-operating with the connection rod and secured to the housing of the device via a spring member. By means of this brake shock-absorber device, the control device is effective, reliable, and its cost is particularly advantageous.

Abstract: A low-voltage limiting circuit breaker comprises a stationary contact part and a movable contact part itself comprising a support pivoting around a fixed axis between a closed position and an open position, a contact finger pivoting around a fixed axis between a non-repelled position and a repelled position, and a bistable device comprising a spring arranged between the support and the finger. When the finger is positioned in its repelled position and the support pivots from its closed position to its open position, it drives the finger to its non-repelled position. A part of the energy necessary to pass the dead point of the bistable device is provided by a spring which urges the support to its open position only at the beginning of opening, which enables the opening spring of the circuit breaker not to be overdimensioned.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism that decreases the time needed to move the contacts of a circuit interrupter between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position to reduce the probability of the occurrence of restrikes. The actuator mechanism uses a toggle spring arrangement that uses a single spring to move the interrupter through both an opening stroke and a closing stroke. The interrupter is designed to connect to the circuit in parallel, so that the interrupter is not normally in the circuit when the circuit is closed. Because the interrupter is not normally in the circuit, it can be manufactured to less stringent standards than those that apply to electrical components that normally remain in the circuit. The interrupter is well adapted for use as a puffer-type interrupter in which the contacts of the interrupter are contained in an arc-extinguishing gas, such as sulphur-hexaflouride (SF6) gas to further reduce the probability of restrikes and to minimize the effect of occurring restrikes.

Abstract: A device for controlling a breaker comprising a weight (48) provided in the vicinity of a releasing trigger (19) and an auxiliary spring (50 )for urging the weight (48) so that the weight (48)is in contact with the releasing trigger (19). An equivalent mass of the weight (48)is about one-third of an equivalent mass of the releasing trigger. When the releasing trigger (19)is in contact with a pin (45) of a releasing latch (18), the weight (48)rebounds but the releasing trigger (19)is settled without rebounding. By such a structure, the rebound of releasing latch and the releasing trigger is prevented when these are engaged, whereby a time for closing a circuit is shortened.

Abstract: A rotary contact arrangement for circuit breakers of the type including a pair of movable contacts (30,36), one arranged on each end of the rotary contact arm (32), utilizes a single pair of contact springs (38), one spring on each side of the rotary contact arm (32). The springs (38) are aligned to intersect the axis of rotation of the rotary contact arm (32) for automatic uniform contact force adjustment throughout the operating life of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an opening and closing mechanism section with an opening and closing lever, and an alarm-outputting plate operating in response to a tripping operation. A case for the circuit breaker has a plurality of switch housing sections formed on a top side thereof, in which are installed an auxiliary switch for detecting an ON/OFF state of a main circuit contact and/or an alarm switch for detecting a tripping operation. The opening and closing lever and the alarm-outputting plate have outputting projecting pieces, respectively, laterally spaced apart from each other corresponding to the respective housing sections, for transmitting mechanical output signals to the switches. When the auxiliary and alarm switches are installed, the auxiliary switch is linked to the outputting projecting piece of the opening and closing lever, while the alarm switch is linked to the outputting projecting piece of the alarm-outputting plate.

Abstract: A motor operator for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The motor operator includes a motor drive assembly connected to a mechanical linkage system for driving an energy storage mechanism from a first state of a plurality of states to a second state of a plurality of states. The motor operator also includes an energy release mechanism coupled to the mechanical linkage system for releasing the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism. The mechanical linkage system includes a recharging cam being driven by the motor drive assembly. The recharging cam rotates a drive plate rotatably mounted to the system. A linear carriage is coupled to the drive plate and the linear carriage manipulates an operating handle of a circuit breaker. The recharging cam is disengaged from the drive plate when the energy storage mechanism is compressed into an energy storage state and the drive plate is latched into a position corresponding to the energy stored state.

Abstract: A multipole electrical switchgear apparatus comprises a drive mechanism equipped with a pole shaft and a plurality of breaking modules. Each module comprises a vacuum cartridge moved by a movable rod articulated on a transmission lever. The pole shaft is linked to the transmission levers by means of a connecting rod. This common connecting rod gives the kinematic transmission system a great strength. Furthermore, it enables switchgear apparatuses having variable distances between breaking modules to be produced inexpensively, based on a standard pole shaft. Finally, it enables differentiation of the switchgear apparatuses to be delayed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker motor drive for molded case circuit breakers is disclosed. The circuit breaker motor drive comprises an actuator for assuming a plurality of positions, a lever coupled to the actuator and responsive to the action thereof assuming thereby one of a plurality of positions and a cam coupled to the molded case circuit breaker and juxtaposed proximate the lever the cam operative to engage the lever in a plurality of configurations in response thereto.

Abstract: An electrical switchgear apparatus comprises a fixed frame, a circuit breaker movable in the fixed frame between a plugged-out position and a plugged-in position, a reversible plug-in and plug-out mechanism of the circuit breaker, a movable means for detecting an indexed position of the mechanism or of the circuit breaker, linked to a first electrical switch, and a movable means for detecting an indexed position (open or closed) of the main contact means of the circuit breaker linked to a second electrical switch. Each of the two switches comprises an input, a first output and a switching means able to take a first position in which it connects the input of the switch electrically to the first output of the switch, the switching means being kinematically linked to the corresponding detecting means, in such a way that the switching means is in its first position if and only if the corresponding detecting means is in its active position.

Abstract: An improved switch mechanism having a housing formed to provide a Z-shaped slot to facilitate the assembly of the spring arm components into the housing.

Abstract: An actuation and control device for opening and/or closing high- and medium-voltage circuit breakers having at least one fixed contact and at least one moving contact, comprising actuation means which are operatively connected to the moving contact and supply the energy for performing the opening/closure movement, the particularity of which consists of the fact that the actuation means comprise a servomotor, an electronic control and power supply unit, and elements for transmitting motion, and that the actuation means and/or the coupling between the fixed contact and the moving contact are such as to achieve a desired speed of the moving contact at the instant in which it separates from the fixed contact.

Abstract: A switching device has a closing device and a traversing mechanism for insertion and retraction relative to an insertion frame, where the said devices can be operated only in the OFF state of the switching device. A blocking bar having a cam element that cooperates with a carrier of an OFF operator is guided by elongated holes behind an operator's console of the switching device. The carrier and the cam element work together in such a way that the OFF operator can be pulled inward when the blocking bar is operated, thus signaling to the user that the switching device is locked in the OFF state.

Abstract: A switch control device includes a prestressing spring, a make-break contact, and at least one of a device for closing a circuit and a device for opening the circuit, wherein the device for closing the circuit includes a first elastic member, closing the make-break contact with a releasing force applied by the prestressing spring, and a second elastic member for aiding closing of the circuit and prestressed by the prestressing spring, and the device for opening the circuit includes a third elastic member for opening the circuit by opening the make-break contact with a releasing force and a fourth elastic member for aiding opening of the circuit, aiding the releasing force of the third elastic member.

Abstract: The toggle mechanism of a circuit breaker is connected at one end to the pivoted contact arm and at the other end to a pivoted latch lever which is engaged to latch the toggle mechanism by a latch member pivoted for movement in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the toggle mechanism. The latch member serves as an armature for a trip motor energized by a trip circuit responsive to an arc fault and/or a ground fault to unlatch the toggle mechanism and trip the circuit breaker open. The latch member is also tripped by a helical bimetal responsive to persistent overcurrents and coupled to the latch member through an ambient compensator bimetal cantilevered from the latch member. A flexible shunt connected between the helical bimetal and contact arm passes through an extension of the magnetic circuit of the trip motor to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength to trip the latch member instantaneously in response to a short circuit.

Abstract: A fault interrupter is provided that includes a high-speed disconnect in series with an interrupter wherein the circuit opening is via the interrupter and the circuit making is via the disconnect. A stored energy disconnect operating mechanism operates the disconnect between ground, open and closed positions and also charges the interrupter mechanism during a slow opening of the disconnect without fully charging the disconnect operating mechanism. Thus, the required operating forces to open the disconnect and charge the interrupter mechanism are reduced. During a manual opening, the disconnect operating mechanism trips open the interrupter, then only partially charges to begin opening the disconnect before releasing the stored energy. Continued operation of the disconnect operating mechanism slowly drives the disconnect open while charging the interrupter mechanism and closing the interrupter.