Abstract: An electrical switch (10) includes first and second spaced contacts (52, 56), and a rocking contact (80) having first and second arms (90, 92) in electrical contact with each other. A support (60) supports the rocking contact (80) for rocking movement in opposite first and second directions. The first arm (90) moves into engagement with the first contact (52) when the rocking contact (80) rocks in the first direction, and the second arm (92) moves into engagement with the second contact (56) when the rocking contact (80) rocks in the second direction. The switch (10) includes a member (20, 36) which pivots to effect rocking movement of the rocking contact (80) in the first and second directions. The member (20, 36) pivots in one direction a first distance to cause the first arm (90) to engage the first contact (52) and pivots in the one direction a second distance beyond the first distance to cause the first arm to slide on the first contact.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a crank for coupling a switching mechanism to the contact pole structure is presented. The crank has a pair of cam surfaces which cooperate with a blocking lever to restrict movement of the operating handle when the contacts of the circuit breaker are welded. The blocking lever is arranged such that it does not interfere with the handle under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A pivot switch assembly including a button and a housing. The housing includes a trunion and a retaining wall. The trunion opposes the retaining wall and forms a receiving gap between the two features. The button includes a rib. The rib has an aperture. The rib of the button being positioned into the receiving gap of the housing. The trunion of the housing then engages the aperture of the rib of the button so as to provide a pivoting function for the switch assembly. The geometry of the button and housing prevents the button from becoming dislodged during periods of high acceleration, such as during deployment of an airbag.

Abstract: A spring guide and spring retainer for switches or toggle mechanisms with cooperating curved surfaces to decrease the rate of wear.

Abstract: A circuit breaker contact position indicator assembly includes an indicator lever that interacts with the circuit breaker contact carrier through a indicator lever bell crank and a contact arm bell crank to provide true ON and OFF indication of the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker utilizing a toggle link mechanism, the reset operation is facilitated. A block link including a reset pin, a first hole and a second hole is provided. The reset pin is inserted into a circular arc shape third hole formed concentric with the rotation of a trip lever formed at a secured frame. An actuating pin of a handle lever is inserted into the first hole. A shaft provided at a movable contact holder is inserted into the second hole. By this mechanism, the friction in the reset operation can be reduced to allow the reset operation to be perform by a smaller force. As a result, an auxiliary handle is not required. The handle and electrical operation devices can be reduced in size. Also, the operating handle is prevented from moving to the OFF position when the switching contacts are welded.

Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. The cam shaft is captured between bushings seated in non-circular openings in the side plates thereby eliminating the need for any fasteners. Likewise, other parts mounted between the side plates and joined by pins having enlarged heads retained by the side plates do not need retainers.

Abstract: A pinion gear carrier assembly for use with an operator handle, operator handle shaft assembly and main operator gear that is used to drive a movement translation assembly so as to charge a stored energy assembly of a stored energy circuit breaker actuation apparatus, the pinion gear carrier assembly comprising a pinion gear carrier having an operator handle shaft aperture and an idler pinion gear mounting member, wherein the pinion gear carrier is mounted on the operator handle shaft using the operator handle shaft aperture; a driver pinion gear mounted on the operator handle shaft; an idler pinion gear mounted on the idler pinion gear mounting member; wherein the driver pinion gear and the idler pinion gear contact one another so that the idler pinion gear rotates when the driver pinion gear is rotated by the operator handle and operator handle shaft.

Abstract: A collapsible contact arm drive link arrangement for a circuit breaker operating mechanism has a pair of upper links for receiving the circuit breaker operating mechanism and a lower link for receiving a circuit breaker contact arm carrier at one end. Intermediate the upper links and the lower link, a scissors link, which is connected with the upper links and lower link, allows the lower link to move from a first position (e.g., closed) to a second position (e.g., tripped). The movement occurs upon the application of a force on the lower link in excess of a predetermined force that is applied to the upper links.

Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. A close prop, spring biased to an unlatched position, is latched to secure the close spring in the charged state by a latch assembly reset by a reset lever separate from the close prop which in turn is reset by rotation of the cam member during charging.

Abstract: In response to the movement of a moving contact which can move with small force for a large distance until it contacts a stationary contact and requires large force to move for a small distance after the contacting, three cam means including a toggle roller and a toggle cam, a coupling shaft roller and a closing cam, and a closing cam and an operation lever roller, respectively are provided to effectively distribute the closing force of a closing spring.

Abstract: Molded case electric power switches such as circuit breakers, disconnects and transfer switches have an energy storage spring which rotates a cam assembly to close and initiate opening of the switch contacts. The cam assembly includes a drive cam with a cam lobe which engages a drive cam follower on the moving contact assembly. Due to space limitations, the cam assembly is positioned so that the drive cam follower initially moves toward the cam assembly during closing. To accommodate for this, the cam lobe has a generally radial leading edge to prevent binding of the drive cam follower. A single latch mechanism latches the cam assembly in a spring charged position and in a closed position. A Y-shaped latch member has one leg which is engaged by a latch, a second leg which engages stops on the drive cam at the charged position and the closed position, and a third leg which sequentially engages the stops to reset the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker includes an interrupter assembly that includes an over-molded magnet, arc stack, baffle stack, and a chamber liner in which a trip unit is described.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a frame; a latch rotatably supported on the frame; a holder rotatably supported on the frame and having a movable contact; a handle lever rockably supported on the frame by lever shafts; a toggle link formed of first and second links rotationally connected by a toggle shaft; and a switching spring. A free end of the first link is rotatably connected to the latch, and a free end of the second link is rotatably connected to the holder. The first and second links generally overlap each other to reduce the movement range of the toggle link to miniaturize a switching mechanism. The switching spring is situated between the toggle shaft and the handle lever at a side opposite to a switching handle with respect to the lever shaft.

Abstract: A biasing assembly for a switching device is formed in a modular enclosure that may be mounted on either left or right sides of the switching device. The biasing assembly interfaces with the switching device to rapidly move the switching device between first and second stable positions, such as corresponding to open and closed contact orientations. The biasing assembly includes a hub and link plate coupled to a spring assembly. A spring in the spring assembly is precharged by initial movement of an actuating handle. Once a predetermined intermediate position is reached, a double roller arrangement is displaced along a support surface to rapidly toggle the spring assembly, link plate and hub to a second position. The enclosure includes abutment surfaces for stopping and holding the link plate in stable positions. The rolling contact afforded by the spring assembly rollers permits extremely rapid displacement and rolling friction during displacement of the assembly.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism and separable main contacts, and a rotatable crossbar which rotates to open and close the contacts. The crossbar interacts by way of a protrusion thereon with a rotatable, positive off-link. A handle mechanism is disposed in the housing and has a handle protruding from the housing which is normally movable from a closed to open disposition. However, if the operating mechanism has reacted in such a way as to open the separable main contacts but, in fact, they have not opened because, for example, they are welded shut, the protrusion on the crossbar will interact with the positive off-link and prevent the handle mechanism from moving to the opened position thus warning personnel that the contacts have not opened.

Abstract: Electrical switching apparatus such as a power circuit breaker, network protector or switch has a self-supporting operating mechanism module including a cage formed by a pair of side plates rigidly clamped in spaced relation by spacers. The cage supports all of the operating mechanism components including a helical compression close spring mounted fully between the side plates and coupled to a cam member through a rocker in a manner which maintains the forces longitudinal to the spring. The cam member has a charging cam with a charge profile for compressing the close spring and a close profile through which the spring drives the cam member to effect a controlled release of stored energy to close the contacts of the apparatus. A close prop, spring biased to an unlatched position, is latched to secure the close spring in the charged state by a latch assembly reset by a reset lever separate from the close prop which in turn is reset by rotation of the cam member during charging.

Abstract: A lever arrangement for transmitting a driving force to a switch contact of a power switch has parallel bearing plates with limiting parts mounted on them to reduce the distance between the bearing plates locally to a distance suitable for guiding hinge-connected levers. Hinge pins of the levers are guided so they slide along the limiting parts. Threaded pins are riveted to one bearing plate at one end and are secured on the other bearing plate with a nut.

Abstract: An air circuit breaker bell alarm accessory interacts with the circuit breaker contact position indicator to provide local and remote indication of the occurrence of a circuit interruption. A drive pin extending from the bottom of the accessory interacts with a slot on the contact position indicator lever to reset the bell alarm accessory when the circuit breaker contacts are in the process of being closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch latch for a power switch comprising a switching gate, two toggle levers which are connected by means of a toggle-lever axle, a helical latch spring and a release lever allowing the control of the change-over point, and thus the control of the release of the switching shaft.

Abstract: Remote indication of the charge state condition of the circuit breaker closing springs is provided by a remote indicating unit. The indicating unit interfaces with the circuit breaker closing assembly to actuate an electric switch in response to the position of the closing assembly. Actuation of the switch turns a on remote signal device when the closing spring is completely charged.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker has modular crossbar members which connect the contact arm carriers of a desired number of poles for opening and closing the separable contacts of all of the poles simultaneously by a single spring powered operating mechanism. The modular crossbar members comprise shaft sections which engage openings in the contact arm carriers of adjacent poles. Bearings support the shaft sections and mount the contact arm carriers for rotation about a common pivot axis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modular crossbar member is a single continuous metal shaft overmolded with an electrically insulative resin which also forms the bearing. Alternatively, separate metal shaft sections seat in sockets on either side of the molded bearing. In both instances, the shaft sections are keyed to the openings in the contact arm carriers for transmission of torque. In the exemplary crossbars, the shaft sections are hexagonal in cross-section.

Abstract: A handle portion of a multipole breaker includes a handle main body, made of an insulating material, for ON/OFF operation of the multipole breaker. Movable fingers having respective movable contacts are provided for opening and closing of respective circuits, and a connecting section is interposed between the handle main body and the movable fingers for transmitting ON/OFF operation of the handle main body to the movable fingers. The connecting section has at upper positions thereof one of: (i) openings for receiving shafts formed on side walls and a center wall of a breaker case, and (ii) shafts to be fitted in recesses defined in the side walls and the center wall of the breaker case. In addition, the handle main body has, on a bottom portion thereof, a partition for insulating adjacent poles.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism interacts with the circuit breaker movable contact arm by means of an electrically-insulative linkage. Tolerance adjustments are made within the linkage without requiring an additional electrically-insulative shield.

Abstract: A circuit breaker of the invention is formed of a container and a switch mechanism unit accommodated in the container. The switch mechanism unit is formed of a handle lever having a rotating shaft, a handle and lever arms; a movable contact having a movable contact point at one end with the other end rotatably joined with the lever arms; and a latch disposed to cross the rotating shaft and having a rotating shaft and an engaging arm protruding from the rotating shaft. A switch spring is disposed between the latch and the movable contact. The handle lever and the rotating shaft of the latch engage semi-circular bearing notches of a case and a cover of the container so that the switch mechanism unit is rotationally supported and held in the container.

Abstract: A high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating spring controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made automatically by means of an electric motor. The motor interlock arrangement prevents rotation of the closing shaft until and unless the circuit breaker contact closing spring has become completely charged.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a sliding connection between a trip unit and associated contact arm is disclosed herein. The sliding connection facilitates assembly of the circuit breaker and also permits a reduction of size for a circuit breaker of a given rating. An embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade and jaw assembly connected between the trip unit and contact arm. Another embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade or jaw assembly slidably connected directly to the contact arm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made automatically by means of an electric motor. The circuit breaker operating handle connects with the operating springs upon stalling of the electric motor. An electrical switching arrangement is used to remove power from the motor operator unit at the completion of the charging cycle.

Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker includes an interrupter assembly that includes an over-molded magnet, arc stack, baffle stack, and a chamber liner in which a trip unit is described.

Abstract: A locking device is fitted in a drive device of a power switch to prevent the switch shaft from rebounding from its off position. The locking device (6) comprises a retainer (7) on the switch shaft (1) and a clamp (10) pivotable about a fixed bearing. The clamp (10) has an arc-shaped aperture to engage with the retainer (7) with considerable overlaps. The clamp (10) is actuated by a working surface on the retainer (7) so that its aperture (17) engages over the retainer (7).

Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker includes an interrupter assembly that includes an over-molded magnet, arc stack, baffle stack, and a chamber liner in which a trip unit is described.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing; separable contacts moveable between closed and open positions; an operating mechanism, for moving the separable contacts between the closed and open positions, having a first latched position and a second unlatched position corresponding to the open position of the separable contacts, and including a pair of cradles pivotally supported about a pivot axis within the housing to pivot in a first pivotal direction to the first position of the operating mechanism and a second pivotal direction to the second position of the operating mechanism; a handle mechanism for moving the cradles in the first pivotal direction; a latch mechanism for latching the operating mechanism in the first position thereof and for releasing the operating mechanism to the second position thereof, including a latch plate pivotally supported within the housing having two opposing elongated openings, a roller pin cross member generally parallel to the cradle pivot axis supported by the latch plate at eac

Abstract: A toggle spring for a circuit breaker operating mechanism which provides better performance and reliability is provided. The toggle spring includes a unique spring eye having a back hook portion extending around a spring shank so as to dramatically increase the force supportable by the spring eye. The toggle spring is provided having a body portion having a first end and a second end. A first spring eye extends from the first end of the body portion and a shank extends from the second end of the body portion. A second spring eye extends from the shank and includes the back hook portion which extends around the shank.

Abstract: A circuit breaker bell alarm reset mechanism interfaces between the circuit breaker operating shaft and the bell alarm plunger to directly contact the plunger in response to rotational logic provided by the operating shaft. Rotation of the operating shaft to reset the circuit breaker operating mechanism simultaneously motivates the reset mechanism to reset the bell alarm plunger.

Abstract: A power circuit breaker (1) is provided with an arrangement that controls its switching-on depending on operating parameters (A . . . E, M1, M2, S). These parameters may be, for example, the position of switching contacts, the state of excitation of an undervoltage release and the switching position of another power circuit breaker. The arrangement has a coupling shaft (32) that may be rotated by a tripping half-wave by means of a steering lever (34) and by certain parameters by means of a sensor lever (36). A coupling member (20) that may be swivelled by the coupling shaft (32) allows a ratchet device (5, 6) of the energy store (7) of the power circuit breaker (1) to be released only when all conditions required for switching-on are met.

Abstract: A high strength operating cradle assembly for an industrial rated circuit breaker operating mechanism wherein the rotational action of the cradle about its pivot is controlled by interconnected operating mechanism links is disclosed. Axial positioning of the cradle on its pivot is maintained by the capture of a positioning track on the cradle pivot within a pair of guide rails on a guide pin extension on the cradle.

Abstract: A combined bell alarm and lock-out accessory is connected with the electronic trip unit that controls a high ampere rated circuit breaker. The accessory interacts with the circuit breaker operating mechanism to activate the bell alarm upon circuit interruption and to prevent the closing of the circuit breaker contacts until the accessory is manually reset. The circuit breaker lock-out mechanism interfaces between the circuit breaker operating mechanism and the accessory to insure that the contacts remain open until the accessory is completely reset.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is accomplished by operation of a ratchet and pawl assembly. A reset system interfaces with the charging system to reset the charging system after the operating springs have been discharged.

Abstract: An electric transfer switch includes a three-position toggle mechanism and a crossbar which is mounted on the toggle mechanism. The crossbar carries a plurality of moveable contacts and is rotated by the toggle mechanism. The moveable contacts normally contact one set of the stationary contacts in one closed position which are connected to a normal main power supply. The moveable contacts are rotated to a neutral non-power line in an open position, and are further rotated to another closed position, which are connected to a standby emergency power supply to supply electricity to the transferred electrical loads. The toggle mechanism includes a multi-bar linkage which is rotated by a handle of the toggle mechanism among the open position and two closed positions. A plurality of springs and catches are used to maintain the contact between the moveable contacts and the stationary contacts, even when a "fault" current passes through the contact tips of the moveable and stationary contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a sliding connection between a trip unit and associated contact arm is disclosed herein. The sliding connection facilitates assembly of the circuit breaker and also permits a reduction of size for a circuit breaker of a given rating. An embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade and jaw assembly connected between the trip unit and contact arm. Another embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade or jaw assembly slidably connected directly to the contact arm.

Abstract: Switchgear with a closing spring release and an opening release accessible from a front face is further provided with top mounted closing and opening spring releases. In order to avoid interference with internal parts of the switchgear and to follow the movement of the trip mechanisms to which they are connected, these top mounted spring releases are flexible elongated members preferably in the form of flat stainless spring steel straps. The flat strap of the top mounted opening spring release has a slot engaging the opening trip lever and is sized so as not to engage the trip lever when the front accessible spring release is otherwise actuated. As the horizontal pivot axis of the closing spring trip lever moves transversely, the flat strap of the top mounted closing spring release is oriented to bend in the same direction while the lower end section is twisted 90.degree. to receive a coupling pin on the trip lever.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The circuit breaker electronic trip unit is contained within a recess in the circuit breaker cover and is interlocked with the circuit breaker operating mechanism to articulate the operating mechanism upon removal. The accessory units are contained within an adjoining accessory compartment recess within the circuit breaker cover. Rejection pins on the accessories insure that the correct accessories are connected within the corresponding accessory compartments.

Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker includes an interrupter assembly that includes an over-molded magnet, arc stack, baffle stack, and a chamber liner in which a trip unit is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful closing springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made manually by means of a ratchet and pawl assembly. A logic plate interacts with a logic lever, an interlock link and a closing link to prevent the circuit breaker closing button from operating until and unless the closing springs have become fully-charged.

Abstract: The energy storage device of a toggle mechanism comprises a telescopic link equipped with a damping stop designed to absorb the excess energy of a main closing spring after the closing dead point of the toggle has been passed, and before the end of travel of the drive lever. This results in a better mechanical endurance of the mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a blocking mechanism having reversing levers which are rotatably mounted on both sides of the supporting lever of the circuit breaker, which reversing levers are in contact with the upper toggle in an interlocking manner. The reversing levers are moved when the switch latch moves. If there is an attempt to switch "off" when the contacts are welded together, the further movement of the switch latch is prevented by stops on the selector shaft. When switching "off" is performed when the contacts are satisfactorily open, the reversing levers automatically reverse the toggle system with regard to overcoming the throw-over point thereof, so that the "off" position of the circuit breaker is reached reliably.

Abstract: A current limiting contact system for a circuit breaker with improved durability and a reliable electrodynamic contact system opening. The moveable contact is composed of several contact fingers with a moveable contact piece. Each contact finger is mounted at one end by a swivel pin and connected at the other end to the selector shaft by a toggle system which is acted upon by a contact force spring. On the swivel pin side of a phase connector, tabs are configured. The tabs, when lateral contact pressure is applied, produce the sole electrical connection with the contact fingers. The force effect of the contact force spring is translated into an obtuse angle, in the "ON" state, to the contact finger. During electrodynamic opening, the relevant contact finger tips into a stable position. The wear on the contact pieces is counteracted by increasing contact pressure force up to the maximum travel. The contact system for limiting short circuit currents is suitable for multi pole circuit breakers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made manually by means of a ratchet and pawl assembly. A two stage latching arrangement controls the retention and release of the pawl to retain and discharge the operating springs. The latches are interlocked with the operating springs drive shaft to prevent the discharge of the operating springs when the contacts are in the closed condition.

Abstract: The contact depression effected between the fixed and moveable contacts in a high ampere-rated circuit breaker is fixed after assembly of the current carrying components by the provision of a multi-dimensional contact carrier support bearing. The selection of the support bearing dimension fixes the height of the movable contact arm and the attached movable contact relative to the subjacent fixed contact. Control of the contact depression improves circuit interruption efficiency and extends the operating life of the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker including a mechanism linked to a handle by a drive lever equipped with a roller cooperating with a recharging cam of an energy storage system including a spring. A bearing surface is arranged to block the roller in the charged position, without requiring the presence of a special latching stage, since the line of action of the reaction R of the roller passes via the transmission shaft of the cam. A step-by-step motor of the vibrating type drives the transmission shaft in rotation, and enables almost instantaneous stopping of the cam when the roller is in contact with the bearing surface.