Abstract: An overload relay is provided for electrical equipment, such as a motor. The overload relay includes a set of electrical contacts, a trip mechanism and a single-arm, a set of monolithic compliant mechanism actuators. The trip mechanism has a normal position and a tripped position. The normal position allows electrical connection between the electrical contacts, and the tripped position interrupts electrical connection between the electrical contacts in response to detection of a high current condition. The single-arm actuator is formed of an electrically conductive material, and includes a compliant hinge and a single bar connected to the hinge. The single bar is electrically coupled to the line contact or the load contact. Under the high current condition, one of first and second ends of the single bar deflects relative to the compliant hinge to cause the trip mechanism to move into the tripped position.

Abstract: A switching device has a housing, an actuator, and at least two metal contact elements. At least one contact element is a common contact point and at least one contact element is a switching contact. The contact elements are electrically contactable from the outside of the housing. The switching device has a snap-action switching mechanism actuated when the actuator is pressed. The snap-action switching mechanism has first and second actuator-elements with a tension spring therebetween. The first actuator-element has first and second ends with one switching contact mounted adjacent the first end and a pivot mount at the second end. The second end also forms the common contact point. The second actuator-element has first and second ends with the first end adapted to be actuated via the actuator and the second end being pivot-mounted on the inner edge of the housing opposite to the common contact.

Abstract: An improved miniature circuit breaker is provided which is adapted to improved automatic assembly of all components thereof. Key components of the breaker are individually and collectively designed to be susceptible to total Z-axis assembly. In particular, the circuit breaker operating mechanism which operates the contacts thereof to make or break the electric circuit is formed of elements designed to interact in a Z-axis assemblable fashion. The movable contact is defined on a contact carrier or blade assembly which is adapted for Z-axis assembly and also provides increased arc erosion resistance and improved opening of the breaker contacts.