Abstract: A control system is designed to control an interrupter. The interrupter is started by a startup current to interrupt a main electric circuit. The startup current flows through an auxiliary electric circuit and has a current valve equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The control system includes a driving unit and a driven unit. The driving unit includes an intermediate electrical path to be connected to the main electric circuit. The driven unit is to be connected to the auxiliary electric circuit. When an abnormal current having a current value equal to or greater than a prescribed value flows through the intermediate electrical path, the driving unit uses, as a drive source for driving the driven unit, the abnormal current flowing through the intermediate electrical path. The driven unit supplies the auxiliary electric circuit with the startup current by being driven by the driving unit.

Abstract: A mechanical latching accessory kit for a Medium Voltage contactor including one or more movable contacts connected through a mechanical link to a contact actuator moving the one or more movable contacts between a contact open position and a contact closed position. The mechanical latching accessory kit includes: a supporting interface adapted to be fixed to and removed from the Medium Voltage contactor; a latching element movable between a first operating position and a second resting position; a latching actuating system moving the latching element between the first, operating, position and the second, resting, position; the latching element being adapted, when it is in the first operating position, to cooperate with the mechanical link of the Medium Voltage contactor to latch the one or more movable contacts, and, when it is in the second resting position, to release the one or more movable contacts.

Abstract: An earthing module for a switchgear includes: a cylinder; a piston; a stored energy unit; and at least one photovoltaic cell. The cylinder connects to a part of a switchgear at earth potential. The piston moves within the cylinder from a standby position to a released position along an axis of the cylinder. When in the released position, the piston is in electrical connection with the cylinder. The stored energy unit is located within or associated with the earthing module such that activation of the stored energy unit moves the piston from the standby position to the released position. One or more of the at least one photovoltaic cell activates the stored energy unit based on radiation from an electrical arc of the switchgear impinging upon the one or more of the at least one photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a contact device and an electromagnet device. An electromagnetic relay has stators which are a pair of rod-like members, and a mover. The mover may face the side of the stator. A housing supports the stator and accommodates the mover. A yoke is fixed to the housing so as to face the movable facing surface and contains a soft magnetic material.

Abstract: A motorized drive of a window covering provided with a device for manually operating the motorized drive comprising a housing to be attached to the window covering with a pull cord and a push button for manual operation. A switch converts pulling movements on the pull cord into first electrical signals for the motorized drive. Controls are configured to save a setting value associated with a current position of the window covering in a data memory after receiving second electrical signals from the push button. A method for saving setting values associated with different positions of the window covering provided with the motorized drive comprising the steps of saving a current position by manual operation of the pull cord and/or the push button.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fast switch device including: a reactor that moves to an open position where the switch is opened and a close position where the switch is closed; an open coil portion that drives the reactor to the open position by virtue of an eddy current component; a close coil portion that drives the reactor the close position by virtue of an eddy current component; and a controller that performs control such that an electric current is applied to the close coil portion oppositely to a direction of an electric current flowing through the open coil portion in order to brake the reactor during an open operation for driving the reactor to the open position, and an electric current is applied to the open coil portion oppositely to a direction of an electric current flowing through the close coil portion.

Abstract: In an electromagnetically controlled actuator of an electrical contactor, switching is done by the actuator with a set of fixed contacts and a set of movable contacts. The movable contacts are carried on a movable contact carrier. The movable contact carrier is coupled to and driven by an armature surrounded by a coil. The armature carries a coupling shaft, and the coupling shaft carries at least part of a bistable coupling mechanism which joins the armature to the movable contact carrier and allows the movable contact carrier and armature to keep the fixed and movable contacts separated when a short circuit current creates a contact welding situation.

Abstract: An electrical switchgear for fast limitation and interruption of fault currents includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode having a contact portion and a repelling portion, a plurality of contact fingers, and a coil. The coil is arranged adjacent to the repelling portion to induce eddy currents therein, the coil and the fixed electrode being arranged on the same side of the movable electrode, and the repelling portion being movable relative to the coil. The coil has a first dimension between two of its opposite lateral ends and defines an area which corresponds to a majority of a surface area of the repelling portion. The repelling portion provides a continuous current path, having a dimension corresponding to the first dimension, for eddy currents induced by the coil, whereby the movable electrode is pivotally thrown in a direction away from the coil and the fixed electrode, thus providing a circuit trip.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for dissipating heat from electrical distribution assemblies and electrical switching devices are described herein. In one non-limiting embodiment, a dielectric material of relatively high thermal conductivity can be thermally coupled to electrical switching devices to act as a dielectric heat transfer window that dissipates heat. The dielectric heat transfer window includes at least a first portion thermally coupled to a heat generating component within an electrical switching device, and a second portion disposed external to the electrical distribution assembly or electrical switching device. Among other benefits, this allows heat generated within the electrical switching device to escape the interior of the electrical switching device to an environment external to the electrical switching device.

Abstract: A circuitry for regulating a current for an electromechanical load comprises a first connection and a second connection for the electromechanical load. The first connection can be coupled to a first supply potential thereby, and a potential of the second connection can be modified by means of a pulse width modulation. The circuitry also comprises a measurement assembly having a first measurement signal input, which is coupled to the first connection and a second measurement signal input, which is coupled to the second connection. The measurement assembly is designed thereby to determine a measurement signal that is proportional to a potential difference between the first and second connection, in order to regulate the current for the electromechanical load on the basis of the measurement signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line protection switch (1) for protecting an electrical load circuit from an over-current which exceeds a permissible load current. In order to provide a structurally simple, compact and rapidly actuating line protection switch, it is provided with a switching member (6) which can be moved from an operating position into a protection position. Contact elements (2A, 2C) of the line protection switch (1) which can be connected to the load circuit are closed in the operating position and opened in the protection position. The line protection switch (1) according to the invention further has a retention member (10) which produces a magnetic retention field (MH) which is independent of the load current and by means of which the switching member (6) is retained in the operating position, and a counter-force member (14) which is independent of the load current and by means of which the switching member (6) is retained in the protection position.

Abstract: An electrical contactor has a first terminal having a fixed member with at least one fixed electrical contact, a second terminal, and a busbar connected to the second terminal. Two conductive movable arms are connected to the busbar and have a contact thereon. One arm is biased-closed to contact the fixed electrical contact in the absence of a separating force, and the other arm is biased-open to be spaced away from the fixed electrical contact in the absence of a closing force. The first and second movable arms and the busbar are arranged so that, when the contacts close, contra-flowing current urges the movable arms towards the fixed member to increase a force between the contacts.

Abstract: A relay includes two stators each having a fixed contact, and a movable element having movable contacts. Each of the stators includes a stator proximity plate portion adjacent to the movable element, and the movable element includes a movable element proximity plate portion adjacent to the stators. A direction of current flowing in the stator proximity plate portions is set to be same as a direction of current flowing in the movable element proximity plate portion to generate an inter-plate attraction force for attracting the movable element proximity plate portion onto the stator proximity plate portions. The movable element proximity plate portion is biased by the inter-plate attraction force toward a direction for bringing the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A system comprising a circuit interrupter configured to interrupt flow of current through a circuit during an over current condition, wherein the circuit interrupter comprises two contacts configured to remain in contact when a current flowing through the two contacts is less than a threshold value, a tripping mechanism configured to separate the two contacts when the current equals or exceeds the threshold value, and at least one of either a permanent magnet or an electrode configured to extinguish an electric arc formed between the two contacts of the circuit interrupter when the two contacts are separated, wherein the circuit interrupter does not include an arc chute.

Abstract: A relay includes two stators each having a fixed contact, and a movable element having movable contacts. Each of the stators includes a stator proximity plate portion adjacent to the movable element, and the movable element includes a movable element proximity plate portion adjacent to the stators. A direction of current flowing in the stator proximity plate portions is set to be same as a direction of current flowing in the movable element proximity plate portion to generate an inter-plate attraction force for attracting the movable element proximity plate portion onto the stator proximity plate portions. The movable element proximity plate portion is biased by the inter-plate attraction force toward a direction for bringing the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A contact mechanism where a shape of at least one of a fixed contactor including a pair of fixed contact portions and a movable contactor including a pair of movable contact portions capable of contacting with and separating from the pair of fixed contact portions is set to a shape that generates a Lorentz force resisting electromagnetic repulsion in a contactor opening direction generated between the fixed contact portions and the movable contact portions when a current is applied, has the fixed contactor and the movable contactor being inserted in a current path. Magnetic bodies are disposed on at least one of the fixed contactor and the movable contactor for suppressing a force driving arcs, which are generated between the pair of fixed contact portions and the pair of movable contact portions, to the fixed contactor on the opposite side.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, in particular a motor vehicle relay, contains a magnet yoke, a relay coil, a hinged armature which is pivotable about an axis of rotation and on which a moving contact, as working or switchover contact, is retained relative to at least one fixed contact. A piezo actuator is provided, which keeps the working or switchover contact closed when the relay coil is de-energized as a result of the actuation of the piezo actuator.

Abstract: A relay includes two stators and a movable element. Each stator has a fixed contact and includes an excitation portion that has a winding shape and generates a magnetic field. The movable element has movable contacts. In a magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the excitation portion, a movable element passing magnetic flux that passes through the movable element is orthogonal to a direction of current flowing in the movable element and a moving direction of the movable element. A Lorentz force that is generated by the movable element passing magnetic flux and the current flowing in the movable element acts in a direction for bringing the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A relay includes two stators each having a fixed contact, and a movable element having movable contacts. Each of the stators includes a stator proximity plate portion adjacent to the movable element, and the movable element includes a movable element proximity plate portion adjacent to the stators. A direction of current flowing in the stator proximity plate portions is set to be same as a direction of current flowing in the movable element proximity plate portion to generate an inter-plate attraction force for attracting the movable element proximity plate portion onto the stator proximity plate portions. The movable element proximity plate portion is biased by the inter-plate attraction force toward a direction for bringing the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A contact mechanism where a shape of at least one of a fixed contactor including a pair of fixed contact portions and a movable contactor including a pair of movable contact portions capable of contacting with and separating from the pair of fixed contact portions is set to a shape that generates a Lorentz force resisting electromagnetic repulsion in a contactor opening direction generated between the fixed contact portions and the movable contact portions when a current is applied, has the fixed contactor and the movable contactor being inserted in a current path. Magnetic bodies are disposed on at least one of the fixed contactor and the movable contactor for suppressing a force driving arcs, which are generated between the pair of fixed contact portions and the pair of movable contact portions, to the fixed contactor on the opposite side.

Abstract: A reed switch assembly of a magnetic latching relay includes a movable reed, an immovable reed, a movable contact and an immovable contact. The movable contact and the immovable contact are disposed at respective ends of the movable reed and the immovable reed. The end with the movable contact of the movable reed is bent twice to form a reverse U-shaped end. The end with the immovable contact of the immovable reed is bent twice to form a U-shaped end. The reverse U-shaped end of the movable reed and the U-shaped end of the immovable reed are interlaced. The present invention further comprises a tension spring. One end of the tension spring is fixed to the reverse U-shaped end of the movable reed, and another end of the tension spring is mounted to a base of the magnetic latching relay.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having an instantaneous trip mechanism including main circuit units in a lower compartment of the molded case circuit breaker; a stationary contactor and a movable contactor; a switching mechanism in an upper compartment of the molded case circuit breaker and having an open position and a closed position; an instantaneous trip mechanism in the upper compartment and operating by an electromagnetic attraction in response to generation of a fault current, which triggers the switching mechanism to the open position; and an intermediate insulation barrier providing electrical insulation by partitioning the lower compartment and the upper compartment.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a contact switching device that prevents scattered objects caused by arc from coming in, so that the scattered objects do not disturb operation of a movable shaft. For this, there is provided a contact switching device in which a movable iron core (142) provided at one end portion of a movable shaft (145) is attracted to a fixed iron core (138), based on excitation and degauss of an electromagnet portion, by which the movable shaft (145) reciprocates in a shaft center direction, and a movable contact (148a) of a movable contact piece (148) arranged at another end portion of the movable shaft (145) contacts and departs from a fixed contact (133a).

Abstract: An electromagnetic trip device for a circuit breaker is provided. The electromagnetic trip device includes a current path having a conductor guiding an electric current through at least one contact point formed between a fixed and at least one movable contact piece. A contact lever carries the at least one movable contact piece. The contact lever is mounted to be movable between a closed contact position and an open contact position. The electromagnetic trip device also includes a magnetic circuit with an air-gap. The movable contact lever is at least partially located in the air-gap. The electric current flows through the contact lever in a direction substantially perpendicular to the orientation of magnetic flux in the air-gap.

Abstract: A concept of a double-breaking contact system with a rotating contact arm is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a novel arrangement of fixed conductors that cross over the contact arm is presented. A double-breaking contact system for a low voltage circuit breaker of at least one embodiment includes a double-breaking contact arm extending along a longitudinal axis and being rotatable across a central bearing; a first fixed conductor and a second fixed conductor, each conductor contacting one end of the contact arm, respectively and having first segments below the contact arm, second segments above the contact arm and third segments crossing over the contact arm and connecting the first segments with the corresponding second segments of each conductor; wherein the first segments and/or the second segments are arranged parallel to each other for guiding a current in a parallel direction through the respective first and/or second segments, but reverse to the current in the contact arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inductively driven electromagnetic linear actuator arrangement employing eddy currents induced by a fixed drive coil to drive its armature. Eddy current focusing fields are employed to direct the eddy currents using Lorentz forces to maximize armature speed. The armature includes a shorted driven coil in a DC magnetic field. This can be supplied by a permanent magnet. When current is applied, a force is felt by the coil in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. Such an actuator is well suited for electrical switching applications including transfer switching applications, circuit breaker applications, and ground fault interrupter applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inductively driven electromagnetic linear actuator arrangement employing eddy currents induced in an armature by a drive coil to drive the armature. Eddy current focusing fields (Lorentz force) are employed to direct the induced eddy currents to maximize armature speed. The armature includes a shorted driven coil in a DC magnetic field that focuses eddy currents induced by the drive coil in the driven coil. The DC magnetic field can be supplied by one or more permanent magnets. When current is applied to the drive coil, a force is felt by the driven coil in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field, causing armature movement. Such an actuator is well suited for electrical switching applications including transfer switching applications, circuit breaker applications, and ground fault interrupter applications.

Abstract: A mold cased circuit breaker is disclosed that enables a user to easily discern an actually connected state between stationary contactors and movable contactors and forcibly separates a connection therebetween if there arises electrical fault, wherein the circuit breaker comprises: a first isolation link hinged at a lower end thereof to a shaft unit and selectively engaged at an upper end thereof with a lateral surface of a lever; a second isolation link centrally formed with an oblong hole for accommodating a guide pin protruded on a side plate and linked at one end thereof to an upper end of the first isolation link; and an isolation lever adjacently positioned at one end thereof to the other end of the second isolation link, and so positioned at the other end thereof as to selectively engage with a nail, and rotatably mounted at the side plate to rotate the nail by way of operation of the second isolation link.

Abstract: A mechanism for a circuit breaker contact arm that allows current limiting by reducing the opening time is disclosed. A secondary trip assembly is arranged to actuate due to magnetic forces generated during an undesirable electrical condition such as a short circuit. The secondary trip system releases a contact arm assembly allowing the contact arm to rotate to an open position that interrupts the flow of electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inductively driven electromagnetic linear actuator arrangement employing eddy currents induced by a fixed drive coil to drive its armature. Eddy current focusing fields are employed to direct the eddy currents using Lorentz forces to maximize armature speed. The armature includes a shorted driven coil in a DC magnetic field. This can be supplied by a permanent magnet. When current is applied, a force is felt by the coil in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. Such an actuator is well suited for electrical switching applications including transfer switching applications, circuit breaker applications, and ground fault interrupter applications.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly resists blow-open under conditions of increased current flow. The contact assembly includes parallel conducting surfaces on fixed and moveable conductors that generate forces biasing the contacts together under current flow conditions. The assembly also includes a magnetic armature and yoke that exert a magnetic force to resist movement of the contacts toward the open position. Current flowing through both the fixed and moveable conductors contribute to the magnetic force. A spring may additionally bias the contacts to the closed position. The contact assembly may be used in remote-controlled circuit breaker applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing data, particularly in regard to non-volatile memory cells. In some embodiments, at least two actuating conductors are at least partially surrounded by a main ferromagnetic core and an adjacent hard magnet. When current is conducted through the actuating conductors, a flexible beam is induced to traverse a first air gap that defines a high resistance position and a low resistance position.

Abstract: A shunt assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a conductor assembly having a load conductor and a movable contact assembly with a number of movable contact arms. The movable contact assembly is movable in response to a fault current. The shunt assembly includes a number of flexible conductive elements each having a first end electrically connected to the load conductor, a second end electrically connected to a corresponding one of the movable contact arms, and a number of bends disposed between the first and second ends. At least one constraint element is disposed proximate a corresponding one of the bends and constrains movement of the flexible conductive element in response to the fault current, thereby translating the magnetic repulsion force associated with the fault current into a corresponding torque of the movable contact arms of the movable contact assembly.

Abstract: A relay includes a contact point block having a support shaft with both ends spanning a contact point base, a plunger having a movable contact at a lower end thereof, and a movable iron piece configured to drive the plunger and to have a plate spring. The relay also includes an electromagnetic unit and a base block having a fixed contact point at a position opposite to the movable contact point. The movable iron piece is supported on the supporting shaft. The plunger is inserted through an operation hole of the contact point base. Upper and lower surfaces of the contact point block are held by the electromagnetic unit and the base block. The electromagnetic unit directly fixes the iron core to an upper surface of the contact point base.

Abstract: A magnet switch which may be employed in automotive engine starters is provided. The magnet switch includes a stationary magnetic core made up of a disc assembly and a core body. The disc assembly is made of a stack of annular plate members superposed on each other. Each of the plate members has an opening through which a terminal lead of a magnetic coil extends. The core body has a boss with an edge which is plastically deformed outwardly in the radius direction thereof or staked to create an elastic nip which retains the stack of the plate members firmly on the core body. This structure ensures the joint between the disc assembly and the core body to withstand mechanical impact exerted on the magnetic core and stability in operation of the magnet switch without increasing a total production cost of the magnetic switch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker contact assembly includes a line conductor having a folded back fixed contact end, a fixed contact mounted on the contact end, and a movable contact arm having an inner edge and first and second ends. A movable contact is mounted on the first end. The movable contact arm is pivotable about the second end between a closed position in which the inner edge extends adjacent the contact end with the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact to form a reverse current loop, and an open position in which the movable contact is pivoted away from the fixed contact. The contact arm includes a first inner longitudinal member extending along the inner edge and a second outer longitudinal member. The first inner longitudinal member has a higher electrical conductivity than the second outer longitudinal member, which has a higher shear strength and a lower specific density.

Abstract: A power breaker includes a switching contact arrangement having a current loop in order to allow a force dependent on the current to act on the contact members. For this purpose, sections, which are arranged parallel to one another and such that they are arched and concentric, are arranged on a stationary current conductor and on a contact lever. Depending on the position of a center of a resultant force, originating from the arched sections, in relation to a pivot bearing of the contact lever, a torque acts on the contact lever causing the switching contact arrangement to open or close. Using largely identical parts, power breakers which have a current-limiting or contact-force-increasing action can thus be produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of interrupting the current in a circuit wherein the magnetic pressure induced by current flow through a conductor causes the conductor to flow and thereby open the associated circuit. Magnetic pressure may be derived from Lorenz equations. Gravity is not relied upon to cause the conductor material to flow. The invention may be used in circuits having high currents relative to conductor size and material selection.

Abstract: A switching device including housing and a breaker mechanism, the latter consisting of a trip lever, a catch, a displaceable contact arm and a deflection shaft that is fixed to the housing. The aim is to generate a constant contact force. To achieve this, the end of the catch is coupled to the displaceable contact arm by way of a bolt. The bolt is configured to be displaced in a receiving element that is formed by the housing.

Abstract: A device for protection against voltage surges comprises a stationary electrode and a movable electrode arranged facing an arc extinguishing chamber. The movable electrode is driven by a mechanisms, by an electromechanical actuator and/or by an electromagnetic circuit. At rest, the movable electrode is situated at a distance from the stationary electrode. When a voltage surge occurs between the electrodes, an arc arises and extends in the chamber in which it is extinguished. If the arc continues, in particular in the case of a follow current of high energy, the movable electrode is driven to a disconnected position moving away from the stationary electrode, which has the effect of lengthening the arc even more in the chamber to facilitate its extinction and perform disconnection of the circuit. A pair of contacts may be associated in series to the electrodes, one of the contacts being stationary and the other being fixedly secured to the movable electrode. A spark gap can also be associated to the electrodes.

Abstract: A contactor device of a repulsion-type circuit breaker includes a first movable contactor with a first movable contact to be driven by an open-close mechanism; a fixed contactor; a second movable contactor having second and third movable contacts; a first contact spring for urging the first movable contactor toward the second movable contactor; and a second contact spring for urging the second movable contactor toward the first movable contactor and the fixed contactor. The first movable contactor, fixed contactor, and second movable contactor are arranged such that when an over-current flows, an electromagnetic repulsive force is generated so that the first and second movable contactors are rotated against the first and second contact springs to open between the first movable contact and the second movable contact and between the fixed contact and the third movable contact before the open-close mechanism opens the first movable contact.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having first and second openings, with stationary and movable separable contacts disposed therein. An operating mechanism is disposed in the housing, is coupled to the separable contacts and is structured to move those contacts between open and closed positions. A trip mechanism is disposed in the housing and cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. A slot motor assembly is disposed about the separable contacts and has upper and lower slot motor portions. The upper slot motor portion is disposed above the movable contact and the lower slot motor portion is disposed below the stationary contact. The upper slot motor portion includes a rigid, laminated steel member having a general U-shape, with a bight portion, and first and second legs. The first and second legs engage the housing at the respective first and second openings.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism, and a cassette. The cassette includes a separable current path having a movable contact arm, two arc receptors each disposed for receiving an electrical arc in response to a short circuit overcurrent condition, and two slot motors each disposed proximate the movable contact arm for magnetically driving the movable contact arm to a blown open position in response to a short circuit overcurrent condition. The slot motors each have two side legs opposing each other and defining a space therebetween for receiving the movable contact arm, each side leg having a magnetic core and an insulative layer and being biased toward the interior of the side walls of the cassette, wherein each side leg is restrained from being magnetically attracted toward the movable contact arm during a short circuit condition.

Abstract: A switching contact includes a rocker-type leaf spring as a contact force spring in order to produce the contact force required for a contact lever A drag bearing thereof is disposed between the point of rotation of the contact lever on a contact carrier and a contact-making end piece of the contact lever. Preferably, the drag bearing is formed by a bend of the contact force spring and a sliding surface disposed on the contact carrier. The drag bearing of the contact force spring can be displaced without a fixed link along the sliding surface according to the tension of the contact force spring. If the switching contract arrangement has several contact levers (multiple contact arrangement) all of the associated contact force springs can be combined to form a one-piece leaf spring.

Abstract: An electric pole for a low-voltage power circuit breaker, comprising: a fixed contact and a movable contact which can be mutually coupled/uncoupled; at least two conducting elements, suitable to electrically connect the movable contact to a power supply grid, the conducting elements being arranged so that the electric currents flowing through them are equally orientated; means for mechanically supporting and actuating the movable contact; and at least one insulating element which is interposed between the conducting elements and is suitable to contrast, by friction with the conducting elements, electrodynamic repulsion forces that are generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact during opening in short-circuit operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for lighting a decorative tree which includes optical fibers with their first ends distributed in branches and ornaments of the tree, a color sleeve loop, a roller and track system attached to a motor which rotates the color sleeve loop through the system, and a light source. As the color sleeve is moved by the motor between the light source and the optical fibers, the color of the light provided to the optical fibers changes thereby changing the color displayed in the tree. The preferred embodiment uses a color sleeve with two different tracks of color and a divider which divides the optical fibers into two sets. Then one set of optical fibers is exposed to one color track and the other set exposed to the other track; light provided to one part of the tree will change colors differently than light provided to another part of the tree.

Abstract: A reed relay or reed sensor device that is substantially lead-less and has minimal inductance can be manufactured as an individual unit or as a plurality of units. The reed relay or reed sensor device comprises a substrate that has a plurality contacts on the exterior of the device connected to contacts on the interior of the device capable of maintaining a signal pathway to the internal components of the device. The internal components further comprise a reed switch, an electrical shield, a coil bobbin, and a coil of electrical wire which when energized is capable of effectuating switching in the reed relay.

Abstract: The switching point in a high- or medium-voltage switch contains two fixed contact members (1, 2), a rotating, electrically conductive bridging contact member (3), and a drive for moving the bridging contact member (3). When the switching point is closed, the bridging contact member (3) is fit in between the fixed contact members (1, 2) and short-circuits them. The drive is composed of two coils (5, 6) which surround the bridging contact member (3) and are arranged in such a manner that the bridging contact member (3) can be caused to rotate by a current in a respective one of the coils. The energy which needs to be applied to rotate the bridging contact member is less than for contact members which move in translation in comparable switching points. The energy required for opening and closing the switching point is thus reduced.

Abstract: A switching device includes a movable coil which is reinforced by a stiffener to increase the resistance of the movable coil to bending moments. The stiffener may include a nonmagnetic case which surrounds the movable coil. Alternatively or in addition, it may include a resin or other material encapsulating the movable coil.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a plurality of poles that are connected with one another in parallel, and additionally includes a mutual connection connecting the poles with one another to isolate the trip units associated with the poles from any imbalance in the current flowing through the poles. Each pole includes a first conductor structured to be connected with a power source, a second conductor structured to be connected with an electrical load, and a pair of separable contacts that disconnectably connect the first conductor with the second conductor. The trip unit of each pole is configured to measure the current flowing through a given point of the second conductor, and the mutual connection connects the second conductors together at a connection point, the connection point of each second conductor being between the separable contacts and the given point.