Abstract: An electric switching device for fast closing of a high current in a power network comprising a first electrode (1), a second electrode (2), a movable contact element (3) closing said first and second electrodes, and an operating device. The operating device comprises a helically wound first coil (6) secured to the first electrode. The movable contact element comprises a flange (4) making contact with the coil. A current pulse flowing through the coil forms a repulsive force between the coil and the flange, said repulsive force throwing the movable contact element to the second electrode and completing the closing operation.

Abstract: The current-limiting mechanism is provided in particular in order to protect electromechanical contactors from being welded by a short-circuit load. In a first step, the current-limiting mechanism closes a bridging contact of a first bridging current path in order to reduce the current load on the contactor. In a second step, its bridging function is taken over by a switching arc and by a second bridging current path, In the further course of the disconnection process, the switching arc commutates from the bridging contact onto associated running rails or arc runners and runs into an arcing chamber of the current-limiting mechanism. As a result, the short-circuit is interrupted.

Abstract: A circuit breaker rotary contact arm is used within a plurality of single pole modules ganged together to form a single multi-pole circuit breaker. To provide for use in quiescent conditions having high ampere ratings, low ampere rated rotary contact arm assemblies are combined in parallel to form a higher rated single pole module, which are then ganged together to form a single multi-pole circuit breaker having a high quiescent ampere rating.

Abstract: A circuit breaker rotary contact assembly employs a rotor assembly to operate the moveable contact arms. Separate pivots are provided to the rotor assembly and the moveable contact arms to ensure that the contacts close prior to complete rotation of the rotor assembly. The additional rotation force provided by the rotor assembly then translates into lateral displacement of the moveable contacts relative to the fixed contacts, resulting in contact wiping function. An alternate embodiment utilizes a common pivot for both the rotor assembly and the moveable contact arms, while providing post closure motion by means of a fixed contact compression spring.

Abstract: A switching assembly includes a switch portion having a fixed electrode and a movable electrode which are separable, a movable portion secured between a movable shaft connected to the movable electrode and a movable coil by a magnetic body, and a fixed portion having a magnetic body disposed radially inside a fixed coil disposed opposite the movable portion, thereby enabling intensification and swift establishment of magnetic fields generated between the coils.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the contacts. An arc extinguisher assembly is disposed within the housing. Also provided within the housing is a slot motor assembly having a cavity region within which the contacts are substantially located. The slot motor assembly electro-magnetically interacts with current flowing between the contacts, and includes magnetic plates positioned in a slot motor housing. The slot motor housing has a tendency to move an arc existing between the contacts toward the arc extinguisher assembly. The slot motor assembly also includes an insulation member positioned within the cavity region and between the magnetic plates and the slot motor housing.

Abstract: A rotor spring insulator assembly comprises a base member having a D-shaped opening therein and a connecting rod of a D-shaped cross section dimensioned to be received in the D-shaped opening of the base member. The flat edge of the D-shaped connecting rod faces a spring of a rotor thereby maximizing the distance and the amount of insulative material between the connecting rod and the spring to minimize the chance that arcing will occur between the connecting rod and the spring.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having at least one cassette for receiving a conductive path. The conductive path is partially looped upon itself so that a first portion and a second portion of the conductive path are in a facially spaced relationship and the portions partially define an area for receiving a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material is insulated from the first portion and a support structure provides support for the first portion at two positions and the area is positioned in between these positions.

Abstract: The movable contact arms of a circuit breaker are latched in the blow open position to prevent rebound and possible restrike of the arc in response to the very high magnetic repulsion forces generated by a short circuit in the protected electrical system. Each movable contact arm is mounted on a secondary carrier coupled to a main carrier by a spring loaded cam mechanism which allows the movable contact arm to blow open before the main carrier is rotated to the open position by the spring driven circuit breaker operating mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, the movable contact arm is latched in the blow open position by a latching detent in the cam surface of the cam mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary carrier is latched by a detent formed by a leaf spring cantilevered from a fixed support. Subsequent rotation of the main carrier by the operating mechanism releases the latch by rotating the secondary carrier clear of the detent formed by the leaf spring.

Abstract: A mechanism for a multipole circuit breaker with high currents and high electrodynamic strength, comprising a toggle device associated to a trip hook and a switching bar, an opening ratchet cooperating with the hook to perform loading and tripping of the mechanism respectively in the locked or unlocked position of the ratchet. The opening ratchet comprises a disengageable actuator causing self-unlocking of the catch in the presence of a short-circuit current exceeding a calibration threshold defined by a flexible element, said self-unlocking being commanded from a mechanical reaction generated by the electrodynamic compensation effect and causing an ultra-fast rotation of the catch to unlock the opening ratchet before the tripping component operates.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a first section and a second section with independently operating pairs of contact assemblies in each respective section. In the first section, at least one of the contact assemblies is constructed and arranged to interrupt the current by moving from a normally closed position to a blown-open position and latching with the contact assemblies separated. The second section has a biasing extension spring for biasing the contact assemblies of the second section so as to permit interruption of the current in response to a blow-open force, which causes the contacts to separate only momentarily and then return to a normally closed position. The first and second pairs of contact assemblies separate substantially simultaneously in response to the blow-open force, and only the first section reacts to lower-level over-current conditions. In addition to the contact assemblies, the second section of the circuit breaker is designed to operate using only a spring which is "Z-axis" mountable.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has an electrically conductive blow open latch which forms part of the power circuit so that only short flexible shunts are needed between the latch and trip mechanism. Load current can be conducted from the contact arm to the electrically conductive latch solely through the interface between the latch and the blow open camming surface on the contact arm, and/or through additional short flexible shunts between the latch and the contact arm, preferably adjacent the pivot of the contact arm.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with an insulation device is formed of a molded case having side walls to form a chamber, a stationary contact member situated in the chamber and fixed on the molded case, a moving contact member movably connected to the molded case, a U-shaped magnetic driving core attached to the stationary contact member and having a pair of arms projecting outwardly from the stationary contact member, and an insulation cover. The side walls has slots therein, and the arms are situated inside the slots so that the outer surfaces of the arms are covered by the side walls of the molded case. The insulation cover has arm-shaped and board-shaped parts and is attached onto the outer surface of the stationary contact member. The board-shaped part covers the outer surface of the stationary contact member except the contact point, and the arm-shaped parts covers the inner surfaces of the arms of the magnetic driving core so that the inner and outer surfaces of the magnetic driving core are completely covered.

Abstract: A switch having at least one power switching pole includes a contact bridge cooperating with fixed contacts and adapted to be maneuvered either by mobile parts of a solenoid or by a tripping mechanism. The contact bridge is rotatable and the mobile parts of the solenoid operate the contact bridge through the intermediary of a transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A hyper-rapid circuit breaker is described which is assisted by a semiconductor control circuit, including a repulsion coil, a repulsion disk (37) associated with a contact bridge (39) carrying the movable contacts (41), the repulsion disk (37) collaborating with the repulsion coil (35), a maintaining spring for retaining the contacts in the closed state acting on a tail piece integrally connected to the repulsion disk (37), and a damping assembly which includes a plunger rod (95) integrally connected to the repulsion disk (37), and a reservoir (99) containing fluid intended to absorb the kinetic energy of the repulsion disk (37)/tail piece (43)/plunger rod (95) assembly upon repulsion by the repulsion coil (35), by adaptation of the shapes of the plunger rod (95) and of the reservoir (99) with respect to each other so as to have available fluid-removal sections which can vary as a function of the travel of the plunger rod (95), the travel taking place in two stages, acceleration with a large passage section

Abstract: A subframe is coaxially pivotally mounted with a movable frame of the operating mechanism of a molded case circuit breaker and is locked to the frame by a bell crank pawl which is pivotally mounted on the subframe. A leaf spring assembly rigidly attached to the subframe overlies the movable contact finger to engage the same in the circuit ON condition of the circuit breaker to provide desired contact force. The bell crank pawl is released upon an incrementally small amount of initial movement of the movable contact arm in response to blow-open magnetic repulsion forces to release the movable contact finger for pivotal opening movement relative to the movable frame of the circuit breaker operating mechanism.

Abstract: A contact arrangement for a circuit breaker utilizes magnetic attraction between parallel conductors in the movable contacts to open the contacts during a short circuit, high current condition. An elongated, pivotable, main contact arm includes a movable main contact at a first end that engages a fixed main contact in a closed circuit position. An elongated, arcing contact arm, pivotable in the same plane as the main contact arm, includes a movable arcing contact at a first end that engages a fixed main contact in a closed circuit position. The contact arms are spring biased in the closed circuit position such that a gap is defined between the arms. An attractive electromagnetic force tends to keep the first end of the arcing contact arm in contact with the fixed arcing contact until after the main contact arm has lifted. A hinge assembly for the main contact arm and the arcing contact arm assists in opening the contacts during the high current condition.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a first section and a second section with substantially independently operating pairs of contact assemblies in each respective section. In the first section, at least one of the contact assemblies is constructed and arranged to interrupt the current by moving from a normally closed position to a blown-open position and latching with the contact assemblies separated. The second section has a biasing extension spring for biasing the contact assemblies of the second section so as to permit interruption of the current in response to a blow-open force, which causes the contacts to separate only momentarily and then return to a normally closed position. The first and second pairs of contact assemblies separate substantially simultaneously in response to the blow-open force, and only the first section reacts to lower-level over-current conditions.

Abstract: A blow-off terminal includes a flat conductive tang, a flat conductive input section, and a flat conductive output section. The input section includes a pair of generally parallel U-shaped strips. Each of the pair of strips includes first and second end portions and a center portion bridging the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions and the center portion of each of the pair of strips are generally co-planar, and the tang and the output section are generally co-planar. The output section is elongated and includes first and second ends, the first end being disposed closer to the tang than the second end. The first end portions of the strips are connected perpendicular to opposite sides of the tang, and the second end portions are connected perpendicular to opposite sides of the second end of the output section. A stationary contact is mounted to the surface of the output section.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker movable contact arm electrically connects with the circuit breaker load terminal requiring only a small diameter auxiliary electrical braid conductor by pivotally arranging the contact arm within its support. The braid conductor is electrically connected with the movable contact arm and is contained within the contact arm support posts. The contact spring and the terminal screw retainer are formed from a single plate of spring steel. The contact arm support posts are capable of supporting movable contact arms of various thickness.

Abstract: A blade suspension assembly for a circuit breaker includes a first electrical contact, an elongated contact arm having a second electrical contact adjacent a first end of the contact arm, a compression spring, and an elongated lever. The second electrical contact is movable about a first pivot axis between a contacts-closed position and at least one contacts-open position with respect to the first electrical contact. The lever has a first end adjacent a second pivot axis, a second end supported by the compression spring, and a contoured support surface between the first and second ends which supports a second end of the contact arm. The compression spring exerts a force against the second end of the lever so that the contoured support surface biases the second end of the contact arm about the first pivot axis in the contacts-closed position during normal operation and in the contacts-open position in response to the contact arm moving to the contacts-open position.

Abstract: Assemblies for providing the contacts of a circuit breaker with a pivoting motion. Each assembly is adapted to electrically couple the contact to the base of the assembly which is connectable to a terminal of the circuit breaker. Each assembly includes an arm for supporting an electrical contact, a pivot pin for pivotally mounting the arm, a base for supporting the pivot pin, and means for urging the pivot pin into contact with contact surfaces of the base. The arm is pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, and the arm and pivot pin are arranged such that at least two contact locations occur between the arm and the pivot pin.

Abstract: An electrical power switching device employing a rotary disc driven by an actuation means whose position is selected by a control means where disc contacts engage and disengage stationary contacts where the stationary contacts are deflected away from the disc contacts by separation ramps thereby opening the current path and an arc plate is used on the disc to control arc energy. A pair of interrupter contacts are placed in series with the rotary disc contacts where abnormally high currents cause the interrupter contacts to separate and open the current path where slot motors and/or arc plates are used to dissipate the damaging electrical arcs as the contacts make and break.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having current limiting capabilities optimized for relatively smaller frame sizes. More specifically, one aspect of the invention relates to a two-piece carrier assembly for carrying the main and arcing contact arms which allows the main and arcing contacts to be blown open during short circuit conditions. The two-piece carrier assembly includes an inner carrier and an outer carrier pivotally connected together. The contact arms are carried by the inner carrier. When sufficient magnetic repulsion forces are exerted on the contacts due to a short circuit condition, the inner carrier pivots relative to the outer carrier to allow the contact arms to blow open. In order to control the amount of force required for blow open, a compression spring loaded cam assembly is provided.

Abstract: A movable contact bridge of a molded case limiting circuit breaker is supported by a bar by a system of springs enabling opening with electrodynamic repulsion. The contact bridge cooperates with stationary contacts rigidly secured to current input conductors in the shape of half-loops. An anvil is adjoined to the rear of the stationary contacts to increase the closing impact effect of the contact bridge and prevent contact resistance dispersions. The anvil is made of ferromagnetic material increase the magnetic field for blowout of the arc to the extinguishing chambers.

Abstract: A pivoting lower contact arm arrangement and a circuit breaker including the arrangement. The pivoting lower contact arm arrangement includes a pivoting lower contact arm and a biasing arrangement. The biasing arrangement maintains the contact arm in an operating position with a first force, and biases the arm from a blown-open position toward the operating position with a second force. The first force is greater than the second force to provide increased separating speed when the pivoting lower contact arm blows apart from a pivoting upper contact arm of the circuit breaker and moves from its operating position. The biasing arrangement also variously provides magnetic shielding and coupling between the pivoting lower contact arm and other current carrying components of the circuit breaker. The magnetic shielding enhances the blow-apart forces between the pivoting upper contact arm and the pivoting lower contact arm.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter characterized by a movable contact on a contact-carrying arm movable between open and closed positions of a stationary contact mounted on one leg of a U-shaped conductor with another leg secured to the circuit breaker housing with a current throttling resistive element being disposed within the U-shaped conductive element for limiting the amount of fault let through current.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a housing, fixed and movable contacts respectively supported by a fixed contact support structure and a movable contact arm, a trip mechanism, and an operating mechanism which is releasably engageable with the trip mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a pivotable operating member and a tension spring. The fixed contact support structure includes a contact supporting leg portion. The movable contact arm has a contact supporting side, and an opposite spring supporting side. The tension spring links the pivotable operating member and the spring supporting side of the movable contact arm. The contact supporting leg portion of the fixed contact support structure and the movable contact arm are disposed in closely spaced relation when the fixed and movable contacts are in engagement, to provide a reverse current loop which magnetically assists in rapid contact separation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having at least one phase or pole including a first movable arm having a first contact and a second movable arm having a second contact. The first arm is driven by a switching gear. The second arm is disposed opposite to the first movable arm such that the second contact contacts the first contact when a normal current flows. The first arm exerts an electromagnetic repulsive force in such a direction that the first and second arms repel each other to open the first second contacts when a current exceeds a predetermined value. The second arm is pivotally supported by a support angle fixed on a housing and is electrically connected via a flexible lead with a terminal also fixed on the housing. The support angle and the terminal are fitted to an insulator such that the support angles, the terminal and insulator are assembled in a unitary construction.

Abstract: A pivoting lower contact arm arrangement and a circuit breaker including the arrangement. The pivoting lower contact arm arrangement includes a pivoting lower contact arm and a biasing arrangement. The biasing arrangement maintains the contact arm in an operating position with a first force and biases the arm from a blown-open position toward the operating position with a second force. The first force is greater than the second force to provide increased separating speed when the pivoting lower contact arm blows apart from a pivoting upper contact arm of the circuit breaker and moves from its operating position. The biasing arrangement also variously provides magnetic shielding and coupling between the pivoting lower contact arm and other current carrying components of the circuit breaker. The magnetic shielding enhances the blow-apart forces between the pivoting upper contact arm and the pivoting lower contact arm.

Abstract: In a twin-contact type current limiting apparatus in which two contacts are electrically connected in series with each other, each of movable contact arms (23a, 23b) is extended in substantially parallel with and along each of stationary contact arms (21a, 18a), thereby obtaining balanced electromagnetic repulsions when an excessive current flows.

Abstract: Quick-action circuit breaker assisted by a semi-conductor control circuit, comprising a repulsion coil, a repulsion disk (37) associated with a contact bridge (39) bearing the mobile contacts (41), the repulsion disk (37) interacting with the repulsion coil (35), and a bearing means for holding the contacts in the closed state, wherein the bearing means comprises a holding spring (27) acting on the repulsion disk (37) associated with the contact bridge (39) via a retaining ball (33) acting on the repulsion disk (37) associated with the contact bridge (39), which retaining ball (37) exerts a sufficient pressure to resist an imposed contact pressure and is arranged to be retractable when the disk (37) is repulsed under the action of the repulsion coil (35).

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact arrangement, particularly intended for current-limiting low-voltage circuit breakers, with a double-break movable contact arm, the central part of which is attached to an insulating shaft which is rotatably journalled in elongated holes in stand parts on each side of the contact arm. In the closed position of the arrangement, the movable contact arm is pressed against two U-shaped fixed contact arms with the aid of two torsion springs. The contact arms have flat shape and are arranged with their broad sides facing each other. The shaft consists of two sleeve-formed holders surrounding the torsion springs. One holder exhibits a stop face for a latching member for arresting the movable contact arm in the open position.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a quick change current transformer assembly. The current transformer is used to sense overcurrent conditions and apply a signal to an electronic trip unit to trip the circuit breaker. The quick change assembly includes an insulated removable plate located adjacent an open cavity in the housing in which the current transformer is located. The current transformer is donut-type disposed about a load-side conductor located in a cavity in the housing rigidly fastened to the circuit breaker frame. In order to replace a current transformer, the insulated backplate is removed. Next the load-side conductor is unfastened and removed from the circuit breaker housing. The current transformer is then removed from the circuit breaker housing. In order to install a new current transformer, the steps are reversed. A force transmitting spacer is disposed adjacent a bight portion of a shunt, connected between a pivotally mounted contact arm and a load-side conductor.

Abstract: The limiting circuit breaker comprises a Thomson effect propelling device for opening of the contacts.The main contact bridge is securedly united to an operating rod surrounded by an annular opening coil of the propelling device. The latter comprises an opening disk which is movable in relation to the rod and an annular piston securedly united to the rod, springs being disposed between the disk and the piston, so as to return the disk to the rest position facing the coil at the end of the opening travel.

Abstract: A compact, high capacity circuit breaker includes two breaking portions mounted in a single casing, with movable contacts for each portion disposed in series with one another and supported by a common switching shaft. Both portions of the breaker are tripped by either an overcurrent condition or manual operation, and the positioning of the common switching shaft maintains both breaking portions in the open state.

Abstract: An industrial-rated molded case circuit breaker employs a pair of movable contact arms to interrupt circuit current through each phase of a multi-phase electrical power distribution circuit. A contact arm guide outboard the movable contact upon overcurrent conditions. A pair of protrusions formed on the abutting surfaces of the contact arms prevents the arms from distortion under the electrodynamic attraction generated during intense overcurrent conditions. A flexible arc gas exhaust-seal is arranged between the movable contacts and the line strap connectors to seal the circuit breaker enclosure while controllably exhausting the arc gases that occur upon such intense overcurrent conditions.

Abstract: A switching system for switching large electric currents such as those utilized in the electromagnetic launching of projectiles, includes a plurality of controllable switching elements such as solid state switching devices which are electrically connected in parallel with each other and are also electrically connected in parallel with a pair of mechanical switch contacts. Current flow through the solid state switching devices also flows through a series connected structure which utilizes electromagnetic forces generated by this current to close the mechanical contacts, thereby shorting across the solid state switching device circuit branches. This switching system can be utilized in an electromagnetic projectile launching system to conduct current between a pulse current source and a pair of projectile launching rails. Launch current flow is initiated by the switching system and the mechanical switch contacts remain closed until current is interrupted at a current zero following a projectile launch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a movable upper blade with a free floating pivot end. The operating mechanism is solidly connected to the upper blade. The contact force is generated by a contact spring which exerts an upward force on the lower blade. No other resilient force acts directly upon the upper blade. As the contacts separate, the force exerted on the upper blade is virtually eliminated, reducing substantially the resistance at the pivot end of the upper blade. The load terminal and pivot end of the upper blade provide a current path parallel to that of the load side flexible connector.

Abstract: A contactor device of a circuit breaker has a movable contactor to be raised or opened upon the occurrence of a short circuit current. One end portion of the movable contactor is bifurcated to form parallel claw members that engage a rotatable trip latch. When the movable contactor is raised due to a magnetic repelling force generated in the movable contactor and a fixed contactor during a short-circuit condition, the claw portions of the movable contactor are deformed due to a magnetic attractive force and are disengaged from the trip latch. The rotation of the movable contactor is restricted and it returns to the original positional relationship in which the claw members are engaged with the trip latch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a housing; a stationary contact mounted in the housing; an operating shaft disposed in the housing and rotatable about a first axis of rotation; and a movable contact including a contact arm pivotally held in the operating shaft for rotation about a second axis of rotation from an on position into a tripped position. By rotating the operating shaft about the first axis of rotation, the contact arm is movable into and out of the on position and an off position. The contact arm further has a terminus including a rounded corner and an adjoining rounded engagement face. There is further provided a structural unit stationarily supported in the housing and comprising a spring having a stationarily supported first end and a second end and a transfer lever having an end pivotally supported for rotation about a third axis of rotation.

Abstract: A current limiting assembly through which current may flow includes a stationary contact member, a movable contact member positioned in relation to the stationary contact member so that current flow through and from the stationary contact member into and through the movable contact member generates electromagnetic forces which create a repulsive force tending to force the movable contact member away from the stationary contact member, and a magnetic flux intensifying structure mechanically staked to said stationary contact member.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a movable upper electrical contact having a base portion formed at one longitudinal end thereof with an elongated stop pin fixedly secured thereto and outwardly projecting therefrom for engaging one or more elongated upper spring arms of one or more torsion springs. A lower spring arm of each torsion spring is disposed in contact with a cross bar of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. During normal operation, the stop pin loads the upper spring arm with a force at a distance relatively close to the fulcrum of each torsion spring to cause the movement of the upper electrical contact in unison with the cross bar.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker includes a fixed contactor, a moving contactor subjected to a switching operation of a switching mechanism, a heater connected to the moving contactor and disposed in such a manner as to extend along a fixed core and a moving core pivotally supported by the fixed core, the fixed contactor is formed in a J-shape and is interposed between an insulating member disposed on the fixed contactor in such a manner as to extend along the side of the fixed contactor facing the moving contactor and a demagnetizing member disposed in such a manner as to extend along the bent inner surface. The circuit breaker includes also an operation time adjusting mechanism engaging with the moving core and capable of adjusting the operation time of the moving core, and a casing storing therein the constituent elements. The operation time adjusting mechanism is brought into abutment against an adjustment portion formed on the moving core, and is detachably mounted on the casing.

Abstract: A bridging contact is arranged across two fixed contacts with a pair of parallel, closely spaced conductors serving as the bridging contact carrier. The conductors each form a pair of upper and lower links joined by means of a toggle pivot pin and are refrained from movement by means of a pair of tension springs. A high current pulse in opposite direction within the parallel conductors generates electromagnetic forces which propels the conductors apart. The bridging contact carried by the parallel conductors is thereby rapidly driven out of contact relation with the fixed contacts to interrupt the circuit.

Abstract: A reverse loop circuit breaker characterized by a movable contact mounted on a contact-carrying arm movable between open and closed positions of a stationary contact that is mounted on one leg of a U-shaped conductor with another leg secured to the circuit breaker housing, an insulating block between the legs and including a pair of separable block portions having oppositely facing grooves for receiving edge portions of at least one leg to restrain its deflection, and means for securing the block portions together.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a movable contact on a contact-carrying arm movable between open and closed positions of a stationary contact mounted on one leg of a U-shaped conductor with another leg secured to the circuit breaker housing, a U-shaped brace between the legs and having a first support supporting and insulated from the other leg and having second supports on opposite sides of the one leg for retaining it against opposing repulsion magnetic forces due to current overloads.

Abstract: Synchronous circuit interruption is provided by operation of a diversion circuit for diverting most of the circuit current away from a pair of series-connected electrical contacts over to a solid state current interrupter prior to energizing a contact operator to separate the contacts to interrupt the remaining circuit current. To ensure arcless contact separation, the contact operator is arranged electrically in series with the solid state current interrupter which ultimately dissipates the system energy within a voltage dependent element. The arrangement of the contact operator circuit in series with the solid state current interrupter synchronizes the operation of the contact operator to ensure that the contacts are separated immediately after the circuit current has become diverted.

Abstract: A bridging contact is arranged across two fixed contacts with a pair of parallel, closely spaced conductors serving as the bridging contact carrier. A high current pulse in opposite direction within the parallel conductors generates electrodynamic forces rapidly propelling the conductors further apart. The bridging contact carried by the parallel conductors is rapidly driven out of contact relation with the fixed contacts to interrupt the circuit.

Abstract: A repulsion type circuit breaker movable contact device comprising a first movable contact, an opening/closing mechanism which drives the first movable contact for opening and closing, a second movable contact for contacting the first movable contact, the second movable contact being freely pivotable and adapted to receive an electromagnetic repulsion force from said first movable contact, and a contact spring comprising a twisted coil spring disposed with its twisting fulcrum displaced from the rotational pivot of the second movable contact, the contact spring urging the second movable contact into contact with the first movable contact, whereby upon flow of a predetermined mount of electric current through the first and second movable contacts, the electromagnetic repulsion force moves the second movable contact apart from the first movable contact.