Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit (300), for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact (11, 12) which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact (9.16) in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit (200) only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit (400) is operated by a fault. A control lever (63) for moving the movable contact into and out of contact with the fixed contact has an elastic element (63A) which strengthens the engagement of a latch mechanism in the overcurrent tripping unit during an off-time of the electromagnetic unit.

Abstract: An electronic trip molded case circuit breaker includes components that are designed for high speed robotic assembly. A unitary trip-to-test button is down-loaded within the circuit breaker housing for automatic alignment with the circuit breaker operating mechanism during the circuit breaker assembly process. A unitary auxiliary switch interface unit is also down-loaded within the housing for automatic alignment with the operating mechanism during the assembly process.

Abstract: A remotely operated circuit breaker comprises a handle which is selectively positioned at one of three operating positions: a handle off position into which the handle is manually positioned to forcibly open the electrical contacts in the circuit breaker; a handle auto position into which the handle is positioned manually so that the electrical contacts are driven to normally open and close by a control mechanism which in turn is controlled by an electromagnetic driving unit response to a remote control voltage applied thereto; and a trip position into which the handle is automatically positioned by the control mechanism and a forcible overcurrent protecting unit to and the electrical contacts are opened rapidly when an overcurrent as well as a short-circuit current flows through the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit, for selected one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit is operated by a fault. A push rods acts in conjunction with a transmission lever to either provide an indication of the state of contact connection or to actuate tripping. An indication mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromechanical switching apparatus is provided, particularly a protection apparatus, whose contacts are controllable by means of a local of remote controlled electromagnet. The electromagnet is of the monostable type and an engagement mechanism is associated with a mobile assembly connected to the mobile armature. A two position switch accessible from outside the case enables and, respectively, disables the operation of the engagement mechanism. An auxiliary closure piece is provided for manual closure of the contacts.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism for a circuit breaker handle which includes a reversible electrical motor, a carriage assembly and a cooperating slide plate assembly mechanically coupled to the motor shaft. The carriage assembly includes a pivotally mounted L-shaped lever, interlocked with the circuit breaker operating handle for driving the operating handle to an on position or alternatively to an off position on command. Microswitches are located at both the on position and the off position for controlling operation of the motor. The microswitches are actuated by the slide plate assembly which, in turn, is driven by the carriage assembly. The slide plate assembly is slidably mounted with respect to the carriage assembly with one or more wave washers. The slide plate assembly provides mechanical damping for the carriage assembly to minimize damage to the microswitches.

Abstract: A rotatable trip test assembly unit for molded case circuit breakers consists of a unitary plastic part that cooperates with the internal structure of the circuit breaker cover to provide return spring bias to the trip test button. The trip test assembly unit rotates about a pivot and strikes the circuit breaker trip bar to thereby articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts. The interaction between a cam-follower on the assembly unit and a cam-shaped piece within the circuit breaker cover automatically returns the trip test button to its initial position upon release.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit (300), for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a compact electromagnetic unit (200) and a movable contact (11, 12) which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of the electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit (400) is operated by a fault.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit, for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state, in which the electromagnetic unit is automatically disconnected from actuating power when an operation handle is in the OFF position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus is provided with remote controlled opening and closing of its circuits and with supports for the mobile and fixed contacts which are adapted so as to promote repulsion forces which produce a limitation of the short circuit currents, in combination with a small mass of the mobile parts, the one supporting a retractable fixed contact being associated by an extension with a slide which is moved by the remote control electromagnet.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker with an improved space saving structure comprises first and second movable contacts 11 and 12 which are held respectively on first and second contact arms 31 and 32 and are driven individually by a switching mechanism 20 including a manual handle 22 with a contact tripping capability and by a remote control signal responsive electromagnet 60. An L-shaped actuator 80 with a horizontal member 81 and a vertical member 83 is provided to operatively connect the second contact arm 32 to an axially movable core 63, the output member of the electromagnet 60. The actuator 80 is pivoted at its connection between the horizontal and vertical members 81 and 83 and carries the second contact arm 32 on its vertical member 83 for pivotal movement of the second contact arm 32 between operative and inoperative positions respectively enabling and disabling the contact closing.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker with remote control capability includes an electromagnet energized by a remote control signal to open and close a power contact through a collapsible mechanical linkage. The breaker also includes a manual handle which is mechanically isolated from the mechanical linkage interposed between the electromagnet and the power contact but is connected to a control switch for opening and closing the same when it is manipulated between an ON-position and an OFF-position. The control switch is utilized to be connected in a control circuit for the electromagnet in a suitable electrical relation with an excitation coil of the electromagnet to provide a desired load managing control mode.

Abstract: A protective switching apparatus with remote controlled opening and closing is provided including a tripping mechanism connected to an assembly comprising at least two fixed contacts and two mobile contacts and to a magnetic and/or thermal trip; a resetting member and an electromagnet having a movable element and to a member for driving a least one pseudo-fixed or mobile contact. The mobile contacts are carried by a bridge having a plane of symmetry X--X and the tripping mechanism extends in the vicinity of the plane of symmetry X--X. The electromagnet and the trip are housed in the case on each side of the tripping mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: An apparatus with remote control features for tripping off magnetothermal switches comprises at least one switch having a central core supporting trip-off linkages wherein a voltmeter coil is housed with each switch being connected to a respective one, e.g. a lamp, of user electric appliances.The apparatus also comprises a pushbutton control connected to each voltmeter coil in each magnetothermal switch for remotely and simultaneously operating the trip-off linkages to thus turn off simultaneously each electric appliance, while enabling function regaining by operating the corresponding switch locally.

Abstract: A circuit breaking apparatus with remote controlled opening and closing of its circuits is provided in which the supports of the fixed and mobile contacts are adapted so as to develop repulsion forces which produce an excellent limitation of the short circuit currents because no parasite mass is connected to the mobile contact despite the presence of an electromagnet which must actuate it through a pusher or a slide.

Abstract: An integrated protection unit is a circuit breaker which includes basic overcurrent protection facility along with selective electrical accessories. A molded plastic accessory access cover secured to the integrated protection unit cover protects the accessory components contained within the integrated protection unit cover from the environment. A combined overcurrent trip actuator and multiple accessory unit can be field-installed within the integrated protection unit. The combined actuator-accessory unit includes electronic control circuitry for the accessories along with mechanical trip and reset interface components.

Abstract: An undervoltage release accessory is attached to the interior of a circuit breaker enclosure proximate the operating handle assembly. A reset mechanism positioned between the handle operator and the undervoltage release plunger resets the undervoltage release plunger after an undervoltage condition. A flexible reset spring on the reset mechanism compensates for mechanical tolerances between the reset mechanism and the undervoltage release plunger.

Abstract: An electric switch protective apparatus is provided having a mobile contact which may be separated from a pseudo-fixed contact to which it is applied, either through the movement of coupling means of the mobile contact, or through the lateral movement made by a support of this pseudo-fixed contact under the action of connection means associated with a remote controlled electromagnet.

Abstract: A manually operated trip operator is inserted within a recess formed in a molded case circuit breaker cover, and extends down within the breaker case to interact with the circuit breaker trip bar. The trip operator is formed from a unitary thermoplastic configuration which integrally includes means for interacting with the circuit breaker trip bar and for biasing the trip operator back to its initial position. The unitary manual trip operator is down-loaded into the circuit breaker cover in an automated circuit breaker assembly process.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for use in remote load energy management systems and characterized by an insulating housing including opposite side walls, end walls and edge walls with a circuit breaker structure contained therein; a manual operator including a handle extending through an edge wall for actuating the structure between open and closed circuit conditions; an electromagnetic within the housing and including an armature for opening the circuit which armature is movable in an axis substantially perpendicular to the edge walls.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with at least one switching arrangement having a mobile contact and a retractable contact, this latter being supported by a pivoting lever; a tripping mechanism for causing the rapid opening of the mobile contact, an electromagnetic actuator having an element movable in translation under the effect of a control signal applied to the actuator and a mechanical coupling for transmitting the movement of the mobile element to the retractable contact, wherein the mechanical coupling is rigid and moves in translation according to a translation plane parallel to the movement of the mobile element and it is coupled to said pivoting lever at a point offset with respect to the plane of translation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with at least one switching arrangement having a mobile contact and a retractable contact, this latter being supported by a pivoting lever; a tripping mechanism for causing rapid opening of the mobile contact, an electromagnetic actuator having an element movable in translation under the effect of a control signal applied to the actuator and a mechanical coupling element for transmitting the movement of the mobile element to the retractable contact, wherein the mechanical coupling element, rigid and movable in translation parallel to the axis of displacement of the mobile element, is coupled to one end of the pivoting lever and, at its opposite contact end, the pivoting lever has an arm bent so that an end portion of substantial length of the arm is substantially parallel to the opposite arm of the corresponding mobile contact lever, the pivoting axis of the pivoting lever being placed between its bend and the coupling end.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker with remote switching function characterized by an insulating housing containing manually actuator for opening and closing separable contacts and a remotely controlled solenoid for opening the contacts, and the solenoid means being spring biased in the closed contact position only when the manually actuator is in the closed contact position.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker capable of being opened and closed from a remote location. The circuit breaker includes a stationary contact, a movable contact mounted on a carrier and a trip mechanism that trips the circuit breaker, moving the carrier to an open position upon the occurrence of an overcurrent. The remote control assembly opens and closes the circuit breaker independently of the trip mechanism. Upon receiving a signal from a timer switch, a motor operates, rotating a gear spring connected to the motor shaft. An actuator has a tooth positioned between the wire layers of the gear spring. As the gear spring rotates, the tooth moves toward the motor, pivoting the actuator. An operating rod, connected to both the actuator and the carrier, pulls the carrier to open the contacts as the actuator rotates. When the contacts reach the open position, the actuator hits a switch to shut off the motor.

Abstract: A bridging contact abuts one end of a piezoelectric bar and is held across a pair of current carrying fixed contacts by means of a compression spring to assure a good electrical conductive path across the fixed contacts. To separate the contacts, a voltage pulse is applied to the piezoelectric bar in a direction transverse to its linear extent. The rapid expansion of the piezoelectric bar drives the bridging contact rapidly away from the fixed contact pair to interrupt the current therethrough.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker wherein a movable contact arm (8) is operated between open and closed positions with a stationary contact (4b) by an operating mechanism which controls an overcenter toggle drive spring (12) and which is automatically openable upon sensing overload conditions by releasing a latched lever (10) for carrying the line of action of the drive spring (12) across the pivot (8a) of the movable contact arm (8). The current sensing trip means (16) for unlatching the latched lever (10) is formed of a shape memory effect alloy to provide a significant amount of travel of the latching end thereof in response to a narrow band of current thereby to insure release of the latch lever (10) without need for calibrating the breaker.

Abstract: An arc-quenching automatic switch which includes an impact-armature tripping device, comprised of an armature core and an armature rod, a set of deionization plates, a thermostatic element, and a secondary circuit-breaking device which switches off said automatic switch in response to an external event. This event can be remotely sensed and registered by a current or voltage signal corresponding to said event whereby said event may be pre-arranged to trigger the open-circuit. This additional circuit-breaking device is comprised of a operating device for a coupling rod which projects into the armature core of the impact-armature tripping device.

Abstract: An improved remotely controllable circuit breaker comprises a manually operable switching mechanism for opening and closing a single set of first and second contacts, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts upon occurrence of predetermined overload current conditions, and a remotely controllable switching mechanism for selectively opening and closing the contacts in response to a control signal remote from the breaker. The manually operable switching mechanism includes a movable contact arm carrying the first contact to be brought into and out of contacting engagement with the second contact by manipulation of a manual handle. The second contact is operatively connected to the remotely controllable switching mechanism to be driven thereby for movement between an operative position where the second contact is engageable with the first contact and an inoperative position where it is prohibited from being engaged with the first contact independently of the position of the first contact.

Abstract: A magnetically operated circuit breaker characterized by a circuit breaker structure including first and second separable contacts operable between open and closed positions, a releasable mechanism movable when released to a tripped position to effect automatic opening of the contacts, the first contact being connected to the releasable mechanism, the second contact being movable between open and closed positions of the first contact, and electromagnetic actuating means for moving the second contact between open and closed position in response to a control signal generated remotely from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a single coil solenoid operator for placing the handle of the circuit breaker in its ON position or in its OFF position. The solenoid operator includes a single coil solenoid formed by an electromagnet secured to a movable electromagnet drive plate and by an armature secured to a movable armature drive plate. The drive plates are disposed for rectilinear movement and are configured alternately to engage a formed trigger plate secured to the handle to move the trigger plate and the handle between the ON position and the OFF position of the handle. A pair of pivotable, bistable mechanical latches are configured to engage and stop further movement of alternate drive plates depending upon the state of the latches. Successive actuations of the single coil solenoid operator cause the handle to be placed alternately in its ON position or in its OFF position.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker in a moulded case comprises a breaker unit (10) and a remote control unit coupled to it that controls the swing of a bistable movable contact (22) housed in the breaker unit. A trip mechanism (50) cooperates with movable contact (22) in the case of a fault to swing movable contact (22) into open circuit position independently of the remote control mechanism (48). A resetting handle (88) must be actuated in order to render the circuit breaker reoperative.

Abstract: An energy-efficient device for managing residential loads on electrical generating systems is disclosed. The device is suitable for installation in existing circuit breaker load center panels at low labor costs, to be signalled from Load Management System(s), of various types. The device of the present invention causes the circuit breaker to disconnect and reconnect thereby controlling power consumption during peak periods of energy use. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An energy-efficient device for managing residential loads on electrical generating systems is disclosed. The device is suitable for installation in existing circuit breaker load center panels at low labor costs, to be signalled from Load Management System(s), of various types. The device of the present invention causes the circuit breaker to disconnect and reconnect thereby controlling power consumption during peak periods of energy use. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a larger separation distance between a stationary contact 4 and a movable contact 6 in the automatic mode than in the manual mode. The pivot shaft 24 of a crank 13 is placed in a higher position than in a conventional circuit breaker, to thereby enable the arm 7 carrying the movable contact 6 to rotate through a greater angle. A stop plate 26 is provided to prevent the flex angle .theta. formed between a first link 11 and a second link 12 of a toggle mechanism 10 from becoming too small when the contacts are opened, which enables easy manual closure with the normal stroke of a switch handle 16 and avoids the need for a stronger spring 17.

Abstract: A pushbutton circuit breaker switch, including two sets of contacts, connected in series. One set of contacts, the switch contacts (24, 30), open and close during normal on-off switch cycling. The other set of contacts, the breaker contacts (36, 42, 54), open only on overload, leaving the switch contacts closed. Of the three breaker contacts, two are stationary (36, 42) and one is a movable bridging contact (54). This movable contact is mounted on an insulative slide block (44), and an overload slides into an insulative enclosure (10g) in the housing (10) of the switch. Thus the movable contact is almost completely surrounded by insulative material cutting off any arc formed. The switch contacts are opened and closed by a W-cam (16). The actuator for the W-cam is a trapeze spring (14), the length of the horizontal portion of which is greater than the width of the W-cam, so that the center high point (16a) of the W-cam passes through the actuator without interference therewith.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter characterized by a multipole circuit breaker having line and load terminals and conductor means extending between the terminals for each pair of pole terminals, separate pairs of contacts serially connected in the conductor means, receiver means for sensing a control signal from an external source and sending a corresponding power signal to an operator means to effect opening of one of the pair of contacts.

Abstract: The contacts of a conventional molded case residential circuit breaker are opened and closed in relay fashion by a remotely controllable operator module. The operator module, utilizing the compliance of the breaker operating mechanism in its ON condition, acts directly on the breaker movable contact arm to effect a separation of the movable contact from the stationary contact sufficient to switch rated current.

Abstract: Load management apparatus constituting a direct replacement for a conventional molded case circuit breaker consists of half-inch wide switching and management modules connected in series between an electrical load and its energizing source. The switching module is a conventional circuit breaker and the management module includes an electro-magnetic contactor. The latter is operated by an overcenter spring mechanism which in turn is operated by remotely controlled solenoids.

Abstract: Controlled switching apparatus mountable in a conventional residential panelboard includes a conventional molded case circuit breaker module mounted in adjacent side-by-side relation with an operator module. The latter is remotely operated and includes a single remotely operated electrically energized unidirectional actuator which oscillates a rocker connected to the circuit breaker handle for selective movement thereof between its On and Off positions.

Abstract: Load management apparatus constituting a direct replacement for a conventional molded case circuit breaker consists of half-inch wide switching and management modules connected in series between an electrical load and its energizing source. The switching module is a conventional circuit breaker and the management module includes a normally closed electromagnetic contactor provided with a permanent magnet latch which holds the contactor in open position. Remotely generated signals are utilized to selectively energize the main operating coil which opens the contactor and to selectively energizing the bucking coil which releases the magnetic latch.

Abstract: A remote control system circuit breaker which latches a trip link and a latch link by the spring force of return springs so that on- or off-hold of a movable contactor supported from the latch link depends upon a holding force of an operating electromagnet pivotally connected to a handle, thereby achieving miniaturization of the electromagnet, in turn the circuit breaker, and a saving of power consumption of the electromagnet.

Abstract: An improved remotely controllable circuit breaker comprises a manually operable switching mechanism for opening and closing a single set of first and second contacts, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts upon occurrence of predetermined overload current conditions, and a remotely controllable switching mechanism for selectively opening and closing the contacts in response to a control signal remote from the breaker. The manually operable switching mechanism includes a movable contact arm carrying the first contact to be brought into and out of contacting engagement with the second contact by manipulation of a manual handle. The second contact is operatively connected to the remotely controllable switching mechanism to be driven thereby for movement between an operative position where the second contact is engageable with the first contact and an inoperative position where it is prohibited from being engaged with the first contact independently of the position of the first contact.