Abstract: A safety switch that includes a locking mechanism having a rod locking element that is located adjacent to a rod and engageable with the rod to lock the rod in position relative to a housing. The safety switch locking mechanism includes a locking member that is moveable relative to the housing in response to a difference in inertia between the locking member and the housing when a force is applied to the housing. The locking member is arranged to inhibit disengagement of the rod-locking element from the rod when the force is applied to the housing.

Abstract: A power control apparatus comprising at least a coil, a contact and a manual control used to continuously energize a load when the contact is in the closed position and to de-energize the load when the contact is open. The apparatus consumes no energy while maintaining the closed or open state of the contact. Methods of operation are also described. In one aspect, the power control apparatus is embodied in the form of a standard, wall-mounted light switch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a relay coil assembly, an armature, and a contact system. The contact system includes a stationary contact assembly stationary contacts and moveable contact springs adjacent to the stationary contacts. The moveable contact springs have a projecting portion. The armature is pivotably actuated in response to an electromagnetic force generated by the relay coil to move the at least one contact spring linearly between a first position and a second position. The stationary contact assembly includes an overmold portion attached to the at least one stationary contact. The overmold portion includes a dielectric material and is bonded to the at least one stationary contact to maintain a predetermined configuration of the stationary contact relative to the at least one moveable contact spring.

Abstract: A spring assembly is provided for a yoke assembly of an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The yoke assembly is coupled to the pole shaft and is movable among first and second positions corresponding to the separable contacts being closed and open, respectively. The spring assembly includes a number of first springs having a first spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly, and a number of second springs having a second spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly. The second spring rate is different than the first spring rate. The number of first springs and the number of second springs bias the yoke assembly toward the second position.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a magnetic latch solenoid for actuating a moveable contact of a contact pair. The magnetic latch solenoid includes a magnet that latches the contact assembly in an open position, and a coil that moves an armature to the latched position under current in one polarity, and disrupts the permanent magnet field to release the armature from the latched position under current in a reverse polarity. A spring biases the contacts to the closed position. The spring is separate from the magnetic latch solenoid. The contact assembly may also include a printed circuit board for providing pulses to the coil to operate the assembly. The contact assembly is part of a remote operated circuit breaker assembly.

Abstract: A retention arrangement for a circuit interrupter to ensure that ensures the retention of the circuit interrupter in its mounting. The retention arrangement cooperates with a latch member of the mounting for the circuit interrupter. Accordingly, the circuit interrupter is retained in its mounting even where the dimensions of the circuit interrupter may vary from the nominal specified dimensions.

Abstract: There is described a switching device whose disconnection cause can be identified, and a method for displaying the disconnection cause of a switching device. The switching device has a switch latch for mechanical activation of the switching device, a first tripper for overload protection, a second tripper for short-circuit protection, and a handle for activating the switch latch. The switching device is embodied in such a way that the handle is moved to a first position or a second position if the first tripper or second tripper is tripped, with the first position and the second position being different.

Abstract: A trip actuator reset assembly for a circuit breaker includes a cradle assembly, a reset lever, a trip actuator, and a rigid element. The cradle assembly is pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker pole shaft, and includes a number of springs. A pivot pivotably couples the reset lever to the circuit breaker housing. In response to a trip condition, an actuating element of the trip actuator moves a first end of the reset lever. The rigid element is pivotably coupled to the housing proximate a second end of the reset lever. To reset the trip actuator, a guide member guides the cradle assembly into engagement with the rigid element which pivots the reset lever. The first end of the reset lever then resets the trip actuator. After reset, if the cradle assembly continues to move, then the springs accommodate the additional motion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-pole circuit breaker. The multi-pole circuit breaker includes: a substrate disposed between the single pole breaking unit, spaced relatively far from the switching mechanism as compared to the other single pole breaking units among the plurality of single breaking units, and the adjacent single pole breaking unit; a link mechanism rotatably supported on the substrate; and springs having one ends supported by the substrate and the other ends supported by the link mechanism.

Abstract: A trip actuator reset assembly for a circuit breaker includes a cradle assembly, a reset lever, a trip actuator, and a resilient element. The cradle assembly is pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker pole shaft. The reset lever includes first and second ends, and a pivot pivotably coupling the reset lever to the circuit breaker housing. The resilient element is pivotably coupled to the housing proximate the second end of the reset lever. In response to a trip condition, an actuating element of the trip actuator moves the first end of the reset lever. To reset the trip actuator, a guide member guides the cradle assembly into engagement with the resilient element which pivots the reset lever. The first end of the reset lever then resets the trip actuator. After reset, if the cradle assembly continues to move, then the resilient element bends to accommodate the additional motion.

Abstract: A trip unit having a current leading element, an anchor having an up and a down position, and an oscillator having a first position and a second position. The oscillator in the first position permits the anchor to move into the down position, and the oscillator in the second position blocks the anchor from moving into the down position. Additionally, a magnetic yoke surrounds the current leading element and the anchor. A magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic yoke moves the anchor into the down position. A magnetic yoke surrounding the current leading element and the oscillator provides a magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic yoke moves the oscillator into the first position, or into the second position.

Abstract: A latch engagement control mechanism is provided for a latch assembly of a circuit breaker including a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism having a pole shaft, and at least one link coupled to the pole shaft. The latch assembly includes a pivot member cooperable with such link. The latch engagement control mechanism includes a latch pin having a cut-out portion and pivoting among a first position in which the latch pin prevents the pivot member from pivoting, and a second position in which the cut-out portion provides a clearance for the pivot member to pivot. A latch member coupled to the latch pin at or about the cut-out portion, includes at least a first protrusion engageable by the pivot member to establish the first position of the latch pin.

Abstract: A decoupling assembly structured to decouple the charging motor and the charging assembly cam shaft is provided. The decoupling assembly includes a lifter pin assembly and an elongated second end to a link member in the over-running clutch assembly. The link member supports a pawl which engages an over-running clutch assembly sprocket. The pawl is disposed on one side of a link member that is pivotally attached to an over-running clutch assembly hub assembly. The link member is structured to pivot in a “see-saw” like manner and thereby move the pawl between a first position, wherein the pawl engages the sprocket, and a second position, wherein the pawl does not engage the sprocket. The lifter pin assembly includes a spring loaded lifter pin that is structured to engage the link member second end and thereby move the pawl between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An opening assist mechanism is for the cradle assembly of a circuit breaker including a housing enclosing separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a trip bar and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes a first toggle link, a second toggle link pivotally coupled to the first toggle link by a first pivot, and a cradle member pivotally coupled to the second toggle link by a second pivot. The cradle member includes a third pivot and a latching portion structured to engage the trip bar when the cradle assembly is disposed in a position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed or otherwise closeable. The opening assist mechanism comprises an actuator, such as a kicker pin, disposed on the cradle member and structured to engage and move at least one of the first and second toggle links in response to an actuation of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a movable member mounted for movement between first and second positions. The latching mechanism includes a primary latching mechanism mounted for movement between a latched position where the primary latching mechanism engages the movable member to allow the movable member to move between the first and second positions, and an unlatched position where the movable member is disengaged for movement to the second position. A secondary latching element engages the first latching mechanism to hold the primary latching mechanism in the latched position, the secondary latching element being movable to move the primary latching mechanism to the unlatched position while remaining in engagement with the primary latching mechanism.

Abstract: An intermediate latch for a telecommunication system circuit breaker trip device is provided. The trip device has a spring biased trip bar with a latch extension. The circuit breaker has an operating mechanism with a spring biased cradle. The intermediate latch has a body with a central portion, an extending trip bar latch member, a cradle guide, and at least one axle member. The at least one axle member has a partial hub and a cylindrical member. The partial hub has a thicker, axial base portion and a thinner edge portion. The cylindrical member extends from the partial hub base portion.

Abstract: A permanent-magnet ground fault circuit interrupter plug with self-diagnosing function having an enclosure and a permanent-magnet mechanism encased in the enclosure.

Abstract: A support structure for a circuit interrupter latch member includes a first side plate having a first opening, and a second side plate having a second opening. A first hardened bushing includes a first opening and a first perimeter. The first opening of the first hardened bushing is adapted to pivotally mount a first tab of the latch member. The first perimeter is coupled to the first side plate at the first opening thereof. A second hardened bushing includes a second opening and a second perimeter. The second opening of the second hardened bushing is adapted to pivotally mount a second tab of the latch member. The second perimeter is coupled to the second side plate at the second opening thereof. The hardened material of the first and second side plates is harder than the unhardened material of the first and second side plates.

Abstract: The moving contact unit (10) is intended for a contact arrangement in a circuit breaker and contains a contact mount (13) and a contact piece (11, 111, 112), which is held by the contact mount (13). The contact mount (13) is arranged on a pivoting shaft (12), which can be mounted in the switch, and is fitted with a catch (135) which can pivot, and with a tripping lever (14) which can pivot and, together with the catch (135), forms a latching point. A simple configuration for the contact unit and for the contact arrangement which holds this contact unit is made possible, despite stringent requirements for maintenance of the circuit breaker and despite a high disconnection rating in that the tripping lever (14) is also arranged on the pivoting shaft (12) alongside the contact mount (13), and in that the contact piece (11) is placed on the contact mount (13) and is held by at least one prestressed bending spring (51), which is mounted on the pivoting shaft (12).

Abstract: A magnetic latching switch. The switch includes a pair of switch terminals, a switch actuator, an electromagnet and a biasing member. The switch actuator is manually moveable from a first position where the switch terminals are in a first state to a second position where the switch terminals are in a second state. The electromagnet selectively applies a magnetic field. Applying the magnetic field with the electromagnet when the switch actuator is in the second position maintains the switch actuator in the second position. The biasing member is coupled to the switch actuator such that the biasing member automatically returns the switch actuator from the second position to the first position when the magnetic field is removed.

Abstract: Described herein is a low-voltage circuit-breaker, which comprises at least one mobile contact and a corresponding fixed contact, and a positive-opening-operation device. The positive-opening-operation device in turn comprises: a moving element associated to the mobile contact; a first kinematic chain, operatively associated to said mobile contact and to an actuating device; and a second kinematic chain, associated to said moving element and to said first kinematic chain. A first lever is associated to the first kinematic chain and a second lever is associated to the second kinematic chain, said first and second levers interacting with one another during the opening operation and being equipped with blocking devices in the event of welding of the contacts together.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device includes an electromagnetic drive apparatus and has a moving contact element which can be operated by this drive apparatus. The moving contact element can be switched between a bridging position, which connects a pair of stationary contacts, and a disconnected position, which disconnects the stationary contacts. The electromagnetic switching device also has an actuating apparatus having an actuating element which interacts with the moving contact element and can be moved between an operating position and a safe position. In the operating position, the moving contact element can be switched by the electromagnetic drive apparatus between the bridging position and the disconnected position. Further, by movement of the actuating element to the safe position, the moving contact element can be blocked from moving from the bridging position to the disconnected position, and can be blocked in the disconnected position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing including a primary cover and a secondary cover having a tab; separable contacts; and an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a cradle pivotally mounted within the housing, the cradle including a latch, and a latch mechanism within the housing. The latch mechanism is adapted to capture the latch of the cradle when the separable contacts are closed. The operating mechanism also includes a rotary interlock pivotally mounted within the housing and cooperating with the latch mechanism and the tab of the secondary cover to release the latch of the cradle and to trip open the separable contacts when the secondary cover is removed from the primary cover.

Abstract: A resettable switching device, e.g. a relay, comprises a fixed contact (18) and a movable contact (28). A solenoid (12) is fixed relative to the fixed contact and a ferromagnetic plunger (20) carries the movable contact. A spring (24) biases the plunger away from the fixed contact so the device is normally open. When the device is set a further ferromagnetic element, e.g. a plunger (22), holds the first plunger (20) in a closed-contact position by magnetic attraction against the action of the spring (24). When a predetermined current condition exists in the solenoid the magnetic attraction between the element and plunger is reduced below the level necessary to hold the plunger so that the movable contact disengages the fixed contact.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing and an operating mechanism having a cross bar supported by a first housing surface and moving in an arcuate path between open/tripped and closed positions, a pivotally mounted cradle including a latch, and pivotally mounted primary and secondary latches. The primary latch includes a pivot, an opening and a free end. The cradle latch rests within the opening when the contacts are not tripped open. The secondary latch includes a pivot and a surface. The latches are between a second housing surface and the cross bar in a first position. The cross bar is offset from the latches in a second position. The secondary latch surface and pivot are between the second housing surface and the primary latch pivot. The secondary latch surface engages the primary latch free end when the contacts are not tripped open and maintain the cradle latch within the opening.

Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes a housing and a rotary plunger pivotally mounted within the housing. The rotary plunger has an on position and a tripped position. A portion of the rotary plunger is pivoted outside of the housing in the tripped position. A trip bar is pivotally mounted within the housing and includes a first tab latching the rotary plunger in the first position and releasing the rotary plunger from the first position. The trip bar also includes a second tab. A trip actuator includes a solenoid and a rotary trip lever engaging the second tab of the trip bar, in order to pivot the trip bar and release the rotary plunger from the on position. A spring biases the trip bar, in order that the first tab latches the rotary plunger in the on position. A pair of springs biases the rotary plunger to the tripped position.

Abstract: A power saving electromagnetic switch, which is developed to reduce power consumption and implemented using low trouble mechanical parts compared to a conventional electromagnetic switch in which a fixed iron core is electrified to fasten a movable iron core and then a continuous current passes through the fixed iron core during the operation thereof. The power saving electromagnetic switch includes a fixed iron core, a movable iron core and a fastening bar. The fixed iron core includes a guide hole vertically formed from a top thereof, and a through hole formed to penetrate through a side of the fixed iron core and to communicate with the guide hole. The movable iron core moves upward or downward to come into contact with the top of the fixed iron core, and includes a guide rod mounted on a bottom thereof so as to be inserted into the guide hole, the guide rod having a fastening hole formed at an end thereof.

Abstract: An electrical device, such as a circuit breaker, for interrupting the flow of current, which includes a stationary contact, a blade having a movable contact, a releasably latchable trip lever, a bimetal, and a magnetic armature. The movable contact is movable into and out of engagement with the stationary contact. The trip lever is releasable from a latched position for movement to a tripped position to cause separation of the stationary and movable contacts. The bimetal causes the release of the trip lever from the latched position by having the armature drawn a predetermined distance in response to a predetermined short circuit current. The trip lever is held in the latched positioned by a hardened latch having a minimal surface area, which is positioned near an opening located in the armature. When the predetermined short circuit current flows through the bimetal, the trip lever moves to the tripped position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts and an operating mechanism having a cradle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanisms cooperates with the cradle of the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a bimetal conductor, which is electrically connected in series with the separable contacts. The trip mechanism is responsive to a predetermined condition of current flowing in the bimetal conductor. The trip mechanism also includes a magnetic yoke coupled to the bimetal conductor, an armature pivotally mounted to the magnetic yoke, and a spring biasing the armature away from the magnetic yoke. The spring is set apart from the bimetal conductor. The spring is coupled to the armature and engages the magnetic member.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, a cradle mounted in the housing and coupled to a handle and to a movable contact. The apparatus comprises a latch frame mounted in the circuit breaker housing. A latch roller is mounted on the cradle. A latch member is configured to selectively engage the latch roller and the latch member is rotatably coupled to the latch frame. A latch shaft assembly is rotatably mounted in the latch frame and selectively engaged by the latch member. Upon rotation of the latch shaft assembly, the latch shaft assembly will disengage from the latch member and cause the movable contact to move.

Abstract: A low-voltage power circuit breaker includes a current-limiting opening of a mobile switching contact. The force-transmitting connection between the actuating shaft lever and the mobile switching contact or the contact support is provided in the form of a latching device and includes two identical levers, which can pivot in relation to one another around an articulated joint and which are joined to one another by way of the articulated joint that is formed by a joint pin guided through aligned continuous borings provided in concentric parts of the levers. The contact surfaces of the levers have slanted surfaces that serve as a tooth. In the vicinity of the articulated joint, the levers are subjected to the action of an adjustable spring force, which is exerted by a pressure spring and which acts upon the tooth.

Abstract: An electrical device, such as a circuit breaker, for interrupting the flow of current, which includes a stationary contact, a blade having a movable contact, a releasably latchable trip lever, a bimetal, and a magnetic armature. The movable contact is movable into and out of engagement with the stationary contact. The trip lever is releasable from a latched position for movement to a tripped position to cause separation of the stationary and movable contacts. The bimetal causes the release of the trip lever from the latched position by having the armature drawn a predetermined distance in response to a predetermined short circuit current. The trip lever is held in the latched positioned by a hardened latch having a minimal surface area, which is positioned near an opening located in the armature. When the predetermined short circuit current flows through the bimetal, the trip lever moves to the tripped position.

Abstract: A load-disconnecting switch has a permanent-magnetic holding circuit. A coil (5), upon excitation thereof, generates a magnetic flux that is opposite to the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet (9). The armature (6) is biassed to an open position by an armature spring (10), so that the armature spring (10), when a defined operational excitation is exceeded, detaches the armature (6) from the core (7) of the magnet system, allowing said armature to open and thereby disconnecting a switching contact (15) and a fixed contact (16). The load-disconnecting switch can be switched on again by means of a spring clip (12) acting on said armature (6).

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing; separable contacts mounted in the housing; a latchable operating mechanism including a latch lever which when released opens the separable contacts; and an overcurrent assembly responsive to selected conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts for releasing the latch lever to trip the separable contacts open. The circuit breaker also includes an arc fault indicator; an arc fault trip actuator which when energized moves a first indicator latch for actuating the arc fault indicator and a second latch for releasing the latch lever to trip the separable contacts open; and an arc fault current assembly responsive to selected arc fault conditions of current flowing through the separable contacts for energizing the arc fault trip actuator to actuate the arc fault indicator and to trip the separable contacts open.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrical device and a latching micromagnetic switch that controls energy flow through the electrical device. The latching micromagnetic switch includes a cantilever, a permanent magnet, and a coil configured to latch the latching micromagnetic switch in one of two positions each time energy passes through the coil. The electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be integrated on a same substrate. Otherwise, the electrical device and the latching micromagnetic switch can be located on separate substrates and coupled together. The electrical device can be a circuit, a filter, an antenna, a transceiver, or the like.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism comprises a movable handle yoke, a mechanism spring extending in tension from the handle yoke to a pin, and a lower link extending from the pin to a crank operably connected to a contact arm bearing a movable contact. The crank is positionable in open and closed positions, being in an open position when the movable contact is separated from an associated fixed contact and being in a closed position when the movable contact is mated to said associated fixed contact. The circuit breaker further comprises an interface formed on said crank and a blocking prop having a first surface that engages said interface, the first surface preventing the crank from rotating towards the closed position.

Abstract: A trip actuator includes a trip arm configured to provide an actuating force for unlatching the circuit breaker operating mechanism and an actuator mechanism for changing the state of the circuit breaker accessory. The actuator mechanism includes a first lever biased to rotate in a first direction about a first axis and a latch assembly releasably restraining the first lever from rotating in the first direction. The latch assembly includes a second lever and a slide. The slide is operably coupled to the second lever, and the slide releasably restrains the first lever. The second lever moves the slide to release the first lever when the actuating force is applied to the second lever.

Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.

Abstract: A magnetic release system for a circuit breaker, the magnetic release system includes a contact structure; a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shaped collar having a pole face, the u-shaped collar disposed around the strap; a release lever disposed proximate the pole face, the release lever rotatably mounted on the strap; wherein the release lever is releasably engaged with the contact structure; and wherein the release lever prevents movement of the contact structure at the first level of electrical current and releases the contact structure at the second level of electrical current.

Abstract: An adjustable magnetic trip device for a molded case circuit breaker is provided where the trip device includes a plunger and a stationary core as well as a plunger support structure with a movable plunger carriage. The position of the plunger assembly and carriage relative to the stationary core is determined by a cam assembly having a body with a plurality of sections, each section having a different radius. The plunger carriage is responsive to rotation of said cam assembly and may be adjusted by rotating the cam. The over-current condition for the trip device is a function of the distance between the plunger assembly and the stationary core. Accordingly, the over-current condition may be changed by rotating the cam. As each section of the cam has a constant radius, the over-current condition remains the same no matter where the carriage contacts a certain section of the cam.

Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.

Abstract: The circuit breaker (10) of the present invention includes a molded housing (12) including a main breaker cover (20), a first terminal (18) and a second terminal (16) mounted in the casing with a contact (44) electrically coupled to the first terminal (18) and a movable contact (42) electrically coupled to the second terminal (16). It also includes an operating mechanism (40) having a pivoting member (13) movable between an ON position, an OFF position and a TRIPPED position, wherein the pivoting member (13) is coupled to the movable contact (42). An intermediate latching mechanism (52) is mounted in the housing (12) and coupled to the operating mechanism (40) is in selective operative contact with a trip unit having a trip bar (54). The trip unit is also coupled to the movable contact (42) and the second terminal (16). An accessory socket (22) formed in the main breaker cover (20), on either side of an opening for the pivoting member (13) is in communication with the housing (12).

Abstract: A release unit for a circuit breaker is equipped with a magnet yoke and an armature collaborating with it for actuating a release device, in which case a nonmagnetic weight element that increases the inertia of the armature is applied to the armature.

Abstract: A making operation preventing device 130 has a releasing trigger 19 for retaining, via a releasing latch 18, a breaking lever 36 to which a torque in a counterclockwise direction is applied by an opening torsion bar 34; a releasing electromagnet 20 for opening an on-off contact 10 by releasing the engagement between the releasing trigger 19 and the releasing latch 18 to rotate the breaking lever 36 in a counterclockwise direction; a cam 3 rotated as one body with a gear 40 connected via a link 41 to a making lever 37 to which a torque in a counterclockwise direction is applied by a closing torsion bar 35; a making trigger 15 which retains a second pin 13 attached to the cam 3 via a making latch 14 and maintains the closing torsion bar 35 in a prestressing state; a releasing electromagnet 16 for driving a trigger lever 16d in a right direction to release the engagement between the making latch 14 and the making trigger 15, and an interlocking electromagnet for rotating the trigger lever 16d in a counterclockwi

Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism for separating a pair of electrical contacts within an electrical circuit breaker includes a lower link operatively connected to one of the electrical contacts. An upper link includes first and second legs extending from a central portion. The first leg is pivotally secured to the lower link, and the second leg includes a cam surface formed thereon. A roller is in intimate contact with the cam surface, and the cam surface is configured such that movement of the upper link relative to the roller causes the upper link to pivot about the central portion. Pivoting of the upper link about the central portion moves the lower link causing the second contact to move away from the first contact. A mechanism spring is configured to provide a force for separating the electrical contacts when the operating mechanism is tripped. A toggle handle includes a void disposed therein, and an end of the spring is secured to the operating handle within the void.

Abstract: Circuit breaker mechanism comprising a manually controlled part 40a acted upon by a knob 42 and a part 40c with an electromagnetic overcurrent tripping device 41 and a trip spring 65. The parts 40b, 40c act on a common lever 43 through a connecting rod 62 and a control lever 66 respectively. The part 40b is coupled to a lever 64 onto which the spring 65 exerts a torque, and also applies an opening torque to lever 66.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts disposed in the housing, and an operating mechanism disposed in the housing and interconnected with the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a cradle for moving from a first position to a second position in the event of a tripping operation and thereby causing the contacts to open. A trip mechanism is disposed in the housing and includes a rotatable trip bar assembly that, when selectively rotated, generates a tripping operation. The trip mechanism includes a rotatable latch that engages the trip bar assembly and the cradle and keeps the cradle in the first position when a tripping operation has not occurred. The trip mechanism further includes a tension member that is positioned to bias the latch in a first rotational direction.

Abstract: A latching mechanism of a circuit breaker operating mechanism comprises a primary latch and a secondary latch. The primary latch is of a general H-shape and includes elongated leg members connected by a cross member and has notched portions thereon proximate the first ends of the elongated leg members, reset feet depending from the second ends of the elongated leg members, and tabs protruding from the elongated leg members at points intermediate the first and second ends and extending in the general direction of the reset feet. The elongated leg members of the primary latch are pivotally mounted on an axis that extends laterally through a cross member. The secondary latch is of a general inverted U-shape and includes elongated leg members connected by a base member and has notched portions thereon proximate first ends of the elongated leg members. The elongated leg members of the secondary latch are also pivotally mounted on pins that protrude from the base member.

Abstract: A power shut-off connector has contact terminals 55, 56 coming into sliding contact with a moving pin 43, a mating portion 54 and a retaining member 45 of the moving pin, an urging member 62 and a driving member (solenoid) 42 with respect to the moving pin. One side of a locking member 45 as a retaining member is coupled to the plunger 44 of a solenoid 42 and the other side is pivotally supported with a bracket 46 and besides the locking member is mated with the mating portion. The solenoid 42 is provided with a second plunger 150 symmetrically and by coupling a second locking member 151 to the plunger 150, the plunger may be mated with the second mating portion 65 of the moving pin 43. In place of the locking member 151, the plunger 44 may be pulled by means of a weight and a folded wire.