Abstract: A circuit interrupter including separable main contacts, an operating mechanism interconnected with the contacts, and a housing in which the contacts and the operating mechanism are disposed. A trip mechanism is disposed in the housing and includes a trip bar assembly that, when selectively rotated in a first direction, generates a tripping operation causing the contacts to open. The trip bar assembly includes a groove in which sits a torsion spring for rotationally biasing the assembly in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A latching system for a circuit breaker is arranged to actuate a trip unit and interrupt circuit current upon occurrence of a short circuit or an overcurrent condition. The latching system employs an armature having a recess formed therein and a cradle having a cradle tip arranged to releasably engage the recess. A thermal magnetic trip unit is depicted within the circuit breaker for the purposes of detecting overcurrent conditions through the electric path. During current transport through the circuit breaker, the current is thermally sensed by means of the bimetal and magnetically sensed by means of the magnet. The armature rotates against the return bias of a compression spring to release the cradle tip from the recess and allow counterclockwise rotation of the contact arm. The rotation of the contact arm causes the separation of the movable and fixed contacts under the urgence of a mechanism spring.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is taught with a housing base and a primary cover disposed on the housing base. The primary cover has a recess therein for an auxiliary module which is disposed in the recess. A secondary cover is disposed on the primary cover for covering the recess when the auxiliary module is disposed therein. A combination manual trip and secondary cover interlock is provided which is accessible from outside of the secondary cover for manually opening separable main contacts or for automatically opening separable main contacts when the secondary cover is removed. There is also provided on the back plane of the housing a single piece DIN rail attachment for securing the back plane to a DIN rail. There is provided an under voltage release mechanism for actuating the circuit breaker to trip on the occurrence of an under voltage condition of predetermined magnitude across the lines served by the circuit interrupter.

Abstract: In a make-and-break mechanism for use in a circuit breaker, an alarm output plate 56, which is disposed so as to be slidable in the vertical direction along the frame (cover plate) 27 of the make-and-break mechanism, is secured to the engaging projection 27d of the cover plate 27 through a pair of right and left guide holes 57 formed therein. At the same time, one end of a handle spring 59, which, in the trip operation, is used to rotate an operation handle 26 to a trip display position, is caught on the alarm output plate 56.

Abstract: The toggle mechanism of a circuit breaker is connected at one end to the pivoted contact arm and at the other end to a pivoted latch lever which is engaged to latch the toggle mechanism by a latch member pivoted for movement in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the toggle mechanism. The latch member serves as an armature for a trip motor energized by a trip circuit responsive to an arc fault and/or a ground fault to unlatch the toggle mechanism and trip the circuit breaker open. The latch member is also tripped by a helical bimetal responsive to persistent overcurrents and coupled to the latch member through an ambient compensator bimetal cantilevered from the latch member. A flexible shunt connected between the helical bimetal and contact arm passes through an extension of the magnetic circuit of the trip motor to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength to trip the latch member instantaneously in response to a short circuit.

Abstract: A thermomagnetic circuit breaker in a preformed housing comprises a display means for selective display of the reasons for tripping. Tripping bars, actuable independently of one another, include a release function as well as a display function. Alternatively, display may take place with additional trip levers. Combinations of independently actuable tripping bars and an operating handle provide a display means for display of an overload, momentary, ground fault or accessory trip condition.

Abstract: a A positive OFF toggle mechanism 402 is disclosed for a circuit breaker having “ON”, “OFF,” and “TRIPPED” conditions and corresponding handle positions. The circuit breaker 10 includes a pair of contacts 44, one of which is coupled to an operating mechanism 40 having a pivoting member 13. The positive OFF toggle mechanism 402 includes a lower toggle member 404 having a first end 412 operatively coupled to the contact 44 coupled to the operating mechanism 40 and a second end 408 coupled to a toggle pivot pin 416a; an upper toggle member 410 having a first end 412 coupled to the toggle pivot pin 416a and a second end 408 in operative contact with a toggle pin mounted on the operating mechanism 40.

Abstract: A mechanical latch relay started by a current pulse is disclosed which comprises an electromagnetic generating unit, a connecting mechanism and a mechanical locking mechanism, and which can maintain the existing operation state when the current pulse starting the relay disappears, and it changes its operation state when another current pulse is provided, and then it keeps the operation state even if the pulse disappears so that it can provide a stable operation state of current on/off unnecessary to be provided with a current for a long time, which enables to provide an effective control for current on/off.

Abstract: A decreased mechanical trip time latching system for use in a molded case circuit breaker assembly. The latching system comprising a quick release primary latch having a first primary latching surface and a second primary latching surface. Where the second primary latching surface engages a first secondary latching surface located on an interactive secondary latch, to prevent the rotation of the quick release primary latch. The first primary latching surface engages a cradle latching surface, located on a cradle, to prevent the rotation of the cradle. Assembled to the interactive secondary latch is a trip bar. Activation of the trip bar rotates the secondary latch so that the first secondary latching surface moves out of contact with the second primary latching surface just prior to the interactive secondary latch making physical contact with the quick release primary latch.

Abstract: A supplemental magnetic trip unit is arranged on the load strap of an industrial-rated circuit breaker to interrupt circuit current upon occurrence of a short circuit fault. The trip unit employs a U-shaped magnet and a hinged armature that articulates the circuit breaker operating mechanism latch to allow the circuit breaker contacts to become separated upon the urgence of the powerful circuit breaker operating mechanism springs.

Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker comprises a housing; separable contacts housed within the housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position; an operating mechanism for moving the separable contacts between the closed position and the open position thereof, the operating mechanism having a first position and a second position corresponding to the open position of the separable contacts; a latch for latching said operating mechanism in the first position thereof and for releasing the operating mechanism to the second position thereof; a trip bar movable in a first direction and a second direction for unlatching said latch, the trip bar including first and second pivot pockets for pivotally mounting the trip bar within the housing; a sensor for sensing an electrical condition associated with the separable contacts and for moving the trip bar in the second direction in order to unlatch the latch, to release the operating mechanism to the second position thereof, and to move the separable contacts

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 rotating from a first position to a second position in the event of a tripping operation. The cradle has an aperture with a smaller cutout portion and a larger cutout portion. The operating mechanism further includes a pivot pin disposed within the housing. The pivot pin is insertable through the larger cutout portion and is seated in the smaller cutout portion.

Abstract: This concerns a molded case circuit breaker having separable main contacts and an operating mechanism utilized to cause the separable main contacts to open and close. A trip unit is provided to actuate the operating mechanism in desirable circumstances. The trip unit is removable. In this case the trip unit is insertable into a trip unit region in the case of the circuit breaker from the top or end thereof. The trip unit is then joined to an internal electrical conductor by way of a bolt and an internally fixed nut. The bolt can be driven into the nut through the trip unit conductor and the internal conductor from a position external to the circuit breaker case. The trip unit can be inserted into the trip unit conductor from a point above the circuit breaker case or vise versa. The trip unit has a securement nut built into its case.

Abstract: This concerns a molded case circuit breaker having separable main contacts and an operating mechanism utilized to cause the separable main contacts to open and close. A trip unit is provided to actuate the operating mechanism in desirable circumstances. The trip unit has a plunger and latch contained therein which is primarily responsible for latching the circuit breaker contacts open by way of the operating mechanism once a trip has occurred.

Abstract: The circuit breaker is characterized by separable contacts operable between a closed and an open position a contact arm having a latching surface and a latch arranged to engage the latching surface when the contacts are blown-open under short-circuit conditions. The arrangement of the latch allows for a positive lock under high magnitude short circuit levels while minimizing the force required by a mechanism to unlock the arm.

Abstract: A trip device of a main circuit breaker is provided which causes only a branch circuit breaker to be set into a tripped state when an abnormal current occurs at a load of the branch circuit breaker while keeping a closed state of the main circuit breaker. The trip device of the circuit breaker has a structure including a trip latch mechanism for opening switching contacts, a stationary core, a movable core which is attracted to the stationary core to release the latch mechanism of a trip lever, an operating pin for interrupting movement of the movable core while the movable core is attracted, an operating spring charged with force when the movable core is attracted, and an inertia roller holding the operating pin, kicked when the operating spring discharges the force, and moved to a position which does not interrupt movement of the movable core. Accordingly, this structure allows a selective tripping system to be implemented simply with small size and low cost.

Abstract: A switching apparatus including an electromagnetic command device fitted with a magnetic circuit made up of a main circuit polarized by a permanent magnet and linked to a depolarizing coil and through a movable circuit integral with a movable support subject to a return spring and acting directly or indirectly on at least one disconnecting pole. The main magnetic circuit has at least two air gaps in series on the path of the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet and the movable magnetic circuit includes at least two parts capable of closing the air gaps when the main magnetic circuit and the movable magnetic circuit are joined together and are crossed by the magnetic flux created by the permanent magnetic, thereby carrying out a locking function and creating a multiplication of the locking forces, with an unlocking function being provided by the depolarization coil the counter-flux from which crosses the magnetic circuit and air gaps.

Abstract: A mid-trip stop circuit breaker, having a handle, adapted for displacement about an axis of rotation between a first position and a second position, the handle being linked to a member whose position corresponds to a rotation position of the handle, a spring urging the handle toward the second position; a stop surface, displaceably supported in relation to the axis of rotation, the stop surface being selectively disposed along a path of the member at a middle position of a transition path from the first position to the second position, and being adapted to engage the member and counter a force of the spring, to retain the handle in the middle position of the transition path, such that a sufficient manual force applied to the handle when retained at the middle position of the transition path will displace the stop surface, allowing the handle to achieve the second position, while in an absence of the sufficient manual force and under influence of the spring alone, the stop surface impedes displacement of the h

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism and separable main contacts, and a rotatable crossbar which rotates to open and close the contacts. The crossbar interacts by way of a protrusion thereon with a rotatable, positive off-link. A handle mechanism is disposed in the housing and has a handle protruding from the housing which is normally movable from a closed to open disposition. However, if the operating mechanism has reacted in such a way as to open the separable main contacts but, in fact, they have not opened because, for example, they are welded shut, the protrusion on the crossbar will interact with the positive off-link and prevent the handle mechanism from moving to the opened position thus warning personnel that the contacts have not opened.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a generally "Z" shaped intermediate latch structure which has upper and lower substantially planar sections that are each bent at an angle with respect to a center pivot section. The upper portion of the intermediate latch includes one or two latch surfaces. One of these latch surfaces engages the cradle of the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker, to latch the operating mechanism when the circuit breaker is closed. The other latch surface engages a trip bar or an intermediate latch bar, which is rotated by the trip unit when an overcurrent condition occurs. The lower portion of the intermediate latch structure also includes a latch surface which may engage a trip bar. This latch surface is sloped such that when the latch surface of the trip bar is moved along this sloped latch surface, the trip bar rotates.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for an electrical power switch apparatus, the actuator assembly having a housing and a plunger positioned within the housing where the plunger is movable between a set position and an actuated position. The plunger includes a compression spring to provide a pre-load thereto that biases the plunger away from the set position and toward the actuated position. A magnet contained in the housing and positioned proximate to the plunger establishes a magnetic force which overcomes the pre-load of the compression spring and maintains the plunger in a set position. A coil assembly, that when energized, produces an electromagnetic force which bucks the magnetic force established by the magnet allowing the plunger to be propelled by the compression spring to the actuated position. A screw extends through an opening in the plunger for engagement with the compression spring so that rotation of the screw results in the adjustment or calibration of the pre-load of the compression spring.

Abstract: A detent mechanism comprising a support member having a fixed seating member comprising opposite sides; a first spring for exerting a first spring force, disposed between one side of the fixed seating member and a first sliding member, further comprising a second spring member exerting a second spring force less than said first spring force, disposed between the other side of said fixed seating member and a second sliding member, whereby the forces of the springs are directed to operate on said first and second sliding members in opposite directions. A push button can apply an external force to the first sliding member to move it from a first position relative to the fixed seating member to a second position against the action of said first spring force. A detent mechanism connects the first and second sliding members when the first sliding member is in its second position and the second slidable member is in a first position.

Abstract: A reverse deflection prevention arrangement is provided for use in a circuit breaker for preventing a bimetal from bending in a direction opposite its normal thermal deflection. The reverse deflection prevention arrangement includes a tab portion extending from a yoke and a corresponding block member disposed on the inside surface of a circuit breaker cover. The tab portion engages the block member when the bimetal is forced to deflect in the direction opposite its normal deflection. An alternate embodiment of the reverse deflection prevention arrangement includes a reinforcement member secured to one end of the bimetal. The reinforcement member strengthens and supports the bimetal so that it is prevented from bending in the direction opposite its normal thermal deflection.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a molded housing and separable contacts for movement between a closed position and an open position. An operating mechanism moves the separable contacts between their closed and open positions. A trip mechanism includes a trip bar which rotates to trip the operating mechanism from a first position to a second position corresponding to the open position of the separable contacts. A mechanical mechanism includes an interlock cam which selectively prevents the trip bar from rotating to trip the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip actuator unit includes a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. A reset arrangement allows the trip actuator unit to be automatically reset upon completion of the contact separation process.

Abstract: A low-voltage power switch with a relative auxiliary switch which is actuated as a signalling switch only when the generally multi-pole low-voltage power switch is triggered. The problem to be solved is that of controlling relative auxiliary switches simply and independently of the switch latch. To this end, the switch latch is designed in such a way that the included angle of the moveable contacts or the switching sprindle (18) is greater in the "triggered" than in the "off" state. A radial extension (60) is arranged on the switching spindle (18) in such a way that, in the "triggered" state, it engages a fixed pivoted lever (68) which itself is effectively connected to the prestressed actuating pushrod (66) of the relative auxiliary switch (56).

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 housing; separable contacts housed by the housing; an operating mechanism, for moving the separable contacts between a closed position and an open position thereof, having a first position and a second position corresponding to the open position; a latching and releasing mechanism for latching the operating mechanism in the first position thereof and for releasing the operating mechanism to the second position thereof; a rotatable trip bar rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction for unlatching the latching and releasing mechanism; a sensing mechanism for sensing an electrical condition associated with the separable contacts and for moving the trip bar in the second rotational direction in order to unlatch the latching and releasing mechanism, release the operating mechanism to the second position thereof, and move the separable contacts to the open position thereof; and an adjustable bias spring for biasing the trip bar in the first rotational d

Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip actuator unit includes a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. A reset arrangement allows the trip actuator unit to be automatically reset upon completion of the contact separation process.

Abstract: A remotely actuatable clasp responsive to photonic energy beams is provided. The clasp has a housing that defines a longitudinally extending latch cavity with a latch window. A photonic receiver circuit converts received photonic energy into an electrical signal. A latch member with a first end and a second end. The first end of the latch member has a latch head insertable into the latch cavity to the latch window. The second end of the latch member has a first attach point attachable to the garment. An electromechanical latch is electrically connected to said photonic receiver circuit and pivotally mounted to the housing. The electromechanical latch is engageable in a first position with the latch head through the latch window. The electromechanical latch is disengagable in a second position from the latch head in response to the electrical signal from the receiver circuit. A second attach point is positioned on the housing and is attachable to the garment.

Abstract: A combined bell alarm and lock-out accessory is connected with the electronic trip unit that controls a high ampere rated circuit breaker. The accessory interacts with the circuit breaker operating mechanism to activate the bell alarm upon circuit interruption and to prevent the closing of the circuit breaker contacts until the accessory is manually reset. The circuit breaker lock-out mechanism interfaces between the circuit breaker operating mechanism and the accessory to insure that the contacts remain open until the accessory is completely reset.

Abstract: A multi-pole low-voltage power switch designed with several switching chambers per pole and a common switching shaft which acts for the pole units is formed by the switching chambers. The switching shaft is made up of shaft sections which correspond to the pole units. While the central shaft section has central pins and levers, the peripheral shaft sections are fitted with levers and have central apertures in which the pins engage. Bolts which pass through the levers are used to couple the shaft sections together. The pole units rest on a support which is dimensioned to accommodate the maximum width of the pole units and to allow for possible variations in their dimensions. Side walls of the correct dimensions for a pull-out rack enclosed the supporting framework of the power switch on each side.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having an opening; separable contacts disposed within the housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position; an operating mechanism having a trip position where the separable contacts are tripped open for moving the separable contacts between the closed and open positions; a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism for tripping the operating mechanism to the trip position; an electromagnetic mechanism cooperating with the trip mechanism for sensing a current flowing between the separable contacts and engaging the trip mechanism with an armature in response to a predetermined current flowing between the separable contacts; and a manual push-to-trip mechanism operatively associated with the opening of the housing and cooperating with the electromagnetic mechanism for engaging the armature thereof, in order to engage the trip mechanism, trip the operating mechanism to the trip position, and trip open the separable contacts.

Abstract: An electric switch includes a plurality of moveable contacts and a plurality of stationary contacts which firmly contact with the moveable contacts in a normal closed position by a spring, such as a leaf spring or a compression spring. The electric switch further includes a locking member which is disposed between two adjacent moveable contacts. When a "fault" current passes through the moveable contacts and the stationary contacts, a repulsive force is caused at the contact tips such that it tends to open the contact between the moveable and stationary contacts. The "fault" current also causes adjacent moveable contacts to attract to each other thus has tendency to open the contact. The locking member which is disposed between the neighboring moveable contacts engages with the moveable contacts so as to maintain the contact between the moveable contacts and the stationary contacts. The locking member has two oblique surfaces, one on each side, to face to the moveable contacts.

Abstract: An improved trip device for operating a trip mechanism which, in turn, operates a circuit breaker mechanism for opening a set of electrical contacts. The trip device includes a spring-biased actuating rod which is mechanically operated by a solenoid. The actuating rod has a notched end which is secured by a rotatable shaft at a notch portion of the shaft. The shaft has latch arms, and the core of the solenoid has projections extending into slots in the latch arms. When the solenoid receives a faulty current signal, the core moves and causes the projections to forcibly impact against the latch arms which rotates the shaft, whereby the notch portion of the shaft aligns with the notched end of the actuating rod and the actuating rod reciprocally moves into the notched portion of the shaft thereby actuating the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises high-duty arc-quenching means 23 and a latching mechanism 19, which is adapted to be electromagnetically and thermoelectrically unlatched by means of a snap-action bimetal disk 52 to open contacting means 21 in response to an overload. The snap-action bimetal disk 52 is held in a carrying body 32, which has a high thermal conductivity and which carries an electromagnetic exciter coil 33 and contains an associated plunger 42. For tripping in response to an overload, the plunger 42 is adapted to be actuated either electromagnetically and/or by the snap-action bimetal disk 52. The movable contact 21 will remain open when the latching mechanism 19 has been unlatched. In response to a movement of the plunger 42 out of its make position, the latching mechanism 19 is unlatched by a first arm of a two-armed lever 37, which is made of lucite and is pivoted to the carrying body 42. The contacting means 21 are adapted to be struck open by the second arm 41 of the lever 37.

Abstract: An industrial-rated circuit breaker includes an electronic trip unit for long time, short time and instantaneous overcurrent protection. Current transformers contained within the circuit breaker enclosure sample the circuit current and supply the trip unit with signals indicative of the circuit current in real time. Upon receipt of an overcurrent condition the trip unit actuates the circuit breaker operating mechanism to separate the circuit breaker contacts for circuit interruption. A supplemental magnet trip actuator interacts with the current transformer and the operating mechanism to provide enhanced short circuit response.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having electrical contacts operable between a closed position in which a circuit is completed through the conductor and an open position in which the circuit through the conductor is interrupted. The circuit breaker includes a latchable operating mechanism operable to open the electrical contacts when unlatched and a trip bar rotatable from a biased position to a trip position to unlatch the operating mechanism. A magnetic trip assembly is provided including a frame, a stationary magnetic structure mounted to the frame and a movable armature which is attracted to the stationary magnetic structure by abnormal current through the conductor to rotate the trip bar to a trip position. The movable armature includes a nib extending angularly therefrom, the nib defining a detent. The armature is pivotably mounted to the stationary magnetic frame by a pin.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a circuit breaker comprises a pair of longitudinal legs, a lateral section bridging the pair of longitudinal legs, and a longitudinal section extending from the lateral section in an opposite direction relative to the pair of legs. The lateral section includes a lower bearing surface for releasably engaging a cradle of the circuit breaker. The lower bearing surface includes a coined radius for facilitating engagement and disengagement of the cradle. The longitudinal section includes a protrusion for supporting a latch spring. The latch mechanism is manufactured in a single stamping operation, during which the protrusion is formed by cold extrusion.

Abstract: A bracket assembly has rearwardly projecting metal wings mounted in a plastic cover plate. The circuit breaker is normally rear mounted in a panel. The cover plate is secured to the breaker with fasteners that secure the metal wings to the breaker housing. The metal wings have legs slidably received in the plastic cover plate providing a convenient subassembly for mounting the breaker from the front of a panel.

Abstract: A springclip for use on a changa lever of a latchable operating mechanism in a circuit breaker. The springclip is attached to the changa lever to dampen vibration thereof so that undesired disengagement of the changa lever from the projection of a trip bar of the circuit breaker is resisted.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker controlled by an electronic trip unit is cost-competitive with electromagnetic circuit interruption devices. A novel contact arm assembly and shield arrangement in combination with a contact arm spacer and operating cradle interface reduces the assembly time and the number of operating components to effect significant cost savings.

Abstract: A latching block to be coupled to an electromagnetic switching device, which holds the switching device in the working position by locking the mechanism of the switching device which carries out the switching action. The latching block has a housing, a rack which can be coupled to the mechanism which carries out the switching action with a positive lock, and a lever which acts on a ratchet wheel. The engagement of the lever and the ratchet wheel can be released for unlocking.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a transmission linkage which is actuated by a rocker and which is coupled to a slide bearing contacts and which contains a triggering lever cooperating with a latching piece. The technical problem is to provide a switch with a strong latching force and reliable unlatching. The transmission linkage is constructed as a toggle lever, to the toggle joint (13) of which the rocker (14) is coupled and the first lever (12) of which is coupled in a bearing which is fixed to the housing and the second lever (11) of which is constructed as a latching lever for a pivot lever (10), which latching lever is active in a position of the toggle lever above the dead center. The pivot lever (10) engages into the slide (6). A yoke lever (15) is constructed as a triggering lever for the second lever (11) of the toggle lever and as a counterbearing for a pressure spring (26).

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker enclosure and operating components are provided with additional features to enable compliance with a variety of international electrical requirements for sales in the world market. The circuit breaker operating handle is prevented from returning to the OFF position upon contact welding as one example. Another modification includes a reinforcement and rejection pin used with the enclosure case. A further modification includes a shield used with the movable contact arm to prevent the arc gas contaminants from contacting the circuit breaker operating springs.

Abstract: A solenoid operated circuit breaker trip device has a base defining a guide channel and an actuator that slides in the guide channel and interacts with a contact breaking mechanism having a trip bar operable to make or break electrical contacts. A spring biases the actuator toward the trip bar. A solenoid on the base electromagnetically displaces a plunger along a linear path and is coupled to a trigger having a latching surface that holds or releases the actuator. The guide channel runs parallel to the path of the plunger, adjacent the solenoid. The trigger is L-shaped and pivoted on a pivot pin between two legs of its L-shape, on an axis transverse to the path of the plunger. One of the two trigger legs is coupled to the plunger, and the other has an engagement surface that is moved behind a complementary surface of the actuator to selectively block its displacement. The base can be a slotted frame attached to the solenoid or a molded housing having an interior cavity for receiving the solenoid.

Abstract: A current switching device includes stationary contacts, and movable contacts which are movable between a position in which the movable contacts engage the stationary contacts and a position in which the movable contacts separate from the stationary contacts. The movable contacts are mounted on a movable contact holder. A magnetic locking element includes a permanent magnet and is pivotally mounted about a fixed axis. An actuation armature is connected to the contact holder and is movable to move the contact holder. The actuation armature is movable in proximity to the magnetic locking elements such that the actuation armature is locked to the magnetic locking element by magnetic attraction with the movable contacts engaging the stationary contacts. An opening armature is movable between a rest position and a position in proximity to the magnetic locking element, such that the opening armature is locked to the magnetic locking element by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: An electrical power disconnect switch is disclosed which provides for mechanical or manual tripping operation, as well as electrical or automatic tripping operation. The switch includes a latch pin, a switch body including a handle member, and fixed and movable contacts. A biasing spring biases the contacts to an open position. The latch pin has an electrical trip coil surrounding it to cause the latch pin to releasably hold the switch body in a position such that the contacts are closed. The latch pin is retracted from the switch body by manual depression of a handle member, causing the contacts to open. Alternatively, the latch pin is released from the switch body to open the contacts when current ceases to flow through the electrical trip coil. The current flowing through the electrical trip coil is supplied from a protection circuit. In an automobile application, the protection circuit may be, for example, a hood open or crash detection circuit.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter manually opens and closes its contacts by use of a manually rotatable handle which acts through a collapsible linkage rotatably connected to a crank extension of the handle and rotatably connected to a rotatably movable contact support. The rotatable contact support is urged away from closed contact position by a main spring and in moving from one contact position to the other the axis of the rotatable connection between the handle crank passes over a center line defined by the center of rotation of the handle and the rotatable connection between the linkage and the movable contact support providing a toggle action to hold the movable contact in selected open or closed position. Upon overload, the mechanism causes collapse of the collapsible linkage allowing the movable contact support to move and open the contacts.

Abstract: A modular crossbar arrangement for molded case circuit breakers allows a plurality of contact arm assemblies to be interconnected from a single modular unit. To provide increased acceleration to the movable contact arms a contact arm accelerator lever interfaces with the contact arm and crossbar assembly. To promote further acceleration of the movable contact arms to their closed positions, the movable contact arms in a multi-pole circuit breaker are staggered with respect to their rotational alignment within each pole on the crossbar assembly.