Abstract: Molded case circuit breaker having collapsible toggle linkage with rectangular cross section knee pin non-rotatably held within open rectangular slots in upper link, bifurcated movable contact fingers loosely guided for pivotal movement about fixed pin to break contact welds, helical compression springs biasing bifurcations against faces of a stationary connector, trapezoidal cross section shaft biasing shaft against a fixed corner of clamping strap and frame, increasing clamping force and increasing tool clearance, operating handle which changes pivot point moving to RESET position, reducing lateral force component of operating springs for reliable return of handle to OFF position, dual stops for movable contact fingers to spread impact forces along fingers, greater contact separation in poles not containing operating mechanism, slot motor laminations providing metal reinforcement to separate arc chamber housing which is cooperatively interlocked with base to distribute structural strength, terminal cover wi

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a contact movable between open and closed positions, includes a closing spring assembly having a closing spring and first and second brackets. The closing spring assembly is chargeable when in a reset position in which the first bracket is hooked by a first hook. The closing spring is charged, manually or electrically, with support of the second bracket being transferred to a second hook. The closing spring is discharged to close the circuit breaker, with the closing spring assembly moving from the reset position to a discharged position in the process. The closing spring assembly is then moved as an integral unit, back to the reset position, with the closing spring again being charged, enabling the circuit breaker to immediately reclose in the event of a trip due to a transient condition. An improved breaker operating mechanism and power operated charging mechanism, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker latch assembly eliminates the need for polishing the opposing latch surfaces to reduce static surface friction and lower the latching force. The end of the circuit breaker cradle operator is offset relative to the restraining surface of the armature-latch to reduce the static friction that must be overcome to move the armature-latch away from the cradle operator. Subsequent release of the cradle operator then allows the circuit breaker operating mechanism to separate the circuit breaker contacts upon the occurrence of predetermined overload current conditions.

Abstract: Tripping of the poles of a multi-pole breaker requires less force from current sensing actuators, through use of a lost motion linkage including a trip link which unlatches the linkage holding one pole contact set closed before operating the inter-pole tripping elements. Preferably the breaker has a fast forcing arrangement for forcing a movable contact open under short-circuit conditions, faster than the normal contact opening spring can respond. The lost motion linkage is provided by a trip link which first releases a secondary latch to permit contact opening at normal speed, and then operates an inter-pole tripping element. Under short-circuit conditions the trip link engages the movable contact to force it open, between unlatching and engagement of the inter-pole tripping element.

Abstract: A magnetic latch includes a coil, a frame receiving magnetic flux from the coil when energized, a latching member mounted in the frame and rotatably movable between first and second positions with the latching member providing a magnetic flux bridge between flux carrying means of the frame by contacting the flux carrying means with the latching member is in a first position, a magnet providing magnetic flux carried by the flux carrying means and a portion of the latching member for magnetically retaining the latching member is a first position with the coil is deenergized and a spring biasing the latching member towards a second position with force sufficient to overcome magnetic retention of the latching member at the first position when the coil is providing magnetic flux to the flux carrying members of the frame in the direction opposite of that of flux provided by the magnet.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a trip actuator which mechanically trips the breaker in response to an electrical trip pulse. The trip actuator includes first and second parallel magnetic circuits, with the first circuit having a lower reluctance than the second circuit. A magnet provides magnetic flux for both circuits. A pivotally mounted clapper has a first position in which it is releasably held in the first circuit by a magnetic force, and a second position. Bias springs urge the clapper towards the second position, with the bias springs providing a biasing force which is less than the magnetic force holding the clapper. The electrical trip pulse creates a magnetic flux which opposes the magnetic flux in the first circuit, switching the magnetic flux to the second circuit. The clapper member pivots to the second position, and a trip link associated with the clapper actuates a trip mechanism.

Abstract: A molded case thermal-magnetic circuit breaker having improved low current magnetic trip response interfaces an intermediate armature between the circuit breaker latching element and the magnet assembly within the circuit breaker thermal-magnetic trip system. The intermediate armature optimizes the magnetic trip forces applied to both the intermediate armature and the latching element to enhance low current magnetic trip response.

Abstract: Field-installable accessories are used within a thermal-magnetic industrial-rated circuit breaker. One such accessory in the form of a combined undervoltage release and shunt trip unit is field-installable within the circuit breaker cover. A bell alarm accessory unit can also be inserted within the circuit breaker cover either in combination with or apart from the undervoltage-shunt trip accessory unit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a compressive turning spring hung between a movable contact arm pivoted at an end to a handle rotatably mounted to a first reference position and a cradle pivotably mounted to a second reference position and disengageably locked to an abnormal current detection and trip mechanism. Under normal operation of the breaker, the turning spring exerts a contact pressure between movable and fixed contacts. Upon detection of an abnormal current, the turning spring is caused to turn so as to open the contacts. With this arrangement, the dispositions of constituent elements and their interlocking assembly can be simplified.

Abstract: A leakage current interrupter device for use with appliances. The device of the present invention includes a switching device having an electromagnet which is energized by a sensing circuit upon the detection of leakage current or a ground fault condition. The magnetic field generated by the electromagnet moves a lever arm to instantaneously interrupt the flow of current through the circuit to disconnect the appliance from the power supply.

Abstract: The secondary latch of a molded case circuit breaker latching arrangement is formed from a latching pin assembly with a solid metal latching sphere rotatably mounted at one end thereof. The latching sphere contacts the operating mechanism latching plate to provide a low-friction latching force to the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The latching sphere contacts the latching plate and is continuously lubricated by means of a lubrication reservoir integrally-formed within the latch pin assembly.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker of the type containing an electronic trip unit and a combined actuator-accessory unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism employs an optimum cradle configuration within the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The operating cradle is fabricated from a steel composition that is optimized to promote improved hardness properties. The optimized cradle interacts with the circuit breaker latch assembly to substantially reduce the tripping force required to articulate the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A molded case circuit interrupter of the type employing a thermal-magnetic trip unit to interrupt circuit current utilizes a flexible electrical braid conductor to connect between the thermal-magnetic trip unit and the movable contact arm. A helical spring arranged around the braid conductor at the welded connection with the movable contact arm provides long-term strain relief. A metal phosphate coating on the surface of the circuit breaker operating cradle and latch assembly eliminates polishing while insuring release of the cradle from the cradle-latch interface surfaces.

Abstract: A trip accelerator interfaces the thermal-magnetic trip unit and the operating mechanism within a thermal-magnetic molded case circuit breaker for improved response to overcurrent conditions within an associated electrical distribution circuit. The trip accelerator is in the form of a trip lever rotatably mounted on the operating mechanism side frame and is reset by the operating mechanism upon displacement of the circuit breaker operating handle.

Abstract: Field-installable accessories are used within a thermal-magnetic industrial-rated circuit breaker. On such accessory in the form of a combined undervoltage release and shunt trip unit is field-installable within the circuit breaker cover. A bell alarm accessory unit can also be inserted within the circuit breaker cover either in combination with or apart from the undervoltage-shunt trip accessory 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 molded case circuit breaker of the type containing an electronic trip unit and a combined acutator-accessory unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism employs an optimum cradle configuration within the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The optimized cradle interacts with the circuit breaker latch assembly to substantially reduce the tripping force required to articulate the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A limiting circuit breaker comprises an electrodynamic repulsion contact system, and an electromagnetic latch arranged in the vicinity of the contact system, and electrically insulated from the latter. Actuation of the latch to the active position results from the action of the electromagnetic field due to a short-circuit current flowing in the pole, so as to temporarily keep the movable contact open after repulsion. The latch is equipped with a pair of ferromagnetic brackets, and with a spring blade to return to an inactive position.

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 supplemental trip and reset interface components. The reset mechanism allows the actuator-accessory unit to become reset without interfering with the operation of the integrated protection unit. The trip interface components allow the circuit interrupter to interrupt a protected circuit by operation of the actuator-accessory unit.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker employs a multiple latch assembly for maintaining the circuit breaker operating mechanism in a closed condition. The multiple latch assembly includes three separate latch levers mounted on a common latch support frame. The multiple latch arrangement substantially reduces the amount of tripping force required to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an operating handle yoke that contacts the cradle operator and drives the operating mechanism springs over-center when the circuit breaker operating handle is moved from its RESET to its ON position. The contact between the handle yoke and cradle operator accelerates the over-centering of the powerful operating mechanism springs.

Abstract: A circuit breaker wherein a linkage transmits movements of a manual operating lever to a movable contact for moving the movable contact against a spring bias into engagement with a fixed contact. The linkage is arranged to hold the movable contact in an "ON" position and a releasable latch couples the linkage and the movable contact. A fault detector can effect release of the latch to permit the movable contact to move under the action of its spring from engagement with the fixed contact independently of movement of the linkage and the lever.

Abstract: A positive trip indication spring is used with circuit breakers that provide colored trip indication through a visual access opening in the circuit breaker cover to ensure that the trip indicia on the circuit breaker operating handle align with the visual access opening upon the occurrence of a trip condition. The trip indication spring cooperates with the powerful circuit breaker operating mechanism springs to provide additional bias to the circuit breaker operating handle to move the operating handle to its fully "TRIPPED" position.

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. The reset mechanism allows the actuator-accessory unit to become reset without interfering with the operation of the integrated protection unit.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a toggle assembly having upper toggle links secured to U-shaped members of a cradle assembly with a hardened pin. The pin is formed with annular grooves disposed intermediate the ends forming a center sleeve portion and stop surfaces at each end. The center sleeve portion is slightly longer than the width of the U-shaped member to provide spacing between the upper toggle links and the U-shaped members. The upper toggle links are formed with U-shaped slots disposed at one end which are received in the annular grooves. The U-shaped slots formed at the other end of the toggle links are offset from the longitudinal axis of the toggle links and receive the pin. The upper toggle links are assembled such the offset U-shaped grooves are disposed in opposite directions to help secure the the assembly together.

Abstract: A sensitive latch and trip mechanism includes a latch plate supported for pivotal movement under the influence of a load, and a latch lever supported for pivotal movement about a lever axis. The lever includes a latching surface disposed in a latching surface plane and a lever axis located a distance A from the latching surface plane in a direction perpendicular to the latching surface plane and offset from the latching surface by a distance B in a direction parallel to with both the latching surface plane and the plane in which the latch plate pivots. A coefficient of friction is defined between the latching surface and a surface of the latch plate interengaged therewith, the coefficient of friction U being correlated with the distances A and B to follow the relationship U.gtoreq. B/A. In this manner, the lever may be easily pivoted from its latching position to unlatch the plate.

Abstract: A linear acting ball latch is released by a rotary latch release member in the form of a rotor for a high torque, short stroke rotary electric motor which is electrically energized through a capacitor discharge system to release the latched member for spring biased movement into engagement with a bridging contact, thereby forcing the contact open from stationary contacts. A clapper type armature drives the contacts between open and closed positions through tubes, one of which extends through the latch mechanism. The tubes have spring biased plungers connected with the movable contact member to provide a low gradient spring force to the contacts permitting separation by the latch tube assembly and providing contact pressure when the magnetic operator closes the contacts. A manually operable handle and reset cam are disposed over the rotary latch mechanism and have mechanical connection with the latch release rotor to provide for manual operation of the release and for manual resetting of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: Electronic circuit breaker components are selectively coated with zinc and tin compounds to protect the components from the environment and to promote lubricity. Selected components within the operating mechanism, actuator and crossbar assemblies are coated with zinc phosphate followed by an over-coating of tin phosphate.

Abstract: A circuit breaker mechanism has an armature component that is slidably displaceable between latched and tripping positions. The armature is connected to a moving contact carrier that is pivotally connected to an operating handle that is also pivotal. The armature is connected to the carrier by a spring. The armature has a latching formation which engages a projection. When tripped,the armature is slightly pivoted to clear the projection.

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: In a trip relay mechanism (50) of circuit breaker wherein a latch (23A), a latch lever (25A) and a trip bar (34) are urged to engage with each other; the trip bar (34) is disposed between the latch (23A) and the latch lever (25A) in the direction of power source side-load side of the circuit breaker and they (23A, 25A, 34) are urged by one double-torsion spring (35), and further the trip bar (34) is separated into a main part (34B) extended over each pole and a latching part (34A) for engaging the latch lever (25A).

Abstract: An industrial rated molded case circuit breaker having an electronic trip circuit contained within the circuit breaker enclosure includes a reset spring in cooperation with the circuit breaker latch spring to insure manual reset of circuit breaker after an automatic trip function. The reset spring allows the circuit breaker latch assembly to be manually reset upon minimum travel of the circuit breaker operating handle due to internal circuit breaker component space restrictions. The circuit breaker latch assembly is robotically loaded to the operating mechanism which is then attached to the circuit breaker case by an automated fastening process.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism for automated assembly finds application within circuit breakers of different ampere ratings. The circuit breaker contacts are opened and closed by means of a roller connected to the circuit breaker operating handle through a cradle link and a cam arranged on the movable contact carrier. The operating springs, cradle and latch are first assembled to the operating mechanism prior to assembly of the operating mechanism within the breaker housing.

Abstract: The switching device has a contact arm which is fixed on a shaft in the form of a thick-walled tube and is turnable between a closed position and an open position under the influence of a torsion rod spring. At one of its ends the spring is fixedly connected to the contact arm and at its other end to a percussion hammer. In the closed position the spring is arrested in tensioned condition by means of a latch. When releasing the latch for opening of the switching device, the spring energy is transformed to rotation energy in the hammer and is transferred to the shaft by impact against a projection on the shaft. In this way the contacts of the switching device immediately attain a great separation velocity.

Abstract: A switch latch for a power switch including a supporting part of the type having two planar, parallel connected bearing plates, a switching mechanism adapted to hold a lock mechanism, wherein the levers of the switch latch are configured as planar members, simple pins are used as bearing pins and as connecting pins, and simple tension springs serve as spring elements, wherein one side of each bearing plate projects to form an assembling tab which projects at right angles to another portion of the respective bearing plate, and the bearing plates are connected with one another by an assembling bracket connected at the side opposite the tab ends, with the assembling bracket being configured as a planar member.

Abstract: An industrial rated molded case circuit breaker having an electronic trip circuit contained within the circuit breaker enclosure includes a reset spring in cooperation with the circuit breaker latch spring to insure manual reset of circuit breaker after an automatic trip function. The reset spring allows the circuit breaker latch assembly to be manually reset upon minimum travel of the circuit breaker operating handle due to internal circuit breaker component space restrictions. The circuit breaker latch assembly is robotically loaded to the operating mechanism which is then attached to the circuit breaker case by an automated fastening process.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating mechanism for automated assembly finds application within circuit breakers of different ampere ratings. The circuit breaker contacts are opened and closed by means of a roller connected to the circuit breaker operating handle through a cradle link and a cam arranged on the movable contact carrier. The operating springs, cradle and latch are first assembled to the operating mechanism prior to assembly of the operating mechanism within the breaker housing.

Abstract: The trip mechanism of a molded case type circuit breaker is actuated by a plunger that is integral with and axially extends from the end of a reciprocally-movable core member of a solenoid mounted within the breaker housing. The free end of the plunger strikes the trip bar of the breaker when the solenoid is energized in response to a current overload condition in the circuit being protected. The solenoid core member and plunger are mechanically locked in NO-TRIP position by spring-biased keeper means that is automatically released from its "lock" position by the magnetic field generated by the solenoid coil when it is energized. A spring automatically resets the trip-actuating assembly when the current-overload condition has been corrected and the solenoid coil is deenergized.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus characterized by a molded case containing a circuit breaker structure for opening and closing a circuit which structure comprises a releasable lever operable between latched and unlatched positions corresponding to open and closed circuit conditions, latch means including a latch lever for the releasable lever, interconnected toggle connected to the latch lever and that are biased to the unlatched position of the lever, and a movable trip bar responsive to predetermined overcurrents and having a projection contacting the toggle links for holding the links in the unbiased position.

Abstract: A latching relay includes a housing and a coil secured to the housing. An armature is electromagnetically coupled to the coil such that current to the coil biases the armature to a first position. A spring is coupled to the armature to bias the armature to a second position. The relay includes a switch which includes a movable contact coupled to the armature such that the switch is in a first state when the armature is in the first position and the switch is in a second state when the armature is in the second position. A magnet is movable in the housing between a blocking position, in which the magnet acts as a mechanical block to prevent the armature from moving to the second position, and an unblocking position, in which the magnet allows the armature to move to the second position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker design and process for high speed assembly utilizes a unique secondary latch arrangement to reduce frictional forces and increase the breaker calibration test yield. The design allows for interchangeability of the trip unit by first pre-assembling the arc chute cavity and operating mechanism. Arrangement of the primary and secondary latch pivots reduces the trip force for further increase in the calibration yield.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a roller guide member, 1a, provided on the inside wall of an upper part of the case 1. The roller quite member, 1a, has a curved shape designed to form or smooth curved path, 100, in cooperation with the roller receiving indents 5a and 56, so that the roller can be reliably reset in the roller-receiving indents 5a and 5b.

Abstract: A remotely controlled circuit control device has first and second load contact assemblies movable into circuit engagement and circuit disengagement positions relative to one another in which one load contact assembly is operatively connected to a solenoid so that alternate forward strokes of the solenoid moves the one load contact assembly between reset and tripped positions through a push-push mechanism having an indexing portion and a latching portion. An overload mechanism cooperates with the latch portion to cause the load contact assemblies to move to the circuit disengaged position upon occurrence of a fault condition. The second load contact assembly includes pivotably mounted contact members which are linked to the first load contact assembly in such a way that circuit engagement during solenoid energization is precluded.

Abstract: An improved solenoid actuated switch assembly is retained within a housing made from insulating material having three generally parallel recessed passages. The solenoid actuator is retained within the center passage or recess and the parallel side recesses retain heavy duty contacts and blades. A passage between the recesses permits a compressible spring actuating arm laterally projecting from the solenoid recess to drive the contact blades in response to movement of the solenoid corepiece. A pivot arm and cam assembly cooperate to retain the corepiece in a first or second position following momentary actuation of the corepiece in response to a signal through the coil.

Abstract: A control device for operating the displacement of an arm between an on-position and an off-position, comprising a control member operating through a transmission element consisting of a link and a locking means movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the device being usable as an electric switch.

Abstract: A switch machine which is connected by two throw rods to the respective switch points to be operated includes an internal locking arrangement which includes two holding elements pivotally mounted on the respective throw rods and accommodated between a sliding member and a displacement member of the switch machine which are disengageably connected to one another. Each of the holding elements has a free end which is enlarged by two tongues respectively extending toward the sliding member and the casing of the switch machine. Depending on the position of the sliding member, the tongues are received in the associated recesses in the sliding member or in the casing to thereby either lock the throw rods in their positions relative to the casing or to entrain the same for movement with the sliding member.

Abstract: An improved solenoid actuated switch assembly is retained within a housing made from insulating material having three generally parallel recessed passages. The solenoid actuator is retained within the center passage or recess and the parallel side recesses retain heavy duty contacts and blades. A passage between the recesses permits an actuating arm laterally projecting from the solenoid to drive the contact blades in response to movement of the solenoid corepiece. A pivot arm and cam assembly cooperate to retain the corepiece in a first or second position following momentary actuation of the corepiece in response to a signal through the coil.

Abstract: An improved spring biased reciprocable latch-reset member is provided for a relay of the type including an armature mounted on a support block for pivotal movement about an axis, a coil for displacing the armature from a first position to a second position when the coil is energized, a spring biasing the armature from the second position to the first position when the coil is de-energized, and an electrical contact controlled by the position of the armature. The latch-reset member is operable in response to displacement of the armature to the second position by energization of the coil to hold the armature in the second position, and is displaceable thereafter to release the armature for movement back to the first position by the armature biasing spring.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted primary latch lever carries a latch pin for latchingly engaging a cradle to sustain it in a reset position against the bias of the breaker mechanism operating springs. An intermediate latch lever, pivotally mounted to the primary latch lever, is formed with a pair of latch shoulders for respective latching engagement with a pair of latch pins associated with a pivotally mounted secondary latch lever. The geometry of the latch assembly parts and their various latching engagements are such that an exceptionally light trip initiating force on the secondary latch lever is effective in releasing the cradle from its reset position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a roller guide member, 1a, provided on the inside wall of an upper part of the case 1. The roller quite member, 1a, has a curved shape designed to form or smooth curved path, 100, in cooperation with the roller receiving indents 5a and 56, so that the roller can be reliably reset in the roller-receiving indents 5a and 5b.