Abstract: An electrically conducting strap for use in a rotary circuit breaker cassette provides dual connectors to accommodate either an electronic or mechanical trip unit within the circuit breaker and electrical distribution system. The continuous, integral strap includes a first section including a fixed contact mounted thereon, a U-shaped second section, a third section having two apertures for connection to associated electrical equipment, and a fourth section having two apertures for connection to a line of a distribution system providing electrical power to a load. Thus, the circuit breaker has the advantage of reduced cost and increased ease of manufacturability since a common cassette is used.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker has paddles on the trip bar to utilize the arc gases generated during interruption to speed operation of the latchable operating mechanism and to protect the trip mechanism from debris in the arc gases. Alternatively, or in addition, lateral projections can be provided on the crossbar for similar purposes.

Abstract: An undervoltage release device for a circuit breaker is disclosed having an operating mechanism, a trip bar, line and load terminals, and a cover. The device includes a housing, a solenoid, upper and lower actuators aligned with a plunger of the solenoid and in selective contact with the trip bar, plunger and actuator reset levers mounted upon the solenoid frame, and pair of terminals in electrical contact with the solenoid coil and line terminals of the breaker, wherein the force of the solenoid corresponds to the line voltage. Also disclosed is a method for tripping a circuit breaker when line voltage drops below a selected value, in a circuit breaker having an operating mechanism and a trip unit with an intermediate latch.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with an accessory case socket into which an accessory bell alarm member is disposed. A two-piece lever arrangement is provided in the bell alarm accessory case between the micro-switch button thereof and the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. In the first stage of operation the operating mechanism rotates the entire two-piece member as a unit until the bell alarm button has been completely depressed, after which overtravel of the operating mechanism is accommodated by rotational movement of only one of the members on a common axis against the force of a hub located torsion spring.

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. The housing includes a cover positioned atop a base. The cover includes a recessed region in which are formed a first hole and a second hole. The first hole and the second hole extend through the cover and into the base, and the second hole extends through the base. A retainment device is positioned within the recessed region, and includes a first opening positioned above the first hole and a second opening positioned above the second hole. The second opening has an opening diameter. A first screw is inserted into the first opening and the first hole. A second screw is for inserting into the second opening and the second hole. The second screw includes a threaded portion having a first diameter and a non-threaded portion having a second diameter.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker and includes a molded case (12) having a main cover (20), a first terminal (16) and a second terminal (16) mounted inside the case (12) with a stationary contact (44) electrically coupled to the first terminal (18) and a movable contact (42) electrically coupled to the second terminal (16). The movable contact (42) is coupled to an operating mechanism (40) which has a pivoting member (13) moveable between an ON position, an OFF position and a TRIPPED position. An intermediate latching mechanism (52) also is mounted in the housing (12) and is coupled to the operating mechanism (40). The intermediate latching mechanism (52) is selectively operated by a trip unit (60) which comprises a magnetic short circuit release and a thermal overload release.

Abstract: Compliant assembly (110) includes a reset drive (112) mechanically cooperating with a plunger link (120) having a slide interface latch (130) via an intermediate plunger reset spring (142), plunger link (120) also being proximate to plunger (84) to both accept strikage from or become in mechanical cooperation with plunger (84) and to reset plunger (84) from the protruded position to the retracted position. Further, in the detailed embodiment, reset drive (112) also mechanically cooperates with slide link (132) via an intermediate slide reset spring (60), slide link (132) also being proximate slide (86) to reset slide (86) from the unlatched or released position (after, for example, a trip event causes plunger (84) to protrude into contact with plunger link (120) thereby releasing slide interface latch (130) from slide latch seat (90) of slide (86)) to the latched or set position.

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: An electromagnetic switchgear unit has an electromagnetic drive appliance which acts as an auxiliary magnet system and by means of which the contact force is first increased on the occurrence of a short-circuit current, before the contacts are abruptly torn apart. For this purpose, the drive appliance actuates a lever rotatably supported on the contact bridge carrier, which lever displaces the contact bridge carrier and, by this means, compresses a contact compression spring and a further compression spring.

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 structured to cause the separable main contacts to open and close. A trip unit is provided to actuate the operating mechanism in desirable circumstances. The circuit breaker housing has an auxiliary device compartment therein into which may be inserted a key lock arrangement. The trip unit has a plunger member which protrudes into the auxiliary device compartment and which, when actuated, causes the trip unit to actuate the operating mechanism to open the main contacts. When the key lock is actuated, a slideable member interacts with the plunger member in the trip unit and maintains the trip unit in a configuration that prevents the main contacts from engaging. Thus, as long as the lock member is maintained in the locked state, the circuit breaker may not be reset.

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. Disposed within the circuit breaker casing is a region for the installation of an auxiliary device, such as a bell alarm device, shunt trip device etc. The case of the auxiliary device has an opening disposed therein through which a movable auxiliary device lever protrude. The opening of the circuit breaker case has a region for interfacing with the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. A separate lever is disposed between the operating mechanism and the auxiliary device lever member. This separate lever member is driven by the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker and actuates the lever of the auxiliary device. It is pivoted about a protrusion on the auxiliary device.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a housing having a window, a line terminal and a load terminal, and a circuit trip assembly. The circuit trip assembly includes a rotatable cradle, a moveable armature latch and a pivotable trip support including a trip indicator. Upon the occurrence of a tripping condition in the circuit breaker, the trip indicator moves from a first position where it is not visible through the window to a second position where it is visible through the window.

Abstract: This concerns a four pole 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 circuit breaker in this case has four-poles, one of which is a neutral pole. The circuit breaker trip unit has rotatable trip bars therein, one of which is associated with the three-line terminals and one of which is associated with the neutral terminal. If the line terminal trip bar is actuated to move because of a fault to overload in one of the line terminals, only the line terminals will open because the neutral trip bar will not be moved. However, if the neutral trip bar is moved because of a predescribed neutral current value in the neutral conductor all of the contacts including the neutral contact will be opened because of the interlocking arrangement between the neutral trip bar and the line trip bar.

Abstract: A trip mechanism (140), including two trip actuators, namely a bi-metal trip actuator (144) and a magnetic trip actuator (142), that act on a plunger (160). A plunger guide (162) guides motion of the plunger along a straight line path of travel. Each trip actuator is capable of moving the plunger independently of the other trip actuator to cause the circuit breaker to trip in response to detection of either a thermal fault or a magnetic fault.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker utilizing a toggle link mechanism, the reset operation is facilitated. A block link including a reset pin, a first hole and a second hole is provided. The reset pin is inserted into a circular arc shape third hole formed concentric with the rotation of a trip lever formed at a secured frame. An actuating pin of a handle lever is inserted into the first hole. A shaft provided at a movable contact holder is inserted into the second hole. By this mechanism, the friction in the reset operation can be reduced to allow the reset operation to be perform by a smaller force. As a result, an auxiliary handle is not required. The handle and electrical operation devices can be reduced in size. Also, the operating handle is prevented from moving to the OFF position when the switching contacts are welded.

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 parallel pole magnetohydraulic circuit breaker, having a single trip element and a pair of trip mechanisms, achieving an increased current carrying capacity with reduced nuisance trips. The trip mechanisms are contained within separate housings, with electrical connections and multipole trip mechanism communicating through apertures in the common wall. Preferably, the armature of the trip element acts on a single trip mechanism, which multiplies the available force to trigger a trip of the other trip mechanism.

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 for interrupting the flow of electric current in a line includes a switch connected in series with the line, the switch having an open position and a closed position. At least one positive temperature coefficient resistivity element (PTC element) is connected in series with the line. A first magnetic coil is positioned around a yoke, for example, an iron core, and connected in parallel with the PTC element and a second magnetic coil is positioned around the yoke and connected in series with the line and the switch. A voltage limiting device, such as a metal oxide varistor, is connected in parallel with the at least one PTC element. An armature is pivotally mounted in relation to the yoke wherein the yoke and the armature form a magnetic circuit with the first magnetic coil and the second magnetic coil.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a frame; a latch rotatably supported on the frame; a holder rotatably supported on the frame and having a movable contact; a handle lever rockably supported on the frame by lever shafts; a toggle link formed of first and second links rotationally connected by a toggle shaft; and a switching spring. A free end of the first link is rotatably connected to the latch, and a free end of the second link is rotatably connected to the holder. The first and second links generally overlap each other to reduce the movement range of the toggle link to miniaturize a switching mechanism. The switching spring is situated between the toggle shaft and the handle lever at a side opposite to a switching handle with respect to the lever shaft.

Abstract: An electrical switching device prevents moving contacts from welding to stationary contacts in a switching device. This is achieved using an auxiliary magnet system in the main current path, which system produces a contact pressure force corresponding to the excitation current so that no arcs are produce between the contacts when overcurrents and short-circuit currents occur. The moving iron core of the auxiliary magnet system is for this purpose connected to the contact link mounting via which the contacts are switched on and off.

Abstract: The trip bar is sub-divided into a first actuating part associated to the trip rod of the actuator and a second actuating part operating in conjunction with the indicating device. A mechanical coupling link is arranged between the two actuating parts being adjustable between a coupled position and a disengaged position. An operating lever performs locking of the second actuating part in the active position to keep the fault information on the indicating device, whereas the first actuating part returns automatically to the inactive position when said mechanical link is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a power distribution system including an assembly with a support having an electrically conductive portion and an arm pivotally mounted to the first support for movement between a closed position and an open position. The arm has a conductive portion which is adapted to be electrically connected to one of a power source and a load and which is spaced from the conductive portion of the support both when the arm is in its closed position and when the arm is in its open position. The assembly further includes a spring biasing the arm to its open position, and a fuse electrically connected between the conductive portion of the arm and the conductive portion of the support. The fuse retains the arm in its closed position against the bias of the spring. When current flow causes the fuse to blow, the spring biases the arm to its open position thereby providing a visual indication that there is no current path from the source to the load.

Abstract: An air circuit breaker bell alarm accessory interacts with the circuit breaker operating mechanism to provide local target indication as well as remote signal indication of the separation of the circuit breaker contacts. An indicator switch provides remote signal indication while a lock-out switch interacts with the accessory target to prevent re-closure of the circuit breaker contacts. One of the switches is selected having "normally open" contacts while the other switch is selected having "normally closed" contacts to reduce the amount of mechanical force required to simultaneously operate the indicator and lock-out switches.

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 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 method and apparatus for interrupting the flow of electrical current in a multiphase circuit path between at least one source and at least one load including a circuit breaker having an electro-mechanical assembly and a blade carrier corresponding to each phase of the multiphase circuit path and a phase barrier between each blade carrier. The blade carriers are interconnected, preferably, with a crossbar wherein, when one or more phases of the circuit path are interrupted, opening one or more of the blade carriers, the crossbar moves all of the blade carriers to open positions. The phase barrier is positioned circumferentially around the crossbar between each blade carrier and includes a thermoplastic material. The electro-mechanical assembly is housed within a circuit breaker enclosure having an insulating base wall and cover wall. The phase barrier has a main body planar surface perpendicular to the blade carriers and extending from the base wall to the cover wall.

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: A multipolar circuit breaker is provided for securely operating tripping sections of other poles when the tripping section of any pole operates. In the case of a first embodiment, a protrusion 5 for further moving a trigger plate in the tripping direction when a cradle 3 is tripped is provided for the cradle 3 of each pole so that the movement of the trigger plate 1 is securely transmitted to other poles connected by a trigger joint 2. Moreover, in the case of a second embodiment, a protrusion for further moving the trigger plate 1 in the tripping direction by pushing the cradle 3 when the cradle 3 is tripped is provided for the trigger plate of each pole to obtain the same above mentioned advantage.

Abstract: An electromagnetic trip for an electrical switch apparatus for protecting against short circuits, including a magnetic yoke (20), a tubular non-magnetic coil form (40) with axis X-X', open at both ends (42, 43), a control coil (50) wound around the form (40), a fixed core (60) and a movable core (70) which are housed in the respective ends (42, 43) of the form (40), the movable core (70) having an upper end (72) projecting outside the form (40), characterized in that the form (40), the coil (50), the fixed core (60) and the movable core (70) constitute a pre-assembled electromagnetic sub-assembly (10) intended to be introduced into the magnetic yoke (20).

Abstract: In a circuit breaker, a power source current transformer (2) comprises: a secondary coil (6) arranged between two legs (1a and 1b) of a U-shaped part of a main circuit conductor (1), and an iron core (7) including an iron core leg (7a) which penetrates the secondary coil, and yokes (7b and 7b) which embrace the two legs (1a and 1b) of the U-shaped part of the main circuit conductor, the power source current transform supporting the current detecting means. As a result, the power source current transformer (2) is arranged compact inside the main circuit conductor (1), and the main circuit current, when flowing in each of the legs (1a and 1b) of the U-shaped part, produces the magnetic flux output acting on the secondary coil. Hence, even if the main circuit current is small, a great power source output can be obtained.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having superior shock and vibration resistance is provided. The circuit breaker has a handle pivoted from an off position to an on position. The circuit is closed by bringing a movable contact point into contact with a fixed contact point via lever mechanisms. The circuit breaker has an electromagnetic coil which holds the movable iron piece in a non-attraction position away from an electromagnetic trip coil until power is applied to the electromagnetic trip coil. When the movable iron piece is attracted to the electromagnetic trip coil, the lever mechanisms are released from the constrained state, and the movable contact point is separated from the fixed contact point to thereby open the circuit, and the handle returns to the off position in conjunction with the lever mechanisms.

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 circuit breaker with trip indicator assembly for indicating the trip status of the circuit breaker. The trip indicator assembly includes a spring powered shaft movable between a cocked position and a trip position in which the spring powered shaft protrudes through the housing of the circuit breaker to indicate the trip status. The shaft is operatively connected to a trip actuating mechanism of the circuit breaker so as to actuate the shaft in response to the trip actuating mechanism actuating an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. A lost motion coupling is provided to assure that the trip indicator assembly is not actuated until after actuation of the operating mechanism. A bell alarm switch assembly for signalling the trip status of the circuit breaker may be operatively connected to the trip indicator assembly.

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: An improved circuit interrupter having a solenoid in series with the line and load terminals with an armature operable to activate a trip mechanism within the circuit breaker upon experiencing current levels indicative of short circuit conditions. The traditional solenoid coil is replaced with a free form conductor stamped in a serpentine pattern with adjacent legs deformed slightly in opposite directions to permit an electromagnetic material to be disposed therebetween. Current is directed through the conductor progressively back and forth through the serpentine pattern and creates a magnetic field in the electromagnetic material which is sufficient to activate an armature when current levels approximate short circuit conditions.

Abstract: A residential circuit breaker electromagnetic trip unit facilitates the assembly of the trip unit components by use of a pair of braid connectors for connection between the trip unit magnet and the circuit breaker contact arm. The trip unit bimetal is directly welded to the trip unit magnet and the braid connectors for reduction in material and labor costs. The contact arm and the magnet are shaped to present a parallel path connection between the contact arm and the magnet for close fit tolerance. The front surface of the magnet is configured to prevent magnetic adhesion between the magnet and the trip unit armature under intense short circuit overcurrent conditions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker mechanism has a contact arm (56) forming a portion of an interruptable load current path through the circuit breaker and mounted with respect to a pivot (110) for swinging motion to break the current path. A spring-loaded, over-center operating mechanism includes a toggle mechanism having an upper toggle (74) and a lower toggle (122) coupled by a spring pin (128) to form a toggle joint about which the toggles can relatively pivot. The spring pin has a circular groove (128b) at which it operatively connects to the toggle joint, and a circular surface (128a) adjacent the groove is disposed in the path of travel of the contact arm as the contact arm swings to break the current path.

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 selective magnetic trip unit comprises a fixed magnetic armature located facing a movable magnetic armature and a damping device with a blade mounted on the movable magnetic armature. The damping device is designed to be in an inactive state up to an intermediate non-tripping position when the movable magnetic armature is attracted by polar parts of the fixed magnetic armature during a first travel, switching to the active state resulting from a deformation of the damping device during a second travel of the movable armature between the intermediate position and the final attraction position causing tripping of the circuit breaker.

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 solenoid type magnetic trip assembly for a molded case circuit breaker includes an armature biased against an adjustable stop by a tension spring to set the initial gap for the magnetic trip, so that the spring bias remains constant for the full range of the initial gap. The armature includes an elongated magnetically permeable member mounted by a frame to slide longitudinally along a pair of guide rails. The frame defines a trip surface axially aligned with the elongated magnetically permeable member which engages a trip arm on a trip bar to trip the circuit breaker in response to a predetermined level of overcurrent. A bimetal providing a thermal trip function is cantilevered from a support spaced from the trip bar by the armature, but has a terminal portion at the free end projecting toward the trip bar and through which the elongated magnetically permeable member of the armature extends.

Abstract: A sealed electric switch assembly comprises a magnetic control assembly having first and second magnetic members which is mounted to a top wall of a sealed casing, and an elongated plate having third and fourth magnetic members which is mounted oppositely to the first and second magnetic members so that the elongated plate member can be attracted and repulsed magnetically by the magnetic control assembly. A linkage mechanism is mounted adjacent to the elongated plate member for moving a movable contact of a movable arm to connect and disconnect with a stationary contact. A rotary assembly and a tripping assembly are mounted above the linkage mechanism and over an electromagnet.

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: An earth leakage breaker has a case, a handle protruding from the case, a cradle for determining stable positions of the handle, and a movable finger including a movable contact at a bottom portion of the movable finger. The movable finger is pivotally jointed to the handle at a protrusion provided on a lower side of the handle. An extension spring spans between the cradle and the movable finger, and a top-end swinging trigger plate is provided for engaging the cradle. The trigger plate has a fulcrum at a bottom portion thereof, and a test button and a leak trip solenoid are adjacently arranged at a top portion of the case, with the leak trip solenoid having a trip piece engaged with a contact portion formed on a top portion of the trigger plate for effecting circuit breaking due to a leak.

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 safety device for mechanical switching devices such as circuit breakers which can be mounted on mounting surfaces or plugged into plug-in pin bases. The safety device ensures that the mechanical switching device is tripped both when it is being installed, and also when it is being removed.

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