Abstract: A circuit breaker with improved trip unit fixation is disclosed. Another circuit breaker and a system also perform the functions of the circuit breaker. A circuit breaker includes a frame and a trip unit mounted in the frame. The trip unit includes a terminal for securing a wire to the trip unit. One of a wall of the frame and the trip unit include a protrusion and the wall of the frame or the trip unit without the protrusion includes an opening. The protrusion conforms to the opening and the protrusion and opening are positioned to oppose movement of the trip unit in a direction of a force resulting from securing the wire in the terminal.

Abstract: A structure prevents a gear shift lever from moving during a rear-end collision, and may include: a case mounted on the gear shift lever having a sliding groove; a lever having one end coupled to the case rotatable below the groove; a ball seated on the lever; a spring coupled to the lever so that elastic force is applied to raise the lever; a protruding portion mounted separate from the gear shift lever and positioned below another end of the lever, in which when the lever is rotated downward, an end of the lever is locked by the protruding portion blocking movement of the gear shift lever. When a rear-end collision occurs, the ball slides due to inertia rotating the lever downward to physically block the lever, thereby preventing a secondary accident by preventing the gear shift lever placed at an R-stage from unintentionally moving.

Abstract: A trip unit wherein one sidewall of a trip unit housing assembly captivates a trip bar is provided. A captivation assembly is coupled, or directly coupled, to a trip unit housing assembly, thereby limiting tolerance buildup. The captivation assembly includes a trip bar bearing cap having a stop feature, thereby limiting tolerance buildup. The trip bar includes a radial stop paddle having hemispherical protrusions structured to contact the trip unit housing, thereby limiting tolerance buildup. The captivation assembly elements are incorporated into the trip unit housing assembly and captivates the trip bar in all but one axis, thereby limiting tolerance buildup and improving repeatability.

Abstract: An override device is described for use with a coupler of a circuit breaker. The override device comprising a cam member coupled to the coupler. The cam member comprising a slot. The override device also including an actuator coupled to the cam member and configured to move the cam member between an over-current protection position and an over-current relay override position and a push member coupled to the coupler. The slot configured to guide the push member to a first position when the actuator moves the cam member to the over-current protection position. The slot further configured to guide the push member to a second position when the actuator moves the cam member to the over-current relay override position to permit current flow through the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker having a pair of operable contacts in a main current path between a line terminal and load terminal, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts if an overcurrent condition occurs, and an electric motor to close the contacts via a contact closing mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a trigger mechanism and a contact opening mechanism, a current sensor arranged to detect current through the main current path, and a control unit. The trigger mechanism triggers the contact opening mechanism if a trip signal is produced. The control unit produces a trip signal to operate the trigger mechanism if it determines a short circuit condition occurs based on output of the current sensor; and the control unit is arranged to operate the electric motor to trigger the contact opening mechanism into opening the contacts independently of the trigger mechanism if it determines that an overload condition occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-storing mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-storing mechanism.

Abstract: An electromagnetic trip device comprising a shell and a moving core sliding due to the action of a coil, the shell comprising a radial surface having an opening through which the moving core passes, superposition of a radial crown of the moving core and the radial surface forming a magnetic flux transfer surface enabling flow of an axial magnetic flux. The trip device comprises intercalary adjustment means of said transfer surface respectively positioned between the moving core and the opening, said intercalary adjustment means comprising two calibrated elements adjoined surface against surface and being respectively formed by an alternation of magnetic sectors and non-magnetic sectors; movement of a calibrated element with respect to the other enabling a variation of said transfer surface to be obtained.

Abstract: A flux shifter for a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a trip arm and a pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin, a biasing member positioned proximate to the pin, and a latch coupled to the pin and to the biasing member. The pin assembly is configured to enable the trip arm to rotate into an engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter enters a trip state and to prevent the trip arm from rotating into the engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter is in one of an operational state and a reset state.

Abstract: An installation switching device having at least one pole current path comprises two stationary contact pieces; a moving contact bridge including two moving contact pieces forming a double-break pole with the two stationary contact pieces; a contact pressure spring exerting a pressure on the moving contact bridge in a closing direction of the moving contact bridge; a pusher configured to act on the moving contact bridge counter to the pressure of the contact pressure spring in an opening direction, the pusher including a slide and a striking pin disposed moveably relative to the moving contact bridge and to one another in a movement direction of the moving contact bridge; a switch latch having a latching point; an operating lever configured to act on the pusher; and an electromagnetic release having an impact armature.

Abstract: A dampening apparatus has a housing with a plurality of first guide members and a plurality of second guide members coupled together. A first biasing member is located in an area proximate to the first guide members and within the housing. A first planar member is provided having a plurality of first apertures with the first guide members or the second guide members passing through the first apertures. A plurality of second planar members is provided having a plurality of second apertures with the second guide members passing through the second apertures. A plurality of second biasing members is located in an area proximate to the second guide members. An elongated shaft is coupled to the first planar member. The dampening apparatus could be included in a circuit interrupter.

Abstract: A device for remotely operating a circuit breaker apparatus is provided. Such a circuit breaker apparatus includes a trip device and a reset device that are externally accessible with respect to an enclosure enclosing the circuit breaker apparatus. The device comprises at least one actuator capable of being operably engaged with the circuit breaker apparatus, externally to the enclosure, and in physical engagement with at least one of the trip and reset devices. A remotely disposed controller device is in communication with the at least one actuator and is capable of selectively actuating the at least one actuator, from a remote location with respect to the circuit breaker apparatus, so as to at least one of actuate the trip device to trip the circuit breaker apparatus and actuate the reset device to reset the circuit breaker apparatus. An associated assembly and method are also provided.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a magnetic trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The magnetic trip mechanism includes a support structure including a slotted support portion therein, and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes a movable core resting in the support portion of the support structure, and a plunger member including a first portion cooperating with the operating mechanism, a second portion coupled to the movable core, and a third portion engaging the support structure.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments include a circuit breaker armature that includes and/or defines a contact zone intersected by a longitudinal axis of a solenoid comprising a plunger, the solenoid adapted to extend the plunger along the longitudinal axis to engage with the contact zone and move the armature, a predefined movement of the armature adapted to cause a trip of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an apparatus, comprising: a circuit breaker comprising: an integral thermo-magnetic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon an occurrence of a current overload and adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon an occurrence of a voltage spike of at least a predetermined level; and an integral electronic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of a ground fault and adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of an arc fault, said integral electronic trip device comprising a solenoid adapted to actuate upon at least one of said ground fault and said arc fault, said solenoid comprising a plunger, said plunger comprising a plunger tip located at an end of said plunger and defined about a longitudinal axis of said solenoid, said plunger tip adapted to contact and move a biased armature.

Abstract: A circuit breaker electromagnetic tripping device in which the contact between the movable contacts and the stationary contacts is stable and well, and the tripping does not tend to fail is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuit breaker device comprises a casing, a tripping armature and a tripping armature spring which are disposed transversely within the casing, and a tripping coil fitted over the casing corresponding to tripping armature. The device also includes a moveable support which is disposed longitudinally within the casing and moveable inside the casing and a lower end of the moveable support can be engaged with or disengaged from a front end of the tripping armature, and an attracting armature and an attracting armature spring which are disposed longitudinally at a center of the moveable support.

Abstract: An accessory for providing mechanical communication between a rotatable latching shaft and an actuation device of an electrical circuit breaker includes a lever, a working surface, and a snap fitting. The lever includes an engagement orifice. The engagement orifice is receptive to the rotatable latching shaft. The working surface is in mechanical communication with the actuation device. The snap fitting is securely mated with the rotatable latching shaft.

Abstract: A supply device (1) for an electronic protection device to be used in a low-voltage circuit breaker. The supply device basically comprises a primary conductor (11), a secondary winding (12), a first magnetic circuit (10), and at least one second magnetic circuit (20). The first magnetic circuit (10) is such as to surround said primary conductor (11), which is related to a phase protected by the protection device; at the same time, the first magnetic circuit (10) constitutes the core of said secondary winding (12) that is used for supply of the protection device. The second magnetic circuit (20) is structurally separated from the first magnetic circuit (10), but is operatively connected thereto for subtracting part of the first magnetic flux generated within it by the current circulating in the primary conductor (11).

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case having an opening, separable contacts housed within the case, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pivot and a pair of extension springs for moving the operating mechanism to close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism also includes an operating handle for operating the operating mechanism. The operating handle includes a first handle portion extending through the opening of the case and a second portion having a pair of elongated arms within the case. The extension springs extend between the elongated arms and the pivot.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case having an opening, and separable contacts having a closed position and an open position housed within the case. An operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts includes a pivot and a pair of extension springs for moving the operating mechanism to close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism further includes an operating handle for operating the operating mechanism. The operating handle includes a first or handle portion extending through the opening of the case and a second arm portion having a pair of elongated arms within the case. Each one of the extension springs extends between a corresponding one of the elongated arms and the pivot. The operating mechanism further includes a pair of links having an unbroken state corresponding to the closed position of the separable contacts and a broken state. One of the links pivots about the pivot.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts disposed in the housing, a latchable operating mechanism structured to separate the separable contacts, and a magnetic trip mechanism coupled to the latchable operating mechanism. The magnetic trip mechanism includes a plunger assembly support structure and a plunger assembly having a moveable core. The plunger assembly support structure includes a wall having a slot therein. The moveable core rests in the slot. A positioning member has a hook and an opening. The hook engages the wall of the plunger assembly support structure. The moveable core passes through the opening of the positioning member, which retains the moveable core relative to the plunger assembly support structure.

Abstract: A parallel pole magnetohydraulic circuit breaker (10), having a single trip element (271) and a pair of trip mechanisms (101, 102), achieving an increased current carrying capacity with reduced nuisance trips. The tip mechanisms (101, 102) are contained within separate housings (14, 16), with electrical connections (30, 40) and multipole trip mechanism (101, 102) communicating through apertures in the common wall (14′). Preferably, the armature (260) of the trip element (271) acts on a single trip mechanism (101, 102), which multiplies the available force to trigger a trip of the other tip mechanism.

Abstract: A plunger assembly support structure for a molded case circuit breaker magnetic trip mechanism for aligning a trip mechanism plunger assembly. The plunger assembly support structure includes a base member assembly having a plurality of guide members, and a plunger carriage assembly slidably disposed adjacent to said base member assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring for a tripping mechanism in a circuit breaker for connection to a circuit. The tripping mechanism has a first component which is accelerated along a predetermined path of travel to a trip release velocity upon occurrence of a trip event in the circuit and a second component which is initially stationary prior to engaging the first component. The spring includes a body for decreasing the trip release velocity of the first component prior to engaging the second component. A tripbar for a tripping mechanism in a circuit breaker for connection to a circuit is also provided. The tripping mechanism has an armature which is accelerated along a predetermined path of travel to a trip release velocity upon occurrence of a trip event in the circuit while the tripbar is initially stationary prior to engaging the first component. The tripping mechanism further includes a spring having at least two ends.

Abstract: A trip actuator (66) includes a trip spring (106) to bias the trip arm (104) in a clockwise direction about trip arm pivot (120). In the latched and ready to operate state, the clockwise moment about the axis of the latch pivot (132) created by force “F” opposes the counterclockwise moment created about the axis of the latch pivot (132) created by the horizontal component “fx” of force “f”, to hold the latch (110) in the upright position against the force of the trip arm (104). When a trip (triggering) signal is provided to the flux shifter (102), the flux shifter (102) releases the plunger (130). With the force “F” removed, the trip arm (104) will drive the latch pin (134), causing the latch (110) to rotate counterclockwise about the latch pivot (132). As the latch (110) and trip arm (104) rotate, the latch pin (134) slides off the latch surface (126), fully releasing the trip arm (104) and allowing the trip paddle (96) to move the secondary latch tab (50).

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: 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: A telephone device for preventing a long-term on-line state resulting from the handset being unintentionally left off-hook.

Abstract: For a circuit breaker a trip solenoid assembly is provided for initiating separation of a pair of contacts within the circuit breaker. The trip solenoid assembly incorporates a solenoid having a metal sleeve with a plunger that moves reciprocatingly within the metal sleeve. A cap is disposed at one end of the plunger having a tab extending therefrom with a tab aperture therein. The plunger has a slot defined by a pair of prongs for receiving the tab, the pair of prongs each have a plunger aperture therein. A retaining pin located within the cap aperture and the plunger apertures retains the cap on the plunger together. The retaining pin retains the cap to the plunger in such a way as to allow the cap and the plunger to have relational movement with respect to each other. A compression spring is positioned between the solenoid and the retaining pin for biasing the plunger in a direction away from the solenoid so that when the solenoid is energized the plunger will move in a direction away from the solenoid.

Abstract: Adjustment of the static position of the armature of a solenoid or relay-type structure is used to adjust the trip level. An armature stop rod extends through an opening in the structure and is bent over to adjust the length of the stop rod between the frams opening an the active part of the armature. A compact structure is achieved by winding the device coil on a plastic bobbin which provides a bearing for the armature at one end, and an extension through which the adjustment portion of the stop rod extends. This permits ready adjustment after assembly, even when the device spring is arranged around the armature inside the bobbin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit breaker comprises the steps of preassembling the movable parts of the circuit breaker between a pair of frame members and providing a housing that is configured for supporting the unitary breaker assembly without attachments. Other circuit breaker components, attached to the unitary breaker assembly, are also supported in the housing without attachments. A cover is secured to the housing to complete the circuit breaker. Another version of the invention preassembles the movable parts of the circuit breaker and the stationary contact mechanism and trip coil, with the line and load terminals attached, between a pair of supporting frame members to form an operable circuit breaker module. The module is in turn supported in a housing without attachments. The circuit breaker module may be tested and adjusted prior to final assembly.

Abstract: A coil produces a magnetic field in response to an applied voltage which suspends a core in a predetermined position above a trip arm. The trip arm is pivotally mounted between a normally reset position and a tripped position. In the absence of an undervoltage condition, the magnetic field produced by the coil exerts a sufficient force to suspend the core against gravity above a first free end of the trip arm. A second free end of the trip arm is adapted to trip a circuit breaker when the trip arm is rotated from the reset position to the tripped position. When an undervoltage condition occurs, the core drops onto the first free end of the trip arm and the second free end pivots to trip the breaker.The coil is normally energized for maintaining the core suspended against gravity and heat is produced in the coil as a result of current flow therein. A cooling convection air path facilitates heat dissipation in the coil.

Abstract: An electrical protection switch, or circuit breaker, includes a movable contact part rotatably seated on a bolt which is secured to a leg of a mount. The other leg of the mount lies against a flange of a coil member which forms a portion of a magnetic release means. Two retaining elements extending parallel to one another and mutually spaced apart project from this flange. The retaining elements accept one leg of the mount therebetween and are provided with resilient tongues which press against the leg of the mount lying against the flange and, thus, press the leg against the flange. Fastening of the mount having the movable contact part to the magnetic release means, or coil member, is performed simply by slipping the mount onto the coil member by a snap-in connection.

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: Automatic switching apparatus for a hand held electrically operated appliance such as a pressing iron. A motion sensor and an electronic timer cooperate to automatically shut off the iron if the iron remains stationary for a predetermined period of time. A simplified mechanism is manually operable in the event the user desires to reactivate the iron. A circuit board mounting simplified electronic circuitry is located within the handle of the iron. An appropriate indicator informs the user whether the iron is in the active mode or in the inactive mode.

Abstract: A push-to-trip button for a circuit breaker characterized by a circuit breaker within an insulating housing and having trip means for releasably holding a circuit breaker operating mechanism in an untripped position and including a trip bar biased in an untripped position, a trip delay member biased away from the trip bar and including an adjustment bar for applying a pressure on the member, a trip button extending through the housing and having a first surface contacting the trip bar, and the adjustment bar having a second surface for applying limited pressure on the trip button for holding the first surface in contact on the trip bar, without moving the trip bar to a tripped position.

Abstract: A magnetic contact driver is arranged to drive a bridging contact out of electrical connection with a pair of fixed contacts to interrupt the current therethrough. The magnetic driver comprises a conductor winding embedded within notches in a plurality of metal laminations and an armature arranged transverse to the metal laminations. An auxiliary contact driver arrangement consisting of a pair of spaced electrical conductors arranged on the opposite side of the bridging contact is simultaneously energized for electrodynamic repulsion at the instant the magnetic driver winding becomes energized.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter comprising a pair of separable contacts at least one of which is movable, and an operating mechanism operatively connected to the movable contacts for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a movable contact arm having mounted thereon the movable contact, a latch lever pivotally mounted on the movable contact arm, and a toggle link mechanism connected at its one end to an operating handle and the other end of which is directly engageable with said movable contact arm and the latch lever. The movable contact arm has a latch surface, and the latch lever has a latching end which, in cooperation with the latch surface, releasably catches the other end of the toggle link mechanism.

Abstract: A variable composition switching device which comprises one basic modular component incorporating at least one controllable switching device, one direct switching control modular component and/or one indirect switching control modular component. This indirect switching control component acts on the basic modular component through a potential energy accumulation tripping device.

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

Abstract: A switch with a selective release having a stroke armature activated by an electromagnet in response to a release current to actuate a switch latch. A lever arrangement encloses a stroke armature in such a fashion that it can be swiveled by the stroke armature from a rest position into a position in which the stroke armature may be rapidly moved to impact on the latch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a fixed contact, a pivotable contact carrier having a movable contact for engagement with the fixed contact, a pivotable trip arm, a latch adapted to latch the trip arm, a thermostatic element adapted to engage the latch, and an overcenter spring coupled between the contact carrier and the trip arm. In the event of an overcurrent, the latch releases the trip arm, and the overcenter spring retracts the contact carrier, disengaging the contacts. An improved trip arm includes an integrally formed, perpendicularly extending lug which strikes the contact carrier, providing an impact force to disengage the contacts in the event of welding of contacts together.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus is provided comprising automatic opening means and a local control member.This apparatus uses a transmission piece (40) associated with a sudden tripping mechanism (46) which is released by a bolt (29) held in position by means of a lever (24) which may be struck by a magnetizable part and adapted to maintain a power contact (13) open, this part assuming, after the appearance of a fault, visible positions so as to inform the user about the state of the apparatus.This apparatus is usable in installations where it is desired to protect the lines and the loads.

Abstract: A mechanically controlled power switch with automatic opening is provided for limiting short circuits. A switch (13), a breaking chamber (30) which is associated therewith, a coil (50), a striker (51) cooperating therewith, and a lock (53) for holding the power switch in open position S after the appearance of a short circuit are placed in a removable cartridge (23) provided with connection terminals (37, 55). This switch cartridge is advantageously used in mechanically controlled protection apparatus or in electromagnetic contactor apparatus having their own protection.

Abstract: A rearward extension of a circuit breaker pivotally mounted movable contact arm is positioned, with the arm in its closed position, to engage a trip bar and trip the breaker in response to popping movement of the arm away from its closed position as induced by the flow of high level fault current. The trip bar is configured such that the circuit breaker is not tripped incident to manual operation of the movable arm between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor is fitted with an electromagnet sensitive to overcurrents, to cause the limitation and cut-off of excess currents.A movable contact bridge is controlled by a spring which holds it against the fixed contacts, and is struck by at least one component which is not connected to it, and which is positioned between it and the armature of the control electromagnet.

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

Abstract: In order to effectively disconnect a contact bridge from fixed terminals, even though the contact bridge may be sticking to the contacts, or may be welded or hang, a plunger-type armature core is slidable within a central sleeve of a solenoid for a travel path which is in excess of the connecting path length of the contact bridge towards the fixed terminals. Upon disconnection, a spring returns the armature plunger and, with it, a switching rod which will pass through the overtravel path length before engaging the contact terminals, if the contact terminals should stick, thus exerting a blow against the connecting bridge and tearing it away from the contact terminals.

Abstract: A high performance, manually and automatically operable, trip-free magnetic circuit breaker incorporates a collapsible linkage having selected elements of precision molded plastic cooperating in a dual latch system, the linkage being adapted to be accurately assembled and mounted in the breaker without requiring adjustment inside the breaker housing; incorporates a double break contact system to achieve longer life, more reliable operation and improved rupture capacity; and incorporates auxiliary switch means with improved actuator biasing to achieve more reliable breaker operation in auxiliary switch applications.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having separable contacts, thermal and magnetic trip means, a flexible conductive braid connecting the contacts and the trip means, and a latch mechanism for producing a series of vibrating impacts upon overcurrent conditions also includes a latch member of electrically insulating material to prevent undesirable parallel current paths and to increase the interruption current rating of the breaker.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit breaker having for each pole, a pair of main contacts separable upon operation of a thermally and electromagnetically operable tripping device and a pair of auxiliary contacts for current limiting in series with the main contacts and in parallel with a transformable resistor having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The auxiliary contacts are separable when an electromagnet is energized by a fault current which simultaneously energizes a field magnet to produce a transverse magnetic field across the auxiliary contacts and the arc formed between them when separating. This simultaneous action of electromagnet and field magnet coacting for rapid contact separation and lengthening of the arc upon flow of a fault current serves to increase arc voltage almost instantaneously to that of the source, about which time the fault current is totally shunted into the resistor. An armature and armature pin are mounted for reciprocal movement when the electromagnet is energized.