Abstract: A protective switching device with difference-current, undervoltage and free tripping in a confined space, for example within a conventional mains angle plug or the like, the switch-on and plunger-type magnet mechanics and the electronic monitoring arrangement are divided per se in constructional groups capable of being assembled efficiently.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator (1) of the type of a relay, having an armature (2) polarized by a permanent magnet (5) and a movable drive element (6) attracted by the armature (2) against a spring means (8), incorporates an electric current sensor consisting of a toroidal transformer (16) penetrated by at least one conductor (17) from an electric power supply line. The actuator (1) of this invention has a major advantage in that it can combine in a single device the functions of sensing differential currents on the line and of tripping off the break mechanism of a protection breaker, within a highly compact volume.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit breaker has line and neutral bus bars extending through the center apertures of two laterally spaced toroidal coils to form the primaries of ground fault sensing transformers. The bus bars have flat center sections extending between the two coils parallel to the coil end faces and offset laterally by flat laterally extending legs at each end which are bent transverse to the end faces of the coils and extend through the coil apertures in flat confronting relation. The leg on one end of the neutral bus bar has a terminal portion bent into a plane parallel to the center section with a crimp at the end for attachment to a neutral pigtail.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit breaker in which both the fixed and movable contacts of the ground fault test switch are directly secured to the printed circuit board on which the ground fault detection circuit is implemented, with the movable contact also providing the spring bias for the test button.

Abstract: Insulating barriers for flat, confronting C-shaped bus bars with facing, depending end portions are integrally formed with a pair of confronting C-shaped insulating members conforming to the shape of the bus bars and joined by a pair of projections extending between and electrically insulating the facing, depending end portions from each other. Preferably, the insulating barrier is formed with flat linear sections joining the confronting C-shaped members which are then folded to form the projections. The C-shaped insulating members have edge extensions covering the edges of the bus bars. Grippers formed integrally with the edge extensions snap under the bus bars to secure the insulating members in place.

Abstract: An overcurrent relay device is provided for monitoring current in a multi-phase current system including separate conductors each carrying a respective one of the current phases between a multi-phase current source and a load. The current system includes a system switch having a displaceable contact for switching the multi-phase current on and off. A plurality of electromagnets are provided, each including a magnetic core having a core pole and being associated with a respective one of the conductors for generating a magnetic attraction force in the vicinity of the core pole. The core poles all face in the same direction. An armature is rotatably mounted adjacent to the core poles and gaps are defined between the armature and the respective core poles so that the magnitude of a magnetic attraction moment on the armature generated by each electromagnet is the same for a given magnitude of the multi-phase current.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an insulative case and three first current transformers for detecting load currents. Each first current transformer has a U-shaped core with a gap and is disposed so that a movable contact arm is positioned in the gap. Three second current transformers for control power source are disposed between main contacts for opening and closing power feed path to loads and power-supply side terminals. An output of each second current transformer is supplied to a power source circuit of a control circuit. A zero-phase-sequence transformer for detection of an earth fault current is disposed between the movable contact arms and load side terminals in the case. A control circuit generates an overcurrent trip signal based on an detection output of each first current transformer and an earth leakage trip signal based on an detection output of the zero-phase-sequence current transformer.

Abstract: A mechanical latch capable of arranging a plunger PL and a latch release button straight is disclosed.A mover MV is pushed in a direction F by pressing means including a resilient arm A provided with a movable contact CF1. The mover MV is formed with an oblique portion MVR having a section formed into a triangle. The oblique portion MVR is meshed with a gripper claw GRN and the mover MV is moved in a direction R by a spring SP to become a latch state. The plunger having a fin higher than a top of the oblique portion MVR is moved to release the meshing. The mover is moved in the direction F and the gripper is moved in the direction R to thereby release the latch.

Abstract: A multiple-pole ground fault interrupter, enclosed in an insulated housing, formed with multiple compartments, includes ground fault detection circuitry for detecting ground fault current that can be a personnel hazard. The ground fault interrupter includes a single trip solenoid assembly having multiple windings, each winding corresponding to one of the poles. The trip solenoid is mounted on a printed circuit board and electrically connected to the ground fault detection circuitry disposed thereon. The printed circuit board together with the trip solenoid assembly is disposed in a single compartment which reduces the amount of interconnection wiring between compartments, which, in turn, results in a reduced cost to manufacture the device. The use of a single trip solenoid assembly also results in the use of less components which further reduces the cost of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A magnetic yoke for an induction crucible furnace includes a rod-shaped core stack being suitable for carrying magnetic flux generated by a furnace coil of the induction crucible furnace. The core stack is enclosed on three principal surfaces thereof not facing the furnace coil by a flexurally and torsionally rigid support body having a C or U-shaped cross section. The support body is preferably formed of a material with good electrical conductivity and has longitudinal channels suitable for carrying a coolant. Preferably, an extruded profiled part formed of an aluminum alloy is used.

Abstract: A resettable circuit interrupter for ALCI and GFCI applications utilizes movable contacts mounted on contact spring arms adjacent a U-shaped bight of the spring arm. Closing of the contacts is achieved by compression of the bight by an actuating member that is latched in the closed contact position. Unlatching of the actuating member results when current imbalances are detected, so that the contacts are opened by the bias forces produced by the contact spring arms. A reset button is located in a recess between the prongs of the plug-in member so that the device can be reset only when it is unplugged from an electrical receptacle.

Abstract: To minimize the tripping force required to trip a GFCI receptacle, a cantilever spring, formed as an integral feature of the molded plastic receptacle case, is charged in the process of resetting a trip/reset mechanism from a tripped condition and thus is empowered to provide a spring force for setting a latch releaseably holding the mechanism in a reset condition and for returning a trip solenoid plunger from its trip-initiating extended position to a return position. While the mechanism is reset, the cantilever spring is clear of the tripping motions of the latch and plunger.

Abstract: An industrial-rated circuit breaker cover is adapted for optimally receiving an advanced electronic trip unit including a keypad and display unit as well as a basic electronic trip unit providing circuit interruption facility without the keypad and display unit. The load terminals electrically connect the current sensing transformers with the external power circuit and receive the same size lugs that connect the circuit breaker with the electrical power distribution circuits.

Abstract: A resettable circuit breaker has a pair of normally closed contacts through which a load is connected to a power line and means for opening the contacts in response to a predetermined change in electrical current flowing to and from the power line. One of the contacts is mounted on a rocking member which is maintained between a pivot on the base of the apparatus and the armature of a latching solenoid responsive to the predetermined current change by a spring assembly which causes the rocking member to rotate about the pivot means thereby opening and closing the contacts depending on the position of the armature.

Abstract: A plug-in ground fault interrupting type circuit breaker includes a resilient jaw for engaging the neutral bar in a loadcenter. The jaw is formed at the end of a conductive strap which passes through the window of a transformer and terminates in a screw terminal for attachment to a neutral load conductor. The phase conductive path also includes a conductive strap that is coupled at one end to a phase load conductor terminal and at its other end to the breaker trip mechanism. The transformer and both strap conductors are mounted to a printed circuit board that is included within the breaker housing. The invention eliminates the separate pigtail for connecting the load neutral conductor to the loadcenter neutral bar.

Abstract: A resettable switching apparatus for selectively interrupting a circuit connecting power from a first terminal to a second terminal when a ground fault occurs. The apparatus may be manually or electrically set. However, the contacts are held by a permanent magnet in the closed position such that no current is required. When a ground fault is detected, a current is generated to force the contacts to the open position.

Abstract: An electric wall switch has an outer casing on which incoming hot and cold line connectors and outgoing hot and cold load connectors are provided. A ground fault circuit interrupter is connected within the casing between the incoming and outgoing connectors for detecting ground faults and for opening the circuit between the incoming and outgoing connectors on detection of a ground fault. At least one of the outgoing hot load connectors is connected to the ground fault circuit interrupter via a switch for controlling powering of any device connected to that connector.

Abstract: A relay includes a movable element having first and second portions separated from each other. The first portion can be moved between a first stable position corresponding to a state where contacts are closed and a second stable position corresponding to a state where the contacts are opened while abutting against resilient plates. The second portion can push the first portion so that the first portion is moved from the second stable position to the first stable position by application of external force. The second portion is always urged to go away from the first portion by a spring. The first and second portions are disposed to be separated from each other by a distance corresponding to a stroke of the first portion when the first portion is positioned at the first stable position. The first portion of the movable element is moved from the first stable position to the second stable position by a magnetic force of a solenoid coil when sensor terminals are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A multipurpose combination barrier and auxiliary current transformer board is provided for a circuit breaker. The board is located at the rear of the circuit breaker housing to close an open portion of the housing and act as a barrier to prevent contact with internal circuit breaker components. Vent holes, provided in the bottom portion of the board, allow heat generated within the circuit breaker to be exhausted to the atmosphere. The top portion of the board serves as a mounting plate for the auxiliary current transformers. The top portion of the board is formed from a printed circuit board having an electric circuit disposed thereon for the connections between the main current transformers, auxiliary transformers and the electronic trip unit. Connectors are provided on the printed circuit board adjacent each auxiliary current transformer to connect the main current transformers to the printed circuit.

Abstract: A power outlet device (10) including a plastic case (12); ground, neutral and hot conductive strips (30, 28, 26); and a printed circuit board assembly (54) connected to strips (30, 28, 26). The printed circuit board assembly (54), which could include a surge suppressing circuit, is connected to the strips (26, 28, 30) through the use of resilient contacts (58, 60, 56, respectively). Blades (58, 60, 56) extend upward and laterally from the substrate (55) of printed circuit board assembly (54). A bottom cover (14) of case (12) presses against the underside of substrate (55) to urge contacts (56, 58, 60) into resilient conductive contact with the strips (30, 26, 28, respectively). A preferred power outlet device (10) also includes a pair of one-piece sheet metal jumpers (50, 120) which interconnect various components thereof.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker for protecting an electric circuit of an electrical installation of a building is of such a construction that a substantial proportion of its components are standard for the preferred current ratings of the breaker and that some components having a limited useful life can be readily replaced.

Abstract: A resettable circuit interrupter in a ground fault detector circuit utilizes a housing which slideably retains a solenoid coil wound on a bobbin. A contact carrier is attached to the bobbin and one or more moveable contacts are provided on the carrier opposite a corresponding set of fixed contacts. A plunger slides through a central passageway in the solenoid coil. The bobbin is spring biased so that the contacts are in a normally open position. In a manually resettable version, when the solenoid coil conducts a predetermined current, manually activating the plunger causes the plunger to magnetically couple to a footplate attached to the bobbin. When a plunger spring returns the plunger to its original position, the bobbin and contact carrier move with it and the contacts are closed. When the solenoid coil conducts insufficient current to magnetically couple the plunger and footplate, the bias springs maintain the contacts in the normally open position.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a quick change current transformer assembly. The current transformer is used to sense overcurrent conditions and apply a signal to an electronic trip unit to trip the circuit breaker. The quick change assembly includes an insulated removable plate located adjacent an open cavity in the housing in which the current transformer is located. The current transformer is donut-type disposed about a load-side conductor located in a cavity in the housing rigidly fastened to the circuit breaker frame. In order to replace a current transformer, the insulated back-plate is removed. Next the load-side conductor is unfastened and removed from the circuit breaker housing. The current transformer is then removed from the circuit breaker housing. In order to install a new current transformer, the steps are reversed.

Abstract: A modular option deck is disposed adjacent the trip bar of the circuit breaker to facilitate the addition of circuit breaker options, such as an undervoltage trip device and shunt trip device to the circuit breaker. The option deck includes an aperture disposed adjacent the trip bar to allow the actuating lever or plunger from the option device to communicate with the trip bar. The option devices are mounted on brackets having diametrically opposite downwardly extending L-shaped depending arms, adapted to be received in any one of a plurality of sets of slots provided on the deck. The brackets are quickly and easily slid into the slots on the bracket and secured in place.

Abstract: A circuit breaker enclosure consists of a cover and a case designed for robotic assembly of the circuit breaker components. A current transformer assembly and a printed wire board containing the electronic trip unit circuit are precisely positioned within the case and cover by means of a transitory circuit breaker case support platform. The transitory support platform includes four upstanding posts that pass through openings formed in the circuit breaker case and are received within corresponding openings through the circuit breaker cover. Leads extending from the current transformer assembly within the case become automatically positioned within corresponding openings through the printed wire board by means of tapered lead-in openings formed within the circuit breaker cover.

Abstract: An electronic circuit interrupter digital display and keypad device includes a display to view circuit breaker settings and a keypad to select settings and values to be displayed. The display and keypad device removably connects to an electronic trip unit within the circuit interrupter by means of a plug-in connector.

Abstract: A fail-safe immersion detector has a reset button which may be operated to return an appliance to operation after an immersion-caused short circuit has disappeared. However, if the short circuit remains, an operation of the reset button has no effect. Therefore, the user cannot defeat the fail-safe detector by the expedient of taping or otherwise holding down the reset button. A rocker switch enables a testing of the immersion detector, to be conducted to either side of the A.C. power line while preventing a short circuit across the line if an effort is made to simultaneously conduct tests to both sides of the line. Two test wires extend from the detector through the power cord to the appliance, where they are joined. The immersion detector operates via one of the two wires. The rocker switch conducts the test via the two test wires in series. Therefore, the rocker switch controlled test verifies the integrity of the one test wire.

Abstract: An earth leakage circuit breaker has a socket for connecting an appliance to be protected. A plug inserted in the socket depresses a plunger (34), tilting a cam (38) which acts through a striker (42) to momentarily close a relay, thus resetting the circuit breaker. When the appliance is unplugged the cam returns to its normal position, by-passing the striker (42) but closing a pair of test contacts. The reset and test functions are thus carried out without the need for separate buttons, and at times the load is disconnected, so that the circuit breaker contacts do not break load current when they open or close during resetting or testing.

Abstract: An adapter unit comprising a moisture resistant housing within which is carried an improved, self testing ground line fault interrupter device. The improved device is electrically interconnected with a connector carried externally of the adapter housing so that the unit can be plugged directly into a standard duplex outlet of an existing circuit. The apparatus includes circuitry that automatically tests the operability of the device when it is plugged into a duplex outlet without the need for manual manipulation of test buttons or other overt action by the user.

Abstract: A ground fault receptacle having novel mechanical members for latching and moving the movable, circuit-breaking contacts, and for protecting against line-to-line arcing as the contacts make and break. The movable contacts are carried on a pair of conducting, self-biasing, spring arms which are held in a flexed position by a latch block which moves with the arms and is retained in position by a stem on the reset button and cooperating latch member. The parts are constructed and arranged to permit the use of relatively large test and reset buttons which are centrally arranged on the front of a duplex receptacle housing.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a direct current measuring shunt characterized by a molded insulating housing having line and load terminals with two conductors extending between the terminals, a current measuring sensor between overlapping end portions of the conductors and having a laminated structure of two outer conductor blocks and an intermediate body of an electrically resistance alloy having opposite sides brazed to corresponding facing sides of the blocks, each conductor block having an electrical terminal connected to a measuring millivolt surface for measuring the volt differential across the body.

Abstract: A receptacle with a ground fault circuit interrupter has a load contact and housing configuration in which a varistor for electronics protection is disposed with pressure contact to adjacent spring fingers of the load contacts. Also, a pre-assembly of molded plastic carrier elements supporting a sensing transformer, grounded neutral transformer, trip solenoid, and hybrid electronic circuit as a unit is disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A ground fault detecting circuit and trip mechanism for sensing ground fault signals and for interrupting a protection circuit. The trip mechanism includes a cross bar connected by means a pin to a pushbutton. A trip cross bar is rotatably assembled to the frame and engages the cross bar. When a ground fault is detected, a solenoid rotates the trip cross bar to release the cross bar. Two springs connecting the pin for retaining the cross bar pull the pushbutton and cross bar away from the trip cross bar to thereby free a pair of contacts to open the circuit. Subsequently, the trip mechanism can be reset by properly pushing the button to force the cross bar to engage the trip cross bar against the elastic pull of the springs.

Abstract: An electricity power supply circuit including a trip switch having at least one fixed electrical contact (110, 111), a moving electrical contact (120, 121) facing the fixed electrical contact, a control member (130) movable between a working position in which the control member brings the moving electrical contact to bear against the fixed electrical contact and a rest position in which the moving contact is distant from the fixed contact, a holding spring (140) fixed to the control member, a cocking lever (150) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, said lever including a notch (151) suitable for engaging said holding spring (140), a resilient member (160) suitable for urging the cocking lever towards the unlocking position, an electrical winding (170), and a magnetic body associated therewith.

Abstract: In a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a pair of flexure arms having moveable contacts disposed thereon are deflected in response to the activation of a solenoid having a moveable core. The core of the solenoid causes a pair of cam actuators which are preferably coupled together by a catcher to rotate. The rotation of the cam actuators causes the deflection of the flexure arms, thereby separating the moveable contacts from the stationary contacts and interrupting the flow of current. The activation of the solenoid is controlled by an electronic module. The electronic module includes a detection circuit which inhibits the solenoid from opening the contacts until there is sufficient electrical energy to insure that the kinetic energy of the solenoid will cause the contacts to latch open. The electromechanical current interrupter and the electronic module are disposed within a housing that can be mounted within a standard electrical receptacle box.

Abstract: A modular ground fault circuit breaker is provided by the arrangement of a ground fault module and signal processor module operatively connected with a circuit breaker module. EAch of the modular components are individually tested and calibrated prior to assembly. The circuit breaker module consists of an automated residential circuit breaker modified to receive the ground fault and signal processor modules.

Abstract: A ground fault module is designed for ease of assembly within a ground fault circuit breaker. The module houses the pre-assembled signal processor module, which contains the ground fault circuit interruption logic, along with the mechanical components required for translating the trip initiating response from the signal processor solenoid to the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The ground fault test button and related circuitry are also supported within the ground fault module.

Abstract: The neutral excitation and differential current transformers of a ground fault circuit breaker are arranged for automated assembly onto the signal processor circuit board to complete the signal processor module prior to insertion within the ground fault circuit breaker housing. Electrical interconnection between the transformers is made by a unitary conducting strap having means therein for receiving the circuit neutral conductor. The completely assembled signal processor module is connected with the circuit breaker components by means of a single wire.

Abstract: A two pole ground fault circuit breaker is provided by the attachment of a power supply module and a second single pole circuit breaker module to a completely assembled single pole ground fault circuit breaker. Electrical interconnection between the signal processor circuit within the single pole ground fault circuit breaker module and the second pole is made by a first pair of conductors. Interconnection between the power supply module and the single pole within the ground fault circuit breaker is provided by a separate pair of conductors.

Abstract: In a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a pair of flexure arms having moveable contacts disposed thereon are deflected in response to the activation of a solenoid having a moveable core. The core of the solenoid causes a pair of cam actuators which are preferably coupled together by a catcher to rotate. The rotation of the cam actuators causes the deflection of the flexure arms, thereby separating the moveable contacts from the stationary contacts and interrupting the flow of current. The activation of the solenoid is controlled by an electronic module. The electromechanical current interrupter and the electronic module are disposed within a housing that can be mounted within a standard electrical receptacle box.

Abstract: A switching system for interrupting an electrical circuit is described. This switch includes a number of preferred and other embodiments which have this as their goal, but which represents a number of distinctive and novel approaches to solving switching problems in the prior art. By way of example only, these approaches include provision of mounting strap which supports ground terminals while also serving as a magnetic circuitry conduit; a "banger" type arrangement which enables alternate making and breaking of a circuit; and a space-saving method for supporting the arrangement within a device or system able to be installed within a conventional receptacle box.

Abstract: A wall socket type ground fault circuit interrupter having a pair of sockets, a reset button and a test button that are accessible from the front of the interrupter. The interrupter has latched snap-acting contacts and a novel latching relay structure for releasably maintaining the snap-acting contacts in a circuit making position. The snap-acting contacts permit all of the components including the monitoring toroids and the power supply to be respectively located and connected at the load side of the snap-acting contacts so that all of the circuits of the interrupter are deenergized when the contacts snap to a circuit opening position. The snap-acting contact mechanism and relay are provided with structures which provides the interrupter with a trip-free mode of contact actuation and accordingly a tease-proof snap-acting contact operation.

Abstract: A trip free manually and relay operated snap switch having movable contacts that are moved with a snap action to circuit interrupting and making positions in response to movement of a push button. The switch includes a member that transmits movement between the push button and a carrier and is releasably held in an operated position by a wire-like latch. The latch has portions extending in slots in a plate that is movable by a solenoid operated plunger and portions having a sliding connection with a structure that is moved by the button to permit relative movement along two axes between the button operated structure and the solenoid operated structure.

Abstract: A resettable circuit breaker has a pair of normally closed contacts through which a load is connected to a power line and means for opening the contacts in response to a predetermined change in electrical current flowing to and from the power line. One of the contacts is mounted on a rocking member which is maintained between a pivot on the base of the apparatus and the armature of a latching solenoid responsive to the predetermined current change by a spring assembly which causes the rocking member to rotate about the pivot means thereby opening and closing the contacts depending on the position of the armature.

Abstract: A ground fault accessory for a molded case circuit breaker is provided by converting a shunt trip accessory to automatically trip the breaker when a ground fault occurs. A printed circuit mounted in the housing with the shunt trip eliminates the need for a separate ground fault relay. The ground fault relay and the shunt trip are made available in the same accessory requiring no additional mounting of equipment or external wiring while conserving space which is scarce in load centers and other locations where both ground fault and shunt trip are desired.

Abstract: A switch device for controlling an electric motor which is used, for example, in a power window or sunroof of an automobile. The switch device includes a magnetically attractive piece, an electromagnet, sets of electrical switch contacts, and a spring coil of an alloy which, when heated to a predetermined temperature after being compressed, is restored to a released position.

Abstract: A compact operating mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter comprises a pair of main and reset slotted latches arranged under a crossarm and over a latch plate on a spring-loaded latch pin. The mechanism is reset by interference between a neck portion on the latch pin and a surface on the reset latch. The mechanism is latched by interference between the surfaces on a pair of upright posts on the latch plate and a surface on the main latch.

Abstract: A third pair of contacts, in addition to main power contacts, is provided that includes a conductive path through the latch member holding the power contacts in closed position and the latch member, being responsive to movement of the solenoid plunger operated from the trip coil, is the first of the three pairs of contacts to open upon a trip of the unit and is the first to be closed upon a resetting by manual force on the reset button.

Abstract: A resettable circuit breaker has a pair of normally closed contacts through which a load is connected to a power line and means for opening the contacts in response to a predetermined change in electrical current flowing to and from the power line. One of the contacts is mounted on a rocking member which is maintained between a pivot on the base of the apparatus and the armature of a latching solenoid responsive to the predetermined current change by a spring assembly which causes the rocking member to rotate about the pivot means thereby opening and closing the contacts depending on the position of the armature.

Abstract: The mechanism is operable by a single test/reset push button whose initial travel from a normal operating position causes closing of test circuit contacts while power contacts are engaged. Upon an actual or test trip actuating the trip solenoid of the interrupter, a latch member releases a member holding movable power contacts and also extends the push button out due to spring action to indicate the occurrence of the trip. For resetting, the same button is again pushed to reengage the power contacts in a closed position after which release of the button returns it to its normal operating position in which the mechanism is latched.