Abstract: A relay includes a magnetic system provided with an armature and a contact system provided with a first contact and a moveable second contact. An electrically insulating base plate is arranged between the magnetic system and the contact system and has an opening therein. First and second walls extend from the base plate and are arranged between the opening and the magnetic system or the opening and the contact system. An actuator extends between the armature and the contact system through the opening and transfers movement of the armature to the second contact to move the second contact into electrical engagement with the first contact. The actuator has a third wall that extends toward the base plate and between the first and second walls. The first, second, and third walls extend a leakage path of an electrical leakage current between the contact system and the magnetic system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical isolation apparatus having independently controllable contactors. The isolation apparatus includes a contactor for each phase or pole of an electrical device as well as each phase or pole of a load. Each contactor is constructed so that each includes multiple contact assemblies that may be independently controlled to open and close. Moreover, the contactors within a single contactor assembly or housing can be independently controlled so that the contacts of one contactor can be opened without opening the contacts of the other contactors in the contactor assembly. Additionally, the contactors are constructed and controlled such that a single line side contactor and a single load contactor open simultaneously when an open circuit condition is desired.

Abstract: Each pole of a multi-pole circuit breaker is equipped to individually separate the circuit breaker contacts within each pole upon overcurrent occurrence. A digital processor within the circuit breaker trip unit determines the occurrence of zero current crossing of phase current within the individual poles and initiates contact separation at zero current values.

Abstract: An improved ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device requires manual setting following initial connection to an AC power source or termination of a power source interruption. The improved GFCI device utilizes a controlled switching device which is responsive to a load power signal for allowing the relay contact sets of the GFCI device to be closed only when power is being made available at the output or load terminals. The controlled switching device preferably comprises an opto-isolator or other type of switching device which provides isolation between the GFCI input and output terminals when the relay contact sets are open. The improved GFCI device may be incorporated into portable units, such as plug-in or line cord units, for use with unprotected AC receptacles.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for a DC circuit breaker of reverse current insertion type. The driving apparatus includes a magnetic repulsive coil for instantaneously driving a movable electrode of a vacuum valve directly in an opening direction, and a first coil of capacitor energization type and a second coil for voltage tripping purposes as trip coils for an operating mechanism connected to the movable electrode through a contact spring whereby the magnetic repulsive coil and the first trip coil are respectively energized by capacitors in the case of tripping under faulty conditions and only the second trip coil is energized in the case of tripping under other conditions than faulty conditions.

Abstract: A switch asembly includes first and second contact members which are operatively provided to take one of two positions, a break-position in which the first and second contact members are separated from each other, and a make-position in which the first and second contact members are electrically connected with each other. Magnetic members are provided operatively in association with the first and second contact members to define a closed magnetic loop with a current path extending through the loop, when the first and second contact members are turned to the make-position. The magnetic members attract each other by the magnetic flux through the closed loop to maintain the first and second contacts in the make-position when the current flowing through the current path is not zero. Thus, the first and second contact members are permitted to return to the break-position at a zero crossing point of a.c. current flowing through the contacts.

Abstract: A leakage current circuit breaker has operating current carrying conductors (5) which are interlinked with a core (6) the magnetic induction flux of which in the case of leakage cause the response of a triggering device. When a permanent magnetic field is superimposed by a magnetic field generated by the leakage current, the magnetic field in the magnetic system of the triggering device can be weakened to such an extent that the armature (8) will drop down. In particular, the core (6) can encompass the operating current-carrying conductors (5) in a plurality of windings and can be a component of the magnetic system (1) with the induction flux conductor (7) of the triggering device. The invention provides for the core (6) crossing the induction flux conductor (7) of the triggering device (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A circuit breaker switch for periodic current has a stationary contact connected to a first current terminal; a movable contact connected to a second terminal and having a closed position in which it engages the stationary contact and an open position in which it is separated from the stationary contact, an actuating device for moving the movable contact; a locking device having an operative position in which it immobilizes the movable contact in its closed position and an inoperative position in which it is clear of the movable contact; and a current intensity-responsive device connected to the locking device for moving the locking device from its inoperative position to its locking position when the intensity of current flowing through the circuit breaker switch exceeds a first predetermined value and for moving the locking device from its locking position into its inoperative position when the intensity reaches a second predetermined value.