Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker providing thermal and magnetic overload current protection as well as remote load management capability.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechanism controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.

Abstract: A logic switch take-up system is incorporated into a circuit breaker's electronic trip unit and signals the circuit breaker's programmer box that the electronic trip unit has been actuated and therefore that the circuit breaker contacts have been displaced from their closed to their open position.

Abstract: An electrical protection apparatus is formed by association of a circuit breaker electrically connected in series with an effector. Switching of the arc onto an electrode when tripping of the mechanism occurs following a fault causes shunting of the effector. The electrode is separated from the stationary contact by an insulating gap, which is dimensioned to enhance said switching of the arc onto the electrode at the beginning of the opening travel of the movable contact, and to guarantee the dielectric withstand in the closed state of the contacts of the circuit breaker, and in the open state of the effector.

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 circuit breaker which is remote controllable by an external remote control switch by way of an electronic control unit and an electromagnetic switch drive controlled by the electronic control unit. The switch drive switches the electric circuit by a switch lock, which is latched to it and which, during an overload, is unlatched and opened by way of the release of the bimetal of switch drive and, as a result, interrupts the electric circuit. During bimetal release, an auxiliary switch is actuated, which by way of the electronic control unit turns the remote control switch off and re-latches switch drive with the opened switch lock.

Abstract: A residual current circuit breaker 1 has a partition wall 3 which separates an over-current protection device 4 from a residual current detection circuit 5. A plunger rod 24 extends through a bore 23 in the armature 21 of a coil 20 and is moved independently through the coil 20 to trip the breaker if a residual current is detected by the circuit 5. The plunger rod 24 is moved by a drive rod 31, the operation of which is controlled by a permanent magnet which retains the drive rod 31 retracted and an electromagnet which allows the drive rod 31 to drive forwardly under the action of a spring 32 in the event of a residual current being detected. The plunger rod 30 is reset by a reset lever 40 which is moved when an operating handle 18 of the breaker moves from a non-tripped to a tripped position on tripping of the breaker.

Abstract: A remote control residential and commercial lighting and appliance branch circuit breaker provides both overload current protection and load management. Structure is provided enabling packaging in a three-quarter inch width case, including a first set of contacts in the case provided by a pair of separable overload breaker contacts, trip structure in the case for causing separation of the overload breaker contacts in response to overload currents therethrough, a second set of contacts in the case provided by a pair of switching relay contacts having open and closed conditions and electrically connected in series with the overload breaker contacts, and an actuator in the case energizable to mechanically actuate the switching relay contacts. Feedback circuitry is included providing status indication of the condition of the switching relay contacts. Structure is provided for reducing actuator and spring requirements and sizes.

Abstract: A switch assembly has an actuator assembly which is operable to actuate switches between first and second conditions. A pushbutton is movable from an initial position through an intermediate position to a fully actuated position to affect operation of the actuator assembly to actuate the switches from the first condition to the second condition. As the pushbutton moves to the fully actuated position, a holding coil is energized to hold the actuator assembly in the actuated condition to maintain the switches in the second condition upon a releasing of the pushbutton. A control circuit is activated by optical sensors to prevent energization of the holding coil until the pushbutton has been moved from the initial position to the fully actuated position. The control circuit maintains the holding coil energized until the pushbutton has been released for movement back to its initial position and then operated for a second time to its fully actuated position.

Abstract: A power switching module is adaptable for installation in a variety of existing circuit breaker panels. The module contains electrical controls providing selected control functions, such as an integral timer function. The module plugs into an existing breaker position in the circuit breaker panel adjacent a conventional circuit breaker on the same panel. The module has external terminals, including an interchangeable clip for connecting to the circuit breaker panel buss, a switched-circuit input series-connected to the load line output from the adjacent circuit breaker, a switched circuit output for carrying power to an external load being controlled by the switch, and a neutral wire extending to a neutral terminal on the panel. A microprocessor contained in the module provides the switched timer function that is set by digital inputs and displayed on the module housing. The microprocessor obtains operating power from the circuit breaker panel buss and controls operation of the switch solenoids.

Abstract: Assembly of a remote controlled relay has steps of: previous assembling of units which are constituted by components having a concern with each other; positioning of the units on a base member; soldering of wires of electric components; coupling on the units which have mechanical concern; and covering of the units by a cover member which is fit and fixed to the base member.

Abstract: In a remote controlled relay having a manual operation handle coupled to a plunger of an electromagnetic device, a relatively large clearance in a coupling part allows for free movement of the plunger without any interference except a friction force thereof even when the operation handle is stopped at a deadlock point between an ON position and an OFF position.

Abstract: A remotely controlled relay having a lever and a link, both of which being driven by a bistable polar electromagnet device. The lever drives a switch circuit to open and close while the link operates the main-circuit opening-and-closing assembly. A current is supplied to the coil of the bistable polar magnet device from an external circuit and magnetizes the plunger such that the plunger moves through a stroke between a first and second positions. When the plunger arrives at the center of its stroke while the plunger is moving from the first position to the second position, the lever causes the micro-switch to switch from the a first contact position to a second contact position. When the plunger arrives at the center of plunger stroke while the plunger is moving from the second position to the first position, the lever causes the micro-switch to switch from the second contact position to the first contact position.

Abstract: A remotely controlled relay having a lever and a link, both of which being driven by a bistable polar electromagnet device. The lever is also manually operable. The lever drives a switch circuit to open and close while the link operates the main-circuit opening-and-closing assembly. The display provided on the lever indicates the open and closed conditions of the main circuit. A current is supplied to the coil of the bistable polar magnet device from an external circuit and magnetizes the plunger such that the plunger moves through a stroke between a first and second positions. When the plunger arrives at the center of its stroke while the plunger is moving from the first position to the second position, the lever causes the micro-switch to switch from the a first contact position to a second contact position.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker device for interrupting power in a circuit path between a source and a load includes local and remote monitoring capabilities and a worm-gear mechanism for reliable control of the interruption mechanism. The device includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from the source to the load. At least one of the contacts are movable for interrupting the power provided to the load. The worm gear mechanism includes a motor with a rotatable shaft which responds to open and closed control signals generated from a remote location, and a gear, rotatably responsive to the rotatable shaft, for controlling the movable contact so that the circuit path is interrupted and established, respectively. The worm gear mechansim controls the movable contact using a coupling arrangement, which has a first part coupled to the movable contact and a second part coupled to the gear.

Abstract: A remotely controlled relay having two micro-switches driven to open and close by the plunger of a bistable polar electromagnet device. A current is supplied to the coil of the electromagnet device from an external power source to magnetize the plunger so that the plunger is moved through a stroke between a first position and a second position. When the plunger moves from the first position to the second position, a first micro-switch is closed to energize the coil in a first direction until the plunger passes through the middle of the stroke. When the plunger moves from the second position to the first position, a second micro-switch is closed to energize the coil in a second direction until the plunger passes through the middle of the stroke.

Abstract: A protection switch with sudden switching on and off, a trip-free release and forced opening is described. A manually movable actuator (10) forms with a U-clip (50) a toggle lever. One leg (51) of the U-clip (50) forming the toggle joint axis is displaceably guided in the actuator (10) in a link (15) with a variable spacing from its rotation axis (11) and against the action of a spring (14) supported on the actuator (10). The other leg (52) of the U-clip (50) is guided in a fixed link (25) and in a ratchet lever (40). The ratchet lever (40) serves to transfer movement to a contact arrangement (21, 22) and cooperates with the release ratchet (60) of an overcurrent and/or undervoltage monitoring device. The fixed link (25) controls the engaging movement of the ratchet lever (40).

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker has an improved scheme for effecting rapid arc extinction as well as protecting the breaker contact from the resulting arc current. The breaker includes first and second movable contacts 11 and 12 which are held respectively on parallel extending first and second contact arms 31 and 32 and are driven individually by a switching mechanism 20 including a manual handle 22 with a contact trip capability and by a remotely controllable switch 60. An arc runner 115 is connected to be in the same electrical potential as the second contact arm 32 and extends in the contact separating direction for receiving the one end of the arc developed between the rapidly separating contacts 11 and 12 and guiding the arc toward an arc extinguishing chute 110 as the first contact 11 moves away from the second contact 12.

Abstract: A recloser apparatus is provided with an enclosure or tank (40) in which a current interrupter assembly (49) is disposed that includes a pair of relatively movable contacts (50, 54) movable between a closed, current-carrying position and an open, current-interrupting position. An opening assembly (60) is included for opening the contacts to the current-interrupting position and a closing assembly (66), including a high voltage solenoid coil (61) and plunger (116) moves one of the contacts (54) to the closed, current-carrying position. An operating assembly (43) is manually accessible from outside the tank (40) and includes an operating arm (44) which is movable between an upper, intermediate and lower position, and a contact closing circuit for initiating operation of the contact closing assembly (66) when the operating arm (44) is manually moved to the upper position.

Abstract: A visually inspectable indicator for a circuit breaker interrupter apparatus is provided. The visual indicator is located on a portion of the contact wipe assembly of an operating rod assembly of a circuit breaker to provide a reading of relative movement between components of the contact wipe assembly. This reading is related to integrity of the contacts. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator is a T-shaped cut out which is positioned and dimensioned such that it provides a reading relating to compression of the contact spring of the operating rod assembly when the assembly and the circuit breaker contacts are in the closed position which, in turn, provides an indication of the condition of the contacts.

Abstract: A molded-case circuit breaker having an undervoltage release device housed therein is provided with a flexible molded double ended lever for resetting the undervoltage release device and a torsion spring braced upon the two arms of the lever so as to minimize the effects of stress and creep on the molded members when manually actuating repeatedly to reset the undervoltage release device against the biasing spring of the device.

Abstract: A circuit breaker control system includes a motor driven fork assembly, activated from a remote location, for simultaneously opening all of the breaker load contacts and locking them in an open condition. A DC voltage is selectively applied to energize the reversible DC motor. The switch at the remote location can be operated to enable a user-customer to return the breaker to operable condition at the breaker site. This is accomplished with an SCR circuit that is enabled by the remote switch and actuated by the user to operate the motor in a reverse direction to release the load contacts.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit (300), for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact (11, 12) which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact (9.16) in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit (200) only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit (400) is operated by a fault. A control lever (63) for moving the movable contact into and out of contact with the fixed contact has an elastic element (63A) which strengthens the engagement of a latch mechanism in the overcurrent tripping unit during an off-time of the electromagnetic unit.

Abstract: A remotely operated circuit breaker comprises a handle which is selectively positioned at one of three operating positions: a handle off position into which the handle is manually positioned to forcibly open the electrical contacts in the circuit breaker; a handle auto position into which the handle is positioned manually so that the electrical contacts are driven to normally open and close by a control mechanism which in turn is controlled by an electromagnetic driving unit response to a remote control voltage applied thereto; and a trip position into which the handle is automatically positioned by the control mechanism and a forcible overcurrent protecting unit to and the electrical contacts are opened rapidly when an overcurrent as well as a short-circuit current flows through the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit, for selected one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit is operated by a fault. A push rods acts in conjunction with a transmission lever to either provide an indication of the state of contact connection or to actuate tripping. An indication mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromechanical switching apparatus is provided, particularly a protection apparatus, whose contacts are controllable by means of a local of remote controlled electromagnet. The electromagnet is of the monostable type and an engagement mechanism is associated with a mobile assembly connected to the mobile armature. A two position switch accessible from outside the case enables and, respectively, disables the operation of the engagement mechanism. An auxiliary closure piece is provided for manual closure of the contacts.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit, for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state, in which the electromagnetic unit is automatically disconnected from actuating power when an operation handle is in the OFF position.

Abstract: An undervoltage tripping unit for a power line circuit breaker features a holding solenoid and a boostig solenoid having their associated plungers coupled to move together so as to be retracted against the force of plunger biasing springs when both solenoids are energized. Release of the plungers from the retracted position is used to trip the associated power line circuit breaker when the line voltage falls below a tripping voltage level. The holding solenoid is continuously coupled to the circuit breaker power input terminals. The booster solenoid is energized through a plunger-actuated switch so as to be de-energized when the plungers are fully retracted or in a position proximate thereto.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus is provided with remote controlled opening and closing of its circuits and with supports for the mobile and fixed contacts which are adapted so as to promote repulsion forces which produce a limitation of the short circuit currents, in combination with a small mass of the mobile parts, the one supporting a retractable fixed contact being associated by an extension with a slide which is moved by the remote control electromagnet.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker with an improved space saving structure comprises first and second movable contacts 11 and 12 which are held respectively on first and second contact arms 31 and 32 and are driven individually by a switching mechanism 20 including a manual handle 22 with a contact tripping capability and by a remote control signal responsive electromagnet 60. An L-shaped actuator 80 with a horizontal member 81 and a vertical member 83 is provided to operatively connect the second contact arm 32 to an axially movable core 63, the output member of the electromagnet 60. The actuator 80 is pivoted at its connection between the horizontal and vertical members 81 and 83 and carries the second contact arm 32 on its vertical member 83 for pivotal movement of the second contact arm 32 between operative and inoperative positions respectively enabling and disabling the contact closing.

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 is either field-installed or factory-installed within the integrated protection unit. One such actuator-accessory unit includes a fast release overcurrent trip circuit.

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: An improved circuit breaker with remote control capability includes an electromagnet energized by a remote control signal to open and close a power contact through a collapsible mechanical linkage. The breaker also includes a manual handle which is mechanically isolated from the mechanical linkage interposed between the electromagnet and the power contact but is connected to a control switch for opening and closing the same when it is manipulated between an ON-position and an OFF-position. The control switch is utilized to be connected in a control circuit for the electromagnet in a suitable electrical relation with an excitation coil of the electromagnet to provide a desired load managing control mode.

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: A protective switching apparatus with remote controlled opening and closing is provided including a tripping mechanism connected to an assembly comprising at least two fixed contacts and two mobile contacts and to a magnetic and/or thermal trip; a resetting member and an electromagnet having a movable element and to a member for driving a least one pseudo-fixed or mobile contact. The mobile contacts are carried by a bridge having a plane of symmetry X--X and the tripping mechanism extends in the vicinity of the plane of symmetry X--X. The electromagnet and the trip are housed in the case on each side of the tripping mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: In a high voltage circuit interrupter (30) or recloser, an auxiliary undervoltage lockout mechanism (300) provides a backup lockout means to deenergize circuit contactor closing solenoid (78). Auxiliary undervoltage lockout device (300) provides a backup means to lock out recloser (30) after a period of time longer than the normal functioning time of the recloser to prevent damage to closing solenoid (78) in the event of low voltage or other unexpected conditions on the power line.

Abstract: A circuit breaking apparatus with remote controlled opening and closing of its circuits is provided in which the supports of the fixed and mobile contacts are adapted so as to develop repulsion forces which produce an excellent limitation of the short circuit currents because no parasite mass is connected to the mobile contact despite the presence of an electromagnet which must actuate it through a pusher or a slide.

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: A changeover contact-making apparatus with interlocking member and module of protection protected against overcurrents is provided. In a same case, two contact-making systems and coil switches are disposed on each side of a median plane PP' in which the interlocking member is placed. In one of the case inner volumes defined by the plane PP' are placed a single protection module, a tripping mechanism and the respective connection terminals.

Abstract: An undervoltage release accessory is attached to the interior of a circuit breaker enclosure proximate the operating handle assembly. A reset mechanism positioned between the handle operator and the undervoltage release plunger resets the undervoltage release plunger after an undervoltage condition. A flexible reset spring on the reset mechanism compensates for mechanical tolerances between the reset mechanism and the undervoltage release plunger.

Abstract: An electric switch protective apparatus is provided having a mobile contact which may be separated from a pseudo-fixed contact to which it is applied, either through the movement of coupling means of the mobile contact, or through the lateral movement made by a support of this pseudo-fixed contact under the action of connection means associated with a remote controlled electromagnet.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch is taught which includes as part thereof a voltage sensing device which is interconnected with one of the lines to be monitored and controlled by the automatic transfer switch and neutral. This voltage may vary over a wide range and it is desired to provide a universal transfer switch control for operation over the wide range. The output analog voltage is provided to an analog-to-digital converter which has a maximum number of output bits. In order to keep the resolution of the output digital signal from the analog converter as high as possible, it is necessary to range the input voltage according to a menu of potential ranging values which are stored in the memory of a microprocessor. A programming device is utilized to input the line voltage and the microprocessor determines the maximum value for the ranging constant as a function thereof. The output analog voltage is reduced by this factor then provided to the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a voltage-responsive device having an electromagnet including an armature. A linkage connects the armature to the trip latch of the circuit breaker in order to open the circuit breaker contacts when a voltage occurs that is less than a predetermined voltage value. Under normal operating conditions, when the contacts are closed, the armature is retained in place by an electromagnetic force, but is biased away therefrom when the voltage drops below that voltage value.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes accessory functions such as an auxiliary switch and a shunt trip device mounted within the circuit breaker cover. A stain relief assembly interfaces the accessory wires with the circuit breaker case and cover. The strain relief fixture prevents inadvertent or intentional displacement of the wires from the accessory devices.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for use in remote load energy management systems and characterized by an insulating housing including opposite side walls, end walls and edge walls with a circuit breaker structure contained therein; a manual operator including a handle extending through an edge wall for actuating the structure between open and closed circuit conditions; an electromagnetic within the housing and including an armature for opening the circuit which armature is movable in an axis substantially perpendicular to the edge walls.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with at least one switching arrangement having a mobile contact and a retractable contact, this latter being supported by a pivoting lever; a tripping mechanism for causing the rapid opening of the mobile contact, an electromagnetic actuator having an element movable in translation under the effect of a control signal applied to the actuator and a mechanical coupling for transmitting the movement of the mobile element to the retractable contact, wherein the mechanical coupling is rigid and moves in translation according to a translation plane parallel to the movement of the mobile element and it is coupled to said pivoting lever at a point offset with respect to the plane of translation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with at least one switching arrangement having a mobile contact and a retractable contact, this latter being supported by a pivoting lever; a tripping mechanism for causing rapid opening of the mobile contact, an electromagnetic actuator having an element movable in translation under the effect of a control signal applied to the actuator and a mechanical coupling element for transmitting the movement of the mobile element to the retractable contact, wherein the mechanical coupling element, rigid and movable in translation parallel to the axis of displacement of the mobile element, is coupled to one end of the pivoting lever and, at its opposite contact end, the pivoting lever has an arm bent so that an end portion of substantial length of the arm is substantially parallel to the opposite arm of the corresponding mobile contact lever, the pivoting axis of the pivoting lever being placed between its bend and the coupling end.

Abstract: A reset mechanism for a rotary switch, which is manually switchable from a rest position into any desired switch position, for resetting the switch in response to a drop of the electric power supply grid voltage below a predetermined minimum voltage, which includes an electromagnet with an armature, a switching drive shaft including a hand grip section for manually turning the drive shaft into any desired switch position, and a further section having a pinion, shaft sections being freely rotatable relative to each other. A reset device is displaceable transversely to the shaft axis, the reset device including a rack arranged to mesh with the drive shaft pinion and biased by a return spring. A blocking ram is resiliently supported on the armature for displacement in the direction of the shaft axis.

Abstract: A remote control system circuit breaker which latches a trip link and a latch link by the spring force of return springs so that on- or off-hold of a movable contactor supported from the latch link depends upon a holding force of an operating electromagnet pivotally connected to a handle, thereby achieving miniaturization of the electromagnet, in turn the circuit breaker, and a saving of power consumption of the electromagnet.

Abstract: An improved remotely controllable circuit breaker comprises a manually operable switching mechanism for opening and closing a single set of first and second contacts, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts upon occurrence of predetermined overload current conditions, and a remotely controllable switching mechanism for selectively opening and closing the contacts in response to a control signal remote from the breaker. The manually operable switching mechanism includes a movable contact arm carrying the first contact to be brought into and out of contacting engagement with the second contact by manipulation of a manual handle. The second contact is operatively connected to the remotely controllable switching mechanism to be driven thereby for movement between an operative position where the second contact is engageable with the first contact and an inoperative position where it is prohibited from being engaged with the first contact independently of the position of the first contact.