Abstract: A circuit breaker and method for operating a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a first and a second breaker terminal, a bimetal strip, a first conduction line, a switch with a first and a second contact, a triggering device mechanically coupling the bimetal strip to the switch, a magnet and a detection device comprising a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field of the magnet. The first conduction line is electrically coupled to the first breaker terminal and to the first contact and is wound around the bimetal strip. The magnet is connected to at least one of the bimetal strip, the triggering device and the switch.

Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A current detecting element, a tripping mechanism, and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to predetermined electrical current conditions in the device.

Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to a predetermined electrical condition.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus comprising feedback-assisted control of the heating process in rapid discharge heating and forming of metallic glass articles.

Abstract: A heater apparatus is structured for use in a circuit interrupter having a thermal trip and includes a conductive device having a terminal and a heater that are co-formed with one another. The terminal includes a base and a support. The conductive device is formed from an individual metallic plate that is bent to form a number of plate elements. The base includes at least one plate element, and the heater includes at least another plate element, with the base and the heater being co-formed. A compression element is threadably receivable on the terminal and is structured to compressively retain an electrical conductor between the compression element and the base.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a first plate on which a stationary contact is positioned where the flow of electrical current through the first contact and first plate cause a magnetic field to form around the stationary contact such that an arc that may form in the vicinity of the stationary contact is urged toward arc extinguishing plate and vented out the bottom of the housing of the circuit interrupter. In one configuration the venting is formed as a split vent path to direct the venting of gas and debris in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A current detecting element, a tripping mechanism, and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to predetermined electrical current conditions in the device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator including a saturable magnetic shunt system. The shunt is associated with a coil of the actuator and allows channeling of a more or less large part of the flow according to current circulating in the product. In this way, when the actuator is used in a circuit breaker, the actuator allows the circuit breaker to be triggered from a short circuit as usual and also from overload caused by action of the shunt.

Abstract: A terminal block assembly includes a terminal block and lever member and is less structurally complicated and less likely to deform as compared to the existing terminal block products. The terminal block has a main body and a chamber defined by the main body. The chamber is provided with a metal spring piece, which, in response to movements of the lever member, crimps a leading wire to form electrical connection or release the leading wire. The chamber is also provided with a buckle that performs reciprocating movements and is biased by a spring to normally engage with the lever member. When receiving an operating force, the buckle disengages with the lever member so that the lever member is allowed to move. The terminal block assembly advantageously provides easy and effort-saving operation.

Abstract: A movable contact arm assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The movable contact arm assembly includes a first member, and a second member attached to the first member. The first member is made from a first material, such as steel, and the second member is made from a second different material, such as copper. The first and second members each include first and second ends. The first end of the first member cooperates with the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The first end of the second member is attached to the second end of the first member. A movable contact is disposed on the second end of the second member.

Abstract: A trip device comprises a first transmission bar pivoting around the same pivoting axis as a ratchet by any one of several thermal actuators. The first transmission bar drives the ratchet from a latched position to a released position, and makes a first indicator change state. A second transmission bar can be pivoted around the same pivoting axis as the ratchet by any one of several magnetic actuators. This second transmission bar drives the ratchet from its latched position to its released position, and makes a second indicator change state.

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: A switching device, for example a circuit breaker, has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. For triggering the disconnect device, an overcurrent trigger device and/or a short-circuit trigger device are in mechanical operative connection with the disconnect device by way of a reversing lever. The reversing lever includes a first lever arm with a trigger extension that can be actuated by the overcurrent trigger device and/or by the short-circuit trigger device, and a second lever arm with an actuating extension for triggering the disconnect device. To ensure safe operation, the actuating extension is configured to be resiliently compliant.

Abstract: A shunt separator is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed within the housing, an operating assembly including a trip bar, and a trip assembly. The trip assembly cooperates with the trip bar to trip open the separable contacts in response to a fault condition. The trip assembly includes a number of shunts. The shunt separator includes a molded projection, which extends outwardly from the housing of the electrical switching apparatus. The molded projection at least partially surrounds a portion of the trip bar, thereby separating the number of shunts from the trip bar.

Abstract: A bimetal in a circuit breaker can deflect in a first direction or a second direction depending upon conditions. If the bimetal deflects in the second direction it can increase the force necessary to operate a trip mechanism of the circuit breaker. A yoke stop helps to control bimetal deflection forces and thus, the amount of force necessary to operate the trip mechanism. This allows better control, size, and selection of operating parts for the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker and method include at least two breaker modules including circuit breakers therein. The circuit breakers include a moveable arm configured to connect and disconnect contacts therein. The at least two modules including armatures connectable to the moveable arms of each of the at least two modules. A center module connects the at least two modules. The center module includes an actuator and a beam connected to the actuator at a mid-portion. The beam connects to each armature of the at least two modules wherein under a trip condition the actuator displaces the beam to simultaneously trip the at least two modules using the armatures.

Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.

Abstract: A magnetic trip mechanism is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The magnetic trip mechanism includes a magnetic member, an armature having opposing first and second ends and first and second sides, an armature restraint and a biasing element. The armature moves among first and second positions corresponding to separable contacts of the electrical switching apparatus being tripped open and closeable, respectively. The armature restraint includes first and second portions. In the first position, the first side of the armature engages the magnetic member. In the second position, the second side of the armature engages the second portion of the armature restraint. The armature restraint and the biasing element comprise a sub-assembly, which is removably coupled to the magnetic member. After being removably coupled to the magnetic member, the biasing element is chargeable to bias the armature away from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: There is described a switching device whose disconnection cause can be identified, and a method for displaying the disconnection cause of a switching device. The switching device has a switch latch for mechanical activation of the switching device, a first tripper for overload protection, a second tripper for short-circuit protection, and a handle for activating the switch latch. The switching device is embodied in such a way that the handle is moved to a first position or a second position if the first tripper or second tripper is tripped, with the first position and the second position being different.

Abstract: A locking apparatus is for a circuit breaker including an enclosure having an opening with two sides and two ends, and two apertures on each of the sides proximate the ends. An operating mechanism includes a pivotal operating handle disposed through the opening. The operating handle includes a first position proximate one end of the opening and a second position proximate the other end of the opening. The locking apparatus is disposable proximate one of the ends of the opening. The locking apparatus includes a housing and a spring member interlocked with the housing. The spring member includes a first end and an opposite second end retained by the enclosure at the apertures at one of the ends when the operating handle is in the second position, or retained by the enclosure at the other apertures at the other of the ends when the handle is in the first position.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism including a latch. The operating mechanism opens the contacts responsive to actuation of the latch. A trip mechanism cooperates with the latch to trip open the contacts. The trip mechanism includes a thermal overload mechanism actuating the latch responsive to a thermal fault caused by current flowing through the contacts, a solenoid cooperating with the thermal overload mechanism to actuate the latch responsive to the electromagnetic device being energized, and a processor repetitively determining a value of the current flowing through the contacts, determining if the value exceeds a predetermined value for a number of occurrences, and responsively energizing the solenoid, in order to actuate the latch contemporaneous with actuation of the latch by the thermal overload mechanism, in order to decrease the time to trip open the contacts.

Abstract: A thermal trip device in which a bimetal (2) is heated by overcurrent and performs trip operation of a circuit by curvature of the heated bimetal (2), wherein at least one part of the surface of the bimetal (2) is made to be black or matte black (7). Thereby, temperature of the bimetal (2) can be highly accurately measured using a no-contact thermometer. Furthermore, a temperature measurement part (8) of the bimetal is provided with a bending part (11), and the surface of the bending part is made to be matte black.

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: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a device comprising: a trip mechanism adapted to engage an operating mechanism of an alternating current circuit breaker, said trip mechanism comprising: a bi-metal element arranged lengthwise into a first end zone, a central zone, and a second end zone, a load bus coupled to said first zone, said second end zone adapted to engage an armature latch that is adapted to trip on operating mechanism of the circuit breaker; and an electromagnetic element coupled to the load bus.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker frame and a trip unit. The circuit breaker frame includes a housing, a line terminal, a load terminal, separable contacts electrically connected between the line terminal and the load terminal, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a latch cooperating with the operating mechanism to open the separable contacts when actuated. The trip unit includes a housing, a line end terminal electrically connected to the load terminal of the circuit breaker frame, a load end terminal, and a fuse including a plunger. The fuse is housed by the housing of the trip unit and is electrically connected between the line end terminal and the load end terminal. An interface mechanism is structured to actuate the latch of the circuit breaker frame when the interface mechanism is engaged by the plunger of the fuse.

Abstract: An interface linkage assembly for a network protector is provided. The network protector includes a circuit breaker structured to move in and out of a housing assembly, and having a mechanical trip assembly and an electrical close assembly. The interface linkage includes a coupling device, a housing assembly portion and a rollout portion. The coupling device has a first component and a second component. The housing assembly portion is coupled to the coupling device first component. The rollout portion is coupled to the coupling device second component. The rollout portion is structured to be coupled to the mechanical trip assembly and the electrical close assembly, and further structured to move the mechanical trip assembly over a lesser arc and the electrical close assembly over a greater arc.

Abstract: This invention discloses a low-voltage circuit breaker with a capability of tripping quickly. Its main feature is that at least one of the side faces of the contact device provides an open flange which has an internal through hole, and the bottom of a rotating shaft disposed on the bottom part provides a stressed member. The stressed member receives the over-pressure airflow escaping from the open flange of the contact device to generate a force. The force is passed to the activating member by the rotating shaft and is magnified, then hits the latch quickly and makes a trip. An intermediate step is bypassed due to the force produced earlier, the force which is produced by the electromagnetism part in the heat energy and electromagnetic system, so that the low-voltage breaker can open quickly and reduces opening time greatly and improve the breaking capability.

Abstract: A trip unit for a circuit breaker having a current carrying conductor that electrically communicates with a cable or a bus bar. The trip unit includes a current carrying strap, a magnet core, an armature and a magnetic barrier. The current carrying strap is adapted to be in electrical communication with the current carrying conductor. The magnet core is disposed at the current carrying strap. The armature is pivotally disposed in magnetic communication with the magnet core. The magnetic barrier is disposed to shield the armature from a magnetic flux generated in the current carrying conductor.

Abstract: An electrically isolated rotor assembly for a cassette assembly of a circuit breaker includes a rotor having a first side and an opposing second side, a first isolation cap disposed on the first side, a second isolation cap disposed on the second side. Each isolation cap preferably includes a centrally located knob with a bushing surrounding each knob, wherein the bushings are sized for securement within apertures within first and second cassette half pieces.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing and an operating mechanism having a cross bar supported by a first housing surface and moving in an arcuate path between open/tripped and closed positions, a pivotally mounted cradle including a latch, and pivotally mounted primary and secondary latches. The primary latch includes a pivot, an opening and a free end. The cradle latch rests within the opening when the contacts are not tripped open. The secondary latch includes a pivot and a surface. The latches are between a second housing surface and the cross bar in a first position. The cross bar is offset from the latches in a second position. The secondary latch surface and pivot are between the second housing surface and the primary latch pivot. The secondary latch surface engages the primary latch free end when the contacts are not tripped open and maintain the cradle latch within the opening.

Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes a housing and a rotary plunger pivotally mounted within the housing. The rotary plunger has an on position and a tripped position. A portion of the rotary plunger is pivoted outside of the housing in the tripped position. A trip bar is pivotally mounted within the housing and includes a first tab latching the rotary plunger in the first position and releasing the rotary plunger from the first position. The trip bar also includes a second tab. A trip actuator includes a solenoid and a rotary trip lever engaging the second tab of the trip bar, in order to pivot the trip bar and release the rotary plunger from the on position. A spring biases the trip bar, in order that the first tab latches the rotary plunger in the on position. A pair of springs biases the rotary plunger to the tripped position.

Abstract: A magnet assembly for actuating a trip latch in a circuit breaker. The magnet assembly includes a core and an armature. The core is disposed around a conductor forming a primary current path in the circuit breaker, and includes an end forming a pole face. The armature is biased by a force acting in a direction away from the pole face. The armature includes a generally planar surface and a projection extending from the generally planar surface toward the pole face. The generally planar surface is separated from the pole face by a first air gap, and the projection is separated from the pole face by a second air gap. The first air gap is larger than the second air gap.

Abstract: A unitary operating mechanism assembly for a circuit breaker that includes a frame assembly having a planar member with a first pivot point located thereon, a handle member rotatably attached to the frame assembly at the first pivot point and structured to move between a first, closed position, a second, open position having an intermediate position therebetween, and a third, reset position, an operating arm coupled to the handle member and structured to move between a first and second position, and a trip device attached to the frame assembly and structured to move the handle member between the first, closed position and the intermediate position upon the occurrence of a predefined condition. The trip device causes the handle member to rotate upon the occurrence of a predefined condition, such as an overcurrent, thereby causing the operating arm to rotate and wherein none of the components except the frame assembly is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A trip system for a circuit breaker includes a current sensor and a stop surface, the current sensor having a contact surface, a first end that is supported, and a second end with a degree of freedom. The current sensor, arranged for receiving an electric current, undergoes a first deflection in response to a first current and a second deflection in response to a second current, the first deflection resulting in clearance between the contact surface and the stop surface, and the second deflection resulting in contact between the contact surface and the stop surface.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for interrupting the flow of current upon the detection of excess current or temperature is provided which comprises a housing, a trip armature plate, a trip armature frame, and a bias spring. The trip armature plate has at least two pivot tabs extending laterally on opposite edges that are inserted into a pivot elongated slot, which is located at an open end of the trip armature frame, and a pivot aperture, which is located at the opposite end of the trip armature frame, respectively. A bias spring is used for securing the pivot tabs into the pivot elongated slot and the pivot aperture, and for urging the trip armature plate pivotably outwardly about the pivot tabs away from the trip armature frame. The circuit breaker also comprises a trip cross bar having at least two fingers that are used to engage optional circuit breaker accessories and that are located asymmetrically to allow the interchangeability of the accessories.

Abstract: This concerns a molded case circuit breaker having separable main contacts and an operating mechanism utilized to cause the separable main contacts to open and close. A trip unit is provided to actuate the operating mechanism in desirable circumstances. The trip unit has a magnetic trip level adjustment dial, which has an adjustment face with a series of detents therein. The dial has a cam service, which interacts with internal portions of the trip unit to set or calibrate the level at which a magnetic trip actuation occurs. The aforementioned detent interacts with a spring loaded L-shaped member which fits into the casing of the trip unit along with the dial as a single unit.

Abstract: An electrical protective device that includes a reset mechanism uses a resistor body to act as a hold-off to a spring driven lockout for the reset mechanism. Upon the failure of an internal component of the protective device, the spring driven lockout mechanism is released by I2R thermal action which causes a resistor to burn in half, or in the alternative, to melt solder mounting the resistor, thereby eliminating the hold-off and locking out the reset mechanism.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a primary latch with a cross bar and a first pair of elongated leg members flexibly mounted to the cross bar. A secondary latch is pivotally mountable to the circuit breaker operating mechanism, with the first pair of elongated leg members being in removable engagement with the secondary latch. In one embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and deflects at a point along a longitudinal axis thereof. In another embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and twists about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit breaker having a crossbar (7) that is supported swingably onto a base (1B) to hold swingably movable contacts (4), and has the small reduction of overtravel in the elapsed years, and can reduce its size. The bending modulus of elasticity Eb, Ec of the base (1B) and the crossbar (7) at the ordinary temperature/ordinary humidity satisfy following relationships Eb+Ec≧17000 MPa  (1) 8000 MPa≦Eb  (2) 9000 MPa≦Ec  (3).

Abstract: A pair of spring mounted masses have sufficient inertia to remain stationary in response to a shock force applied to the housing of a trip assembly in a circuit breaker to block movement of the trip bar and thereby prevent a nuisance trip.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the separable main contacts. A trip mechanism is disposed within the housing that includes a trip bar assembly rotatable about an axis and that, when rotated, generates a tripping operation causing the operating mechanism to open the contacts. The trip bar assembly includes a trip member translatable along the axis. The trip mechanism includes a tripping actuator movable along a predetermined path of travel as a function of electrical current. The tripping actuator contacts a contact area of the trip member at a predetermined location along the predetermined path of travel of the tripping actuator and causes the trip bar assembly to rotate and generate the tripping operation upon a predetermined current threshold.

Abstract: A thermal-magnetic trip unit, suitable for use in a circuit breaker, for eliminating the requirement for latching surfaces while still providing the additional force and motion required to trip the breaker during a short circuit or an overcurrent trip event. The trip unit comprises a link that is biased based on the position of a trip bar. A spring biases the link in a first direction when the trip unit is in a reset condition and biases the link in a second direction when the trip bar is rotated about a pivot point. A trip unit further including an improved indication-of-trip system comprising a two-piece trip bar mechanism and flag system is described to discriminate between overcurrent and short circuit faults. In this embodiment of the invention, visual confirmation of the cause of the trip is provided.

Abstract: A thermal trip unit within a multi-pole circuit breaker includes a bimetal element having an off-set end to provide cam function during the calibration of the bimetal element. A calibration screw is threadingly engaged within the bimetal element and is adjusted at various calibration levels by means of a step motor driver element.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts disposed in the housing, and an operating mechanism disposed in the housing and interconnected with the contacts. A trip mechanism is disposed in the housing and has an automatic trip assembly that selectively generates a tripping operation to cause the operating mechanism to open the contacts upon a predetermined current threshold. The automatic trip assembly includes a magnetic yoke, an armature, and an electrical terminal. The magnetic yoke has pivot supports on which are positioned pivot arms of a head portion of the armature. A clamp member applies a clamping force to the head portion of the armature in a direction to normally rotationally displace a bottom portion of the armature away from the yoke and the terminal.

Abstract: A switching apparatus including an electromagnetic command device fitted with a magnetic circuit made up of a main circuit polarized by a permanent magnet and linked to a depolarizing coil and through a movable circuit integral with a movable support subject to a return spring and acting directly or indirectly on at least one disconnecting pole. The main magnetic circuit has at least two air gaps in series on the path of the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet and the movable magnetic circuit includes at least two parts capable of closing the air gaps when the main magnetic circuit and the movable magnetic circuit are joined together and are crossed by the magnetic flux created by the permanent magnetic, thereby carrying out a locking function and creating a multiplication of the locking forces, with an unlocking function being provided by the depolarization coil the counter-flux from which crosses the magnetic circuit and air gaps.

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

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

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