Abstract: An instant trip device of a circuit breaker comprises a magnet; a supporter; an armature provided between the magnet and the supporter and including a rotation center portion and a rotating part is disposed to be rotatable with respect to the rotation center portion; and an armature spring configured to apply an elastic force in a direction where the rotating part of the armature becomes farther away from the magnet, wherein a groove of which one side is opened is formed at the supporter to support the rotation center portion, wherein a boss is formed at the rotation center portion to be inserted into the groove, and wherein the armature spring is an extension spring in which one end of the armature spring is supported by a first hanger included in the supporter, and the other end is supported by a second hanger included in the rotating part.

Abstract: The disclosed concept provides for an operating mechanism in a overload relay assembly having a solenoid with a permanent magnet. The solenoid includes a ferrous output member. The solenoid moves the output member between a first retracted position and a second extended position. When the output member is in the first retracted position, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position. Thus, in a system wherein the overload relay assembly interrupts power to its own operating mechanism solenoid, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position even when the solenoid is de-energized.

Abstract: The disclosed concept relates to an overload relay and, more specifically, to an overload relay switch having a reduced number of components and less complex components. The reduced number of components includes the lack of a return spring on the manual actuators. Further, the relay switch member, which was typically a snap switch conducting member structured to change its configuration, is a substantially flat blade. Further, a circuit is used to detect an over-current condition and a solenoid actuates the relay switch assembly, thereby eliminating the need for a mechanical over-current detection and switch actuation device.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit includes a stationary iron core, a permanent magnet, and an armature, in a circular pattern. A contact mechanism spring separates the armature from the stationary iron core to open the magnetic circuit to switch a contact mechanism to a reset position. A coil on the magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in a direction same as that of the permanent magnet when an overload is detected and in an opposite direction when a predetermined time is elapsed after detecting the overload. A reset bar switches a movable stopper between an engaging position and a non-engaging position with the contact mechanism against a biasing force of the contact mechanism spring.

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 ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting auxiliary latch movement within a tripped circuit breaker. An auxiliary latch is held in a closed state and is biased into an open state. When the trip bar is activated in response to an overload condition, it releases the auxiliary latch which pivots to the open state. The cradle is released and pivots to disengage the breaker contact. Tabs on the cradle and auxiliary latch cooperatively interlock to limit auxiliary latch movement until the latch is properly reset.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit interrupting device having a trip button for disconnecting a load from a source of electrical power and a reset button for resetting the device after it has tripped. When the device is operating in its reset state, a source of electrical power is connected to a load through a set of contacts located within the device. The contacts are held closed by the spring loaded reset button which holds captive and urges a latch plate to move up to close normally open contacts. In the preferred mechanical trip mechanism, depressing the trip button causes the latch plate to move forward and be released from the reset button. The latch plate, upon being released from the reset button moves down to allow the contacts, which are biased to be normally open, to assume their normally open position. At this time, pressing the reset button initiates an electrical cycle which causes the normally open contacts to close only if the device is operating properly and there is no fault on the line.

Abstract: An electronic type protective relay integrates the mechanical structure into a single operation rod to protect electric machinery. The electronic type protective relay includes an insulating shell, a tripping rod, a magnetic-force device and an operation device. The tripping rod is pivoted in the inner part of the insulating shell and conducts two pairs of connection pins. The tripping rod includes a control magnetic core. The magnetic-force device includes a tripping electromagnet, a reset electromagnet, and a permanent magnet installed between the tripping electromagnet and the reset electromagnet. The operation device includes an auxiliary rod located on one side of the tripping rod, an operation rod installed between the tripping rod and the auxiliary rod and protruding beyond the insulating shell. The operation rod can be located at four locations and in cooperation with the auxiliary rod to stop or reset.

Abstract: A linkage for a solenoid actuated circuit breaker operating mechanism is provided. The operating mechanism includes a trip device and a close device. Either the trip device or the close device is coupled to a solenoid, by an ultra-lightweight connection member. The ultra-lightweight connection member is so light as to not create a sufficient force to effect the trip device or the close device even when the circuit breaker is subjected to a shock load.

Abstract: A resettable switching device, e.g. a relay, comprises a fixed contact (18) and a movable contact (28). A solenoid (12) is fixed relative to the fixed contact and a ferromagnetic plunger (20) carries the movable contact. A spring (24) biases the plunger away from the fixed contact so the device is normally open. When the device is set a further ferromagnetic element, e.g. a plunger (22), holds the first plunger (20) in a closed-contact position by magnetic attraction against the action of the spring (24). When a predetermined current condition exists in the solenoid the magnetic attraction between the element and plunger is reduced below the level necessary to hold the plunger so that the movable contact disengages the fixed contact.

Abstract: The trip bar is sub-divided into a first actuating part associated to the trip rod of the actuator and a second actuating part operating in conjunction with the indicating device. A mechanical coupling link is arranged between the two actuating parts being adjustable between a coupled position and a disengaged position. An operating lever performs locking of the second actuating part in the active position to keep the fault information on the indicating device, whereas the first actuating part returns automatically to the inactive position when said mechanical link is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A detent mechanism comprising a support member having a fixed seating member comprising opposite sides; a first spring for exerting a first spring force, disposed between one side of the fixed seating member and a first sliding member, further comprising a second spring member exerting a second spring force less than said first spring force, disposed between the other side of said fixed seating member and a second sliding member, whereby the forces of the springs are directed to operate on said first and second sliding members in opposite directions. A push button can apply an external force to the first sliding member to move it from a first position relative to the fixed seating member to a second position against the action of said first spring force. A detent mechanism connects the first and second sliding members when the first sliding member is in its second position and the second slidable member is in a first position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising a switch for controlling the connection of a load to a power source, the switch having a fixed contact and a movable switch contact supported on a pivotable switching member and resiliently biased away from the fixed contact. The circuit breaker includes a solenoid having a first winding for initially moving the movable contact towards the fixed contact and a second winding for holding the movable contact against the fixed contact, a fault detection circuit adapted to detect a fault at the load and in response to disable the solenoid, and a reset switch for initially enabling energization of the first winding and when the movable contact is sufficiently close to or in contact with the fixed contact for subsequently enabling energization of the second winding. The reset switch is arranged to be operated by a part of the switching member by virtue of the movement of the movable contact in order to control energization of the windings.

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 having a contact movable between open and closed positions, includes a closing spring assembly having a closing spring and first and second brackets. The closing spring assembly is chargeable when in a reset position in which the first bracket is hooked by a first hook. The closing spring is charged, manually or electrically, with support of the second bracket being transferred to a second hook. The closing spring is discharged to close the circuit breaker, with the closing spring assembly moving from the reset position to a discharged position in the process. The closing spring assembly is then moved as an integral unit, back to the reset position, with the closing spring again being charged, enabling the circuit breaker to immediately reclose in the event of a trip due to a transient condition. An improved breaker operating mechanism and power operated charging mechanism, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The sectionalizer comprises a means that automatically sections a circuit under preset conditions, for the purpose of insulating and signaling the line defect, when said sectionalizer is mounted between some contacts fixed to an insulating support.The sectionalizer consists of a conductor tube which, independently of other elements, includes an electromagnetic triggering mechanism or device formed by an electromagnet functionally associated to a mechanical multiplier which is comprised by two arms that, in the inoperative position of the electromagnet, sustains a triggering rod maintaining the contact of the sectionalizer, while the activation of the electromagnet entails liberation by the arms of the multiplier, of the triggering rod, producing the opening of the circuit.

Abstract: Electronic circuit breaker components are selectively coated with zinc and tin compounds to protect the components from the environment and to promote lubricity. Selected components within the operating mechanism, actuator and crossbar assemblies are coated with zinc phosphate followed by an over-coating of tin phosphate.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a medium supporting device for supporting a roll of a photosensitive recording medium in the form of a web, such that an active length of the web supplied from the roll extends along an exposing path. The apparatus further includes an exposing device for imagewise exposing the active length of the web of the photosensitive recording medium to an image radiation representative of an original image to be reproduced, while the active length is placed in the exposing path. The apparatus has an upper section disposed above the exposing path and including the medium supporting device, and a lower section disposed below the exposing path and including the exposing device. The upper and lower sections are separable from each other at the exposing path.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a fixed current contact (12,14), a movable current contact (16,18), a mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) for displacing the movable current contact (16,18) between a circuit closing position and a circuit opening position, and a latching member (32,34) disposed to cooperate with the mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) and movable in response to the magnitude of current flowing through the circuit to be controlled in order to cause the mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) to move the movable contact (16,18) in a manner to open the circuit when the magnitude of current flow exceeds a certain value, movement of the latching member (32,34) being controlled by a memory metal element (40,42) which is mechanically connected to the latching member (32,34) and electrically connected in the circuit to be heated by current flowing through the circuit to cause the latching member (32,34) to release the mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) when the current flowing through the circuit exceeds a given value for a selected period of tim

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: In an optical printing system for printing an image on a recording sheet, adopted as the recording sheet is a sheet coated with microcapsules on one surface thereon. Each microcapsule envelopes a first component which changes color when reacts with a second component. The second component may be coated on the recording sheet or may be coated on a separate developing sheet. The microcapsule further envelopes a third component which varies the mechanical strength of microcapsule when light is projected thereto. An image is formed on the recording sheet by selectively exposing a light thereto in accordance with the image to be printed thereon, and the microcapsules on the recording sheet whose mechanical strength is low are then ruptured by rupturing means. Thereby, the color is developed or the recording sheet on the first component with the second component. The printing operation of the printing system is executed by control means in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

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

Abstract: In a high voltage circuit interrupter switch or recloser a single multi-function control actuator is connected to a trip bar for tripping contact operating linkage to effect opening of one or more movable contacts. The control actuator includes a spring biased crank member and a toggle linkage operably associated to permit resetting of the control actuator to its initial position upon effecting movement of the contact operating linkage. The recloser has a switch for energizing a closing solenoid to reclose the interrupter contact. A movable catch is associated with switch operating linkage and is operably connected to the control actuator whereby the control actuator may effect energization of the solenoid to close the interrupter contacts. The control actuator is also connected to a lockout linkage for effecting lockout of the contact operating linkage upon receipt of a control signal when a predetermined number of circuit interruptions have been performed in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a roller guide member, 1a, provided on the inside wall of an upper part of the case 1. The roller quite member, 1a, has a curved shape designed to form or smooth curved path, 100, in cooperation with the roller receiving indents 5a and 56, so that the roller can be reliably reset in the roller-receiving indents 5a and 5b.

Abstract: An automatic magnetic switch comprising an over-load or short-circuit protection means and a manual magnetic switch installed in the switch casing. A magnetic control means is contained in a sub-casing of the switch. The manual magnetic switch has a conductive plate with an electrical contact fixedly mounted in its casing and another conductive plate, generally rigid and inflexible, has an electrical contact mounted thereon for pivoting or sliding movement. Permanent magnets, one on the movable plate, and one outside the casing urge the movable plate to a contact engaging position when the outside magnetic member is brought proximate to the casing, and a spring is used to restore the movable plate to its non-engaging position when the outside magnetic member is moved away from the casing.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a bistable snap-acting mechanism including a bimetallic arm which renders the circuit breaker capable of actuation by either ambient temperature changes or temperature changes generated internally, as by an excessive electric current. An electromagnetic arrangement enables essentially instantaneous actuation in response to an electric current of predetermined amplitude greater than the excessive current which otherwise might actuate the circuit breaker thermally. An actuating lever assembly includes an actuating lever coupled to a link which is normally latched and is unlatched in response to movement of the bimetallic arm, and enables manual actuation, as well as manual reset of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising a case and a stationary contact mounted within said case. A movable contact is movable into and out of engagement with the stationary contact. An operator is pivotally mounted within said case and a collapsible linkage interconnects the said operator and the movable contact. An electromagnetic sensing device collapses the collapsible linkage upon predetermined electrical overloads to move the contacts from the contacts "closed" position to the contacts "open" position. The collapsible linkage carries a restraining means for restraining the operator in a position intermediate the "open" and "closed" positions of the contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a roller guide member, 1a, provided on the inside wall of an upper part of the case 1. The roller quite member, 1a, has a curved shape designed to form or smooth curved path, 100, in cooperation with the roller receiving indents 5a and 56, so that the roller can be reliably reset in the roller-receiving indents 5a and 5b.