Abstract: An overcurrent protection switch having one or more thermal and/or magnetic trips (14,21) and a mechanical switch latch which essentially consists of an actuating element and a latching lever (6) which acts in conjunction with the former and which with its first end acts upon a plunger (8) which is guided in the longitudinal direction of the housing (69) under an initial spring tension and which drives the switching contacts, and which latching lever rests with its other end in the latching position under an initial spring tension on a support area (13) of a trip lever (9), wherein, for improving the switching-off characteristics and the handling characteristics of the switch, the trip lever (9) is constructed as an essentially L-shaped angle lever which in the area of its angle is rotationally supported on a shaft (75) which is stationary with respect to the housing, which lever is subjected to an initial spring tension with respect to the thermal and/or magnetic trip (14,21) and which engages with the swive

Abstract: A circuit breaker of the present invention provides a movable contact held by a movable contactor to be capable of passing through the interior of an arc suppressing means and to be contacted with a fixed contact from the side of the arc suppressing means. Thus, an arc generated upon an opening of the both contacts is made to shift immediately into the arc suppressing means, whereby arc dividing, cooling and suppressing are performed rapidly and the current limiting effect of the breaker is remarkably elevated.

Abstract: A fully automated residential-type circuit breaker assembly is made possible by the provision of retaining slots and guide channels formed within the breaker case. The breaker case then serves as an assembly fixture for specially designed armatures and magnets used within the trip section of the breaker as well as for a special designed bi-metallic trip element. A high calibration yield is accomplished by means of a low friction latch assembly.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker apparatus is taught with an operating mechanism which is triggered in response to the movement of a trip bar. The trip bar in turn is responsive to current flowing in the main terminals of the circuit breaker apparatus. The trip bar is responsive to electrothermal conditions as a gradual overload increases. It is also responsive to a short circuit condition due to a magnetic reaction between an armature and an electromagnet. The armature is flexibly attached to the trip bar for flexible movement in one direction and non-flexible movement in the other direction so that a short circuit may be accommodated by a relatively small air gap by non-flexible movement of the armature and the trip bar to cause a tripping operation.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker includes an insulated latch and cradle mechanism to prevent deleterious arc formation between their points of separation when the circuit breaker contacts are opened under short circuit conditions. One embodiment employs an insulated latch mounted on the breaker armature.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a contact opening and closing mechanism including a contact actuator member which is moved between a first position and a second position to close and open the contacts. The movable contact is mounted on one end of a contact carrier which is pivotally mounted at its central region to the contact actuator member. A leaf spring is positioned between the other end of the contact carrier and the circuit breaker case. When the contact actuator member is in the first position, the leaf spring produces a torque on the contact carrier in one direction about the pivot forcing the contacts closed. When the contact actuator member moves from the first position toward the second, the leaf spring becomes ineffective and a torsion spring which engages the contact carrier and the contact actuator arm produces a torque pivoting the contact carrier in the opposite direction thus enhancing the contact opening process.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having an overload mechanism including a support member mounted in the circuit breaker housing. One end of an elongated bimetallic element is fixed to one end of the support member. An armature element is mounted at one end to the one end of the bimetallic element and its other end has a latching surface engaging a trip arm to hold it in a set position. The support member has a reference surface adjacent to its other end and the trip arm is biased against it. An overload current causes the other end of the bimetallic element to deflect, moving the other end of the armature element with it and disengaging its latching surface from the trip arm. The released trip arm pivots to a tripped position causing the breaker contacts to open. The dimensional relationships between the reference surface and the latching surface determine the tripping characteristics of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having a movable contact arm (12) pivotally supported on a operating handle (4) and driven into and out of engagement with a stationary contact (6) by an overcenter toggle spring (28) stretched between the movable contact arm (12a) and a latch lever (14) which is releasable to carry the line of action of the spring (28) overcenter of the movable contact arm (12) to cause automatic separation of the contacts (6,10) in response to operation of a bimetal thermal overload sensing unit (18) and which has a separate magnetic overload current sensing unit (38,40) disposed on the stationary contact support (8) and isolated from the thermal overload current sensing unit (18), the magnetic sensing unit (8) operating to release an insulating wedge member (44) for movement between the circuit breaker contacts (6,10) to separate the contacts independently of the latch trip operating mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic switch of this type includes a switch latch for interrupting current, an overload tripping device and a short-circuit current tripping device for acting on the switch latch to trigger a current interruption. Generally there is also included at least one main contact device having at least one stationary contact and at least one movable contact, a movably supported contact lever attached to the at least one movable contact, and at least one arc quenching device associated with each main contact device. The improvement according to the invention includes a combination of an additional armature system having a magnet coil, a magnet core, a magnet armature and a striker pin.

Abstract: The following specification describes a circuit breaker having a handle pivoted about an axis transverse to the axis of blade rotation for controlling an operating assembly to pivot a cam about an axis parallel to the blade axis to open or close the breaker contacts. The operating assembly is located in the center compartment of the breaker while the contacts and blades are located in end compartments of the breaker, and when the blades are moved past a predetermined position, they are then independently moved by a respective snap acting spring. Sensing means control the operating assembly in the event of a fault current to move to a trip position and open the contacts while providing a visual signal of the trip condition. Arc gases are vented to prevent engagement with the copper conductor connected to each contact and a stainless steel blade bracket is interposed between the movable contact and the copper blade to prevent an arc from contacting the copper blade.

Abstract: A movable contact is adapted to engage with and disengage from a fixed contact within a circuit breaker housing. A contact arm, coupled to the movable contact, is caused to trip when appropriate means are actuated. The invention resides in apparatus for actuating such means including a ferromagnetic material armature latch partially rotatable about a housing axis. The latch has a first retaining means and a first coupling surface. A latch member, partially rotatable about a housing axis, has a second retaining means and a second coupling surface adapted to couple with the first coupling surface. Further, the latch member is adapted to recouple the second coupling surface subsequent to it becoming uncoupled from the first coupling surface. A spring couples the two retaining means.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker having a housing with a top wall center recess receiving a center strut of an interior trim. An operating assembly is interconnected with a trip assembly through a transistor link passing beneath the center recess and is operable by the magnetic assembly to assist the operating assembly in separating the breaker contacts in response to a fault current. A closure member overlapped by the interior trim prevents access to the load wires. A voltage reject configuration is provided on the housing to prevent mounting in a panelboard designed to carry voltages higher than that for which the circuit breaker is rated and a jaw assembly for the breaker is disclosed having a plurality of contact positions with each leg of a U shaped bus stab.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a switch mechanism consisting basically of a pivotally mounted latch which is releasably mounted on a release member and which carries a pivotally mounted contact, and of a pivotally mounted manually operable element for operating the circuit breaker. A spring is connected to the manually operable element at a position offset with respect to the pivotal axis of the element and is arranged to apply a force to the pivotable latch at a position close to the pivotal axis of the latch. A latch lever interconnects the manually operable element and the pivotable latch and is connected to the manually operable element eccentrically with respect to the pivotal axis of the latter and is connected to the pivotable latch in a manner as to form the pivotal axis of the latter.

Abstract: A multipolar type circuit breaker has a plurality of breaker element assemblies corresponding to AC source pole number. Each assembly comprises a contact operating mechanism for ON and OFF operations of a movable contactor connected to a load side terminal with respect to a fixed contactor connected to a current source side terminal. A trip mechanism forms an electric current path between the movable contactor and the load side terminal an interlinks with the contact operating mechanism for releasing its normal ON position latch with respect to the movable contactor upon incoming of a excessive curent to arbitrarity trip ON state. The assemblies are housed in a single housing in a mutually parallel and aligning relation. The contact operating mechanisms in all assemblies are operated by a single handle extending transversely to them within the housing.

Abstract: A manually operated two-pole excess-current protective circuit breaker includes a bimetal control for a switching latch serving both contact bridges. In case of an excess current, the circuit breaker is tripped by a switching latch actuated by the bimetal by virtue of its heat-caused deformation. The circuit breaker unit is provided with a plug-in auxiliary tripping unit having a solenoid-actuated plunger extending into the circuit breaker housing. The plunger moves codirectionally with the working end of the bimetal and cooperates with the switching latch of the circuit breaker. The plunger may assume an actuating position and a withdrawn position dependent upon whether the solenoid is in an energized or a de-energized state and the auxiliary tripping unit may serve as a zero-voltage tripper or as an excess-current tripper dependent upon its structural design which determines the relationship of the plunger positions to the states of solenoid energization.

Abstract: The disclosed circuit interrupter comprises a magnetic core structure including a magnetic core and magnetic yokes defining an annular magnetic gap around the core, and a primary and a secondary coil wound on the core to form a current transformer. The movable contact arm is disposed in the magnetic gap to be magnetically driven to the open position, and a magnetic armature of an instantaneous trip means is disposed adjacent to the magnetic yokes so that it is magnetically actuated upon a short-circuit current. A bimetallic element of a thermally responsive trip means is electrically connected to the secondary coil of the transformer. The magnetic yokes include extended portions which serve as magnetic means for driving an electric arc established between the separated contacts into an arc extinguisher which is also disposed between the magnetic yokes.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker having a housing with a top wall center recess receiving a center strut of an interior trim. An operating assembly is interconnected with a trip assembly through a translator link passing beneath the center recess and is operable by the magnetic assembly to assist the operating assembly in separating the breaker contacts in response to a fault current. A closure member overlapped by the interior trim prevents access to the load wires. A voltage reject configuration is provided on the housing to prevent mounting in a panelboard designed to carry voltages higher than that for which the circuit breaker is rated and a jaw assembly for the breaker is disclosed having a plurality of contact positions with each leg of a U shaped bus stab.

Abstract: A miniature current limiting circuit breaker incorporates double break circuit interrupting contacts capable of being abruptly separated by a high fault current responsive solenoid acting to first trip the breaker mechanism and then forcibly effect contact separation. The arc chamber is constructed to achieve enhanced blowout of the arc into the arc chute and to develop gas pressures acting to accelerate contact separation. The circuit breaker is trip-free and includes both thermal tripping and internal common tripping capabilities.

Abstract: In a power circuit breaker a trip mechanism is provided normally to oppose the large opening forces associated with the separable contacts of the breaker and to hold the contacts closed. The trip mechanism in response to overload current conditions collapses and trips open the breaker contacts. Forces related to the opening force of the breaker contacts are present throughout the trip mechanism when the contacts are closed. The trip mechanism provides two eccentric latch mechanisms in series each of which reduce the magnitude of the forces acting in the trip mechanism that are related to the opening force. The two latch mechanisms are each mounted to a pivot for rotation therewith. A force related to the opening force is applied against each latch mechanism. Because the pivot for each latch mechanism is eccentric to the line of force acting against the latch mechanism, the force translates into a rotational force that tends to rotate the latch mechanism and pivot.

Abstract: A molded case current limiting circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism releasable to effect automatic separation of the contacts, and a high speed electromagnetic trip device operable upon overcurrent conditions to release the operating mechanism and separate the contacts. The trip device includes a U-shaped pole piece disposed about a conducting path through the circuit breaker and a movable laminated armature mechanically coupled to the operating mechanism and magnetically coupled to the pole piece. The thickness of the armature is substantially greater than the thickness of the pole piece. During extreme overcurrent conditions electrodynamic force is produced upon the armature by magnetic flux in the pole piece. Upon saturation of the pole piece, force upon the armature continues to increase with increasing current due to electrodynamic force produced between the armature and the conducting path.

Abstract: A switch which is opened and closed by successively depressing a manual operating handle is provided with one spring for separating the switch contacts and a separate spring for closing the switch contacts. Interrupting capacity is improved without increasing overall size by utilizing a J-shaped movable contact arm mounted on a pivot located a substantial distance from the movable contact. The closing spring is located adjacent to the arcing or interrupter area. A metal shield is positioned to protect the closing spring from hot arcing gases as they exit from the interrupter area. The speed of instantaneous or magnetic tripping is improved by providing the magnet coil with at least one complete current carrying loop.

Abstract: A bipolar protective switch has a two-piece housing. An electromagnet constitutes the actuating device made either in the form of a zero voltage actuator or an excess current actuator. The armature of the electromagnet drops in the event of a voltage failure or is attracted if an excess current appears, thus disconnecting the switch. The switch can be turned back on again only after the voltage returns or normal current returns by the actuating device. A rocker is disposed on the narrow upper surface between the two pieces of the housing as the actuating member. The electromagnet and connecting members are disposed on the underside of the housing, a portion of the electromagnet being located between the two pieces of the housing. A support of an insulating material, is disposed in the housing upon which support connecting members are disposed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having separable contacts, thermal and magnetic trip means, a flexible conductive braid connecting the contacts and the trip means, and a latch mechanism for producing a series of vibrating impacts upon overcurrent conditions also includes a latch member of electrically insulating material to prevent undesirable parallel current paths and to increase the interruption current rating of the breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a magnetic trip mechanism pivotally mounted on the bimetal actuating assembly. First and second flanges extend from the bimetal element and respectively include first and second co-axially aligned apertures. A magnetic trip arm is pivotally mounted in the first and second apertures and includes a first portion disposed in proximity to the bimetal element to be drawn thereto in response to a high overload current flowing therethrough and a second portion which engages a latch, upon movement of the magnetic trip arm, thereby tripping open the contacts of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A multi-pole circuit breaker includes a wide toggle shaft which spans all of the poles of the breaker and which is electrically neutral. The lower links of the toggle mechanism are made of phenolic or other insulating material which thus electrically insulates the wide toggle shaft spanning all of the poles of the breaker and makes the toggle shaft electrically neutral. A plurality of short toggle springs may therefore be connected between the wide toggle shaft and a handle arm of corresponding width. The plurality of short toggle springs provide as much tripping energy as the longer single or double toggle springs of prior art circuit breakers in which the springs are clustered together in alignment with one pole of the breaker to which they are electrically connected and whose polarity the toggle springs in such prior art breakers accordingly take.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a stored-energy mechanism and a resettable roller-type latch for latching the stored-energy mechanism. The latch is operable upon the occurrence of overload current conditions to release the stored-energy mechanism to thereby trip the breaker. Alternately the latch may be actuated by utilizing a separate switch.

Abstract: A molded case multi-pole circuit breaker is provided with a solid state trip unit constructed to automatically open the breaker responsive to predetermined fault current conditions by actuating a permanent magnet latch. The circuit breaker is also provided with a thermal-magnetic trip means that acts independently of the solid state trip unit to automatically open the breaker responsive to predetermined fault current conditions.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having thermal and magnetic trip means. A moving contact support structure is disposed about the magnetic trip means so as to cause current flowing through the circuit breaker contacts to pass twice through the magnetic circuit of the magnetic trip means. The moving contact support structure includes resistance material operable upon overcurrent conditions through the contacts to aid in heating the thermal trip means. An operating mechanism includes an operating spring in compression which acts as one leg of a toggle linkage and stores energy to operate the contacts with a snap action.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter having a magnetic trip element which is integral with the latch. The disclosed circuit interrupter is provided with a bimetal and a magnetic trip element directly connected to the latch of the circuit interrupter which is drawn towards the bimetal, unlatching the circuit interrupter when current flow therethrough exceeds a high overload level. The disclosed circuit interrupter is particularly adaptable for use on a distribution transformer. A movable bridging contact for completing a series circuit between two stationary contacts is provided. The movable bridging contact is spring biased towards an open position separated from the stationary contacts, but with the circuit interrupter in the normally closed position is held in engagement with the stationary contacts by a latching mechanism which is responsive to the bimetal or magnetic trip element to allow the circuit breaker to trip open during overload conditions.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter has a pair of contacts, a self-restoring type current limiting element and a first electromagnetic trip device serially interconnected. The current limiting element is connected across a parallel connected resistor and a second electromagnetic trip device. Both trip devices have a common magnetic circuit including a single stationary core and a single movable iron piece. The first trip device responds to a shortcircuiting current flowing through it to open the contacts but the second trip device is operative to open the contacts only after the current limiting element has performed the operation of limiting a shortcircuiting current.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker comprises a thermal trip that comprises a current carrying bimetal, and a magnetic trip that comprises a magnetic yoke and armature supported on the bimetal with a multi-turn energizing coil supported on the yoke to enhance the magnetic tripping action.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is described including a U-shaped thermal and magnetic trip assembly pivotally supported by an insulating housing. A compression spring biases the trip assembly against a releasable cradle which is engaged by a latch. The biasing action of the spring against the pivoting trip assembly maintains a constant latch bite despite warping or other mechanical distortion of the insulating housing.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises improved thermal and electromagnetic trip means comprising a currrent carrying bimetal operable upon the occurrence of lesser overloads to effect time-delay thermal tripping operations, and electromagnetic means energized by the current in said bimetal which electromagnetic means is operable upon the occurrence of more severe overloads to effect instantaneous electromagnetic tripping operations.

Abstract: An excess current switching device having particular but not exclusive application in switching direct current power.The switching device comprises first and second excess current switches. The first switch comprises a break point and a thermal and/or electromagnetic tripping device(s) linked to a latching mechanism and the second switch comprises a break point and an electromagnetic tripping device having a high resistance coil linked to a latching mechanism. The break point of the first switch is connected in parallel with the tripping device of the second switch. When an excess current occurs, the break point of the first switch opens, leaving the tripping device of the second switch in curcuit and this opens the break point of the second switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a push-button operated bipolar, faulty current protective switch, with a trip-free release and a switched-on position that is not affected by the push-button.Such a circuit breaker includes a bell crank and a switching bar which is controlled by an electromagnetic tripping device.

Abstract: This device comprises means for detecting, respectively, overcharges, by means of bimetallic strips and short-circuiting, by means of mobile magnetic plates effecting independently from each other the controlling of the switching off of a circuit-breaker for the protection of a circuit. The thermal safety means operate through a mechanical power amplifier comprising a cage with uprights, a rotating catch dependent on the thermal phase-detectors and a plunger transmitting the power of a spring to effect the switching off.