Abstract: A device is provided for use with a circuit breaker that includes a magnetic trip bar adapted to move from a non-tripped position to a tripped position in response to a short-circuit condition, and move from the tripped position to the non-tripped position to reset the circuit breaker. The device includes a slider that has a first position and a second position, and a latch coupled to the magnetic trip bar and the slider. As the magnetic trip bar moves from the non-tripped position to the tripped position, the latch is adapted to move the slider from the first position to the second position to indicate that a short circuit trip has occurred. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A trip mechanism includes a bimetal having a first side and an opposite second side, a magnetic yoke disposed proximate the first side of the bimetal, and a magnetic armature pivotally connected to the bimetal and disposed proximate the opposite second side thereof. The armature has a first side with a surface, an opposite second side, and an opening extending from the first side to the opposite second side of the magnetic armature. The opening has a latch surface structured to engage the latch surface of an operating mechanism. The first side of the magnetic armature is structured to engage the opposite second side of the bimetal. At least one of the bimetal and the magnetic armature is structured to provide an offset between the bimetal and the surface of the first side of the magnetic armature at the opening of the magnetic armature.

Abstract: A trip mechanism includes a bimetal having a first side and an opposite second side, a magnetic yoke disposed proximate the first side of the bimetal, and a magnetic armature pivotally connected to the bimetal and disposed proximate the opposite second side thereof. The armature has a first side with a surface, an opposite second side, and an opening extending from the first side to the opposite second side of the magnetic armature. The opening has a latch surface structured to engage the latch surface of an operating mechanism. The first side of the magnetic armature is structured to engage the opposite second side of the bimetal. At least one of the bimetal and the magnetic armature is structured to provide an offset between the bimetal and the surface of the first side of the magnetic armature at the opening of the magnetic armature.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a small-sized trip actuator for a switch of an electric power circuit, capable of triggering a switching mechanism to a circuit opening position at fast speed by minimizing a delay of time, the trip actuator including a main driving unit configured by a solenoid actuator comprises an output pin which is linearly movable, and a sub driving unit configured by a Thomson drive unit comprises a repulsive plate connected to the output pin, and a Thomson coil causing the repulsive plate to be repulsively moved when a current flows therethrough, such that the output pin is linearly moved, the sub driving unit operating to linearly move the output pin, before the main driving unit operates, upon opening the electric power circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator with a movable part and a non-movable part is disclosed. The movable part can include two rotatable ferromagnetic elements with a portion close to the non-movable part to reduce magnetic force acting on the movable part during a switching operation, while moving the movable part towards the non-movable part. As the distance between the movable part and the non-movable part is reduced, a current through a coil of the non-movable part for generating magnetic force for acting on the movable part during a switching operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-storing mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-storing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic protection device, in particular for an automatic circuit breaker or a disconnecting switch, preferably for use in low voltage systems. The invention also relates to an automatic circuit breaker comprising this device. The protection device (1) according to the invention comprises a low voltage circuit breaker comprising an air gap magnetic circuit (T), provided with a first portion (10) forming a first surface (11) of said air gap (T) and a second portion (20) forming a second surface (21) of the air gap (T). The first portion (10) constitutes a fixed section of the magnetic circuit, while the second portion (20) constitutes a moving section of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit also comprises a flexible portion (30) that connects the first portion (10) to the second portion (20) with continuity, forming an intermediate section of magnetic circuit interposed between the fixed section and the moving section.

Abstract: A trip unit for use with a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a support bracket and a magnet member coupled to the support bracket. The magnet member is configured to emit a magnetic field when a current is transmitted through the trip mechanism. The magnet member includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion coupled between the first side portion and the second side portion. The trip unit also includes a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the support bracket. The pivot arm includes a first end, a second end, and a curved portion coupled to the first end and the second end. The pivot arm is configured to pivot towards the magnet member to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the current when the current exceeds a first threshold.

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: Systems and methods provide a magnetic actuator having more than one air gap. After the trip unit is triggered, a first armature is accelerated to quickly close a first air gap and then mate with a second armature. The first and second armature then move toward a core to close a second air gap and reach the final combined armature position, causing a contact to open. A faster reaction time is provided, yet without increasing the number of turns of the trip coil winding, and provides a more efficient actuator.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a trip unit and an electronic fault detection unit sharing a common trip latch for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by either unit. The circuit breaker has an electromagnet for causing the circuit breaker to trip upon detection of a fault by an electronic fault detection unit. The electromagnet is oriented in the housing proximal the trip latch without any components interposed between them, and directly attracts the latch. Advantageously the electromagnet orientation does not impact operation or the range of motion of the latch or other trip unit components. Advantageously the circuit breaker of the present invention does not increase the trip latch mass, its bulk swept volume through its range of motion or require additional linkage components that potentially might increase trip cycle time. In some embodiments the electromagnet core is reciprocable.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic trip device for a circuit breaker is provided. The electromagnetic trip device includes a current path having a conductor guiding an electric current through at least one contact point formed between a fixed and at least one movable contact piece. A contact lever carries the at least one movable contact piece. The contact lever is mounted to be movable between a closed contact position and an open contact position. The electromagnetic trip device also includes a magnetic circuit with an air-gap. The movable contact lever is at least partially located in the air-gap. The electric current flows through the contact lever in a direction substantially perpendicular to the orientation of magnetic flux in the air-gap.

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 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 circuit breaker includes a vacuum valve, an electromagnet including a first coil for driving an operating shaft of the vacuum valve toward an opening direction by electromagnetic repulsion, a movable core and a permanent magnet. Further, an operating mechanism is provided which excites the first coil to close the vacuum valve, holds the vacuum valve closed by an attractive force of the permanent magnet and excites the first coil in a direction reverse to an excitation direction in closing operation to open the vacuum valve. In the circuit breaker, together with the first coil, a second coil is disposed which is excited simultaneously with an electromagnetic repulsion coil for a quick opening operation by electromagnetic repulsion is provided in the electromagnet.

Abstract: A trip actuator assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The trip actuator assembly includes a trip actuator with an actuating element, which is movable among unactuated and actuated positions corresponding to separable contacts of the circuit breaker being closeable and tripped opened in response to a trip condition, respectively. The trip actuator is disposed at a mounting portion of a frame. An interface assembly is movably coupled to the frame and includes an interface element disposed between the actuating element of the trip actuator and a portion of the circuit breaker operating mechanism. When the actuating element moves from the unactuated position toward the actuated position, it engages and moves the interface element, thereby moving the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The frame secures the trip actuator assembly in a desired orientation within a corresponding one of the housing compartments.

Abstract: In line circuit breakers with a combined overcurrent/short-circuit current tripping device, tripping should take place in a well defined manner in the case of an overcurrent and in the case of a short-circuit current. For this purpose, gaps (A, B) need to be set precisely. If the housing is made from a cost-effective housing material such as thermosetting plastic it is subject to shrinkage. As a result, the mentioned gaps may change. An armature (24) is mounted in such a way that it changes its rest rotary position in the event of shrinkage of the housing. A magnet yoke (28) as part of the overcurrent/short-circuit current tripping device is mounted and shaped in such a way that the rotation is compensated for precisely, so that the mentioned gaps do not change despite the shrinkage.

Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

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 circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated adjusting apparatus for lens is disclosed. The adjusting apparatus comprises a body capable of furnishing a lens inside, at least one permanent magnet, a first magnetic conductor and a second magnetic conductor. The first and the second magnetic conductors are respectively wound with a plurality of coils. The permanent magnet is adjoined to the body and has a first polarity and a second polarity opposing each other. The first magnetic conductor has at least a first extension member provided opposite to the first polarity. The second magnetic conductor has at least a second extension member provided opposite to the second polarity. The first extension member and the second extension member can better converge magnetic flux lines emanating from the coils when charged to the positions nearing the two polarities of the permanent magnet so high-efficiency focusing and zooming of lens can be achieved.

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 solenoid assembly for a circuit breaker having a clapper with an increased mass is provided. The mass, preferably at least one non-ferrous slug, increases the mass of the clapper so that the solenoid response time is slowed. That is, the added mass creates an inertial delay that slows the solenoid clapper as the clapper moves between the first position and the second position. Preferably, the delay is between 48 ms and 60 ms, and more preferably 50 ms. The clapper having a non-ferrous slug may also be incorporated into existing circuit breakers by, for example, coupling the non-ferrous slug to the preexisting clapper, or replacing the clapper with a clapper assembly having at least one non-ferrous slug thereon.

Abstract: A manual trip control method and arrangement is provided to manually trip a plurality of circuit interrupters. Specifically, where the circuit interrupters include magnetic-actuator-driven vacuum interrupters including permanent magnets that hold the contacts of the circuit interrupter in the closed position via a plunger, a first of the circuit interrupters is manually tripped via movement of the plunger. To operate the remaining circuit interrupters to trip open, the voltage generated in the magnetic actuator of the first circuit interrupter is coupled to the magnetic actuators of the remaining circuit interrupters for tripping thereof.

Abstract: A magnet switch for a starter of the present invention includes a plunger and a switch frame. The plunger has a stepped part at the outer peripheral surface thereof. The switch frame has a projection at an end face thereof, the end face being opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the plunger. Engagement of the stepped part of the plunger with the projection of the switch frame can lock forward movement of the plunger, so that no impact force is imposed on the movable contact and the insulator. Thus, deformation of the movable contact and breakage of the insulator can be prevented, and the axial length of the magnet switch can be reduced to reduce the size of the magnetic switch.

Abstract: A permanent-magnet ground fault circuit interrupter plug with self-diagnosing function having an enclosure and a permanent-magnet mechanism encased in the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and magnetic trip unit for actuating a latching mechanism to trip a circuit breaker upon an overcurrent condition, the magnetic trip unit including: a first electrically conductive strap configured to conduct an electrical current; a first magnet yoke disposed proximate to the first electrically conductive strap; and a first armature pivotally disposed proximate to the first magnetic yoke in operable communication with the latching mechanism; the first armature providing a magnetic path having a reluctance to magnetic flux; and the reluctance is adjusted to prevent saturation of the magnetic flux when the current through the strap is a first number times a rated current of the circuit breaker and the reluctance is adjusted to promote saturation of magnetic flux when the current through the strap is a second number times the rated current of the circuit breaker, wherein the first number is a number smaller than the second number.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case having an opening, separable contacts housed within the case, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pivot and a pair of extension springs for moving the operating mechanism to close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism also includes an operating handle for operating the operating mechanism. The operating handle includes a first handle portion extending through the opening of the case and a second portion having a pair of elongated arms within the case. The extension springs extend between the elongated arms and the pivot.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case having an opening, and separable contacts having a closed position and an open position housed within the case. An operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts includes a pivot and a pair of extension springs for moving the operating mechanism to close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism further includes an operating handle for operating the operating mechanism. The operating handle includes a first or handle portion extending through the opening of the case and a second arm portion having a pair of elongated arms within the case. Each one of the extension springs extends between a corresponding one of the elongated arms and the pivot. The operating mechanism further includes a pair of links having an unbroken state corresponding to the closed position of the separable contacts and a broken state. One of the links pivots about the pivot.

Abstract: A circuit breaker mechanism comprises a coil which surrounds a tube in which a magnetic core can move against the urging of a spring. An armature is located adjacent the coil and moves transversely relative to the axis of the coil, with a head portion of the armature being attracted towards a pole piece of the mechanism, while a foot portion of the armature is attracted to the magnetic core. The armature is pivoted to a magnetic frame at a point between the head and foot portions, so that the magnetic force between the head portion and the pole piece is counteracted to some extent by the magnetic force between the foot portion and the magnetic core. This in turn depends on the position of the magnetic core in the tube, and the setting of an adjuster mechanism which spaces the foot portion closer to or further away from the core in use. The adjuster mechanism allows the instantaneous tripping characteristic of the mechanism to be adjusted in use.

Abstract: A wireless transmission network card frame kit assembly consists of: a lower frame for housing electric circuits or other necessary elements including a first section which is wedged in a computer socket when the network card is inserted in the computer socket, and a second section for housing wireless receiving or emitting modules being exposed outside the computer when the network card is inserted in the computer socket to facilitate wireless transmission; an upper frame having an assembly section located above the second section when assembled and faced the first section; an upper cap covering the first section of the lower frame and having an overlap section to overlap over the assembly section; and a lower cap to encase the bottom side of the first section of the lower frame and the overlap section of the upper frame, and engage tightly with the upper cap at indented grooves of the upper cap.

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: A motor protection trip unit for a circuit breaker includes an electrically conductive strap, a yoke including a body including a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall. The third side wall extends between the first and second side walls, the fourth side wall extending from the first and second side walls and comprising a yoke gap extending therethrough. A motor protection trip unit for a circuit breaker also includes a flapper holder coupled to the strap, a flapper pivotally coupled to the flapper holder, and a biasing mechanism coupled between the flapper holder and the flapper. The biasing mechanism is configured to maintain the flapper a distance from the yoke such that a yoke-flapper gap is defined between the yoke and the flapper.

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 generates a tripping operation. The automatic trip assembly includes an armature and a magnetic yoke having pivot supports. The armature includes a head portion having a first hook-like member and an oppositely facing second hook-like member. The first hook-like member has a first recess, and the second hook-like member has a second recess. The automatic trip assembly includes a pivot pin positioned on the pivot supports and extending through the first recess and the second recess to provide a rotatable disposition of the armature. The assembly also includes a biasing member applying a force to the armature in a direction to normally rotationally displace a bottom portion of the armature away from the magnetic yoke.

Abstract: A release unit for a circuit breaker is equipped with a magnet yoke and an armature collaborating with it for actuating a release device, in which case a nonmagnetic weight element that increases the inertia of the armature is applied to the armature.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker that includes a double headed calibration screw. The calibration screw has a first and second end with identical convex tip surfaces and screw driver engagement surfaces. The convex tip surface is suitable for engaging a bi-metal thermal overload element. The screw driver engagement surface is suitable for applying a screw driver to adjust the calibration screw position in order to adjust the deflection of the bimetal and calibrate the thermal overload protection. At least one calibration screw planar surface allows for improved sealant injection to permanently fix the screw position and associated calibration setting following adjustment.

Abstract: A parallel pole magnetohydraulic circuit breaker (10), having a single trip element (271) and a pair of trip mechanisms (101, 102), achieving an increased current carrying capacity with reduced nuisance trips. The tip mechanisms (101, 102) are contained within separate housings (14, 16), with electrical connections (30, 40) and multipole trip mechanism (101, 102) communicating through apertures in the common wall (14′). Preferably, the armature (260) of the trip element (271) acts on a single trip mechanism (101, 102), which multiplies the available force to trigger a trip of the other tip mechanism.

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 generates a tripping operation. The automatic trip assembly includes a magnetic yoke, an armature, and a plurality of abutment members. The magnetic yoke has pivot supports providing for a rotatable disposition of a head portion of the armature. The assembly also includes a biasing member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion abutted against a selected one of the plurality of abutment members, the second portion abutted against the armature and applying a force to the armature in a direction to normally rotationally displace a bottom portion of the armature away from the magnetic yoke, wherein selecting a different one of the plurality of abutment members to be the selected one causes the force to vary.

Abstract: A magnetic trip with a fixed magnetic circuit polarized by a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A plunger assembly support structure for a molded case circuit breaker magnetic trip mechanism for aligning a trip mechanism plunger assembly. The plunger assembly support structure includes a base member assembly having a plurality of guide members, and a plunger carriage assembly slidably disposed adjacent to said base member assembly.

Abstract: Circuit breaker mechanism comprising a manually controlled part 40a acted upon by a knob 42 and a part 40c with an electromagnetic overcurrent tripping device 41 and a trip spring 65. The parts 40b, 40c act on a common lever 43 through a connecting rod 62 and a control lever 66 respectively. The part 40b is coupled to a lever 64 onto which the spring 65 exerts a torque, and also applies an opening torque to lever 66.

Abstract: The toggle mechanism of a circuit breaker is connected at one end to the pivoted contact arm and at the other end to a pivoted latch lever which is engaged to latch the toggle mechanism by a latch member pivoted for movement in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the toggle mechanism. The latch member serves as an armature for a trip motor energized by a trip circuit responsive to an arc fault and/or a ground fault to unlatch the toggle mechanism and trip the circuit breaker open. The latch member is also tripped by a helical bimetal responsive to persistent overcurrents and coupled to the latch member through an ambient compensator bimetal cantilevered from the latch member. A flexible shunt connected between the helical bimetal and contact arm passes through an extension of the magnetic circuit of the trip motor to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength to trip the latch member instantaneously in response to a short circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts for movement between a closed position and an open position to switch electrical current. An operating mechanism moves the separable contacts between the closed and open positions. A sensor senses the electrical current and outputs a sensed current signal corresponding to the electrical current. A shunt shunts a portion of the electrical current. A trip mechanism employs the sensed current signal to produce a trip signal. A trip actuator trips the operating mechanism to move the separable contacts to the open position. The trip actuator includes a trip solenoid having a coil energized by the trip signal and also includes one or more loops energized by the shunted portion of the electrical current.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system with a shunt trip device is taught in which the shunt trip device occupies a miniature circuit breaker case and utilizes features of the miniature circuit breaker case except that it is provided with a coil and two-piece armature which initiates the shunt tripping operation when properly energized to thus open the separable main contacts of side-by-side mounted circuit breakers having the same intermediate axial member. A back plate is provided for the two-piece joined armature member in the central region of the toroid, solenoid or coil to assist the snug fit of the two-piece core within the central opening of the bobbin of the solenoid and to provide a low reluctance bypass for the magnetic flux crossing the gap formed by the end abutments of the two-pieces of the magnetic core.

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 modular thermal magnetic trip unit includes the bimetal, magnet, armature and latch in a one-piece assembly. A latch opening is formed in a bottom part of the magnet on a side opposite the bimetal for receiving and retaining the tip of the cradle. The motion of the inodular assembly is accelerated by the combined thermal and magnetic forces acting in unison.

Abstract: A circuit breaker shunt trip accessory unit contains a solenoid driven plunger that interacts with the circuit breaker operating mechanism to interrupt circuit current by means of an external signal. A mechanical override feature insures operation of a blocked solenoid plunger once the source of the blocking is removed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with improved magnetic trip assembly includes electrical contacts operable between a closed position in which a circuit is completed and an open position in which the circuit is interrupted, a latchable operating mechanism operable to open the electrical contacts when unlatched and a trip bar rotatable from a biased position to a trip position to unlatch the operating mechanism. The circuit breaker further includes a magnetic trip assembly comprising a stationary magnetic structure, a movable armature which is attracted to the stationary magnetic structure by an abnormal current through the conductor to rotate the trip bar to the trip position and a plate means mounted to the movable armature and disposed between the armature and the stationary magnetic structure. The plate means adjusts the amount of abnormal current required to attract the movable armature to the stationary magnetic structure and in turn rotate the trip bar.