Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker, which includes a circuit breaker housing, a button mechanism, an operating mechanism, a moving contact, and a static contact, wherein the operating mechanism includes a supporting member, a buckle member, a catch member, and a switching-off rod, the switching-off rod includes a switching-off rod connecting end and a switching-off rod driving end.

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: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a bimetal restraint adapted to restrain a bimetal of a circuit breaker from deformation beyond a predetermined threshold during a short circuit event. In certain exemplary embodiments, the bimetal restraint can be adapted to act as a shunt during the short circuit event to transfer electrical energy from an electrical energy source to a load side of the circuit breaker.

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 heater assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The heater assembly includes a heater element and an elongated bimetal. The heater element includes first and second ends, an intermediate portion disposed therebetween and an aperture disposed proximate the first end. The elongated bimetal includes opposing first and second ends, and is movable between first and second positions corresponding respectively to the separable contacts of the electrical switching apparatus being closeable, and to the first end of the elongated bimetal cooperating with a trip bar to cause an operating mechanism to open the separable contacts. The second end of the elongated bimetal is coupled to the intermediate portion of the heater element. When the elongated bimetal is disposed in the first position, the first end of the elongated bimetal extends beyond the upper surface of the first end of the heater element into the aperture of the heater element.

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: An electronic trip unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The electronic trip unit has a processing circuit, and a real time clock circuit that is operational in the absence of current in the circuit breaker. The processing circuit is responsive to input signals representative of a current in the circuit breaker, and the real time clock circuit is in signal communication with the processing circuit. In response to an off event at the circuit breaker following a current flow condition thereat, the real time clock circuit is configured to generate time information relating to the circuit breaker being off as a result of the off event for use by the processing circuit.

Abstract: A fast engage, slow release electrical actuator combines an electromagnetic actuator with a thermal actuator, the latter which retains the electromagnetic actuator after the former has been actuated to delay the release thereof.

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 pair of shunt wire spacer pins provides for proper spacing between the shunt wires extending from the movable arm to the bimetal within a circuit breaker, thereby ensuring that the shunt wires do not come together during over-current conditions within the circuit breaker, and preventing the shunt wires from interfering with the movement of the trip bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low voltage switchgear with a bimetallic actuator, especially to a motor safety switch. The aim of the invention is to improve such a low voltage switchgear so that the fabrication and assembly tolerances are widely compensated for. To this end, the two-part (21, 22) housing (2) of the switchgear (1) is provided with an opening (23), that is closed with a protective cover (24). By way of said opening (23), the bimetallic component (51) and the jack system are accessible for the purpose of measurement and a bridge system (52) of the bimetallic actuator (5) that is calibrated on the basis of the measured values can be mounted therethrough.

Abstract: A load conductor for use with a circuit breaker includes a load terminal and a conductive tang engaged with one another. The load terminal is manufactured out of a first material having a first electrical conductivity, and the tang is manufactured out of a second material having a second electrical conductivity. The first electrical conductivity of the first material is such that the load terminal remains at a desirably high temperature during operation of the circuit breaker to avoid interference with the function of a bimetallic strip mounted on the load terminal. The tang extends across a bend formed in the load terminal to avoid the bend from becoming undesirably hot during operation of the circuit breaker. The tang also provides additional conductive cross-section and a higher conductivity surface to reduce the temperature of the load terminal in the vicinity of the clamped joint between the load terminal and the load. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and method for interrupting the flow of electric current in a line having a load and a source including a first switch connected in series with the line and a first actuating device coupled to the first switch and adapted to be actuated by at least one activating signal, to move the first switch from the closed position to the open position. A resistor having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity is connected in series with the first switch and a voltage limiting device is connected in parallel with the resistor. A second actuating device is coupled to the first switch and is adapted to be actuated by at least one remote control activating signal, to move the first switch to the open position or to the closed position. The second actuating device further includes a coil and a second switch connected to the coil and to the line, the second switch adapted for activating the coil upon the receipt of the remote control activating signal.

Abstract: A two-pole miniature circuit breaker is configured for calibration of both pole mechanisms with the circuit breaker fully assembled. The identical pole mechanisms are mounted in the same orientation in parallel outer compartments of a molded housing with the metal support frame of one pole against the outer housing wall and the frame of the other spaced from the associated outer wall. A coupler couples the two-pole mechanisms together for simultaneous opening of both poles when either pole is tripped has an actuating member on each end which engages the trip device of the associated pole. The actuating member, at least of the pole with the metal frame spaced from the housing outer wall, is configured to provide direct access for a calibration tool inserted through a calibration opening in the housing to engage a calibration slot in the metal frame.

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: An electronic circuit interrupter is protected against thermal damage upon loosening of the lug connectors that connect the circuit interrupter with the load circuit. Thermal sensing elements attached to the lugs connect with the circuit interrupter trip unit to initiate circuit interruption when the temperature sensed exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker for residential use employs an additional safety feature to ensure a fail-safe condition in the event that the circuit breaker is installed within a circuit that may be subjected to an excessive over-current fault that disables the circuit breaker trip unit. The integral bimetal-fuse within the circuit breaker trip unit responds to interrupt circuit current before any damage can occur to the associated electrical wiring system.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker utilizes a thermally responsive trip unit for providing long and short-time overcurrent protection and a magnetically responsive trip unit for instantaneous or short-circuit protection. An electrically and thermally insulative lever interfaces between the thermal element and the circuit breaker trip response bar to linearize the movement of the thermal trip element in response to circuit current.

Abstract: A bimetallic thermal release element (34) for use in a thermally actuated tripping mechanism, and in particular used in electrical circuit breakers (10) wherein the load current is passed through the bimetallic element has a self-aligning floating latch member (141) configured to engage the release member and to disengage therefrom when the bimetallic element bows a sufficient amount at a given temperature or current. The bimetallic element is preferably an elongated member supported at its ends (128, 130) by side members (28, 42). An increased sensitivity is imparted to the bimetallic element by mounting the side members for rotation to accommodate the bowing.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy consists of a three element alloy of nickel-titanium-copper which is formed as being subjected to a cold working and to a heat treatment at a temperature below recrystallization point of the alloy for storing the shape, the alloy being thereby improved in operation stability and reliability even after repetitive operation and made wider in environmental temperature range for use therein of the alloy.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for breaking current conduction between line and load connectors in response to tripping of a bimetallic thermal element as a result of an over-current condition is disclosed. According to the invention, a trip crossbar is permitted to translate as well as rotate to relieve stress on the thermal element.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker bimetal trip unit arrangement substantially reduces the variation in trip characteristics between circuit breakers employing the improved bimetal. The number of circuit breakers failing the in-line calibration test is correspondingly substantially reduced.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a thermal tripping device comprising a bimetal element and a heater has a holding member attached to the stationary part of the bimetal element, for holding the bimetal element and the heater at respective first end parts thereof. The holding member has an arm connected to a flexible copper wire and generates heat when an over-current flows through it, the arm conducting this heat to the attached end part of the bimetal element to cause the bimetal element to bend and deflect a second end thereof to provide circuit breaking action.

Abstract: A line terminal assembly is provided for a circuit breaker. The line terminal assembly includes a line terminal which has an interior arm and first and second exterior arms with a bimetallic element connected to the interior arm. A screw passes through a bracket and threadably engages the interior arm. Torquing the screw causes the interior arm and bimetallic element to move relative to the exterior arms thereby varying the tripping current of the breaker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a bimetallic element and an electromagnetic element. The bimetallic element has one end connected to the line terminal and the other end connected to the pigtail connector. A shunt is connected at one end to the pigtail connector and has a contact on the other end matable with the line terminal contact. The shunt is connected at one end to the pigtail connector immobilizing the pigtail so that it does not interfere with the operation of the bimetallic element. The electromagnet is positioned about the bimetallic element and has an armature which is movable to trip the circuit breaker. The shunt element has a spring connected which biases the armature away from the electromagnet.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker wherein a movable contact arm (8) is operated between open and closed positions with a stationary contact (4b) by an operating mechanism which controls an overcenter toggle drive spring (12) and which is automatically openable upon sensing overload conditions by releasing a latched lever (10) for carrying the line of action of the drive spring (12) across the pivot (8a) of the movable contact arm (8). The current sensing trip means (16) for unlatching the latched lever (10) is formed of a shape memory effect alloy to provide a significant amount of travel of the latching end thereof in response to a narrow band of current thereby to insure release of the latch lever (10) without need for calibrating the breaker.

Abstract: A combined magnetic and thermal activated relay for use in alarm systems. The relay includes a thermal activated bimetal switch in series with the current through the magnetic coil which activates a magnetic switch. The thermal switch is in a normally closed state and the magnetic switch is in a normally open state. When current passes through the coil the magnetic switch changes from its normally open to a closed state applying voltage potential for an external requirement. The heat generated by the coil's resistance to current flow heats the core of the magnetic coil, and after reaching an elevated temperature level the thermal activated switch changes from its normally closed state to an open state opening the current flow path through the magnetic coil causing the magnetic switch to return to its normal open state removing voltage for the external requirement. The switching operation of the thermal switch cycles with temperature changes.

Abstract: A circuit breaker suitable for use on both AC and DC circuits includes a magnetically permeable core surrounding a current carrying conductor of the circuit breaker. A bimetal member is thermally coupled to the core such that induction heating of the core due to overload AC current flowing through the conductor is operative to deflect the bimetal and actuate a trip device. The circuit breaker also includes a pair of braided copper shunts connected between the conductor and the bimetal such that resistive heating of the conductor due to overload DC current flow through the breaker will cause the bimetal to deflect and actuate a trip device. The bimetal is mechanically isolated from the conductor such that relative movement therebetween will not affect thermal calibration of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker including a U-shaped bimetal operably associated with a trip crossbar to effect rotation of the crossbar and subsequent opening of breaker contacts in response to heating of the bimetal to a predetermined temperature by the passage of an electrical current of a selected magnitude therethrough. The bimetal provides self-contained adjustment through the use of a calibration screw threaded into the lower leg of the bimetal which exerts force through an insulating member to the upper leg of the bimetal permitting ready calibration of the bimetal according to ampere rating of the particular circuit breaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuit breakers of a particular class, namely, the type in which a toggle is manually erected to drive a "heart" as a unit for closing the circuit breaker. The "heart" includes a contact arm, an actuator, and overcurrent releasable latch means which collectively form a normally latched unit. Under excess-current conditions, the latch means releases the actuator, and contact arm then opens the circuit.The latch means includes a conventional bimetal fixed at one end to the contact arm. The bimetal carries a pivoted latch lever, and is surrounded by a core-and-armature unit adjacent its secured end, for operating the latch lever in response to high overcurrents. High magnetic trip sensitivity is achieved in a construction wherein the whole electromagnet moves with the contact arm, without resort to a current-carrying coil for the electromagnet.

Abstract: An overload circuit breaker has a housing and a tripping device supported in the housing and having a helically wound, current-carrying bimetal strip composed of two face-to-face arranged metal components situated, respectively, at the inside and at the outside of the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip has a tripping portion which executes a tripping motion as the bimetal strip undergoes deformation under the effect of heat generated by an excess current flowing through the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip is formed of two electrically serially connected, oppositely wound bimetal helices each having an outer end constituting the opposite ends of the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip is affixed to the housing at both of its opposite ends. Further, the bimetal helices each have an inner end connected to one another by a coupling part. The coupling part constitutes the tripping portion of the bimetal strip.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with a thermally responsive latching member connected in circuit between a load terminal and a movable contact. A mounting member, holding a portion of the latching member adjacent one end thereof, is pivotally mounted in the circuit breaker housing. A U-shaped field piece is affixed to the mounting member with legs of the piece extending at both sides and toward the latching member, and toward an armature spaced on the opposite side of the latching member. The armature has its associated armature spring provided with an annular boss which is adapted to fit within a locating hole in the latching member. The field piece is adapted to intercept lines of flux of a magnetic field created by a predetermined amount of current flowing through the latching member to attract the armature to rotate the latching member thereby disengaging a latching surface of the latching member from a trip arm, releasing the trip arm for movement to a tripped position.

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. In addition, a bimetal actuated device sensitive to air temperature within the breaker housing is provided for automatically opening the breaker when air temperature within the housing exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: Circuit breaker having a trip arm which is released during tripping of the breaker under overcurrent conditions. One end of a contact opening arm is pivotally mounted on the trip arm. When the trip arm is released, the trip arm also contacts the other end of the contact opening arm forcing it against the contact carrier which supports the movable contact thereby opening the contacts.