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: In a circuit breaker, bag-like insulating covers 15 are formed integrally with each holder support 14. The holder support 14 is combined with a movable contact holder 13 for holding a movable contact 4, so as to press and retain the movable contact 4 by a contact spring 5. A pair of leg portions of a magnetic drive yoke 6 are inserted into each of the insulating covers 15. Thus, the magnetic drive yokes 6 are covered with the insulating covers 15 so that there is no risk of an interphase short-circuit. In addition, the magnetic drive yokes 6 are unitized with a movable contact mechanism so that the work of assembling the circuit breaker becomes easy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of electrical units for controlling power units, comprising a contactor breaker (CD) with a plurality of current-breaking poles actuated by a solenoid (E) and by a control and slipping mechanism (D, S) on the one hand, and by an auxiliary module (MS) plugged on the power outputs of the contactor breaker and connected by control links to the latter on the other hand, characterized by the fact that it includes a control connection block (R) provided with control connectors (G) which connect to control outputs (A1, A2, 21, 22, 14, 13) of the contactor breaker onto which a control terminal (Ba) may be connected alternatively and with control connectors (J) which connect to control outputs (S1, S2, S3, 82, 84, 81) of the auxiliary module (MS) onto which a control terminal (Bs) may be connected alternatively, with electrical links connecting said control connectors (G, J).

Abstract: A magnetic release system for a circuit breaker, the magnetic release system includes a contact structure; a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shaped collar having a pole face, the u-shaped collar disposed around the strap; a release lever disposed proximate the pole face, the release lever rotatably mounted on the strap; wherein the release lever is releasably engaged with the contact structure; and wherein the release lever prevents movement of the contact structure at the first level of electrical current and releases the contact structure at the second level of electrical current.

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 breaker which has an auxiliary coil fitted onto the primary bobbin adjacent the pole piece having a dielectric auxiliary bobbin and a dielectric bobbin housing encapsulating the auxiliary coil and forming an encapsulated auxiliary coil assembly. Both the dielectric auxiliary bobbin and the dielectric bobbin housing are comprised of a polymeric material, preferably a liquid-crystal polymer. Preferably, the liquid-crystal polymer is an aromatic liquid-crystal polyester which is reinforced with about 30% glass and has a nematic liquid-crystal structure. Furthermore, it is preferred for the dielectric strength of the liquid-crystal polymer to be about 32 KV/mm to about 35 KV/mm.

Abstract: A circuit breaker of the invention is formed of an attached switch installed in a breaker main body case and moving synchronously with an opening and closing lever of an opening and closing mechanism section to detect ON or OFF status of the circuit breaker. The attached switch has an operating lever moving vertically and placed opposite a tip of the opening and closing lever when the attached switch is installed in the main body case. The operating lever has an interlocking hook additionally provided thereon and linked with the opening and closing lever so as to hook the tip thereof, and an attached switch housing section formed in the main body case has a hook guide at a bottom thereof for guiding, in a position where the attached switch is installed, the interlocking hook to a position where the interlocking hook engages the opening and closing lever.

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: An auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker of the split case type. The switch is capable of switching the rated interrupt current capacity of the breaker and is fitted in to the circuit breaker case so that the overall width is substantially equal to or less than the overall width of the circuit breaker. Several embodiments of the auxiliary switch disclose various features which contribute to increasing the interrupt current rating and/or down sizing the width of the auxiliary switch.

Abstract: A relay is provided for a transfer mechanism which transfers power between a utility source and a stand-by electrical generator. The relay incorporates contacts formed from two distinct materials. A backing portion of each contact is formed from copper and a contacting portion is deposited on the backing portion. The contacting portion is formed from tungsten. The arrangement of the contact minimizes the potential for failure of the transfer mechanism when the transfer mechanism is exposed to significant current and/or heating during operation thereof.

Abstract: A switch having a molded article of which the entirety or a part is composed of an organic and inorganic complex composition is provided, wherein the base inside of the base of a box is composed of for example an organic and inorganic complex composition with the resin content at 15 to 70 wt % and the content of one or more inorganic compounds capable of dehydration at 150° C. or more at 80 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: A making operation preventing device 130 has a releasing trigger 19 for retaining, via a releasing latch 18, a breaking lever 36 to which a torque in a counterclockwise direction is applied by an opening torsion bar 34; a releasing electromagnet 20 for opening an on-off contact 10 by releasing the engagement between the releasing trigger 19 and the releasing latch 18 to rotate the breaking lever 36 in a counterclockwise direction; a cam 3 rotated as one body with a gear 40 connected via a link 41 to a making lever 37 to which a torque in a counterclockwise direction is applied by a closing torsion bar 35; a making trigger 15 which retains a second pin 13 attached to the cam 3 via a making latch 14 and maintains the closing torsion bar 35 in a prestressing state; a releasing electromagnet 16 for driving a trigger lever 16d in a right direction to release the engagement between the making latch 14 and the making trigger 15, and an interlocking electromagnet for rotating the trigger lever 16d in a counterclockwi

Abstract: In a three-phase switchgear apparatus having two adjacent poles per phase, the inner pole of each side phase is equipped with a magnetic compensation circuit designed to optimize the current distribution between the two poles and of each side phase in balanced three-phase operation. This arrangement enables the currents flowing in the two poles of either of the side phases to be balanced, by specifically reducing the current intensity and temperature in the inner pole of the side phases.

Abstract: A low-voltage multipole circuit breaker with high electrodynamic strength comprises a case made of insulating material, subdivided into a front compartment housing an operating mechanism commanding opening and closing of the circuit breaker and a rear compartment separated from the front compartment by an intermediate wall. The rear compartment is itself subdivided into individual compartments by separating partitions, each individual compartment housing one of the poles of the circuit breaker. The operating mechanism is linked to a pole shaft common to all the poles. The pole shaft is located in the rear compartment and supported by bearings passing through the separating partitions.

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: 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: 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: An electromagnetic actuator for a circuit breaker having a pair of relatively moveable contacts is disclosed. The actuator includes primary actuator coupled to at least one of the contacts by a link mechanism operable to provide closing and holding forces to the contacts of the circuit breaker and a secondary, faster acting actuator which, on tripping thereof, provides sufficient force to at least initiate opening of the contacts by the configuration of the link mechanism. The secondary actuator includes a stored energy latch which has a permanent magnet flux circuit for providing a holding force and a coil connected to receive a trigger signal to overcome the permanent magnet flux to trip the latch.

Abstract: This mechanism comprises a fixed contact (3), a mobile contact (4) mounted in a support (5) pivoting on the casing (2), an operating knob (13) actuating a pivoting pawl (16) via a link rod (15), forming a toggle lever system, and a trip element (25) which can be actuated by electromagnetic and/or thermal circuit-breaking means.

Abstract: A multipole circuit breaker includes an arcing chamber housing with a number of arcing chambers, corresponding to the number of poles, arranged next to each other. Each arcing chamber has a hinged contact bridge cooperating with a stationary contact arrangement. An interrupter shaft common to the poles of the multipole circuit breaker and including a number of shaft segments made of an insulating material, in each of which a contact bridge is arranged, is provided. The adjoining shaft segments are joined to each other by a respective coupling element, each coupling element including two tab-shaped parts joined to each other by a support shaft. Each tab-shaped part supports at least two first connecting pins on a side facing away from the support shaft and extending in an axial direction. The shaft segments each include recesses a side facing the coupling element, the recesses for receiving the connecting pins.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts disposed in the housing and rotatable between a contact open position and a contact closed position, and an operating mechanism disposed in the housing and interconnected with the contacts for rotating the contacts alternatively between the contact open position and the contact closed position. The operating mechanism includes a handle moveable by an operator between handle open and handle closed positions normally corresponding to and resulting in the contact open position and the contact closed position, with the handle including a protrusion. The operating mechanism further includes a crossbar assembly for rotating with the contacts as the contacts rotate between the contact open position and the contact closed position.

Abstract: A shock resistant under-voltage release mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a magnetic tripping device resiliently mounted onto a mounting bracket with one or more resilient mounts. The magnetic tripping device includes a plunger that selectively engages a trip button of the circuit breaker when the voltage supplied to a coil of the magnetic tripping device drops below a given preset limit voltage. The resilient mounts each include first and second flanges, with a hub extending between the first and second flanges. The resilient mount is mounted on the mounting bracket of the under-voltage release mechanism such that the hub is disposed against a mounting hole formed in the mounting bracket, and the first and second flanges are disposed against the opposite faces of the mounting bracket. A fastener is slidingly received through an opening formed in each resilient mount and is attached onto an attachment hole formed on a coil frame of the magnetic tripping device.

Abstract: A power shut-off connector has contact terminals 55, 56 coming into sliding contact with a moving pin 43, a mating portion 54 and a retaining member 45 of the moving pin, an urging member 62 and a driving member (solenoid) 42 with respect to the moving pin. One side of a locking member 45 as a retaining member is coupled to the plunger 44 of a solenoid 42 and the other side is pivotally supported with a bracket 46 and besides the locking member is mated with the mating portion. The solenoid 42 is provided with a second plunger 150 symmetrically and by coupling a second locking member 151 to the plunger 150, the plunger may be mated with the second mating portion 65 of the moving pin 43. In place of the locking member 151, the plunger 44 may be pulled by means of a weight and a folded wire.

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 trip actuator (66) includes a trip spring (106) to bias the trip arm (104) in a clockwise direction about trip arm pivot (120). In the latched and ready to operate state, the clockwise moment about the axis of the latch pivot (132) created by force “F” opposes the counterclockwise moment created about the axis of the latch pivot (132) created by the horizontal component “fx” of force “f”, to hold the latch (110) in the upright position against the force of the trip arm (104). When a trip (triggering) signal is provided to the flux shifter (102), the flux shifter (102) releases the plunger (130). With the force “F” removed, the trip arm (104) will drive the latch pin (134), causing the latch (110) to rotate counterclockwise about the latch pivot (132). As the latch (110) and trip arm (104) rotate, the latch pin (134) slides off the latch surface (126), fully releasing the trip arm (104) and allowing the trip paddle (96) to move the secondary latch tab (50).

Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) including a terminal barrier system (140). The terminal barrier system (140) includes a terminal barrier (142) attached to a circuit breaker base (12) at the terminals (16, 18), line and load, of the breaker (10) and a terminal connector (144) mounted in the terminal barrier (142) to align with a terminal (16, 18) of the breaker (10). Several embodiments of the terminal barrier (142) and terminal connector (144) are provided which allow flexibility in combining the various terminal barriers and terminal connectors for a given current rating of the breaker (10). The terminal barrier system (140) protects the terminals (16, 18) of the circuit breaker during short circuit condition operations, prevents pole to pole electrification and prevents accidental contact with live electrical wires in the contacts (42, 44).

Abstract: An electromagnetic switchgear unit has an electromagnetic drive appliance which acts as an auxiliary magnet system and by means of which the contact force is first increased on the occurrence of a short-circuit current, before the contacts are abruptly torn apart. For this purpose, the drive appliance actuates a lever rotatably supported on the contact bridge carrier, which lever displaces the contact bridge carrier and, by this means, compresses a contact compression spring and a further compression spring.

Abstract: A magnetic flux concentrator shield is disclosed for use with magnetic flux sensors in an overload relay for multiple pole electromagnetic contactor applications. The magnetic flux concentrating shield has slotted layers of laminated members. The layers have a series of pole shielding slots which concentrate magnetic flux generated by conductors carrying current through conductor apertures in each layer. Magnetic flux sensors are positioned within air gaps within each pole of the shield. By shielding the generated magnetic flux from reaching the magnetic flux sensor of another pole, the pole shielding slots minimize cross pole magnetic flux sensor interference.

Abstract: A two pole circuit breaker having arc fault and ground fault protection circuits, in addition to a standard thermal-magnetic trip units, that is designed to fit in a standard knock-out, three-quarter inch or one-inch, of a circuit breaker load center panel. The circuit breaker is divided into three compartments with two side-by-side compartments housing the electro-magnetic trip mechanism respectively for each pole, and a third compartment in tandem with the other two for housing the electronics associated with the ground fault and arc fault protection circuits. The circuit breaker spans the area allocated to a single knock-out with portions of the electro-magnetic trip compartments seated within the knock-out opening and with the third compartment hidden behind the panel.

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

Abstract: The circuit breaker pole or poles comprise a movable contact means with a support carrier movable with respect to the frame between an open position and a closed position and one or more contact fingers movable with respect to the support carrier between a contact position and a retracted position. Electromagnetic compensation means are designed to apply electromagnetic forces on the contact finger or fingers tending to keep the contact finger or fingers in contact with the stationary contact means. Electromagnetic limiting means are designed to apply electromagnetic forces on the contact finger or fingers tending to drive the finger or fingers to their retracted position.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a frame; a latch rotatably supported on the frame; a holder rotatably supported on the frame and having a movable contact; a handle lever rockably supported on the frame by lever shafts; a toggle link formed of first and second links rotationally connected by a toggle shaft; and a switching spring. A free end of the first link is rotatably connected to the latch, and a free end of the second link is rotatably connected to the holder. The first and second links generally overlap each other to reduce the movement range of the toggle link to miniaturize a switching mechanism. The switching spring is situated between the toggle shaft and the handle lever at a side opposite to a switching handle with respect to the lever shaft.

Abstract: An electrical switching device prevents moving contacts from welding to stationary contacts in a switching device. This is achieved using an auxiliary magnet system in the main current path, which system produces a contact pressure force corresponding to the excitation current so that no arcs are produce between the contacts when overcurrents and short-circuit currents occur. The moving iron core of the auxiliary magnet system is for this purpose connected to the contact link mounting via which the contacts are switched on and off.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a power distribution system including an assembly with a support having an electrically conductive portion and an arm pivotally mounted to the first support for movement between a closed position and an open position. The arm has a conductive portion which is adapted to be electrically connected to one of a power source and a load and which is spaced from the conductive portion of the support both when the arm is in its closed position and when the arm is in its open position. The assembly further includes a spring biasing the arm to its open position, and a fuse electrically connected between the conductive portion of the arm and the conductive portion of the support. The fuse retains the arm in its closed position against the bias of the spring. When current flow causes the fuse to blow, the spring biases the arm to its open position thereby providing a visual indication that there is no current path from the source to the load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control and signalling device for a protective switching apparatus of the relay switch type which is provided with power switches (1) and a protection assembly (4) and is capable of detecting faults (overloads or overcurrents) on each current path associated with a switch (1), this device being actuated by a manual control member (51) which can take an operating "run" position corresponding to closed contacts, a "stop" position corresponding to open contacts and a "trip" position corresponding to the position after detection of a fault, characterised by the fact that it comprises a mobile spring loaded cam (52) actuated by a triggering spring (54) and capable of--from the "run" position in which it is locked by an automatic interlock (55) and after the triggering and release of the interlock (55)--of turning the manual control member (51) which then actuates the coil switch (81).

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a generally "Z" shaped intermediate latch structure which has upper and lower substantially planar sections that are each bent at an angle with respect to a center pivot section. The upper portion of the intermediate latch includes one or two latch surfaces. One of these latch surfaces engages the cradle of the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker, to latch the operating mechanism when the circuit breaker is closed. The other latch surface engages a trip bar or an intermediate latch bar, which is rotated by the trip unit when an overcurrent condition occurs. The lower portion of the intermediate latch structure also includes a latch surface which may engage a trip bar. This latch surface is sloped such that when the latch surface of the trip bar is moved along this sloped latch surface, the trip bar rotates.

Abstract: Photoelectric reflective object sensors are mounted in an exteriorly mounted auxiliary switch case to detect a member on a movable contact assembly of the contactor to produce logic level output signals indicative of the operational state of the contactor electromagnet. One or a pair of photoelectric sensors are used in a side mounted auxiliary switch to detect the contactor movable contact assembly in the energized or de-energized position, or en route between the two positions. A single photoelectric sensor is used in a top adder auxiliary switch to detect if the movable contact assembly is or is not in the extended (de-energized) position. The auxiliary switches provided logic level output signals directly usable with microprocessor based controllers.

Abstract: An electric switch (1) includes a switching device (4), movable between its ON position and OFF position, for switching a current circuit. The switch (1) is combined with a magnetic circuit (28, 29) for electromagnetic undervoltage tripping. In the event of undervoltage, the magnetic circuit (28, 29), as it opens, shifts the switching device (4) to its OFF position. The switching device (4) shifted to its OFF position closes the magnetic circuit (28, 29) again. A linearly movable fixing slide (24) couples the switching device (4) with the magnet armature (28) of the magnetic circuit and fixes the magnet armature (28) on the magnet core (29) in the OFF position of the switching device (4).

Abstract: The stray inductance created by the loop formed by voltage sensing conductors connected to opposite ends of the bimetal in a miniature circuit breaker for determining load current is reduced by joining a voltage sense bar to the free end of the bimetal. The voltage sense bar extends beside the bimetal toward the fixed end of the bimetal where an insulated wire connected to the free end of the sense bar forms a twisted pair with an insulated wire secured to the fixed end of the bimetal.

Abstract: A redundant power controller including two sets of switches, one of which is electrically controlled and the other is controlled manually. The electrically controlled switch is a relay-controlled switch which when detecting an abnormal input voltage, it sends out a positive voltage to cut off the power supply to the system. The mechanical switch is controlled manually to cut off the power supply to the system when needed.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device for interrupting current in a circuit path between a source and a load includes a first contact and a second contact cooperatively arranged in the circuit path so as to provide current from a source to a load. A trip mechanism assembly, which includes an armature, a bimetal and a yoke, is provided for interrupting the current. The armature includes an aperture in which a latch point is provided to engage a latching surface of a trip lever for latching the trip lever thereon. The amount of current that is required to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the circuit path is determined by the amount of overlap between the latching surface and the latch point. This overlap is adjusted by bending a calibration plate by tightening a calibration screw which extends through an aperture in a circuit breaker housing and a slotted aperture in the calibration plate. A substantially square shaped nut secures the calibration screw tightly against the housing.

Abstract: A switch including a breaker, the size and cost of which can be reduced is provided, the switch including a breaker having a structure such that a mechanical switch for turning an electric circuit on/off includes a breaker for interrupting the electric circuit. Moveable contacts arranged to approach and move apart from fixed contacts are elastically urged in a direction where the moveable contacts move apart from the fixed contacts. When the breaker is set, the moveable contacts are located apart from the fixed contacts in such a manner that a short distance is maintained. By switching the mechanical switch on, a solenoid is operated to bring the moveable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts. When the breaker is operated, the elastic urging force is suspended to move the moveable contacts apart from the fixed contacts for a distance longer than a distance for which the moveable contacts are located apart from the fixed contacts when the mechanical switch is switched off.

Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker includes an interrupter assembly that includes an over-molded magnet, arc stack, baffle stack, and a chamber liner in which a trip unit is described.

Abstract: A vehicle battery disabling apparatus for disconnecting a battery of a vehicle including a solenoid having a retracted orientation when electrically energized and an extended orientation when de-energized; a first switch mechanism coupleable between an electrical system of the vehicle and its battery and further engaged with the solenoid and having a first orientation when the solenoid is de-energized for allowing electrical energy to be delivered from the battery to the electrical system and a second orientation when the solenoid is energized for preventing such delivery; a spring-loaded plunger having a biased and extended orientation when impact pressure is applied thereto and an unbiased and retracted orientation when no impact pressure is applied; and a second switch mechanism coupled to the solenoid and further positioned in juxtaposed relation to the plunger and having an activated orientation when the plunger is momentarily abutted thereagainst in its biased and extended orientation for energizing the

Abstract: A circuit breaker with parallel resistor which can satisfy contradictory requirements to induce a preliminary discharge at the time of closing action and to maintain a high interelectrode insulation at the time of interrupting action has been provided in a simple and compact size. The circuit breaker of the invention includes movable unit 41 and stationary unit 31 both on the side of main contact S1, and movable unit 21 and stationary unit 11 both on the side of resistance closing contact S2, wherein the movable unit 21 on the side of the resistance closing contact S1 comprises shield 23 which is adapted either to move lagging behind the movement of movable electrode 22 or to open at its front side during closing action of the circuit breaker such that a preliminary discharge is readily generated between the movable electrode 22 and the stationary electrode 23 in precedence to the main contact.

Abstract: An electrical power disconnect switch is disclosed which provides for mechanical or manual tripping operation, as well as electrical or automatic tripping operation. The switch includes a latch pin, a switch body including a handle member, and fixed and movable contacts. A biasing spring biases the contacts to an open position. The latch pin has an electrical trip coil surrounding it to cause the latch pin to releasably hold the switch body in a position such that the contacts are closed. The latch pin is retracted from the switch body by manual depression of a handle member, causing the contacts to open. Alternatively, the latch pin is released from the switch body to open the contacts when current ceases to flow through the electrical trip coil. The current flowing through the electrical trip coil is supplied from a protection circuit. In an automobile application, the protection circuit may be, for example, a hood open or crash detection circuit.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided which comprises low-shrinkage, wet-type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C.) having high thermal conductivity, glass fibers, and a particulate aluminum nitride filler having high thermal conductivity. Also provided is an electrical component housing which possesses high thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties including a body of a low-shrinkage, wet-type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C.) composition having high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a compressive turning spring hung between a movable contact arm pivoted at an end to a handle rotatably mounted to a first reference position and a cradle pivotably mounted to a second reference position and disengageably locked to an abnormal current detection and trip mechanism. Under normal operation of the breaker, the turning spring exerts a contact pressure between movable and fixed contacts. Upon detection of an abnormal current, the turning spring is caused to turn so as to open the contacts. With this arrangement, the dispositions of constituent elements and their interlocking assembly can be simplified.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a pivotally mounted contact arm assembly, formed as a clinch joint. The contact arm assembly is a bifurcated assembly formed from two coextensive members fastened together at one end defining a surface for carrying a movable main contact. The other end of the members is bent outwardly defining spaced apart arm portions for receiving a pivot bracket. The pivot bracket is provided with an aperture and aligned with apertures in the spaced apart portions for receiving a pivot pin and defining a pivot axis. The pivot bracket is rigidly connected to a load conductor. The current that flows through the contact arm is transferred to bosses integrally formed adjacent the apertures in the pivot bracket. Screw adjustable spring members are provided for adjusting the friction and the electrical resistance between the contact surfaces of the contact arm assembly and the bosses.

Abstract: Self-coordinated device for the control and protection of electric motors and electrical equipment, for example, comprising, in a housing (2), a single control solenoid (5), a magnetothermal release device (M), a movable main contact (4) with a double break for each phase, which main contacts (4) are mounted on a contact-carrying bar (25) which is slidable and elastically preloaded (31), with which there interacts a composite mechanism (A) for the control of circuit-opening comprising two interacting mechanisms (B; C). One mechanism (B) interacts with the control solenoid (5) for desired circuit openings and for current surges. Both mechanisms (B; C) cause circuit-opening when short-circuit currents occur, more precisely with a double pushing action on the contact-carrying bar (25). The mechanism (C) also interacts with a locking mechanism (D) interacting in turn with a control knob (3) for the manual opening of the main contacts (4).