Abstract: A thermal relay is disclosed which can be remotely re-set and/or tripped by means of remote control electromagnets.The case of the relay has second fixing means adapted to receive first fixing means belonging to one and the same electromagnet can in which an extension of the core or plate is orientable so as to come opposite each of the re-setting and testing pushers placed on the front face of the relay.

Abstract: A limiting circuit breaker with a molded case comprises an overpressure actuator which, when an overpressure occurs in the arc extinguishing chamber due to the action of an arc drawn by the electrodynamic repulsion of the contacts, brings about actuation by a piston, subjected to this overpressure, of the circuit breaker trip bar. The overpressure actuator forms an almost leaktight assembly.

Abstract: A circuit breaker control system includes a motor driven fork assembly, activated from a remote location, for simultaneously opening all of the breaker load contacts and locking them in an open condition. A DC voltage is selectively applied to energize the reversible DC motor. The switch at the remote location can be operated to enable a user-customer to return the breaker to operable condition at the breaker site. This is accomplished with an SCR circuit that is enabled by the remote switch and actuated by the user to operate the motor in a reverse direction to release the load contacts.

Abstract: An assembly frame having first and second frame plates secures the movable parts of a breaker assembly together for ready assembly of the breaker assembly in a housing. A pivot pin supports the trip lever between the frame plates. The movable contact carrying blade has an elongated hole through which the pivot pin passes, the elongate hole forming a floating point for the pivot pin.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker with a visual access slot next to the circuit breaker operating handle allows the conditions of the circuit breaker contacts to be visually ascertained. To prevent inadvertent displacement of the circuit breaker operating handle when the circuit breaker is connected within an electrical distribution circuit, a handle guard is positioned over the circuit breaker operating handle. The handle guard is arranged such that the circuit breaker operating handle is free to reciprocate between the ON, OFF and TRIPPED positions while the operating handle guard is in position.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit, for selected one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit is operated by a fault. A push rods acts in conjunction with a transmission lever to either provide an indication of the state of contact connection or to actuate tripping. An indication mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a limiting contact maker is divulged comprising two levers which act respectively on two pusher blocks actuating the switches of a change-over contact maker. Each of these levers, articulated about a fixed shaft, comprises a roller applied to the profile of a rotary cam by a spring. This cam may pass from a locked automatic operational position in which it allows the switches to close by maintaining the levers away from the pusher blocks, to a tripped position in which the lever acts on the pusher blocks for holding the switches in the open position.

Abstract: A low voltage electrical power circuit breaker in which an actuator in the form of a pushrod controls the separation of arcing contacts by an actuating mechanism, a force-actuated mechanical latching assembly is interposed between the pushrod and the actuating mechanism. Under fault current conditions, the current-induced force tending to open the contacts exerts sufficient force on the latch assembly to unlatch it, thereby permitting the contacts to open freely on their own, without waiting for the operation of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit (300), for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a compact electromagnetic unit (200) and a movable contact (11, 12) which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of the electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit (400) is operated by a fault.

Abstract: A compact circuit breaker utilizing an electronic trip unit for overcurrent determination contains a compact slot motor and a compact arc chute to minimize and control the arc that occurs when the circuit breaker fixed and movable contacts become separated upon intense overcurrent conditions. The fixed contact is arranged on a fixed contact arm that includes an arc runner for rapidly directing the arc into the arc chute.

Abstract: The limiting circuit breaker comprises a Thomson effect propelling device for opening of the contacts.The main contact bridge is securedly united to an operating rod surrounded by an annular opening coil of the propelling device. The latter comprises an opening disk which is movable in relation to the rod and an annular piston securedly united to the rod, springs being disposed between the disk and the piston, so as to return the disk to the rest position facing the coil at the end of the opening travel.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a toggle assembly having upper toggle links secured to U-shaped members of a cradle assembly with a hardened pin. The pin is formed with annular grooves disposed intermediate the ends forming a center sleeve portion and stop surfaces at each end. The center sleeve portion is slightly longer than the width of the U-shaped member to provide spacing between the upper toggle links and the U-shaped members. The upper toggle links are formed with U-shaped slots disposed at one end which are received in the annular grooves. The U-shaped slots formed at the other end of the toggle links are offset from the longitudinal axis of the toggle links and receive the pin. The upper toggle links are assembled such the offset U-shaped grooves are disposed in opposite directions to help secure the the assembly together.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit, for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of an electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state, in which the electromagnetic unit is automatically disconnected from actuating power when an operation handle is in the OFF position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker wherein at least a pin sliding surface of a guide hole of a first contact arm, at least a pin sliding surface of a long hole of a second contact arm, and at least a contact surface of a second pin in contact with both the pin sliding surfaces, are treated by low-friction treatment to reduce frictional resistance, and surface-treated to provide surfaces exempt from attachment of molten metal caused by arcing; and furthermore at least the pin sliding surface of the first contact arm and at least the pin sliding surface of the long hole of the second contact arm are hardened to provide both the pin sliding surfaces with greater hardness than the second pin, thereby ensuring smooth movement of the second pin.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle affording ground fault protection includes a movable latch block having spaced surfaces supporting the free ends of a pair of parallel, electrically conducting arms. The arms are anchored at their opposite ends and are held in a flexed position, with a pair of contacts mounted on the movable, free ends of the arms in engagement with a pair of fixed contacts when the block is in a first, latched position. The latch is released in response to a sensed ground fault in the circuit, permitting movement of the block and free ends of the arms to disengage the movable contacts from the fixed contacts and open the circuit. The movable latch block is of dielectric material and includes a medial wall portion separating the two pairs of movable and fixed contacts, as well as the free ends of the arms. An end wall portion extends upwardly from and laterally across the forward edges of the spaced surfaces, perpendicular and integrally attached to the forward side of the medial wall portion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switch with a housing provided with at least one magnet system, comprising a stator body of magnetic material having an oblong chamber accomodating a movable armature of magnetic material, with an exciter winding for the excitation of a magnetic field in the at least one magnet system. A swingably supported first arm which can be brought into motion under the influence of the excited magnetic field. To actuate a pair of contacts a swingably supported second arm is provided and on each of the first and second arms one end of at least one leaf spring acts. The first and second arms extend on either side of the chamber at right angles to the lengthwise direction thereof in such a way that each of them can swing about their support point in the direction of the armature which is movable in the chamber between the arms. The free end of the first arm is coupled to the armature, which has an operating element which acts on the second arm.

Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus is provided with remote controlled opening and closing of its circuits and with supports for the mobile and fixed contacts which are adapted so as to promote repulsion forces which produce a limitation of the short circuit currents, in combination with a small mass of the mobile parts, the one supporting a retractable fixed contact being associated by an extension with a slide which is moved by the remote control electromagnet.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker with an improved space saving structure comprises first and second movable contacts 11 and 12 which are held respectively on first and second contact arms 31 and 32 and are driven individually by a switching mechanism 20 including a manual handle 22 with a contact tripping capability and by a remote control signal responsive electromagnet 60. An L-shaped actuator 80 with a horizontal member 81 and a vertical member 83 is provided to operatively connect the second contact arm 32 to an axially movable core 63, the output member of the electromagnet 60. The actuator 80 is pivoted at its connection between the horizontal and vertical members 81 and 83 and carries the second contact arm 32 on its vertical member 83 for pivotal movement of the second contact arm 32 between operative and inoperative positions respectively enabling and disabling the contact closing.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a quick change current transformer assembly. The current transformer is used to sense overcurrent conditions and apply a signal to an electronic trip unit to trip the circuit breaker. The quick change assembly includes an insulated removable plate located adjacent an open cavity in the housing in which the current transformer is located. The current transformer is donut-type disposed about a load-side conductor located in a cavity in the housing rigidly fastened to the circuit breaker frame. In order to replace a current transformer, the insulated back-plate is removed. Next the load-side conductor is unfastened and removed from the circuit breaker housing. The current transformer is then removed from the circuit breaker housing. In order to install a new current transformer, the steps are reversed.

Abstract: A modular option deck is disposed adjacent the trip bar of the circuit breaker to facilitate the addition of circuit breaker options, such as an undervoltage trip device and shunt trip device to the circuit breaker. The option deck includes an aperture disposed adjacent the trip bar to allow the actuating lever or plunger from the option device to communicate with the trip bar. The option devices are mounted on brackets having diametrically opposite downwardly extending L-shaped depending arms, adapted to be received in any one of a plurality of sets of slots provided on the deck. The brackets are quickly and easily slid into the slots on the bracket and secured in place.

Abstract: A cam roll pin assembly includes a cylindrical portion having an extending axle at each end for receiving a small roller and a relatively larger roller. The smaller roller is provided for engaging the cam surface on the contact assembly. The larger roller is received within a slot. Retaining rings are used to secure rollers on the axles. With such an arrangement the rollers are able to rotate independently. Thus, during a blow open condition, the contact points of the cam roll pin assembly can rotate in opposite directions without causing relatively large frictional forces on the cam roll pin which can slow down the blow open speed.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker with remote control capability includes an electromagnet energized by a remote control signal to open and close a power contact through a collapsible mechanical linkage. The breaker also includes a manual handle which is mechanically isolated from the mechanical linkage interposed between the electromagnet and the power contact but is connected to a control switch for opening and closing the same when it is manipulated between an ON-position and an OFF-position. The control switch is utilized to be connected in a control circuit for the electromagnet in a suitable electrical relation with an excitation coil of the electromagnet to provide a desired load managing control mode.

Abstract: A thermal relay is provided comprising, in a first cavity of a case, bi-metallic strips through which pass currents of a multi-phase network feeding a load through an electromagnetic contactor and, in a second cavity, an electromagnetic sub-assembly including break and signalling switches whose mobile contacts have pivoting axes and actuating points cooperating with a common piece, the whole forming a deformable parallelogram. The second cavity also contains toggle transmission means between the bi-metallic strips and said common piece as well as means for selecting the mode of operation of the switches. Toggle springs are associated with said mobile contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating handle formed from a plastic composition includes a handle access post and a curvilinear handle skirt. A pair of opposedly positioned detent members are integrally-formed on the surface of the handle skirt opposite the handle access post. The detents correspondingly engage the top planar surface of a U-shaped handle yoke which interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The circuit breaker operating handle is robotically down-loaded onto the handle operating yoke prior to attachment between the handle yoke and the circuit breaker operating mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus with remote control features for tripping off magnetothermal switches comprises at least one switch having a central core supporting trip-off linkages wherein a voltmeter coil is housed with each switch being connected to a respective one, e.g. a lamp, of user electric appliances.The apparatus also comprises a pushbutton control connected to each voltmeter coil in each magnetothermal switch for remotely and simultaneously operating the trip-off linkages to thus turn off simultaneously each electric appliance, while enabling function regaining by operating the corresponding switch locally.

Abstract: A circuit breaking apparatus with remote controlled opening and closing of its circuits is provided in which the supports of the fixed and mobile contacts are adapted so as to develop repulsion forces which produce an excellent limitation of the short circuit currents because no parasite mass is connected to the mobile contact despite the presence of an electromagnet which must actuate it through a pusher or a slide.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter comprising an automatic trip unit connected to an interrupting unit for tripping the interrupting unit to open separable contacts in response to an overcurrent, the automatic trip unit being a replaceable unit selected from a plurality of differing types of trip units including an electronic trip unit and a thermally responsive electromagnetic trip unit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has an insulated casing including an upper casing portion and a lower casing portion. A switching mechanism is attached to a frame which is seated in a positioning recess portion of the lower casing portion. The frame and switching mechanism are captured by extending support arms of the lower casing portion and are fixedly secured thereto to permit operation of the switching mechanism prior to final assembly of the upper and lower casing portions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a direct current measuring shunt characterized by a molded insulating housing having line and load terminals with two conductors extending between the terminals, a current measuring sensor between overlapping end portions of the conductors and having a laminated structure of two outer conductor blocks and an intermediate body of an electrically resistance alloy having opposite sides brazed to corresponding facing sides of the blocks, each conductor block having an electrical terminal connected to a measuring millivolt surface for measuring the volt differential across the body.

Abstract: A molded plastic rating plug enclosure houses the molded case circuit breaker rating plug printed circuit board. The rating plug enclosure is inserted within the circuit breaker cover and is adapted for removal from the circuit breaker cover by means of a special extractor tool. Access means for connecting a test jack with the circuit breaker trip unit printed circuit board and visual access means for an indicating diode are formed within the cover of the rating plug enclosure.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for use in remote load energy management systems and characterized by an insulating housing including opposite side walls, end walls and edge walls with a circuit breaker structure contained therein; a manual operator including a handle extending through an edge wall for actuating the structure between open and closed circuit conditions; an electromagnetic within the housing and including an armature for opening the circuit which armature is movable in an axis substantially perpendicular to the edge walls.

Abstract: The circuit breaker-contactor includes a circuit breaker part with mechanical contacts and a contactor part with mechanical contacts connected in series. A solid-state switch is connected in parallel to the contacts of the contactor part. A control unit controls the solid-state switch and the contactor part, in such a way as to close the circuit when the potential difference passes zero by conduction or interrupting the solid-state switch. The mechanical contacts perform only current conduction by shunting the switch in normal operation. The contacts of the circuit breaker part have associated with them an arcing electrode and a shunt circuit disposed to draw the arc, as soon as the contacts open, and to shunt the solid-state switch and contactor part mechanical contacts assembly.

Abstract: A power supply switch wherein a contact operating member pivotably supported at its middle is coupled at one end to an end of a spring link and at the other end to an end of a tension spring, the spring link is coupled at the other end substantially to the center of a movable contactor which carrying on one end a movable contact for engaging with and disengaging from a fixed contact as well as the other end of the tension spring, and the movable contactor is formed to have on the other end a latch part to which a latch member is engageable as operatively associated with a bimetal plate for tripping the latch member to disengage it from the latch part, whereby the switch is made to break the contacts specifically upon detection of any excessive current, while sufficiently minimizing the size of the entire switch and improving the operability with an effectively reduced spring load applied during rocking operation of the operating member.

Abstract: The pivot shaft which couples the contact arm to the side support plates of a molded-case type circuit breaker is provided with a pair of spacer members that hold the contact arm in precise centered position relative to the support plates and prevent the contact arm from shifting laterally along the pivot shaft during trip and reset operations of the circuit breaker. The movable contact thus swings along a fixed predetermined arcuate path when the circuit breaker is tripped and subsequently reset. The toggle assembly is also simplified and reduced in size and cost by employing a single, upper toggle link and pivot shafts that are each anchored in place by an integrally-formed shoulder at one end and a force-fitted lock washer at the other end.

Abstract: A remotely controllable relay comprises a rocker pivoted at an intermediate point for rocking at one end in normal or reverse direction in response to forward or backward motion of a movable member of an electromagnet means, and a movable contactor linked to the rocker for contacting with or separating from a fixed contactor in response to the rocking of the rocker. A larger momentum at the other end remote from the pivoted point of the rocker achieved with a smaller momentum of the movable member is utilized to sufficiently separate the movable contactor from the fixed contactor upon contact opening, the smaller momentum movable member allowing the electromagnet means to be minimized in size for a miniaturization of the relay and consumed power saving.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with at least one switching arrangement having a mobile contact and a retractable contact, this latter being supported by a pivoting lever; a tripping mechanism for causing the rapid opening of the mobile contact, an electromagnetic actuator having an element movable in translation under the effect of a control signal applied to the actuator and a mechanical coupling for transmitting the movement of the mobile element to the retractable contact, wherein the mechanical coupling is rigid and moves in translation according to a translation plane parallel to the movement of the mobile element and it is coupled to said pivoting lever at a point offset with respect to the plane of translation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with electrical disconnect means characterized by a solenoid operator for moving a handle of a circuit breaker between ON and OFF positions. The solenoid operator includes a movable electromagnet and a movable armature for actuating the handle, an interlock switch serially connected to the electromagnet and a manual operator for overriding the solenoid operator by opening a circuit through the interlock switch.

Abstract: A motor safety switch which eliminates much of the costs of conventional wiring, material and labor, the motor safety switch being formed of a plurality of assembled independent components; a first of the components including a switch unit having a contact system, a thermal tripper and a magnetic tripper; a second of the components being an electromagnetic drive unit; a third of the components being a modular contact unit; and the independent components are maintained by mechanical connectors in selected assembled relationship to include either all of the aforementioned independent components or selective subassemblies thereof.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with at least one switching arrangement having a mobile contact and a retractable contact, this latter being supported by a pivoting lever; a tripping mechanism for causing rapid opening of the mobile contact, an electromagnetic actuator having an element movable in translation under the effect of a control signal applied to the actuator and a mechanical coupling element for transmitting the movement of the mobile element to the retractable contact, wherein the mechanical coupling element, rigid and movable in translation parallel to the axis of displacement of the mobile element, is coupled to one end of the pivoting lever and, at its opposite contact end, the pivoting lever has an arm bent so that an end portion of substantial length of the arm is substantially parallel to the opposite arm of the corresponding mobile contact lever, the pivoting axis of the pivoting lever being placed between its bend and the coupling end.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter characterized by an assemblage of interconnected electrical units including a circuit breaker, a current limiting structure, a contactor, and a motor controller which units are fitted together detachably into a compact unit, in which the controller controls the contactor and the circuit breaker in response to a predetermined current condition, and in which the circuit interrupter includes a single pair of separable contacts.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with shock resistant mechanism characterized by a circuit breaker/contactor device in combination with an electromagnetic actuator which comprises a pair of opposed and facing solenoids having aligned armatures for actuating a linkage to open and close contacts of the circuit breaker contactor, and the linkage having a coupler link for movement between co-linear alignment with the armatures when the contacts are closed and for non-linearity when the contacts are open.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker with remote switching function characterized by an insulating housing containing manually actuator for opening and closing separable contacts and a remotely controlled solenoid for opening the contacts, and the solenoid means being spring biased in the closed contact position only when the manually actuator is in the closed contact position.

Abstract: Contact material for vacuum circuit breaker according to the present invention contains (1) copper, (2) molybdenum, and (3) niobium or tantalum.

Abstract: An improved remotely controllable circuit breaker comprises a manually operable switching mechanism for opening and closing a single set of first and second contacts, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts upon occurrence of predetermined overload current conditions, and a remotely controllable switching mechanism for selectively opening and closing the contacts in response to a control signal remote from the breaker. The manually operable switching mechanism includes a movable contact arm carrying the first contact to be brought into and out of contacting engagement with the second contact by manipulation of a manual handle. The second contact is operatively connected to the remotely controllable switching mechanism to be driven thereby for movement between an operative position where the second contact is engageable with the first contact and an inoperative position where it is prohibited from being engaged with the first contact independently of the position of the first contact.

Abstract: A switching system for interrupting an electrical circuit is described. This switch includes a number of preferred and other embodiments which have this as their goal, but which represents a number of distinctive and novel approaches to solving switching problems in the prior art. By way of example only, these approaches include provision of mounting strap which supports ground terminals while also serving as a magnetic circuitry conduit; a "banger" type arrangement which enables alternate making and breaking of a circuit; and a space-saving method for supporting the arrangement within a device or system able to be installed within a conventional receptacle box.

Abstract: A low oil lock-out and/or trip apparatus for a submersible transformer circuit breaker of the type having a manually operated crank shaft assembly for opening and closing the circuit breaker and a fault trip assembly for opening the circuit breaker under fault current conditions, the apparatus including a float assembly which is responsive to changes in oil level in said transformer and a rod carried by said float for blocking the movement of the crankshaft and a trip member for tripping the trip assembly when the oil level drops below a predetermined level in the transformer.

Abstract: In a current-limiter electric switch having fixed contacts, movable contacts, remote control means active upon the movable-contact-carrier against spring bias, thermomagnetic protection means being also provided, the remote control means is a solenoid the core of which is directly connected to the movable-contact-carrier and in the excitation circuit of the solenoid contacts are provided, which are opened when controlled by the thermomagnetic protection devices to have the solenoid dropped in the case of overcurrents which cause said protection devices to enter action.

Abstract: The switch comprises a stationary contact (2) and a moving contact (3) subjected to the action of a magnetic component (12). The moving contact (3) is carried by a rocker-arm (4) which pivots about a pin (10) rigidly fixed to a control device (6). The extremity (4a) of the rocker-arm carries a second pivot-pin (15) which is connected to a mechanical threshold device (18). The second pivot-pin is capable of displacement between a normal position in which the contacts (2, 3) can be closed and opened by the control device and a trip position in which the contacts are permanently separated. The magnetic component (12) occupies a position such as to exert on the rocker-arm (4) a torque which increases the contact pressure prior to tripping of the threshold device and produces a pivotal displacement of the rocker-arm about its pivot-pin (10) in the direction of opening of the contacts after tripping of the threshold device (18).

Abstract: A secondary circuit breaker for a distribution transformer characterized by electrical inductive apparatus within an oil-filled housing, and circuit interrupter for controlling current flow through said apparatus and comprising a releasable latch arm, trip means operable upon overload conditions to release the latch arm, a latch lever between the trip means and the latch arm, and a signal light circuit for activating a signal light when current through the circuit breaker exceeds a low signal overload value. That is less than the trip value.

Abstract: An improved remotely controllable circuit breaker comprises a manually operable switching mechanism for opening and closing a single set of first and second contacts, a trip mechanism for opening the contacts upon occurrence of predetermined overload current conditions, and a remotely controllable switching mechanism for selectively opening and closing the contacts in response to a control signal remote from the breaker. The manually operable switching mechanism includes a movable contact arm carrying the first contact to be brought into and out of contacting engagement with the second contact by manipulation of a manual handle. The second contact is operatively connected to the remotely controllable switching mechanism to be driven thereby for movement between an operative position where the second contact is engageable with the first contact and an inoperative position where it is prohibited from being engaged with the first contact independently of the position of the first contact.