Abstract: A contactor apparatus comprising means for automatically opening power circuits should faults occur and a local control member.This apparatus comprises a plurality of power lines (8) each comprising a power contact (2) adapted to be opened during a short circuit by a striker (28), a coil (13) and a bimetallic strip (14), responding to smaller overloads. The elements responsive to overcurrents act on a cascade of sudden tripping devices (19) (17) (31) which govern the positions of the local control member (18) and act on a control switch (4) placed in series with the electromagnet (1).Such an apparatus is advantageously used in installations where protection of the lines, remote control and local control of the consumer apparatus are desired.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus is provided comprising automatic opening means and a local control member.This apparatus uses a transmission piece (40) associated with a sudden tripping mechanism (46) which is released by a bolt (29) held in position by means of a lever (24) which may be struck by a magnetizable part and adapted to maintain a power contact (13) open, this part assuming, after the appearance of a fault, visible positions so as to inform the user about the state of the apparatus.This apparatus is usable in installations where it is desired to protect the lines and the loads.

Abstract: A mechanically controlled power switch with automatic opening is provided for limiting short circuits. A switch (13), a breaking chamber (30) which is associated therewith, a coil (50), a striker (51) cooperating therewith, and a lock (53) for holding the power switch in open position S after the appearance of a short circuit are placed in a removable cartridge (23) provided with connection terminals (37, 55). This switch cartridge is advantageously used in mechanically controlled protection apparatus or in electromagnetic contactor apparatus having their own protection.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker with a current sensing unit having a magnetic circuit with three branches, the secondary winding being mounted on the intermediate branch and the primary winding being formed by a conductor selectively passing through one or two of the openings provided between the secondary winding and the outer branches. The circuit breaker comprises an instantaneous electromagnetic trip mechanism and a static long time and short time delay trip unit, the latter unit being governed by a signal attenuated by a rating selection device.

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

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated electric switch combines the function of a contactor and a current-limiting circuit-breaker. The contact assembly of the switch includes two contact systems, which are different in function, with a fixed contact which is common to both systems. The first contact system is intended for normal operating current connections, whereas the other contact system is intended for breaking short-circuit currents. The contact-making elements in the two contact systems can be made of different contact materials, in order to obtain a long electrical and mechanical life.

Abstract: An electric switch, more particularly a current-limiter, to be actuated by a control pin which indicates the OFF or the ON condition, and which can be opened also by the agency of thermomagnetic tripping mechanisms and by means of a coil. A crank lever is linked to a swinging assembly which is rockably mounted about the pin and to a rocker carrying the rod to actuate the movable contacts. The lever, to be able to permit that the contacts may be closed, must rest on a step of another lever and this resting relationship can be undone either by acting upon the pin, or by means of the tripping mechanisms and the coil. The opening by means of the tripping mechanisms takes place with a kind of "stroke trip" action, the mechanism being automatically reset during opening. The action of the tripping mechanisms is visually displayed and the reclosure of such a switch can be caused dependent from a local intervention by means of a pushbutton.

Abstract: A switching apparatus contained inside box B consists of standard electrical units, and arranged in a way which is particularly advantageous for the purpose at hand. One of these units is a circuit breaker box containing two interruptible circuits, and having a mechanical reset switch. There are also a pair of magnetic contactors. Each magnetic contactor is used for switching a single conductor, and includes a pair of contact plates which are normally open so that current cannot pass through them, together with a coil which can be energized for causing the plates to close. In addition to the circuit breaker box and the magnetic contactors, there are heavy copper conductors, or buss bars, which make the necessary connections between the circuit units.

Abstract: A circuit breaker wherein one or two of circuit-breaking electric element blocks respectively including current source side and load side terminals, fixed and movable contactors, means for forcibly tripping the movable contactor away from the fixed contactor by operating at least electromagnetically responsive to an overcurrent and an arc suppressing means, and movably supporting the movable contactor at a stationary part of the tripping means is arranged in each of side spaces within a single housing, while a single mechanical contact operating mechanism for moving the movable contactor in each of the blocks between both positions of opening and closing contacts responsive to an external operating force and operatively connected with the tripping means of the blocks is contained in an intermediate space provided between the side spaces, in each of the latter of which the movable contactor of an elongated member is arranged with one end having the movable contact directed toward the source side terminal and w

Abstract: A contact lever has a contact point on one end for a fixed contact element and is supported on its other end on a pin which, when the switch is tripped, is capable of moving along a path transversely to the longitudinal direction of the contact lever. A compression spring acts upon the contact lever between a stop for the contact lever, which is embodied by a housing element and the pin in order to generate the contact pressure to move the pin upon the tripping of a switch. The stop has two protrusions, oriented towards the contact lever, one of which is located farther from the pin and closer to the contact lever than the other. The contact lever, therefore, upon being tripped, pivots first about the protrusion, which is more remote from the pin being moved, and then about the protrusion disposed closer to the pin.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a larger separation distance between a stationary contact 4 and a movable contact 6 in the automatic mode than in the manual mode. The pivot shaft 24 of a crank 13 is placed in a higher position than in a conventional circuit breaker, to thereby enable the arm 7 carrying the movable contact 6 to rotate through a greater angle. A stop plate 26 is provided to prevent the flex angle .theta. formed between a first link 11 and a second link 12 of a toggle mechanism 10 from becoming too small when the contacts are opened, which enables easy manual closure with the normal stroke of a switch handle 16 and avoids the need for a stronger spring 17.

Abstract: A fuseless safety magnetic plug has a housing structure divided into a base and a cover, a pair of wire coupling devices, a magnetic device for preventing the plug from overloading, and two prongs for making electrical connections. The wire coupling devices require no instrument or disassembly of the plug for terminating a power cord because the connection can be made simply by inserting ends of the cord into the wire coupling devices from the outside of the plug. The magnetic device comprising a pair of electromagnetic members, a cam mechanism, a plurality of movable plates, a metal stud, a reverse spring, and a load discharging bolt, is mounted within the housing structure for controlling the current flowing through channels thereof and for breaking the circuit if any one of the channels is overloaded, while it resumes normal conduction by pressing down the load discharging bolt over the cover after the trouble is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An oil-filled distribution transformer having a primary disconnect switch disposed within the housing and utilizing two movable bridging contacts and four stationary contacts for completing a series circuit therethrough. The switch includes a trip mechanism, a bimetal element isolated from the current path through the switch and responsive to the temperature of the oil to activate the trip mechanism upon overtemperature condition, and a float mechanism attached to the switch and cooperating with the trip mechanism so that the float assembly will activate the trip mechanism when the oil level within the housing drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor is fitted with an electromagnet sensitive to overcurrents, to cause the limitation and cut-off of excess currents.A movable contact bridge is controlled by a spring which holds it against the fixed contacts, and is struck by at least one component which is not connected to it, and which is positioned between it and the armature of the control electromagnet.

Abstract: A static trip unit is comprised of a current transformer module and an electronic programmer module physically and electrically mated together for incorporation in a molded case industrial circuit breaker. Current transformer modules and programmer modules are separately interchangeable to change breaker current ratings and functional capabilities. A trip interlock is included to prevent breaker closure in the absence of either the trip unit or the trip solenoid.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises an adjustable trip unit having electronic circuitry for initiating a tripping command upon detection of overcurrent conditions. The trip unit includes an externally accessible interchangeable plug-in rating adjuster removably supported on the housing of the circuit breaker by a threaded rod and tube. An interlock mechanism cooperates with the trip bar of the circuit breaker and secured mechanism to insure that only when a compatible rating adjuster is properly seated in the housing and the threaded rod is completely engaged within the threaded tube will the circuit breaker mechanism be removed from the trip-free condition.

Abstract: A fast opening contactor comprising an electrodynamic repulsion trip device associated to a standard contactor unit so as to operate the contacts towards the open position against the electromagnetic attraction force in response of a short-circuit current.

Abstract: An automatic magnetic switch comprising an over-load or short-circuit protection means and a manual magnetic switch installed in the switch casing. A magnetic control means is contained in a sub-casing of the switch. The manual magnetic switch has a conductive plate with an electrical contact fixedly mounted in its casing and another conductive plate, generally rigid and inflexible, has an electrical contact mounted thereon for pivoting or sliding movement. Permanent magnets, one on the movable plate, and one outside the casing urge the movable plate to a contact engaging position when the outside magnetic member is brought proximate to the casing, and a spring is used to restore the movable plate to its non-engaging position when the outside magnetic member is moved away from the casing.

Abstract: A molded elongated arcuate shield is snap-fitted to a circuit breaker operating handle to achieve a lost motion connection thereto. The operating handle projects through an elongated wall opening in the circuit breaker housing and is movable longitudinally thereof. The shield is disposed between an arcuate interior surface of housing and an arcuate surface of an apron formed integrally with the handle. While the apron above is too short to close the wall opening for all positions of the handle, the apron in cooperation with the shield fully closes the wall opening for all positions of the handle. Latch tabs formed integrally with the shield engage a blocking formation internally of the housing to hold the shield stationary while the handle moves from its On to Trip position. In the former position ON indicia carried by the apron is viewable through an aperture in the shield through which the handle extends, and when the handle is in its Trip position the latched shield blocks the ON indicia from view.

Abstract: A unitized combination starter is constructed with circuit breaker and contactor sections, each of which is provided with a pair of spaced stationary contacts and a cooperating movable bridging contact. The bridging contacts are closely spaced, are parallel and carry currents which flow in opposite directions. Under severe fault conditions a strong blowoff effect is created to force both bridging contacts in their respective contact opening directions. This quickly places four air gaps in the current path to severely limit current rise and thereby facilitate circuit interruption.

Abstract: A narrow molded case circuit breaker having a trip-free overcenter toggle contact operating mechanism wherein the contact operating spring is connected between the movable contact arm and releasable cradle, and the contact arm is pivotally connected to the manual operating member, is constructed in such a manner that prior to closing of the housing by its cover part, the movable contact arm is cocked with respect to the cradle. That is, when the circuit breaker is assembled, the movable contact arm and cradle are mounted for movement is generally parallel planes. However, before the housing cover is assembled to the housing base, the main spring moves the movable contact arm so that the plane thereof is at an angle with respect to the plane of the cradle. In order to limit this tilting or cocking, the cradle is provided with a blocking formation which is engaged by the movable contact arm so that cocking of the movable contact arm is limited to an acceptable degree.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a manually operated lever, a movable contact lever for opening and closing the electrical circuit through the circuit breaker, a switch latch which connects the manually operated lever to the movable contact lever and which activates the movable contact lever, a thermal trigger connected to the switch latch and a magnetic trigger, connected to the switch latch. The magnetic trigger, the contact lever, the switch latch and the thermal trigger all occupy separate compartments.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having an electronic fault sensing and trip initiating unit which provides increased versatility and ability to coordinate the circuit breaker with other interrupting and protective devices in a wide variety of electrical distribution systems. Electronic circuits and components are provided to vary the ampere rating of the breaker, to adjust current carrying capacity, to provide a long time delay trip, a short time delay trip and an instantaneous trip depending on the amplitude of high fault currents, to provide a ground fault trip, to shorten or lengthen the trip time for short time delay faults and for ground faults, and to provide shunt trip capability. The tripping mechanism is magnetic and mechanical, and includes a plunger movable between a trip and non-trip position controlled by an electronic switch in the electronic circuitry, and a toggle mechanism which is unlatched by the plunger when it moves to the trip position.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an interchangeable trip unit removably disposed in the circuit interrupter housing and connected between a current transformer and a trip mechanism. The trip unit contains electronic circuitry for activating the trip mechanism to open the contacts upon detection of overload current therethrough and includes rejection means provided to ensure that only a trip unit having circuitry compatible with the electrical characteristics of the circuit interrupter can be inserted into the housing. The rejection means comprise a plurality of pins mounted within the housing and extending into the recess to be occupied by the trip unit. The pins are arranged in a pattern unique to all circuit interrupters having identical electrical characteristics. A pattern of holes is provided in the enclosure of the trip unit, the hole pattern being unique to trip units having identical electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter is provided with a trip unit removably inserted into the housing of circuit interrupter through the cover thereof. The trip unit is secured to the housing by spring clips mounted therein cooperating with recesses in the enclosure of the trip unit to permit insertion of the trip unit with the cover installed but preventing removal of the trip unit without prior removal of the circuit interrupter cover.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an adjustable trip unit for tripping the circuit breaker to the open circuit position upon overload current conditions. The trip unit includes a shorting plug adjuster comprising a pair of connecting pins electrically connected together and insertable into cooperating sockets in the trip unit housing. One of the pins is common to all adjustment positions and is of greater length, having a retaining clip at the end thereof to permit the adjuster to be partially withdrawn, pivoted about the common pin, and inserted into the desired position. The adjuster comprises a flange which covers the trip unit panel socket in all positions, thereby providing protecting against dust and other contamination. The adjuster is cheaper and more reliable than the prior art, providing increased protection against shock, vibration, and contact bounce.

Abstract: Load management apparatus constituting a direct replacement for a conventional molded case circuit breaker consists of half-inch wide switching and management modules connected in series between an electrical load and its energizing source. The switching module is a conventional circuit breaker and the management module includes an electro-magnetic contactor. The latter is operated by an overcenter spring mechanism which in turn is operated by remotely controlled solenoids.

Abstract: A radio controlled, battery-operated model toy having an electric motor, a battery device for supplying energy to the electric motor, a radio control receiver, and a servo mechanism operated by the output of the receiver, wherein a voltage responsive automatic circuit breaker which opens the electric circuit of the electric motor in response to a voltage drop in the battery device and holds the circuit in the open stage is provided between the battery device and the electric motor, and a voltage regulator/noise filter is provided between the battery device and the radio control receiver.

Abstract: A multipole unitized motor starter is constructed of a common base having mounted thereon a disconnect switch, an electromagnetic contactor and a fuse unit connected in electrical series between the switch and contactor. The fuse unit is a plug-in device which is readily removable for service access and when operatively mounted is positioned to permit direct viewing of the switch contacts.

Abstract: A unitized combination motor starter includes a unitized insulating base for an electromagnetic contactor section and a circuit breaker section having automatic trip means. The unitized base is part of a common insulating housing for the contactor and circuit breaker sections and circuit elements serially connecting these sections are disposed within the common housing.

Abstract: A molded case multi-pole circuit breaker is provided with a solid state trip unit constructed to automatically open the breaker responsive to predetermined fault current conditions by actuating a permanent magnet latch. The latch and main conductors of the circuit breaker are constructed and arranged so that at very high short circuit currents, even if the solid state circuitry malfunctions, flux generated directly by current flow in the main conductors will buck the permanent magnet flux sufficiently to actuate the magnetic latch directly.

Abstract: Reliability of power circuit breakers and other equipment containing parts subjected to an environment of arced sulfur hexafluoride is improved by using a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin filled with aluminum trihydrate and thickened with finely divided, highly dispersed aluminum oxide (alumina).

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

Abstract: A unitized combination motor starter is provided with a single insulated housing wherein a plurality of pole units are disposed in side-by-side relationship. The pole units are electrically connected in series with an electromagnetic contactor disposed within the insulated housing and located at one end of the pole units. A spring powered contact operating mechanism for the pole units is disposed on one side of the pole units. An overload sensing electromagnet coil, provided for each of the pole units, is positioned for removal and replacement after opening the front cover of the insulated housing.

Abstract: A single pole molded case circuit breaker is constructed with an internal metal frame to which the contact operating mechanism is mounted. This frame provides the pivot bearings for main elements of the mechanism as well as having integrally formed stops for certain of these elements.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable solid state trip unit assembly for automatically opening a molded case multi-pole circuit breaker, is constructed so as to be interchangeable with a thermal-magnetic trip unit assembly.

Abstract: An assembly of control handles for attachment to a distribution transformer containing a secondary circuit breaker. The assembly includes a stop plate which is located against the outside of the transformer tank. An operating handle and an overload control handle are positioned for rotation between projections on the stop plate. The operating handle is attached to the outer portion of an operating shaft which extends through an opening in the stop plate. The operating shaft also extends through a sealed bearing which prevents leakage of the fluid dielectric contained within the transformer tank. The inner portion of the operating shaft is connected to an operating arm which is attached to the circuit breaker opeating lever. The overload handle is attached to the outer portion of an overload shaft which extends through an opening in the stop plate and through a sealed bearing. The inner portion of the overload shaft is connected to an overload arm.

Abstract: A single pole molded case circuit breaker is constructed with an internal metal frame to which the contact operating mechanism is mounted. This mechanism includes a releaseable cradle which when latched permits the circuit breaker contacts to be closed. The cradle is a single element having spaced parallel walls, a latching extension on one of these walls and a kicker on the other wall. When the cradle is released or tripped the kicker is engageable with a toggle interposed between the contacts and the cradle for collapsing the toggle to assure contact opening. Integral formation on the walls provide a pivotal mounting for the toggle. A reset pin is loosely mounted between the parallel walls for low friction resetting of cradle.

Abstract: A combination motor-starter circuit breaker comprising a single set of separable contacts and providing the function of motor starting, circuit interruption, and current limiting. The combination employs three separate means for separating the contacts to provide these functions; a solenoid, an overcurrent trip mechanism, and a magnetic drive device for high overcurrent conditions. Arc rails and spaced conductive plates are provided to aid in extinguishing any arcs established. Movable contacts are mounted on a bridging contact arm which can be provided with two open positions, a first position for use during motor control wherein the contacts are separated by a relatively small distance and a second position for use during circuit interruption and current limiting.

Abstract: A molded case multi-pole circuit breaker is provided with a solid state trip unit having removable and replaceable rating plug. A mechanical interlock trips the circuit breaker when a cover portion thereof is opened. This cover portion must be opened to gain access to the rating plug. A mechanical lockout device is actuated when rating plug is removed to maintain the breaker tripped and to prevent resetting thereof until a rating plug is reinserted in the trip unit.

Abstract: A molded case multi-pole circuit breaker is provided with a removable and replaceable solid state trip unit constructed with all fault current detecting elements within a common housing. For each circuit breaker pole the trip unit includes an input and an output transformer feeding circuitry mounted on a board disposed within the common housing. The circuitry output is connected to operate a permanent magnet latch for release of a mechanical latch that normally holds the contact operating mechanism in a reset position.

Abstract: A unitized combination motor starter is provided with a single insulated housing wherein a plurality of pole units are disposed side-by-side. Each pole unit includes a circuit breaker contact section and a contactor contact section. A spring powered mechanism for circuit breaker operation is disposed on one side of the pole units and an electromagnet for contactor operation is disposed on the other side of the pole units. The current carrying elements of each pole unit are arranged to provide a current loop having relatively close opposing arms so that large mechanical forces accompany high magnitude current flow. These forces are directed so as to produce a blow-off effect at the circuit breaker contacts, resulting in current limiting action to protect the contactor contacts.

Abstract: A distribution transformer having a secondary circuit breaker utilizing a movable bridging contact between two stationary contacts for completing a series circuit therethrough. The movable bridging contact is spring biased towards an open position separated from the stationary contacts, but with the circuit breaker in the normally closed position is held in engagement with the stationary contacts by a latching mechanism which is responsive to a bimetal or magnetic trip element to allow the circuit breaker to trip open during overload conditions. The conducting bridging contact completes a series circuit through the circuit breaker which opens during circuit interruption. The secondary circuit breaker can also, if desired, be provided with a signal-light circuit which activates a signal light, on the exterior housing of the transformer, when current through the circuit breaker exceeds a low signal overload value which is less than the trip value.

Abstract: A circuit breaker, operating in an insulating liquid dielectric environment, switchable between an open position and a closed position, is made of metallic sensing, tripping and supporting members, where a plurality of the members are coated with a dual protective film comprising a first layer containing zinc phosphate or iron phosphate about 0.00001 to about 0.0004 inch thick covered by an outside layer containing zinc chromate and/or zinc dichromate about 0.00001 to about 0.0004 inch thick, the protective film being resistant to the contacting liquid dielectric.

Abstract: A high voltage fault interrupter including a vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, a trip mechanism module connected to said movable contact, said trip mechanism module monitoring the power line for conditions which call for circuit interruption, a dielectric housing completely enclosing said interrupter and said trip mechanism module, the housing including a flexible dielectric interface, and an actuating and reset module connected to said trip mechanism module through the flexible dielectric interface. The trip mechanism module can include contact position and fault condition indicators within the dielectric housing which are visible externally to indicate the condition of the interrupter. The high voltage interrupter can include a hydraulic interphase trip module which is responsive to fault opening of the vacuum interrupter for providing a hydraulic pulse to a second and third circuit interrupter connected in the same system.