Abstract: An electrical disconnect apparatus includes a housing having an interior and an exterior, first and second conductors extending from the exterior into the interior, a movable conductor, and an actuator assembly coupled to the housing. The movable conductor has a connected position in which the movable conductor electrically connects the first conductor and the second conductor, and a disconnected position in which the first conductor is electrically disconnected from the second conductor. The actuator assembly is adapted to move the movable conductor between the connected position and the disconnected position, and can be actuated manually or automatically.

Abstract: A device and method for operating automotive battery system relays and related switches. By aligning a magnetic field with a direction of current flow in a contact plate disposed between magnets that are producing the field, a generated Lorentz force can be used to promote arc extinguishing during a relay opening sequence, while simultaneously reducing the tendency of the Lorentz forces to interfere with the operation of a solenoid or other switch-activating mechanisms. By using a rotary-based mechanism to establish contact between a contact plate and current-carrying terminals, the likelihood of inadvertent opening of the relay is reduced. Such devices and methods may be used in conjunction with hybrid-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

Abstract: A device and method for operating automotive battery system relays and related switches. By aligning a magnetic field with a direction of current flow in a contact plate disposed between magnets that are producing the field, a generated Lorentz force can be used to promote arc extinguishing during a relay opening sequence, while simultaneously reducing the tendency of the Lorentz forces to interfere with the operation of a solenoid or other switch-activating mechanisms. By using a rotary-based mechanism to establish contact between a contact plate and current-carrying terminals, the likelihood of inadvertent opening of the relay is reduced. Such devices and methods may be used in conjunction with hybrid-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

Abstract: Contact terminals (24 and 26) are arranged on a support base (12) at a distance in a circumferential direction of a rotating drum (14). A conductive part (30) extending at least for a distance between the contact terminals (24 and 26) in the circumferential direction is provided on a perimeter surface (14A) of the rotating drum (14) in correspondence with the positions of arrangement of the contact terminals (24 and 26). The rotating drum (14) is rotated in the circumferential direction in a state in which the perimeter surface (14A) has been brought into contact with the contact terminals (24 and 26), and the conductive part (30) is brought into contact with the contact terminals (24 and 26), whereby switching between conducting and non-conducting is performed.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic switch, a magnetic plate, which forms a part of a magnetic circuit, and a bobbin of a second coil are assembled as one body by insert molding. An outer circumferential surface of the magnetic plate is adhered to an inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical frame made of metal. Because a large amount of heat energy generated in the second coil is transmitted to the magnetic plate, this can discharge the heat energy through the magnetic plate to the cylindrical flame. Because a mounting surface of the cylindrical frame is fixed to an end part of a starter housing case, it is possible to easily discharge the heat energy generated in the second coil through the cylindrical frame to the starter housing case. This structure prevents a temperature rise of the second coil and contributes entire-size reduction of the electromagnetic switch.

Abstract: An electrical switching device includes a switch housing and first and second circuit assemblies received in the switch housing. Each of the first and second circuit assemblies include a base terminal and a moveable terminal moveable between an open state and a closed state. The moveable terminal is electrically connected to the base terminal in the closed state. An actuator assembly is received in the switch housing. The actuator assembly includes a motor that has a drive coil generating a magnetic field. First and second pivots are arranged within the magnetic field of the drive coil. The first and second pivots are rotated when the drive coil is operated. First and second actuators are coupled to the first and second pivots and are slidable within the switch housing. The first and second actuators are operatively coupled to the moveable terminals of the first and second circuit assemblies, respectively. The first and second actuators move the moveable terminals between the open and closed states.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for remotely actuating a subunit disconnect in a motor control center subunit. A motor control center subunit includes a subunit housing configured to fit within a motor control center and a subunit disconnect configured to selectively control a supply power to motor control components of the subunit housing. A control mechanism is attached to the subunit housing to activate and deactivate the subunit disconnect and a remote control device communicates with the control mechanism and is configured to operate the control mechanism to activate and deactivate the subunit disconnect.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator having means for transmitting motion, in the final part of a stroke performed by a system comprising a worm shaft and rider nut coupled through gearing with an electric motor, to an auxiliary interrupter for breaking the power supply to the motor. Two control levers are provided, these being coupled together, and being rotated, about a perpendicular axis, by a cursor which is fixed to the nut that slides on the worm shaft. The pivoting of the said levers is blocked during the movement of the drive shaft driven by the system consisting of the worm shaft and nut. By contrast, the levers pivot during the final part of the movement of the cursor. The distance through which the levers move in pivoting is large enough to avoid any need for the auxiliary interrupter to be a high precision component.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A contactor with modular connection of the coil according to the invention comprises an insulating body, an operating coil housed in the insulating body, and means of modular connection of the coil to an external circuit so that the coil can be powered. The coil connection means comprise a connection arrangement, internal to the body, comprising at least two pairs of contact pieces positioned near at least two faces of the insulating body, these two faces being chosen from the front face and two opposed side faces running transversely between the front face and the rear face, each contact piece facing an opening in the body, and at least one removable connection module comprising a pair of connection terminals, which is connected to a second pair of contacts which are intended to collaborate with a first pair of contact pieces of the internal connection arrangement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a switch assembly which can be used in situation in which the switch accommodates the flow of high voltage current. An actuator assembly with moveable contacts is moved by a motor driven armature. The moveable contacts are in electrical engagement with the stationary contacts when the armature is in the first position, and the moveable contacts are spaced from the stationary contacts when the armature is in the second position. By angling the stationary contacts and moveable contacts, the linear motion of the armature causes the moveable contacts to move across the surface of the stationary contacts as the armature approaches the first position. As all of the movements of the assembly are in a direction parallel to the axis of the armature, the assembly can be manufactured and operated reliably in a relatively small space. In addition, the linear movement on the angled contact provides for a positive electrical connection even in adverse environments.

Abstract: In order to reduce the breaking energy of a high-voltage or medium-voltage circuit-breaker, the interrupting chamber (10) contains two contacts (12, 14) mounted to move in opposite directions, and actuated via a single device (20). The two contacts (12, 14) are surrounded by an insulating casing (18) of tubular shape, coupled in fixed manner to the main contact (12). The contacts (12, 14) are actuated by a device having a lever (24) in which each lever arm is coupled to a link, one of the links (32) being secured to the insulating casing (18) and the other link (34) being secured to the second contact (14). The guiding of the drive tube (18) on the main contacts (12b, 14b) makes it possible to improve breaking by keeping clean gas between said main contacts.

Abstract: An electrical switch for connecting and breaking a circuit including a connecting and breaking mechanism for connecting and breaking the circuit provided with at least a set of movable contacts and stationary contacts; a electromagnetism drive mechanism for controlling the contacts to be actuated so as to realize closed circuit; a housing for accommodating the movable contact and stationary contact; an arc-extinguishing mechanism disposed in the housing and corresponded to the movable and stationary contact; a case connected to a base for accommodating the electromagnetism drive mechanism; a bedplate associated with the case; and a holding mechanism disposed on the bedplate for holding the contacts to connect the circuit, the electromagnetic holding mechanism is electromagnetic and has a set of electromagnetic attracting mechanism in which the movable iron core is made to be a pothook or a baffle mechanism, the movable iron core is attracted so that the pothook or baffle keeps the switch closed by means of hi

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: A relay includes a magnetic system provided with an armature and a contact system provided with a first contact and a moveable second contact. An electrically insulating base plate is arranged between the magnetic system and the contact system and has an opening therein. First and second walls extend from the base plate and are arranged between the opening and the magnetic system or the opening and the contact system. An actuator extends between the armature and the contact system through the opening and transfers movement of the armature to the second contact to move the second contact into electrical engagement with the first contact. The actuator has a third wall that extends toward the base plate and between the first and second walls. The first, second, and third walls extend a leakage path of an electrical leakage current between the contact system and the magnetic system.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.

Abstract: An improved ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle with reverse wiring protection. If the power lines are incorrectly connected to the load end of the receptacle during installation, power output to both the input end of the receptacle and the insertion outlets on the faceplate is prevented. The GFCI receptacle includes two stationary terminals on two first output conductors electrically connected to the insertion outlet, two stationary terminals on two second output conductors adapted for electrically connecting to the load, and four moveable terminal on two moveable connector arm adapted for electrically connecting to the power lines. The four moveable terminals corresponds in position to the four stationary terminals, respectively, and operate to electrical connect or disconnect the power lines to and from the load and the insertion outlet in a manner controlled by a disconnecting mechanism assembly and a reverse wiring protection mechanism.

Abstract: A code switch for an electrical appliance comprises triggering magnets at specific points in a rotatable rotor. Stationary opposite contacts are disposed in the housing of the code switch and wipers are provided with contact heads assigned to said opposite contacts at a disconnecting distance. When a triggering magnet is moved above an opposite contact by rotating the rotor, the contact head is pulled upward by magnetic force towards the opposite contact and the contact is closed.

Abstract: Electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, with at least one oblong electrical switching element, which is arranged with one contact end between two fixed-contact elements spaced a transverse distance from one another and can be moved by two adjustment elements forming a transverse movement drive transversely to a longitudinal direction optionally towards the one or the other fixed-contact element. The adjustment elements are disposed laterally alongside the switching element and can be moved transversely to and from the switching element. In order to improve the transverse movement drive for the switching element, the switching element-comprises magnetic material, wherein the adjustment elements are formed by magnets.

Abstract: A starter includes a magnetic switch, a motor, and a terminal. The terminal fixed to both the magnetic switch and the motor and has two end portions in the longitudinal direction of the terminal. An end portion of the terminal confronts a movable contact within the magnetic switch. The other end portion of the terminal is connected to an electric circuitry of the motor therewithin.

Abstract: A circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated by a controller is disclosed. The circuit breaker includes a set of main contacts, an operating mechanism, a remotely operable drive system configured to open and close the main contacts separate from actuation of the operating mechanism, and a control circuit in operable communication with the main contacts. The drive system includes a motor, and a primary drive responsive to the motor and in operable communication to open and close the main contacts. The control circuit indicates a closed main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being closed, and an open main contact state in response to the operating mechanism being in an on position and the main contacts being held open via the drive system.

Abstract: An assembly designed for connecting a motor operator mechanism to side frames of a circuit breaker operating mechanism is disclosed. The assembly comprising a plate connected between the side frames of the operating mechanism and a bracket portion secured to the plate and engages the motor operating mechanism. The bracket portion couples and aligns the motor operator mechanism and the circuit breaker operating mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is equipped with a motorized control acting on an operating member oscillating between a loaded position and a closed position, passing via a closing dead point position. When the unit is open or reset by means of the motorized control, the operating member is moved to an indexed position close to the closing dead point position, so as to minimize the closing time. The circuit breaker also has an opening dead point position. To minimize the opening-closing cycle time, the motor drives the operating member from the closed position to an indexed turning position situated between the opening dead point position and the loaded position, before changing direction.

Abstract: A device is provided for operating a circuit breaker handle. The device includes a body having a receiving area to receive and engage a portion of the circuit breaker handle. The body is fixedly secured to a shaft for movement between a first position and a second position. The body is caused to move by a forces from a first coil and a second coil. The first coil generates a first force in a first direction, and the second coil generates a second force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The first and second forces are transferred to the shaft for effectuating movement between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A motor-operated remote-control mechanism for electrical switching devices, especially for circuit breakers, can be used for different sizes with different switching characteristics, while taking necessary safety measures into account. The mechanism consumes as little power as possible and has a simple structure. The circuit breaker is screwed onto a frame. The mechanism can be adapted to several sizes of circuit breakers by using different frames combined with different types of mechanism assemblies with and without a snap-action function.

Abstract: Planar magnetic motor (100), characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of magnetic poles (111, 121) made of a ferromagnetic material placed at the center of planar coils (110, 120) constituted by at least one layer of turns produced on the surface of a substrate (150) made of a ferromagnetic material, the turns being wound and connected to each other so as to combine the magnetic fluxes generated by the magnetic poles (111, 121). The invention can be used to produced magnetic motors and microactuators.

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 molded case circuit breaker motor operator includes a keying arrangement to prevent energizing the circuit breaker unless the motor associated with the motor operator is in the proper operating mode. The keying arrangement is in the form of a rejection plate that interfaces between the circuit breaker operating handle and the motor operator driver plate.

Abstract: The combination of a circuit breaker and an actuating member for the circuit breaker. The actuating device comprises an electric motor operable to displace a pair of actuating arms in opposite directions, one actuating arm being displaced along a path in which it is engageable with the manually-operable member of the circuit breaker to displace the member about its axis in one direction and the other actuating arm being displaced along a path in which it is engageable with the member to displace the member about its axis in the direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism for a circuit breaker handle which includes a reversible electrical motor, a carriage assembly and a cooperating slide plate assembly mechanically coupled to the motor shaft. The carriage assembly includes a pivotally mounted L-shaped lever, interlocked with the circuit breaker operating handle for driving the operating handle to an on position or alternatively to an off position on command. Microswitches are located at both the on position and the off position for controlling operation of the motor. The microswitches are actuated by the slide plate assembly which, in turn, is driven by the carriage assembly. The slide plate assembly is slidably mounted with respect to the carriage assembly with one or more wave washers. The slide plate assembly provides mechanical damping for the carriage assembly to minimize damage to the microswitches.

Abstract: The very fast circuit breaker assisted by semiconductor electronics. A piston 21 slides in an insulating housing 20 and along a center shaft 22. The piston 21 has of an exciting winding 25 and a magnetic yoke 26, which by cooperating with an armature 28, join the piston 21 to the center shaft 22, a shoulder of which renders possible the holding of a repulsion disk 34. The repulsion disk carries the moving contacts 35 and 36, which cooperate with the stationary contacts 37 and 38, when the piston is in its high position under the effect of a locking spring 24. Upon the injection of a current into the repulsion coil 45, the repulsion disk 34 is violently repulsed in the downward direction, while jumping the electromagnetic lock established between the magnetic yoke 26 and the armature 28. An admission of compressed air through an orifice 27 permits the descent of the piston 21.

Abstract: An electric circuit breaker capable of being opened and closed from a remote location. The circuit breaker includes a stationary contact, a movable contact mounted on a carrier and a trip mechanism that trips the circuit breaker, moving the carrier to an open position upon the occurrence of an overcurrent. The remote control assembly opens and closes the circuit breaker independently of the trip mechanism. Upon receiving a signal from a timer switch, a motor operates, rotating a gear spring connected to the motor shaft. An actuator has a tooth positioned between the wire layers of the gear spring. As the gear spring rotates, the tooth moves toward the motor, pivoting the actuator. An operating rod, connected to both the actuator and the carrier, pulls the carrier to open the contacts as the actuator rotates. When the contacts reach the open position, the actuator hits a switch to shut off the motor.

Abstract: An electric motor-driven timer comprises a contact actuator having an arm which is rotatably fixed in the intermediate position thereof and is provided with an actuating portion at each end thereof for driving movable contacts. The actuator is provided with a cam follower which engages a cam surface member being integral with a driven-gear. The driven-gear is set in a predetermined position by a time setting means.