Abstract: A fusing apparatus including a main connection member provided on a main path and having one side and the other side electrically connected to the main path, respectively, a sub connection member provided on a sub path and having one side and the other side electrically connected to the sub path, respectively, and a shifting member provided between the main connection member and the sub connection member and configured to be moved and coupled from the main connection member to sub connection member to shift a connection relation from a connected state of the main connection member to a connected state of the sub connection member.

Abstract: A remote control device includes a rotary control member that can be selectively moved between first and second configurations, a transmission system suitable for mechanically linking the rotary member to a control lever of an electrical device. The movement of the rotary control member drives the control lever to move respectively between first and second positions. The rotary control member is to be mounted on a side walls of a housing, the transmission system includes a first pinion, secured in rotation with the rotary control member about a first axis, a second pinion, meshed with the first pinion and rotationally mobile about a second fixed axis at right angles to the first fixed axis and intended to be coupled mechanically with the control lever to move this lever when the second pinion is moved in rotation.

Abstract: A safety switch with over-current protection has a switching button pivotally mounted on a housing. A linking member is pivotally mounted on one end of the switching button, and is linked to the switching button to oscillate according to on and off states of the switching button. One end of the linking member corresponds to a conductive plate in the housing for connecting to a power loop. The conductive plate has a first electrical connection part and a second electrical connection part formed on two ends thereof. When the power loop has an over-current condition, the conductive plate is deformed by the generated heat such that the normally-closed electrode contact above the conductive plate bounces off to disconnect from the power loop for over-current protection. As fewer parts are needed, fast assembly and economical cost can be achieved upon production.

Abstract: A circuit protection device, including a conductor connected to first and second terminals and a spring exerting force on the conductor to move the conductor away from the first and/or second terminals when an over-voltage or over-temperature condition occurs within a charging circuit. One or more heat generating resistive elements melts material associated with one or more connection points of the conductor thereby releasing the conductor such that the spring moves the conductor to create an open circuit.

Abstract: A low fault current isolation arrangement senses a loss of voltage and automatically isolates and de-energizes a down live primary wire if overcurrent protection devices have not cleared the high impedance fault in an electric power distribution network. Incorporating an operator selectable time delay response, the low fault current isolation arrangement permits overcurrent protection devices to attempt to detect and shut down the affected conductor, and then isolates and shuts down the low current fault if the overcurrent devices are not successful. The isolation arrangement continuously monitors AC voltage as remotely provided by smart meters even after a fault location is de-energized, and serves as a back up, and not as a replacement, for existing overcurrent protection schemes. A host computer operates in conjunction with plural smart meters each coupled to an associated customer distribution transformer in conjunction with the fault isolator to detect and shut down high impedance faults.

Abstract: An electric fuse, having a first fusible element and a disconnect section electrically connected in series to the first fusible element. The disconnect section is comprised of a first stationary contact, a second stationary contact and a movable contact movable from a first position electrically connecting the first and second stationary contacts to form a conductive path through the disconnect section to a second position electrically separating the first and second stationary contacts from each other and terminating the conductive path through the disconnect section. A retaining element holds the movable contact in the first position, the retaining element operable to release the movable contact from the first position when activated by an electrical (actuation) signal from an external source.

Abstract: A flexible thermal trip actuator unit for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit breaker prevents electrical connection between a power line source in the event of an over current. The circuit breaker includes a line connector, a load connector and a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism has an on position allowing electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector, a tripped position interrupting electrical connection between the line connector and the load connector in response to detection of a high current condition, and an off position which is required before resetting the trip mechanism to the on position. The actuator unit has a cold bar coupled to the trip mechanism, a compliant hinge and a parallel hot bar electrically coupled to the load connector. The cold bar deforms from a high current to cause the trip mechanism to assume the tripped position.

Abstract: A disconnect switch includes an enclosure containing a fusible switch disconnect assembly, and a switch mechanism and handle associated with the switch mechanism for opening and closing current paths in the fusible switch disconnect assembly. The fusible switch disconnect assembly may receive a plurality of retractable rectangular fuse modules having terminal blades. Switch contacts are provided in the fusible switch disconnect assembly and are positionable with rotary switch actuators, all of which may be operated via the handle and the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable. The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.

Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable, The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.

Abstract: The inventive circuit breaker-contactor (1) comprises a fixed contact, a contact (5) movable (19, 21) with respect to the fixed contact between open and closed positions, means (7) for displacing the movable contact (5) in the closed position thereof, means (9) for displacing the movable contact in the open position.

Abstract: Electrothermal Self-Latching MEMS Switch and Method. According to one embodiment, a microscale switch having a movable microcomponent is provided and includes a substrate having a stationary contact. The switch can also include a structural layer having a movable contact positioned for contacting the stationary contact when the structural layer moves toward the substrate. An electrothermal latch attached to the structural layer and having electrical communication with the movable contact to provide current flow between the electrothermal latch and the stationary contact when the movable contact contacts the stationary contact for maintaining the movable contact in contact with the stationary contact.

Abstract: A combined pressure responsive electrical switch and temperature sensor device (10, 10′) is shown comprising a base member (12) mounting an electrical switch actuatable by a pressure responsive snap-acting disc (16) attached to a port fitting (22) having an elongated temperature sensing portion (22h, 22h′) extending from the fitting within a threaded bore of the fitting adapted to be inserted in the bore of a fluid pressure source nipple (2). A thermistor (24) is disposed at the distal end (22k, 22k′) of the temperature sensing portion and is electrically connected to terminals (14) of the base member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes main circuit contact shoes disposed in a circuit breaker case and urged by a contact spring, a contact opening and closing mechanism located above the contact shoes and including an opening and closing lever, a toggle link, an opening and closing handle and a latch, and an overcurrent tripping device located above the contact shoes. The toggle link includes a first link extending between the opening and closing lever and a toggle shaft located above, and a second link extending between the toggle shaft and the latch to overlap the first link in the V-form, and an opening and closing spring extends between the toggle shaft and a tip of a handle lever coupled to the opening and closing handle to extend downward. As a result, a space occupied by the contact opening and closing mechanism section in the height direction can be reduced to make the circuit breaker more compact.

Abstract: A service switching device is described. The service switching device has a thermal release, an electromagnetic release, a switching mechanism with a latching point, a contact point with a moving contact piece and a stationary contact piece. When an over-current condition occurs, the thermal release unlatches the latching point so that the contact points are opened permanently and, when a short-circuit current occurs, the electromagnetic release moves the moving contact piece to the open position. The service switching device has a housing and an associated actuator in the form of a piezoelectric bending strip, which likewise acts on the latching point in order to open the contact point permanently, with a fault current detection device being provided, whose output signal drives the actuator when a fault current occurs.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes main circuit contact shoes disposed in a circuit breaker case and urged by a contact spring, a contact opening and closing mechanism located above the contact shoes and including an opening and closing lever, a toggle link, an opening and closing handle and a latch, and an overcurrent tripping device located above the contact shoes. The toggle link includes a first link extending between the opening and closing lever and a toggle shaft located above, and a second link extending between the toggle shaft and the latch to overlap the first link in the V-form, and an opening and closing spring extends between the toggle shaft and a tip of a handle lever coupled to the opening and closing handle to extend downward. As a result, a space occupied by the contact opening and closing mechanism section in the height direction can be reduced to make the circuit breaker more compact.

Abstract: A high voltage, current limiting device is connected in series with a high voltage power source and a protected load to interrupt current for an over-current condition [Typically 50 kA]. The current limiting device includes a current sensor/isolator and a switch connected in series. A current limiter, which may include a fuse or polymer current limiting material, is connected in parallel to the current sensor/isolator. The current sensor/isolator includes a pair of electrically insulated supports secured to a plurality of support rods to maintain the insulated supports at a predetermined fixed spacing to support an expulsion fuse. The expulsion fuse link includes a pair of copper conductors of adequate current carrying capability that are attached to ends of a main weak link fuse. A pair of coil springs hold the weak link fuse under tension to repel the conductors apart when the weak link fuse melts open during an over-current condition.

Abstract: An overcurrent release device for protection switching devices, in particular automatic line circuit breakers or motor protective switches, with electromagnetic and thermoelectric release, includes a thermoconducting tubular supporting body onto which a coil is wound and which has a striking end and an opposite widened receiving end for bearing contact and radial support of a bimetal snap-action disk with a central bore, a core having a bore defined therein, an armature movable in the supporting body between its striking end and the core, and a slide extending through the bore in the snap-action disk and through the bore in the core in a direction towards the armature. The slide is provided for thermoelectric disengagement by means of the snap-action disk via a thickened portion and for electromagnetic disengagement by means of the armature via a slide actuator. In the operative state, the spacing between the armature and the core corresponds at maximum to the snapping travel of the snap-action disk.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.

Abstract: A switch (10) is provided that has a housing (12), an actuator (20), a contact blade (18), first and second shape-memory wires (28,30), and first and second contact points (70,71). The actuator (20) has a first end portion (52) pivotally coupled to the housing (12), and a second end portion (22) with first and second generally opposed arm portions (24), (26) extending therefrom. The contact blade (18) has the first contact point (70) positioned thereon, and is coupled to and moveable with the actuator (20). The first and second shape-memory wires (28,30) respectively extend between the first and second arm portions (24,26) of the actuator (20) and the housing (12). The second contact point (71) is coupled to the housing (12) and is electrically engageable with the first contact point (70) in response to movement of the actuator (20).

Abstract: An actuator that uses electrothermal energy to switch between a first latching position and a second latching position. The actuator contains a leaf spring capable of latching into two distinct positions and two shape-memory wires. The shape-memory wires contract when heated and direct the leaf spring toward the two latching states. Once positioned in a latching state, the leaf spring will remain latched in that position until directed toward a different latching state by one of the shape-memory wires.

Abstract: An overcurrent trip (1) for circuit breakers or motor safety switches has a very short reaction time. The short reaction time is achieved by connecting a bimetal snap-action disk (8) to the heating device (7) in such a way that its central region is always in contact with the heating device (7), irrespective of creeping movement. This heating device (7) is formed by a ferromagnetic core (5) on which the magnet winding (12) is directly fitted, without a further yoke, which magnetic winding simultaneously serves as the heating winding. The bimetal snap-action disk (8) is held on this heating device (7) with the aid of the electromagnetically actuated rod (21), while a plunger (43) which coaxially surrounds the electromagnetically actuated rod is moved by the bimetal snap-action disk (8).

Abstract: An electrical apparatus comprising first and second PTC elements composed of a polymer composition with conductive particles dispersed therein, an insulating body, and first and second conductive terminals. Flexible conductive members having a first end that can be electrically connected to a source of electrical power and a second end that is adapted to receive and make electrical contact with the apparatus are provided. The PTC element and the insulating body are positioned between the first and second conductive terminals so that when the apparatus is inserted between the flexible conductive members, the members exert a pressure on the insulating body.

Abstract: A current-limiting switch, with current connections and contacts, at least one of which is movable, having an associated drive, for opening the moving contact when a predefined electric current intensity is exceeded, are provided. The drive is a thermoelectric drive where a disk-shaped resistor body is present, in a closed housing made of insulating material, for high-intensity discharges, plurality of resistor bodies and associated electrode disks, acting as contacts, are connected electrically in parallel and mechanically in series in the housing made of an insulating material (1). This results in increased switching capacity with compact design.

Abstract: A sectionalizer assembly includes a mounting structure having upper and lower electrical contacts, a sectionalizer tube, an actuating member mounted to the tube and movable from a non-actuated to an actuated position, and a pivotal latching mechanism having a pivot member, latch arm and catch. The pivot member is mounted to the lower electrical contact and to a lower end of the tube for undergoing pivotal movement relative thereto between locking and releasing positions. The latch arm fixedly attached to the pivot member extends outwardly therefrom and undergoes pivotal movement therewith between the locking and releasing positions. The catch is carried on a lower end of the actuating member and undergoes movement therewith. The latch arm has an outer end fittable within a recess in the catch that is open at least at one side thereof.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus comprising first and second PTC elements composed of a polymer composition with conductive particles dispersed therein, an insulating body, and first and second conductive terminals. Flexible conductive members having a first end that can be electrically connected to a source of electrical power and a second end that is adapted to receive and make electrical contact with the apparatus are provided. The PTC element and the insulating body are positioned between the first and second conductive terminals so that when the apparatus is inserted between the flexible conductive members, the members exert a pressure on the insulating body.

Abstract: A self-resetting circuit overcurrent protection device suitable for use as a replacement for a conventional cylindrical fuse has at least one semi-tubular positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element surrounded by a tubular, electrically insulating body and connected to terminal caps disposed at either end of the cylinder. In a first embodiment of the invention, first and second PTC elements are disposed such that the concave surfaces thereof are oriented toward one another and are connected in electrical parallel so that the hold current of the PTC device is equal to the sum of the hold current values of each of the two elements. In a second embodiment, a first pair of semi-tubular PTC elements are disposed in nested, concentric relationship to one another and a second pair of semi-tubular PTC elements are disposed in nested, concentric relationship to one another, the two pairs of PTC elements being disposed with concave surfaces thereof facing one another.

Abstract: The device described herein is useful in applications which formerly required both a thermal cut-off device and an electrical fuse. This device will open an electrical circuit in response to either an increase in ambient temperature or an increase in electrical current. A bracket is provided to support a radial lead thermal cut-off device. The bracket is of a general C-shaped configuration and has an extending lead bar that is crimped into electrical engagement with an input lead, and one radial lead of the thermal cut-off device is crimped into electrical engagement with the second input lead. A helical conductive coil has one end welded or otherwise secured to the C-shaped bracket, and the second lead of the thermal cut-off device is crimped to the other end of the helical coil which is positioned over the thermal cut-off device so as to surround it. Thus, an ambient temperature rise may cause the thermal cut-off device to open the electrical circuit; or alternately the heat generated by the I.sup.