Abstract: The circuit breaker according to the present invention comprises: a pair of contact mechanisms for switching a pair of circuits; a switching mechanism for driving the pair of contact mechanism to a circuit opening position or a circuit closing position; a trip bar rotatable to a first position for latching the switching mechanism or to a second position for releasing the switching mechanism; and an instant trip mechanism for pressing the trip bar to rotate to the second position, wherein the instant trip mechanism comprises a pair of armature assemblies and movable to a position for pressing the trip bar to rotate to the second position; and a pair of electromagnets provided to face the pair of armature assemblies and applies a magnetic attractive force to the pair of armature assemblies in response to the fault current on the circuit requiring an instant trip.

Abstract: A monitoring module for a fusible switch disconnect device includes an open fuse detecting element and wire leads for completing an electrical connection with a fuse.

Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to displace the switchable contact, as well as multiple other components in the device, in response to a predetermined electrical condition.

Abstract: A sensing system, sensing method, and method of producing a sensing system capable of providing a cumulative measurement capability, such as in the form of a RFID tag capable of measuring cumulative heat and humidity for continuous monitoring of storage and shipping conditions of various goods. The system includes integrated circuitry and a plurality of sensing elements, preferably having cantilevered bimorph beams. Each sensing element is responsive to an environmental condition so as to deflect toward and away from open contacts in response to changes in the environmental condition. Each sensing element produces a digital output when it contacts and closes its open contacts. The integrated circuitry interfaces with the sensing elements so that the digital outputs of the sensing elements are processed to generate a system output of the sensing system.

Abstract: Fuse state indicators for use with disconnect devices having a fuse are provided. Fuse state indicators include a housing having circuitry, a detecting means for detecting an open circuit condition, conductors adapted for electrical connection to a disconnect device so as to complete a circuit connecting the detecting means with a fuse of the disconnect device, and a signal transmitting means The detecting means is configured to transmit a signal to the signal transmitting means for determining an operational state of the fuse. The signal transmitting means, in turn, is configured to transmit a signal to a remote device the state of the fuse.

Abstract: An installation switching device includes a housing, a main contact point having an arc quenching chamber, an input terminal, an output terminal, an impact-style armature system configured to move the main contact point to an open position, a latching mechanism having a latching point and configured to open an isolating contact point disposed in a secondary current path parallel to a main current path, a main thermostatic bimetallic strip configured to act on the latching point to as to cause the main contact point to remain in the open position, a current limiting resistor disposed in the secondary current path, a selective thermostatic bimetallic strip disposed in the secondary current path and configured to act on the latching mechanism, a handle configured to act on the latching mechanism so as to open and close the main contact point, and a phase connecting rail.

Abstract: A monitoring module for a fusible switch disconnect device includes an open fuse detecting element and wire leads for completing an electrical connection with a fuse.

Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.

Abstract: Fuse state indicators for use with disconnect devices having a fuse are provided. Fuse state indicators include a housing having circuitry, a detecting means for detecting an open circuit condition, conductors adapted for electrical connection to a disconnect device so as to complete a circuit connecting the detecting means with a fuse of the disconnect device, and a signal transmitting means. The detecting means is configured to transmit a signal to the signal transmitting means for determining an operational state of the fuse. The signal transmitting means, in turn, is configured to transmit a signal to a remote device the state of the fuse.

Abstract: An installation switching device includes a housing, a main contact point having an arc quenching chamber, an input terminal, an output terminal, an impact-style armature system configured to move the main contact point to an open position, a latching mechanism having a latching point and configured to open an isolating contact point disposed in a secondary current path parallel to a main current path, a main thermostatic bimetallic strip configured to act on the latching point to as to cause the main contact point to remain in the open position, a current limiting resistor disposed in the secondary current path, a selective thermostatic bimetallic strip disposed in the secondary current path and configured to act on the latching mechanism, a handle configured to act on the latching mechanism so as to open and close the main contact point, and a phase connecting rail.

Abstract: A sensing system, sensing method, and method of producing a sensing system capable of providing a cumulative measurement capability, such as in the form of a RFID tag capable of measuring cumulative heat and humidity for continuous monitoring of storage and shipping conditions of various goods. The system includes integrated circuitry and a plurality of sensing elements, preferably having cantilevered bimorph beams. Each sensing element is responsive to an environmental condition so as to deflect toward and away from open contacts in response to changes in the environmental condition. Each sensing element produces a digital output when it contacts and closes its open contacts. The integrated circuitry interfaces with the sensing elements so that the digital outputs of the sensing elements are processed to generate a system output of the sensing system.

Abstract: A fusible disconnect device having auxiliary connections to line-side and load-side terminals and color coding features to indicate an amperage rating of a fuse.

Abstract: Fusible switch disconnect modules including a housing means adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry and having at least one stationary contact and at least one movable contact selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position to connect or disconnect an electrical connection through the fuse, and a means for biasing or bias element assisting movement of the movable contact to the open or disconnected position.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle has multiple thermal sensors, each of which can trigger automatic shut off when the temperature rises above a predetermined threshold. After automatically turning off, the receptacle remains permanently non-conducting.

Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.

Abstract: A current breaker includes a shell, a switching member, a movable conductor, a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a third conductive strip, a snap strip, a disengaging member and a locking member. In case of excessive current, the snap strip disfigures to move the disengaging member for releasing the locking member from the movable conductor, and then separates the movable conductor from the first conductive strip so as to cut off current. Moreover, even if the switching member should accidentally be compressed immovable in the ON condition, this current breaker still could work to cut off current automatically.

Abstract: A thermally activated circuit interrupter (10) has a cantilever mounted, snap acting thermostatic disc (16) mounting a movable electric contact (18) that is adapted to move between a contacts engaged position and a tripped, contacts disengaged position. A pivot member (24) is rotatably mounted above the thermostatic disc and movably mounts a latch (26d) that is biased by spring arm (26a) against the edge of the free end of thermostatic disc (16) in the contacts engaged position and is moved under the thermostatic disc when the disc moves to the contacts disengaged position. An arm (24b) of the pivot member transfers motion to a trip indicator button (32) pushing the button to an exposed position upon rotation of the pivot member when the thermostatic disc moves to the tripped configuration and the latch moves under the disc.

Abstract: A safety switch has a housing, multiple legs and a cover. The housing is hollow and has a space, an opening, multiple gaps, a bottom and a front. The space is defined in the housing. The opening is defined in the front. The gaps are respectively defined through the bottom. The legs are respectively mounted in the gaps and each has a vertical edge. The cover is mounted on the opening of the housing and has the inner surface. The inner surface tightly abuts and holds the vertical edge of the legs to hold securely the legs in the gaps. Therefore, the safety switch has a low cost and is compact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a re-settable, single-phase, thermo/electric circuit breaker utilizing a U-shape bimetallic element of substantial resistance properties in the circuit, so that when a predetermined overload current occurs the bimetallic element self heats and moves to trip a mechanism that opens the breaker circuit. The invention replaces the double-contact break configuration normally associated with a breaker of this type, with a single contact break configuration designed to produce a sliding action between contacts during the normal reset operation, providing a more reliable continuity at the moveable and stationary contact interface that is also less expensive to produce.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical-switch (MEMS) device comprises a semiconductor wafer, a first semiconductor layer formed on the semiconductor wafer, and a second semiconductor layer formed on the first layer. A first latching movable shuttle is formed in the second layer and has the first layer removed under the first movable shuttle, the first movable shuttle being moved in a first direction relative to the wafer in response to a predetermined acceleration of the MEMS device in a direction opposite to the first direction thereby changing an operating condition of the MEMS device from a first switch state to an intermediate switch state. A second latching moveable shuttle is formed within the first shuttle, the second shuttle being moved in a second direction relative to the first shuttle in response to a thermally activated force so as to change the operating state of the MEMS device from the intermediate switch state to a second switch state.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a fixed contact; a movable contact disposed in a rotary-type contact holder; a switching device; an operation handle; and an over-current tripping device. The operation handle is operated to open and close main-circuit contact points through the switching device. The switching device includes a handle lever connected to the operation handle; a toggle linkage having an upper toggle link and a lower toggle link; a switching spring placed between the handle lever and an arm connecting point of the toggle linkage; and a side plate for holding the components. The circuit breaker further includes a device for preventing the operation handle from moving to an off position when the contact points are stuck together. The device includes first stoppers formed on a cross bar of the contact holder and the handle lever facing the cross bar, and a second stopper formed on the side plate.

Abstract: A pair of spring mounted masses have sufficient inertia to remain stationary in response to a shock force applied to the housing of a trip assembly in a circuit breaker to block movement of the trip bar and thereby prevent a nuisance trip.

Abstract: The high transient current sustained by arcing during opening of the main contacts of a miniature circuit breaker is commutated out of the bimetal by deflection of the bimetal in response to the overcurrent to close secondary contacts on the free end of the bimetal and on a low resistance by-pass conductor shunting the bimetal. The by-pass conductor can be extended toward the movable contact arm carrying the movable main contact to commutate some of the overcurrent into the by-pass conductor earlier in the opening sequence to reduce the energy input to the bimetal and reduce the force closing the secondary contacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal device for safety switches which is used to control a conductive strip and serves as On/Off switching agent. The attachment is slopingly mounted in the switch housing. And the push-pull body used to move the conductive strip includes a pull body and an inclined spring element above the pull body. The pull body is in a free state when the conductive strip bounces upward into a deforming position. As a result, the attachment is not connected with the conductive strip; however, they are in a pull-push switching relationship such that the conductive strip is collapsible in a manner of reverse deformation for an electric disconnection in case of overload without restraint of the push-pull body of the attachment. During the ordinary state, the conductive strip maintains the usual (On/Off) switching function. Accordingly, the present invention is applicable to all kinds of safety switches for reaching a multipurpose effect of one object.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprises a switch knob, a contact control member, a resilient contact piece and a bimetal alloy leaf for automatically cutting off power supply when current overload occurs. The switch knob is depressed to drive a protuberance to directly press or release the contact control member and the resilient contact piece to connect or cut off the power supply in normal operation. When current overload occurs, the bimetal alloy leaf deformed to push a moveable rod of the contact control member to release the resilient contact piece for cutting off the power supply. The switch assembly also includes a resilient member for restoring the contact control member to a normal off state after cutting off the power supply.

Abstract: A surface micromachined microaccelerometer includes a substrate which has a surface plane, and a cantilever formed on the substrate with a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end being anchored to the substrate. The cantilever includes a mass fixed along the length of the cantilever. A cooperating device reads out the occurrence of an acceleration event when the free end of the cantilever has moved to a predetermined position. The cooperating device may be fixed or an opposing co-aligned cantilever structure. In a first embodiment, the cooperating device takes the form of a fixed structure having slots in which the tip of the cantilever is selectively retained. A further embodiment configures the cooperating device as an overlapping opposed cantilever. A further feature of the invention enables a reset function of a latched cantilever and comprises a pair of layers which when energized cause a cantilever to be suitably deflected so as to return from the latched state back to the unlatched state.

Abstract: A micromechanical memory sensor. The sensor comprises a latch member mechanically latching upon detection of a threshold value of a variable condition and circuitry for detecting such latching. A sensor further includes a resetting mechanism for electrically unlatching the latch member whereby the sensor latched purely mechanically is electrically reset for repeat use.

Abstract: An overload protective circuit breaker switch including: a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact adapted to connect an electric appliance to power supply; a movable contact adapted to form with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact a normal open contact; an actuator controlled by the user to turn about an axis; a lever coupled to and turned with the actuator, the lever being turned about a first bearing point, when the overload protective circuit breaker switch is not at an overload status, to move the movable contact between a normal open contact position in which the movable contact form with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact a normal open contact, and a normal close contact position in which the movable contact form with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact a normal close contact; and a release mechanism adapted to move the lever, the release mechanism releasing the lever from the first bearing point to a second bearing point upon an overload, caus

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

Abstract: A micromechanical memory sensor. The sensor comprises a latch member mechanically latching upon detection of a threshold value of a variable condition and circuitry for detecting such latching. A sensor further includes a resetting mechanism for electrically unlatching the latch member whereby the sensor latched purely mechanically is electrically reset for repeat use.

Abstract: An electrical instrument switch includes a rocker switch for manual on-and-off switching and that is seated in an insulation housing. Depending on the pivot position, the rocker switch moves, with a working end that dips into the housing interior, a contact bridge between the closed position of its contact and the open position of its contact. The contact bridge is electrically connected in series with a contact spring that can be triggered thermally and hence acts as an overcurrent protection. The contact spring can move between its contact position and its open position. The contact spring is mechanically prestressed in the direction of its open position. When overcurrent occurs, it is transferred out of its contact position into its open position by a thermal triggering element. A pivot of the rocker switch counter to the mechanical prestress, in the tipping direction of the contact spring, guides the contact spring from its open position back into its contact position.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker for residential use employs an additional safety feature to ensure a fail-safe condition in the event that the circuit breaker is installed within a circuit that may be subjected to an excessive over-current fault that disables the circuit breaker trip unit. The integral bimetal-fuse within the circuit breaker trip unit responds to interrupt circuit current before any damage can occur to the associated electrical wiring system.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a connector (17) connected to a bimetal blade (1) having an adjustable inclination. An end of the bimetal blade is embedded in an isolating axle (2) parallel to the plane of the bimetal blade (1), the position in rotation of the axle being adjustable by a screw (5) parallel to the axle comprising a tapered tip pressing on a lever (4) fixed to the axle (2) and perpendicular to the latter.

Abstract: A rocker actuator switch having a frame which has a first projection extending therefrom which passes through a yoke portion of a rocker actuator that moves between on and off positions. The rocker actuator is pivotally connected to the frame by a snapping arrangement whereby a second frame projection is guided and slides along a flexible cantilevered beam, which is disposed in a sidewall of the rocker actuator, until the second projection enters a partial circular cutout in the sidewall of the rocker actuator. Upon entering the cutout, the flexible beam retains the second projection in the cutout where it is free to pivot.

Abstract: A bimetallic thermal release element (34) for use in a thermally actuated tripping mechanism, and in particular used in electrical circuit breakers (10) wherein the load current is passed through the bimetallic element has a self-aligning floating latch member (141) configured to engage the release member and to disengage therefrom when the bimetallic element bows a sufficient amount at a given temperature or current. The bimetallic element is preferably an elongated member supported at its ends (128, 130) by side members (28, 42). An increased sensitivity is imparted to the bimetallic element by mounting the side members for rotation to accommodate the bowing.

Abstract: A hand-controlled breaker comprises a housing (1), a control button (12), and a control bar (21). Two rods (15, 15') are mounted so as to pivot inside the control button, and extend downwardly outside the control button towards the cavity of said housing. Each rod comprises an oblique supporting surface (17, 17') oriented in an inward and downward position, and a second lower oblique supporting surface (19, 19') oriented in an inward and upward position. The four supporting surfaces surround and maintain a cylindrical part (20) coupled to an upper portion of the bar (21). The rods each further comprise an oblique supporting surface (58, 58') outwardly and upwardly directed to against a lower edge of a bore (10) of an upper portion (4) of the housing.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a thermal trip has a calibration opening in the electrically insulating housing through which a tool may be inserted and rotated to distort a support plate on which a bimetal is mounted to calibrate the thermal trip after the circuit breaker has been fully assembled and enclosed within the insulating housing. A tamper indicating seal in the form of a destructible film secured over the calibration opening by an adhesive having an adhesive strength exceeding the tensile strength of the destructible film provides a visual indication of any subsequent attempts to tamper with the calibration setting.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by its ability to qualify for controlling high electrical capacity in a concise configuration employing two sets of contacts separated by a dielectric barrier having anti-arcing features to minimize arcing in a minimal size circuit breaker. Control of the contact movement is through a pivoted actuator and over-center linkage in conjunction with a bell crank lever operating a spring mounted contact moving through a short radius.

Abstract: A push-button actuated overload protection switch, particularly an on-board protection switch having instant ON switching as well as manual, thermal and/or electromagnetic tripping. The switch has various components such as a switch housing, a pushbutton and an associated spring, a contact bridge and a toggle lever device, a detent lever and a detent pawl, as well as two switch rods, these parts being interconnected to obtain the desired switching function.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for breaking current conduction between line and load connectors in response to tripping of a bimetallic thermal element as a result of an over-current condition is disclosed. According to the invention, a trip crossbar is permitted to translate as well as rotate to relieve stress on the thermal element.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device has a chamber in which is disposed a single break contact system using low contact resistance material mounted on movable and stationary supports arranged in a loop configuration in order to direct arcs between the contacts through an arc chute into a remote portion of the chamber. A push-button is connected through a kinematic linkage which transfers motion using minimal frictional engagement to a movable contact to bring the movable contact into and out of engagement with a stationary contact and to latch the contacts in engagement during normal operation. A cantilevered current carrying bimetal transfers motion caused by I R heating of the bimetal to an ambient compensating bimetal connected to the latch mechanism. The kinematic linkage includes a latch surface which engages a rollable cylindrical reaction surface of the latch mechanism to cause the movable contact to come into engagement with the stationary contact upon depression of the push-button.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device has a chamber in which is disposed a single break contact system using low contact resistance material mounted on movable and stationary supports arranged in a loop configuration in order to direct arcs between the contacts through an arc chute into a remote portion of the chamber. A push-button is connected through a kinematic linkage which transfers motion using minimal frictional engagement to a movable contact to bring the movable contact into and out of engagement with a stationary contact and to latch the contacts in engagement during normal operation. A cantilevered current carrying bimetal transfers motion caused by I2R heating of the bimetal to an ambient compensating bimetal connected to the latch mechanism. The kinematic linkage includes a latch surface which engages a rollable cylindrical reaction surface of the latch mechanism to cause the movable contact to come into engagement with the stationary contact upon depression of the push-button.

Abstract: An improved thermal circuit breaker is disclosed, featuring a U-shaped bimetallic element which latches an escapement locking arm which holds a spring biased moving contact against a fixed contact when the breaker is in the contacts closed position. The improved thermal element has terminal portions which are of lesser electrical resistivity than are other portions of the element. The relative orientation of the metals of the bimetallic element in the terminal portions are reversed with respect to their orientation in the remainder of the bimetallic element. In this way ambient temperature compensation is provided to the breaker such that the current rating of a given breaker does not vary with variation in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device has a chamber in which is disposed a single break contact system using low contact resistance material mounted on movable and stationary supports arranged in a loop configuration in order to direct arcs between the contacts through an arc chute into a remote portion of the chamber. A push-button is connected through a kinematic linkage which transfers motion using minimal frictional engagement to a movable contact to bring the movable contact into and out of engagement with a stationary contact and to latch the contacts in engagement during normal operation. A cantilevered current carrying bimetal transfers motion caused by I.sup.2 R heating of the bimetal to an ambient compensating bimetal connected to the latch mechanism. The kinematic linkage includes a latch surface which engages a rollable cylindrical reaction surface of the latch mechanism to cause the movable contact to come into engagement with the stationary contact upon depression of the push-button.

Abstract: A circuit breaker utilizes an elongated contact spring member which extends along the length of a breaker housing in an inclined relation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The contact spring member is fixed at its one end and carries on the other end a movable contact engageable with a stationary contact. The contact spring member is self-biased in the direction of opening the contacts and is operatively connected to an actuator which is slidably received in the housing for movement between an outward and inward positions. The inward sliding movement of the actuator is translated into the contact closing movement of the contact spring member with the attendant deflection of the contact spring member against its bias.

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 line terminal assembly is provided for a circuit breaker. The line terminal assembly includes a line terminal which has an interior arm and first and second exterior arms with a bimetallic element connected to the interior arm. A screw passes through a bracket and threadably engages the interior arm. Torquing the screw causes the interior arm and bimetallic element to move relative to the exterior arms thereby varying the tripping current of the breaker.

Abstract: A selectable rating plug allows a standard molded case circuit breaker design to be used over a wide range of ampere ratings. The rating plug is used to control the thermal load on the thermally responsive trip element within the breaker. Movement of the thermally responsive element articulates the breaker trip mechanism in response to predetermined overload conditions to interrupt circuit current.

Abstract: A bimetal operated latch subassembly (600) for an electrical device such as an overload/switch device which is a self-contained unit that can be mounted into operative position relative to the trippable member (012) of the electrical device. A bimetal assembly (660) and a pair of terminals (604,621) electrically connected thereto are mounted on a main insulating base (601). A vibration and shockproof latch assembly (610) is preassembled on a stainless steel sub-base (611) which is then secured by a single screw (605) to the main base (601) at the same time coupling the bimetal assembly (660) to the latch (610) in operative relationship. The latch (610) is rendered shockproof by providing a spring-biased linear slider (650) that latches to a transversely pivoted latch lever (613). The latch friction that must be overcome by the bimetal (608) is reduced to a minimum by providing the latch lever (613) with an adjustable bias (614,615) that almost balances the tripping force (Y) of the trippable member (012 ).

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a new and improved calibration adjusting means for a bimetal in a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism also includes a bimetal having a portion movable in response to predetermined overload conditions, an intermediate control lever for adjusting the spatial disposition of the movable portion of the bimetal with respect to a trip bar of the trip mechanism and a rotatable adjustment means for adjusting the spatial disposition of the intermediate control lever in the circuit breaker. By rotating the adjustment means, the distance between the movable portion of the bimetal and the trip bar can be precisely adjusted via the intermediate control lever. The intermediate control lever is coupled to a relatively stationary portion of the bimetal thereby enabling such adjustment without applying undue stress to the movable portion of the bimetal.