Abstract: A switching device includes at least a first current path and a second current path, each of which have a first connection and a second connection, whereby the first connections are arranged on the first side of the switching device and the second connections on the second side of the switching device, each current path has at least one contact pair, that has a first contact and a second contact, whereby at least the second contact is arranged on a contact member that is movable to the first contact and whereby in the switched-on status of the switching device, both the contacts are in contact with each other, each contact pair has at least one extinguishing device, whereby the extinguishing devices of both the current paths are arranged in a direction from the first connections to the second connections, behind one another and at least partly covering each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to an overcurrent protection device, which comprises a housing having a first side mounted with first and second wire terminals and a second side installed with a button, an elastic element installed therein for abutting against the button, a memory alloy plate disposed therein and having a first end connected to the first wire terminal and a free end having a first contact, and an elastic metal sheet having two ends movably connected to the first and free ends respectively. When the button is pressed, an extended rod thereof can push the first contact and cause the memory alloy plate to be deformed for enabling the first contact to contact a second contact on the second wire terminal. When the button is released and shifted away from the first contact, a space will be provided for the first contact to return an original status prior to deformation.

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 shift register apparatus is provided. The pull-down unit of each of the shift registers in the shift register apparatus is controlled by itself, previous, and next two shift registers to enhance the ability of pull-down and voltage regulating. Therefore, the circuit structure of each of the shift registers does not need to be designed a large compensation capacitor therein to substantially restrain the coupling noise effect caused by the clock signal, and thus permitting that each of the shift registers can be collocated with a small compensation capacitor to enhance the output capability thereof.

Abstract: A trip unit in a miniature circuit breaker having a plurality of stacked bimetal elements welded front-to-back at one end and attached to a load terminal. The bimetal elements are made of similar compositions and have the same thickness. The free ends are connected to a yoke and to a pigtail that is optionally wound around the yoke in which the bimetals are received. The pigtail is connected to the conductive blade of the trip unit. To attach the pigtail from one direction, a notch is formed in the free end of one of the bimetals, exposing part of the other bimetal behind it. Or, two notches are formed in a staggered relationship such that the pigtail connections can be made from either direction. The stacked relationship of the bimetal elements allows the overall width of the circuit breaker to be reduced without sacrificing its rating requirements with one bimetal.

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 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: The Resettable Latching MEMS Temperature Sensor provides the capability of recording external temperature extremes without consuming electrical power. The device incorporates a thermal bimorph, contacts, latches, and actuators for device reset. The device can be designed, hardwired, or programmed to trigger at various temperature levels. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the device consumes no quiescent power. The device can be configured to close a circuit, switch an interrupt signal, or switch some other electrical trigger signal between devices at the time of a temperature extreme being reached, or it can be configured to latch and be polled at some time after the temperature limit has occurred.

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker comprising a non-conductive housing assembly; a pair of separable contacts including a first, fixed contact coupled to said housing assembly and having a terminal extending outside said housing assembly, and a second, movable contact having a terminal extending outside said housing assembly; an operating mechanism coupled to, and structured to move, said movable contact between a first position, wherein said movable contact engages said fixed contact, and a second position, wherein said movable contact is spaced from said fixed contact; a trip device coupled to said operating mechanism and structured to actuate said operating mechanism to separate said separable contacts upon the occurrence of a trip condition; an arc fault trip mechanism having an arc fault detector and a shape memory alloy element; said arc fault detector structured to detect an arc fault on the load side of said separable contacts and to provide an electrical pulse; said shape memory alloy element structured to

Abstract: An overload tripping device includes a temperature-compensating bimetal operating as a tripping lever and interposed between an output lever of a differential shifter mechanism linked with a main bimetal and a latch receiver of an opening-and-closing mechanism section of a circuit breaker. The temperature-compensating bimetal has an intermediate portion journaled on a bimetal holder. An operating arm made of a light molding material is attached to a tip of the temperature-compensating bimetal so as to push the latch receiver. Additionally, a balance weight may be installed on the temperature-compensating bimetal to balance inertial moments on the opposite sides of the bimetal. Thus, the circuit breaker is prevented from being inadvertently tripped due to external stimulus.

Abstract: A safety switch includes a casing having a first terminal plate having a first contact point and a second terminal plate to which an end of a bi-metal plate is connected. A second contact point is connected to the bi-metal plate. A movable member is movably engaged with the casing and has two protrusions from an inside of the movable member. The other end of the bi-metal plate is movably located between the two protrusions. The movable member can be easily connected with different types of switch members.

Abstract: A thermal and magnetic trip unit for a multi-pole circuit breaker includes a thermal structure having a bimetallic element and one or more heater elements. Each of the heater elements and a portion of the bimetallic element is generally "U" shaped defining a conductive path which extends from one leg of the U to the other leg. The heater elements and bimetallic element may be configured in parallel to reduce the level of current flowing through the bimetallic element and thus increase the current level at which the bimetallic element will trip the breaker. Alternatively, the heater elements may be configured in series with the bimetallic element, by inserting electrical insulators between the bimetallic element and each of the heater elements and connecting the various "U" shaped elements using a connecting bus which connects the second leg of one element to the first leg of the next element.

Abstract: A surge absorbing element is parallel connected to an electronic device via a pair of communication lines. A normally closed thermal response switch is serially connected between the electronic device and the signal source on the input side of the surge absorbing element. When a surge voltage is instantaneously applied to the communication lines, the thermal response switch remains in the closed position and the surge absorbing element acts to suppress the surge voltage. When an overvoltage or over current is continuously applied to the communication lines, the thermal response pieces of the thermal response switch open and simultaneously release the movable body. Consequently, the electronic device is disconnected from the signal source, thus stopping the continuous overvoltage or overcurrent from flowing to the electronic device and the surge absorbing element. Simultaneously, the reset pin is projected through the casing.

Abstract: A push-push (make-break) switch (43) including a thermally operated circuit breaker release is adapted for controlling an electric motor (42). The switch (43) may be employed by itself or used in conjunction with a standard control switch (41) connected to auxiliary contacts (15 and 18) which are normally closed but opened when switch (43) is activated. When switch (43) is momentarily activated, it becomes latched to continue operation of the motor (42) until the motor stalls upon completion of a task. The increased current draw of the motor (42) is sensed by a bi-metalic element (27) whose free end moves to automatically release the switch (43) and disrupt its continuity path. The switch (43) is in a compact, self-contained, design which provides various different operational features. In automotive applications, switch (43) provides convenient express operation of motor operated accessories such as power windows and the like.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, it comprises a fireproof enclosure having a first and a second electrical terminal. The first electrical terminal is coupled to an electrical contact internal the fireproof enclosure. An actuating member is provided in the trip mechanism. A first end is inside the mechanism, while a second end extends outside. The actuator member is biased to have the first end in contact to the electrical contact at a first position. The first end has a bimetallic latch coupled thereto. The bimetallic latch comprises a contact portion at the point of coupling to the first end and a first and second wing portion extending from the contact portion. Ledges are disposed on the interior of the trip mechanism. The wing portions engage the ledges to hold the actuator member at a second position. The second position establishes a gap between the electrical contact and the contact portion of the bimetallic latch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having two subassemblies, connected via snap-lock means, which mesh together to provide manual operation with "trip free" response to overloads and no latch load on the bimetallic element.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker bimetal trip unit arrangement substantially reduces the variation in trip characteristics between circuit breakers employing the improved bimetal. The number of circuit breakers failing the in-line calibration test is correspondingly substantially reduced.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a thermal tripping device comprising a bimetal element and a heater has a holding member attached to the stationary part of the bimetal element, for holding the bimetal element and the heater at respective first end parts thereof. The holding member has an arm connected to a flexible copper wire and generates heat when an over-current flows through it, the arm conducting this heat to the attached end part of the bimetal element to cause the bimetal element to bend and deflect a second end thereof to provide circuit breaking action.

Abstract: A bell-crank-like switching connector is supported on a switch rod having a pushbutton such that it is pivotable and is displaceable along the switch rod. A first lever arm of the switching connector is lockable underneath a protrusion of a bimetallic strip. A second arm bears a contact piece associated with a fixed contact piece. Tabs protrude beyond a latching edge of the first lever arm and upon switching on of the switch they slide over lateral regions of an associated latching edge of the protrusion of the bimetallic strip and thereby make a wear-producing mechanical contact of the two latching edges impossible. The switching connector is exposed to the pressure of a switch spring coaxial with the switch rod. A button spring acting upon the pushbutton and having a substantially smaller spring rate is likewise disposed coaxially with the switch rod and is supported on the switching connector.

Abstract: A pair of heaters (16,18) are mounted within a breaker housing (2) in spaced relation to a temperature responsive actuator element (30) for indirectly heating that element in response to current flow in the heaters. Each heater is provided with a wiring terminal member (6,8) for selectively individually connecting one or the other heater in circuit with a branch circuit to be protected. One heater (16) is selected to generate greater amounts of heat than the other heater (18) when subjected to the same current levels.

Abstract: The invention provides a magneto-thermal device for overcurrent relays.The end of a core, whose axial position may be adjusted with respect to a mobile plate, placed opposite and pivoting about one end of the yoke, is secured against movement by a wedge which is guided in a groove belonging to a flange of the coil shell.This device may be used in any thermal relay where a stable and precise adjustment of the tripping current threshold is desired.

Abstract: A remotely controlled circuit control device has first and second load contact assemblies movable into circuit engagement and circuit disengagement positions relative to one another in which one load contact assembly is operatively connected to a solenoid so that alternate forward strokes of the solenoid moves the one load contact assembly between reset and tripped positions through a push-push mechanism having an indexing portion and a latching portion. An overload mechanism cooperates with the latch portion to cause the load contact assemblies to move to the circuit disengaged position upon occurrence of a fault condition. The second load contact assembly includes pivotably mounted contact members which are linked to the first load contact assembly in such a way that circuit engagement during solenoid energization is precluded.

Abstract: A primary circuit breaker for fluid filled transformers, the circuit breaker being immersible in the fluid in the transformer and including a circuit interrupter assembly, an externally actuatable latch mechanism for reclosing the interrupter assembly and a magnetically controlled trip assembly for releasing the interrupter assembly from the latch mechanism in response to predetermined electrical and thermal conditions in the transformer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electric cigar lighter for use, for example in vehicles, having an improved circuit breaker which includes at least two thermostatic contacts mounted on a bottom of a tubular holder for receiving an igniting unit, an end cap secured to the outer face of the tubular holder, a movable contact unit which is movable in the end cap and a spring mounted in the end cap so as to rearwardly urge the movable contact unit. The thermostatic contacts are adapted to contact a bimetallic latch mounted in the tubular holder, and to rearwardly extend into the end cap. The movable contact unit includes a contact member in a form of a cap which, at a front end portion of a cylindrical wall thereof, a rib which is adapted to be engageable with ribs formed at the rear ends of the thermostatic contacts.

Abstract: A product monitoring device including a releasable locking device adapted to be secured to a product and actuatable between locked and unlocked positions. The locking device consists of a pair of movable members, one of which mounts a bimetallic member consisting of bimetal elements having different temperature coefficients of expansion, the bimetal elements being separated by an insulator. The locking device includes a detent cooperatively associated with the bimetallic member to maintain the members in a locked position. The device uses an electrifiable key for heating the bimetallic elements to effect displacement thereof relative to the detent to facilitate movement of the members to an unlocked position. The device incorporates structural features which increase strength in operation, and further serve to make unauthorized opening and/or breakage of portions, with the intent of permitting separation from an article to which attached, more difficult.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has contacts which are engageable as a result of manual operation of a toggle mechanism causing the circuit breaker to close and open when the toggle is in an erect and collapsed condition, respectively. Subsequent opening of the circuit breaker is accomplished by either manual operation or automatic due to a current responsive latch within the toggle mechanism. As a result of a unique movable contact biasing arrangement, more uniform pressure is obtained between the contacts and a wiping action of the contacts is obtained during closing. The movable contact is mounted on a contact member pivoted at its center on a solid pin mounted in the breaker case through an elongated aperture in the contact member. The elongated aperture allows for a limited degree of movement of the contact member transverse to the pivot pin. It is this limited transverse movement which increases the tolerance range by providing overtravel of the movable contact and wiping action of the contacts.

Abstract: A momentary ON rocker button switch (2) with bimetal detent latching (36) in the ON position and releasable by a heater (42) wound on the bimetal (36), the heater (42) being controlled through the output of a solid state timing circuit (TC, R1, C1) housed in the switch which is energized upon closure of the switch contacts (14a, 18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to circuit breakers of a particular class, namely, the type in which a toggle is manually erected to drive a "heart" as a unit for closing the circuit breaker. The "heart" includes a contact arm, an actuator, and overcurrent releasable latch means which collectively form a normally latched unit. Under excess-current conditions, the latch means releases the actuator, and contact arm then opens the circuit.The latch means includes a conventional bimetal fixed at one end to the contact arm. The bimetal carries a pivoted latch lever, and is surrounded by a core-and-armature unit adjacent its secured end, for operating the latch lever in response to high overcurrents. High magnetic trip sensitivity is achieved in a construction wherein the whole electromagnet moves with the contact arm, without resort to a current-carrying coil for the electromagnet.

Abstract: A thermostat for regulating the temperature of a space includes: means movable in the thermostat for sensing the temperature of the space; a switch device having means for switching between a pair of switching positions; and a pair of permanent magnet means for magnetic coupling relation with the switching means. Means is provided for translating the temperature sensing movement of the sensing means to the magnet means pair so as to attract the switching means from one of its switching positions to the other thereof.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay characterized by a housing containing a plurality of pole units, two pairs of spaced terminals on the housing, one terminal of each pair comprising a stationary contact within the housing, a movable contact mounted on and extending from the other of each terminal and being biased in one of the open and closed positions of the stationary contact, a slide within the housing for moving the movable contact between said positions, latch means on the slide for latching the slide in one of said positions and being spring biased in the other position, reset means for moving the slide to a latched position, each pole unit having a bimetal element responsive to current flow to effect heating thereof, and means associated with the latch means for unlatching the latch means.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with a thermally responsive latching member connected in circuit between a load terminal and a movable contact. A mounting member, holding a portion of the latching member adjacent one end thereof, is pivotally mounted in the circuit breaker housing. A U-shaped field piece is affixed to the mounting member with legs of the piece extending at both sides and toward the latching member, and toward an armature spaced on the opposite side of the latching member. The armature has its associated armature spring provided with an annular boss which is adapted to fit within a locating hole in the latching member. The field piece is adapted to intercept lines of flux of a magnetic field created by a predetermined amount of current flowing through the latching member to attract the armature to rotate the latching member thereby disengaging a latching surface of the latching member from a trip arm, releasing the trip arm for movement to a tripped position.

Abstract: In a push button actuated, bimetal controlled, current overload switch capable of undergoing trip-free release and including a bimetal strip disposed in a housing, an angular contact bridge disposed in the housing and forming part of the current path provided by the switch, a switching rod mounted in the housing for axial movement relative thereto and having one end extending out of the housing, a switching rod extension mounted at the other end of the rod and within the housing and arranged to bear against the bridge, and a spring disposed to maintain a spring force between the bridge and the extension, opening of the switch by actuation of the rod is made possible by the provision of an obliquely extending lever disposed in the housing, having one end pivotally secured to the housing, having its other end engaging the bimetal strip, and located in the path of travel of the extension during axial movement of the rod into the housing for enabling such movement of the rod to displace the lever in a direction t

Abstract: A thermal overload relay characterized by a plurality of pole units, stationary and movable contacts, a slide within the housing for moving the movable contact between open and closed positions, a movable contact mounting arm on the slide, latch means on the slide for latching the slide in one of said positions, resetting means for moving the slides to the latched position, each pole comprising a bimetal element responsive to current flow to effect heating thereof, a crossbar associated with the bimetal element to effect unlatching of the latch means, and the housing being an integral single unit into which the several foregoing elements are inserted in place.

Abstract: An ambient-compensated, current-actuated circuit breaker, adapted to be miniaturized. In one embodiment, the device has a movable spring arm with contact portion mounted on a base; a plural-legged, current sensitive monometallic element is mounted on the base with the legs joined at an upper end and spread apart to form a rigid structure, the current-sensitive element having a combined contact and latch portion at one end which engages the spring arm in a contact-closed position, the force of the spring arm being in a direction in which the current sensitive element is rigid. Upon heating a proper one or more of the legs by electrical current, the heated leg or legs elongate and move the upper end portion and latch portion in a direction to release the spring arm and open the contacts. An equal change in temperature of all the legs will not trip the latch.

Abstract: A thermal circuit breaker includes a movable contact assembly which is held in an operative position against a fixed contact assembly by means of a catch movable by means of a temperature sensing device which is responsive to the current flowing between the contacts. When this current exceeds a predetermined value the catch is released and the contacts move to the open position. A manually operable control is provided to effect resetting of the circuit breaker and it is additionally operable to effect opening of the contacts when it is required to stop current flow through the circuit which is protected by the breaker.

Abstract: This invention relates to an excess current switch. Such a switch includes a housing, a contact bridge, a bimetal strip for providing a thermal trip, switch actuating means and a slide bar. These components are arranged in a simple and space saving manner to allow the switch to be used as an ON/OFF switch which retain the characteristics of instantaneous switching ON and OFF and trip free release.