公开(公告)号：US20030107854A1

公开(公告)日：2003-06-12

申请号：US10248758

申请日：2003-02-14

Inventor： Henry Hall Mason Jr. ,  Craig B. Williams ,  Cecil Rivers Jr.

IPC: H02H003/00

CPC classification number: H02H1/0015 ,  H01H23/145 ,  H01H71/0271 ,  H01H71/082 ,  H01H83/144 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H3/335

Abstract: Abstract of DisclosureA method and apparatus for a circuit breaker having an arc fault detection circuit, a ground fault detection circuit, a signal indicative of an arc fault in a corresponding pole of the circuit breaker; and a trip mechanism including a pair of separable contacts. The trip mechanism is in operable communication with the ground fault detection circuitry so that in response to receiving the signal from the ground fault detection circuitry, the arc fault detection circuitry causes the ground fault detection circuitry to generate a trip signal causing the trip mechanism to separate the pair of separable contacts.

Abstract translation: 公开摘要一种断路器的方法和装置，具有电弧故障检测电路，接地故障检测电路，指示断路器的相应极点中的电弧故障的信号; 以及包括一对可分离触点的跳闸机构。 跳闸机构与接地故障检测电路可操作地通信，使得响应于接收来自接地故障检测电路的信号，电弧故障检测电路使接地故障检测电路产生跳闸信号，使跳闸机构分离 一对可分离的触点。

公开(公告)号：US20030090848A1

公开(公告)日：2003-05-15

申请号：US10003588

申请日：2001-11-15

Inventor： Robert J. Clarey ,  Robert Tracy Elms ,  Richard Paul Sabol

IPC: H02H005/04

CPC classification number: H02H3/05 ,  H01H71/123 ,  H01H2083/201

Abstract: A GFCI/AFCI circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. A first trip mechanism includes a GFCI/AFCI trip circuit having a resistor. The resistor is energized in response to a trip condition. The first trip mechanism cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts in response to the trip condition. The resistor has a body which burns open in response to a failure of the separable contacts to trip open. A second trip mechanism engages the body of the resistor and cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts in response to the body of the resistor burning open.

Abstract translation: GFCI / AFCI断路器包括壳体，可分离触点和用于打开和关闭可分离触点的操作机构。 第一跳闸机构包括具有电阻器的GFCI / AFCI跳闸电路。 电阻响应于跳闸状态而被通电。 第一跳闸机构与操作机构配合，以响应于行程状况而跳开可分离的触点。 电阻器具有响应于可分离触点的故障而断开的本体，其开放。 第二跳闸机构接合电阻器的主体并与操作机构协作以响应于电阻体的燃烧状态而打开可分离触点。

公开(公告)号：US06487057B1

公开(公告)日：2002-11-26

申请号：US09592693

申请日：2000-06-13

Applicant: Thomas Edward Natili

Inventor： Thomas Edward Natili

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H01H71/123 ,  H01H2071/124 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H3/05

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a pair of separable contacts forming a pole, an operating mechanism for operating the electrical contacts, an electronic trip circuit responsive to currents flowing through the pole for operating the operating mechanism in response to predetermined current conditions to open the separable contacts, and a fail-safe mechanism for operating the operating mechanism in response to a failure in the electronic trip circuit. The fail-safe mechanism includes a solenoid that is electrically connected to be energized in response to a failure in the electronic trip circuit and a linkage that operates the operating mechanism in response to operation of the solenoid. An operating arm that moves in response to the solenoid, interacts with operating mechanism to prevent resetting of the operating mechanism following actuation of the solenoid.

Abstract translation: 断路器包括形成极的一对可分离触点，用于操作电触头的操作机构，响应于流过极的电流响应于预定电流条件操作操作机构以打开可分离触点的电子跳闸电路， 以及用于响应于电子跳闸电路中的故障来操作操作机构的故障安全机构。 故障保护机构包括电连接以响应于电子跳闸电路中的故障而被通电的螺线管和响应于螺线管的操作来操作操作机构的联动装置。 响应于螺线管移动的操作臂与操作机构相互作用，以防止在螺线管致动之后复位操作机构。

公开(公告)号：US06477022B1

公开(公告)日：2002-11-05

申请号：US09614571

申请日：2000-07-12

Applicant: Ralph M. Ennis ,  James R. Farley ,  Rufus L. Barnes ,  John A. Wafer

Inventor： Ralph M. Ennis ,  James R. Farley ,  Rufus L. Barnes ,  John A. Wafer

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H01H89/06 ,  H01H83/02 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H01H2089/065 ,  H02H1/0015

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker incorporating ground fault protection and arc fault protection includes main separable contacts. An operating mechanism actuated by a trip mechanism opens the main separable contacts in response to predetermined current conditions. Auxiliary separable contacts are disposed in series with the main separable contacts. A solenoid having a movable plunger opens and closes the auxiliary separable contacts in response to a remote external signal. A ground fault trip circuit detects a ground fault, and an arc fault trip circuit detects an arc fault. An actuator mechanism, energizable by the ground fault trip circuit and the arc fault trip circuit, actuates the plunger to open the auxiliary separable contacts.

Abstract translation: 具有接地故障保护和电弧故障保护的微型断路器包括主要可分离触点。 由跳闸机构致动的操作机构响应于预定的当前条件打开主可分离触点。 辅助可分离触点与主可分离触点串联布置。 具有可移动柱塞的螺线管响应于远程外部信号而打开和关闭辅助可分离触点。 接地故障跳闸电路检测到接地故障，电弧故障跳闸电路检测到电弧故障。 由接地故障跳闸电路和电弧故障跳闸电路激励的致动器机构致动柱塞以打开辅助可分离触点。

公开(公告)号：US06452767B1

公开(公告)日：2002-09-17

申请号：US08789659

申请日：1997-01-27

Applicant: Stanley J. Brooks

Inventor： Stanley J. Brooks

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H01R4/363 ,  H01H71/125 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H01R11/26 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting arcing faults in an electrical distribution system including a plurality of phase lines for connecting a power source to a respective plurality of loads and one or more current transformers electrically coupled to a selected number of the phase lines. Each of the current transformers have a secondary line extending therefrom and carry an electrical current. The arcing fault detection system comprises a sensor coupled to at least one of the secondary lines for monitoring the rate-of-change of current or voltage associated with the secondary line and producing a signal representing the rate-of-change. An arcing fault detector circuit evaluates the sensor signal for characteristics representative of arcing faults. If an arcing fault is detected, the arcing fault detector circuit triggers a line interrupter to disconnect the load from the power source in the phase line associated with the secondary line.

Abstract translation: 一种用于检测配电系统中的电弧故障的方法和装置，包括用于将电源连接到相应的多个负载的多个相位线以及电耦合到选定数量的相线的一个或多个电流互感器。 每个电流互感器具有从其延伸的二次线并承载电流。 电弧故障检测系统包括耦合到至少一个次级线路的传感器，用于监测与次级线路相关联的电流或电压的变化率，并产生表示变化率的信号。 电弧故障检测器电路评估传感器信号的特征，代表电弧故障。 如果检测到电弧故障，则电弧故障检测器电路触发线路断路器，以断开与二次线路相关的相线中的负载与电源的连接。

公开(公告)号：US06414829B1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-02

申请号：US09454565

申请日：1999-12-07

Applicant: Andy A. Haun ,  Brian G. Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

Inventor： Andy A. Haun ,  Brian G. Grattan ,  Kon B. Wong ,  Robert F. Dvorak ,  Gary W. Scott

IPC: H02H300

CPC classification number: H01H71/125 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H01H2300/03 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/105 ,  H02H3/44 ,  Y02B70/3241 ,  Y02B90/224 ,  Y04S20/14 ,  Y04S20/227

Abstract: A system for producing a simulated ground fault when arcing is present in an electrical circuit includes a sensor which monitors the electrical circuit. An arcing fault detection circuit determines whether an arcing fault is present in response to the sensor and produces a trip signal in response to a determination that an arcing fault is present in the electrical circuit. A ground fault simulator circuit produces a simulated ground fault in response to the trip signal.

Abstract translation: 在电路中存在电弧时产生模拟接地故障的系统包括监测电路的传感器。 电弧故障检测电路响应于传感器中是否存在电弧故障，并且响应于确定电路中存在电弧故障而产生跳闸信号。 接地故障模拟电路响应于跳闸信号产生模拟接地故障。

公开(公告)号：US20020071228A1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-13

申请号：US09812288

申请日：2001-03-20

Inventor： Steve Campolo ,  Nicholas L. Disalvo ,  William R. Ziegler

IPC: H02H003/00

CPC classification number: H02H3/335 ,  G01R31/025 ,  G01R31/041 ,  H01H71/524 ,  H01H71/62 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H2083/045 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H3/338 ,  H02H5/083

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include reverse wiring protection, and optionally an independent trip portions and/or a reset lockout portion are provided. The reverse wiring protection operates at both the line and load sides of the device so that in the event line side wiring to the device is improperly connected to the load side, fault protection for the device remains. The trip portion operates independently of a circuit interrupting portion used to break the electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths in the device. The reset lockout portion prevents the reestablishing of electrical continuity in open conductive paths if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational, if an open neutral condition exists or if the device is reverse wired. Methods for ensuring a reset lock out state before shipment are provided.

Abstract translation: 提供了包括反向布线保护的可复位电路中断装置，例如GFCI装置，以及可选地独立的跳闸部分和/或复位锁定部分。 反向接线保护在器件的线路和负载侧都工作，以便在连接到器件的线路接线不正确地连接到负载侧时，器件的故障保护功能保持不变。 跳闸部分独立于用于破坏装置中的一个或多个导电路径中的电连续性的电路中断部分。 如果电路中断部分不可操作，如果存在开放中性条件或者器件是反向布线的，则复位锁定部分防止重新建立开放导电路径中的电连续性。 提供了在装运前确保复位锁定状态的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20020067582A1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-06

申请号：US09812875

申请日：2001-03-20

Inventor： Frantz Germain ,  Stephen Stewart ,  David Herzfeld ,  Steve Campolo ,  Nicholas L. Disalvo ,  William R. Ziegler

IPC: H02H003/00

CPC classification number: H01H73/14 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H3/335

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices using a center latch are provided. The circuit interrupting devices include those with a reset lockout, reverse wiring protection, and/or an independent trip portion.

Abstract translation: 提供了使用中心锁存器的可复位电路中断装置。 电路中断装置包括具有复位锁定，反向布线保护和/或独立跳闸部分的那些。

公开(公告)号：US06313641B1

公开(公告)日：2001-11-06

申请号：US09345940

申请日：1999-07-01

Applicant: Stanley J. Brooks

Inventor： Stanley J. Brooks

IPC: G01R3108

CPC classification number: G01R31/025 ,  G01R31/086 ,  G01R31/1272 ,  G01R31/14 ,  H01H71/04 ,  H01H71/125 ,  H01H2071/042 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H1/06 ,  H02H3/44

Abstract: A system for detecting arcing faults in an electrical distribution network having a line conductor carrying an electrical signal between a power source and a load, the system being capable of detecting series arcs, line-to-neutral arcs and line-to-ground arcs. The system includes a sensor coupled to the line conductor for monitoring the electrical signal and generating a sensor signal representing the electrical signal. The system generates an arc-indicative signal in response to the sensor signal having characteristics indicative of an arcing fault. The system can include a testing system in which a test wire is coupled to the sensor simultaneously with the line conductor and a test signal is periodically produced on the test line. The sensor simultaneously monitors the test signal and the electrical signal and produces a sensor signal representing both the test signal and the electrical signal when the test signal is present on the test line. The arcing fault detection system generates an arc-indicative signal in response to the sensor signal associated with either the test line or line conductor having characteristics indicative of an arcing fault. A diagnostic test integrator evaluates the status conditions of the test signal and the arc-indicative signal and generates a trip signal to trigger the interruption of the electrical signal in response to certain status conditions of the test signal and the arc-indicative signal.

Abstract translation: 一种用于检测配电网络中的电弧故障的系统，其具有在电源和负载之间承载电信号的线路导体，该系统能够检测串联电弧，线对中线电弧和线对地电弧。 该系统包括耦合到线路导体的传感器，用于监视电信号并产生表示电信号的传感器信号。 该系统响应于具有指示电弧故障的特性的传感器信号产生电弧指示信号。 该系统可以包括测试系统，其中测试线与线路导体同时耦合到传感器，并且测试信号在测试线上周期性地产生。 当测试信号存在于测试线上时，传感器同时监视测试信号和电信号，并产生表示测试信号和电信号的传感器信号。 电弧故障检测系统响应于与具有指示电弧故障的特性的测试线或线路导体相关联的传感器信号产生电弧指示信号。 诊断测试集成器评估测试信号和电弧指示信号的状态条件，并且响应于测试信号和电弧指示信号的某些状态而产生跳闸信号以触发电信号的中断。

公开(公告)号：US06285534B1

公开(公告)日：2001-09-04

申请号：US09490566

申请日：2000-01-25

Applicant: Jeffrey Scott Gibson ,  Michael Jerome Whipple

Inventor： Jeffrey Scott Gibson ,  Michael Jerome Whipple

IPC: H02H908

CPC classification number: H01H83/04 ,  H01H2083/201

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker providing arc fault protection and ground fault protection has a common rocker button that selectively deflects orthogonally oriented flat electrically conductive test switch spring contacts of an arc fault test circuit and a ground fault test circuit into engagement with a common contact to test each of these protection functions independently. The pivot axis of the rocker button is parallel to the planes of each of the test switch spring contacts and the button has opposed fingers which preload both of the spring contacts to bias the rocker button to a neutral position.

Abstract translation: 提供电弧故障保护和接地故障保护的微型断路器具有共同的摇杆按钮，其选择性地偏转电弧故障测试电路和接地故障测试电路的正交定向的平坦导电测试开关弹簧触点与公共触点接合以测试每个 的这些保护功能独立。 摇臂按钮的枢转轴线平行于每个测试开关弹簧触点的平面，并且按钮具有相对的指状物，其预先加载两个弹簧触点以将摇臂按钮偏置到中立位置。