Abstract:
The present invention relates to a control mechanism for the displacement of at least one moving contact of a low-voltage circuit-breaking device. The control mechanism comprises elastic means operatively connectable to the moving contact, at least a first element of which is operatively connected to a second element by means of pin-shaped connection means. The first and second elements each comprise a pair of facing lateral portions that are connected by a transverse portion. The pin-shaped connection means comprise a pair of pin-shaped ends, each of which emerges from one side of a lateral portion of the first element. Said pin-shaped means also comprise a pair of seats, each of which is defined on a lateral portion of the second element. Each pin-shaped end is inserted in a corresponding seat so as to configure an axis of mutual rotation between the first and the second elements. The elastic means are arranged so as to exert a retaining force on the pin-shaped ends sufficient to keep them coupled to the corresponding seats in which they are inserted.
Abstract:
Disclosed are a multi-pole circuit breaker and an apparatus for preventing deformation of a driving shaft thereof. The multi-pole circuit breaker includes: a plurality of single pole breaking units having a pair of fixed contactors, a movable contactor, and shafts; a switching mechanism disposed on a certain one of the plurality of single pole breaking units; a pair of driving shafts connected to each shaft; and a driving shaft deformation prevention unit disposed between the single pole breaking unit, spaced relatively far from the switching unit among the plurality of single pole breaking units, and the adjacent single pole breaking unit.
Abstract:
A pressure sensitive trip mechanism for actuating a circuit breaker operating mechanism to trip a circuit breaker includes a trip lever and a trip bar. The trip lever is rotatable about a first pivot. The trip bar is positioned proximate the trip lever. The trip bar is arranged to rotate about a second pivot in response to a predetermined level of pressurized gas created by separation of the pair of electrical contacts, thereby urging the trip lever to unlatch the circuit breaker operating mechanism. The pressure sensitive trip mechanism provides for very fast tripping of the circuit breaker in the event of a short circuit condition or an overcurrent fault condition within any one on the circuit breaker poles. In a multi-pole circuit breaker, the present invention provides for protection against single-phasing.
Abstract:
A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.
Abstract:
A circuit interrupter including separable main contacts, an operating mechanism interconnected with the contacts, and a housing in which the contacts and the operating mechanism are disposed. The housing includes a base having a bottom including a break-away region into which a tool may be inserted for breaking off the region for providing internal access to the operating mechanism.
Abstract:
A network protector system is provided in which the internal bussing of the network protector enclosure is constructed to adapt a four-pole circuit breaker for a three-pole network protection operation. This is provided by joining the central two bus conductors of the four line transformer input busses to make a single stab connection which interconnects with two central poles of the four-pole circuit breaker. The load output of the four-pole circuit breaker is interconnected with are overlapping stab which in turn is connected to a signal output bus bar so that the network protector system essentially converts a four-pole circuit breaker and line transformer system to a three-pole output system.
Abstract:
Single pole circuit breakers are connected in a modular array to provide up to four poles by means of a handle tie bar assembly. The circuit breaker operating handles are grooved to receive a metal interlocking pin and a plastic tie bar to cause the circuit breakers to move in unison. A locking clip arranged between one of the operating handle slots and the tie bar assembly prevents the circuit breakers from being turned from their OFF-to-ON or ON-to-OFF conditions.
Abstract:
A ground fault trip unit of the three-pole type, comprises a fourth conductor passing through the differential transformer. The fourth conductor is connected to terminals located on a different face from that of the terminals of the other three conductors. The same ground fault trip unit can be associated with a three-pole breaking device, in which case the fourth conductor is not used, and with a four-pole device whose fourth pole is connected to the fourth conductor of the ground fault trip unit.
Abstract:
By articulating the neutral-pole switching element in a multi-pole circuit breaker, providing spring biasing to urge the two elements into a pre-determined position approximating alignment, advancing the neutral pole switching element with respect to the other switching elements and providing fixed contact elements which frictionally engage opposite sides of the neutral-pole switching contact in the closed position, the closing of the neutral circuit precedes the closing of the live circuits and the opening of the neutral circuit lags the opening of the live circuits, thus preventing arcing and transient damage to loads on the circuit.
Abstract:
Circuit-breaker system having a response time to shortcircuits of less than 4 milliseconds have multiple coordinated pole units wired in series in each phase. The system is able to clear a fault where the available current is high, for example 100,000 amperes at 240 volts AC although each pole unit may be of conventional construction having a current-interruption rating of only 5 or 10 thousand amperes. The operation exhibits current limiting properties, and the interruption process leaves the pole units remarkably free of arc damage.