公开(公告)号：US20060208836A1

公开(公告)日：2006-09-21

申请号：US11369330

申请日：2006-03-06

Applicant: Frantz Germain ,  Stephen Stewart

Inventor： Frantz Germain ,  Stephen Stewart

IPC: H01H73/00

CPC classification number: H01H3/50 ,  H01H71/62 ,  H01H83/02 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H2083/201

Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit interrupting device having a trip button for disconnecting a load from a source of electrical power and a reset button for resetting the device after it has tripped. When the device is operating in its reset state, a source of electrical power is connected to a load through a set of contacts located within the device. The contacts are held closed by the spring loaded reset button which holds captive and urges a latch plate to move up to close normally open contacts. In the preferred mechanical trip mechanism, depressing the trip button causes the latch plate to move forward and be released from the reset button. The latch plate, upon being released from the reset button moves down to allow the contacts, which are biased to be normally open, to assume their normally open position. At this time, pressing the reset button initiates an electrical cycle which causes the normally open contacts to close only if the device is operating properly and there is no fault on the line. The device described is mechanically tripped and electrically reset, and it can be tripped without power being supplied to the device.

公开(公告)号：US07064636B1

公开(公告)日：2006-06-20

申请号：US11016950

申请日：2004-12-20

Applicant: Michael F. Walz ,  Patrick W. Mills ,  Richard G. Benshoff ,  Peter L. Nerstrom

Inventor： Michael F. Walz ,  Patrick W. Mills ,  Richard G. Benshoff ,  Peter L. Nerstrom

IPC: H01H83/06

CPC classification number: H01H83/20 ,  H01H73/30 ,  H01H2083/201

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 transform between a first shape and a second shape during the application of an electrical pulse, said shape memory alloy element having a first end and a second end, said shape memory alloy element first end coupled to said housing assembly, said shape memory alloy element coupled to said trip device; said arc fault detector further coupled to said shape memory alloy element and structured to provide an electrical pulse to said shape memory alloy element sufficient to transform said shape memory alloy element from said first shape and said second shape; and wherein when said shape memory alloy element is in said second shape, said trip device is actuated and said operating mechanism separates said separable contacts.

Abstract translation: 一种包括非导电壳体组件的微型断路器; 一对可分离触点，包括耦合到所述壳体组件的第一固定触点，并且具有延伸到所述壳体组件外部的端子;以及第二可移动触点，其具有延伸到所述壳体组件外部的端子; 操作机构，其联接到第一位置并且构造成在所述可动触头与所述固定触点接合的第一位置和第二位置之间联接并构造成移动所述可动触头，其中所述可动触头与所述固定触点间隔开; 耦合到所述操作机构并被构造成致动所述操作机构以在发生跳闸状态时分离所述可分离触点的跳闸装置; 具有电弧故障检测器和形状记忆合金元件的电弧故障跳闸机构; 所述电弧故障检测器被构造成检测所述可分离触点的负载侧上的电弧故障并提供电脉冲; 所述形状记忆合金元件构造成在施加电脉冲期间在第一形状和第二形状之间转变，所述形状记忆合金元件具有第一端和第二端，所述形状记忆合金元件第一端联接到所述壳体组件 ，所述形状记忆合金元件耦合到所述跳闸装置; 所述电弧故障检测器还耦合到所述形状记忆合金元件并且被构造为向所述形状记忆合金元件提供足以将所述形状记忆合金元件从所述第一形状和所述第二形状变换的电脉冲; 并且其中当所述形状记忆合金元件处于所述第二形状时，所述跳闸装置被致动，并且所述操作机构分离所述可分离触点。

公开(公告)号：US06952150B2

公开(公告)日：2005-10-04

申请号：US10729396

申请日：2003-12-05

Applicant: Dejan Radosavljevic ,  Thomas Packard

Inventor： Dejan Radosavljevic ,  Thomas Packard

IPC: H01H71/20 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H02H3/05 ,  H02H3/33 ,  H01H73/00

CPC classification number: H01H71/20 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H2071/044 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H3/05 ,  H02H3/335 ,  H02H3/338

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device that includes a plurality of line terminals configured to be connected to an electrical distribution system, and a plurality of load terminals configured to be connected to a load. The device includes a fault detection circuit coupled to the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect at least one fault in the electrical distribution system. A power interruption circuit couples the plurality of line terminals to the plurality of load terminals to thereby provide power to the load under normal operating conditions. The power interruption circuit also is coupled to the fault detection circuit, and configured to decouple the plurality of line terminals from the plurality of load terminals in response to the fault detection circuit detecting the at least one fault. A test circuit is coupled to the fault detection circuit and the power interruption circuit. The test circuit is configured to provide a simulated fault signal to the fault detection circuit in response to a user stimulus. An end-of-life indication circuit is coupled to the test circuit and the power interruption circuit. The end-of-life indication circuit provides the user with an end-of-life alarm indicator if the fault detection circuit fails to respond to the simulated fault signal within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及一种保护装置，其包括被配置为连接到配电系统的多个线路端子和被配置为连接到负载的多个负载端子。 该装置包括耦合到多个线路终端和多个负载终端的故障检测电路。 故障检测电路被配置为检测配电系统中的至少一个故障。 电源中断电路将多个线路端子耦合到多个负载端子，从而在正常工作条件下向负载供电。 电源中断电路还耦合到故障检测电路，并且被配置为响应于检测到至少一个故障的故障检测电路将多个线路终端与多个负载终端分离。 测试电路耦合到故障检测电路和电源中断电路。 测试电路被配置为响应于用户刺激向故障检测电路提供模拟故障信号。 寿命终止指示电路耦合到测试电路和电源中断电路。 寿命终止指示电路如果故障检测电路在预定时间段内不能对模拟的故障信号作出响应，则向用户提供报废指示。

公开(公告)号：US20050195055A1

公开(公告)日：2005-09-08

申请号：US11070073

申请日：2005-03-02

Applicant: Brian McCoy

Inventor： Brian McCoy

IPC: H01H71/40 ,  H01H75/12 ,  H01H83/00

CPC classification number: H01H71/04 ,  H01H71/123 ,  H01H71/2463 ,  H01H83/20 ,  H01H2071/042 ,  H01H2071/124 ,  H01H2083/201

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an apparatus, comprising: a circuit breaker comprising: an integral thermo-magnetic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon an occurrence of a current overload and adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon an occurrence of a voltage spike of at least a predetermined level; and an integral electronic trip device adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of a ground fault and adapted to trip said circuit breaker upon detection of an arc fault, said integral electronic trip device comprising a solenoid adapted to actuate upon at least one of said ground fault and said arc fault, said solenoid comprising a plunger, said plunger comprising a plunger tip located at an end of said plunger and defined about a longitudinal axis of said solenoid, said plunger tip adapted to contact and move a biased armature.

Abstract translation: 一些示例性实施例包括一种装置，包括：断路器，包括：整体式热磁跳闸装置，其适于在发生电流过载时跳闸所述断路器，并适于在发生电压尖峰时跳闸所述断路器 至少预定水平; 以及整体电子跳闸装置，其适于在检测到接地故障时跳闸所述断路器，并且适于在检测到电弧故障时跳闸所述断路器，所述整体电子跳闸装置包括适于在至少一个所述接地 所述电磁线圈包括柱塞，所述柱塞包括位于所述柱塞的端部处并围绕所述螺线管的纵向轴线限定的柱塞末端，所述柱塞末端适于接触和移动偏置的电枢。

公开(公告)号：US20050063110A1

公开(公告)日：2005-03-24

申请号：US10977929

申请日：2004-10-28

Applicant: Nicholas DiSalvo ,  William Ziegler

Inventor： Nicholas DiSalvo ,  William Ziegler

IPC: H01H71/52 ,  H01H71/62 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H02H1/00 ,  H02H3/33 ,  H02H5/08 ,  H02H3/00

CPC classification number: H01H71/62 ,  H01H71/524 ,  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 or if an open neutral condition exists.

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或者存在开放中性条件，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。

公开(公告)号：US06864766B2

公开(公告)日：2005-03-08

申请号：US10827093

申请日：2004-04-19

Applicant: Nicholas L. DiSalvo ,  William R. Ziegler

Inventor： Nicholas L. DiSalvo ,  William R. Ziegler

IPC: H01H71/62 ,  H01H71/52 ,  H01H73/44 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H02H1/00 ,  H02H3/33 ,  H02H5/08 ,  H01H73/00

CPC classification number: H02H3/335 ,  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 or if an open neutral condition exists.

公开(公告)号：US20050024171A1

公开(公告)日：2005-02-03

申请号：US10932537

申请日：2004-09-01

Applicant: Frantz Germain ,  Stephen Stewart

Inventor： Frantz Germain ,  Stephen Stewart

IPC: H01H71/62 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H73/00

CPC classification number: H01H3/50 ,  H01H71/62 ,  H01H83/02 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H2083/201

Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit interrupting device having a trip button for disconnecting a load from a source of electrical power and a reset button for resetting the device after it has tripped. When the device is operating in its reset state, a source of electrical power is connected to a load through a set of contacts located within the device. The contacts are held closed by the spring loaded reset button which holds captive and urges a latch plate to move up to close normally open contacts. In the preferred mechanical trip mechanism, depressing the trip button causes the latch plate to move forward and be released from the reset button. The latch plate, upon being released from the reset button moves down to allow the contacts, which are biased to be normally open, to assume their normally open position. At this time, pressing the reset button initiates an electrical cycle which causes the normally open contacts to close only if the device is operating properly and there is no fault on the line. The device described is mechanically tripped and electrically reset, and it can be tripped without power being supplied to the device.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及一种电路中断装置，其具有用于将负载从电源断开的跳闸按钮和用于在设备跳闸之后复位该装置的复位按钮。 当设备在其复位状态下工作时，电源通过位于设备内的一组触点连接到负载。 触点由弹簧加载的复位按钮保持闭合，该按钮保持锁定状态，并且促使闩锁板向上移动以关闭常开触点。 在优选的机械跳闸机构中，按住跳闸按钮使闩锁板向前移动并从复位按钮释放。 锁定板在从复位按钮释放时向下移动以允许被偏置为常开的触点呈现其常开位置。 此时，按下复位按钮可启动电气周期，只有当设备正常工作并且线路没有故障时，才能使常开触点闭合。 所描述的装置机械地跳闸和电复位，并且可以跳闸而不向设备供电。

公开(公告)号：US06842095B2

公开(公告)日：2005-01-11

申请号：US10308391

申请日：2002-12-03

Applicant: Bruce F. Macbeth

Inventor： Bruce F. Macbeth

IPC: H01H71/20 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H02H3/05 ,  H02H3/33 ,  H01H73/00

CPC classification number: H02H3/05 ,  H01H71/20 ,  H01H83/04 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H3/334 ,  H02H3/338

Abstract: An electrical protective device that includes a reset mechanism uses a resistor body to act as a hold-off to a spring driven lockout for the reset mechanism. Upon the failure of an internal component of the protective device, the spring driven lockout mechanism is released by I2R thermal action which causes a resistor to burn in half, or in the alternative, to melt solder mounting the resistor, thereby eliminating the hold-off and locking out the reset mechanism.

Abstract translation: 包括复位机构的电气保护装置使用电阻体作为复位机构的弹簧驱动闭锁的保持。 当保护装置的内部部件故障时，弹簧驱动的锁定机构通过I 2 R热作用而释放，这导致电阻器燃烧一半，或者替代地，熔化焊接安装电阻器，从而消除 按住并锁定复位机构。

公开(公告)号：US06828886B2

公开(公告)日：2004-12-07

申请号：US10747484

申请日：2003-12-29

Applicant: Frantz Germain ,  Stephen Stewart ,  Roger M. Bradley ,  David Y. Chan ,  Nichalas L. Disalvo ,  William R. Ziegler

Inventor： Frantz Germain ,  Stephen Stewart ,  Roger M. Bradley ,  David Y. Chan ,  Nichalas L. Disalvo ,  William R. Ziegler

IPC: H01H7300

CPC classification number: H01H83/04 ,  H01H71/62 ,  H01H2083/201 ,  H02H1/0015 ,  H02H3/335 ,  H02H3/338 ,  H02H5/083

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include a reset lockout mechanism, an independent trip mechanism and reverse wiring protection. A conical reset plunger is notched to force a successful test before reset.

公开(公告)号：US06813131B2

公开(公告)日：2004-11-02

申请号：US09940176

申请日：2001-08-27

Applicant: Steven Christopher Schmalz

Inventor： Steven Christopher Schmalz

IPC: H02H504

CPC classification number: H02H1/0015 ,  H01H71/16 ,  H01H2083/201

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, a latchable operating mechanism having a latch member, a bimetal and an arc fault trip assembly. The trip assembly includes a thermistor responsive to bimetal temperature, an amplifier having first and second inputs and an output, a first resistor electrically connected between a second bimetal terminal and the first amplifier input, a second resistor electrically connected in parallel with the thermistor, a third resistor electrically connected in series with that parallel combination, with that series combination being electrically connected between the first amplifier input and the amplifier output. The second amplifier input is referenced to the first bimetal terminal. The amplifier output has a voltage, which is compensated for the bimetal temperature coefficient. The trip assembly provides a trip signal as a function of compensated voltage. A solenoid responds to the trip signal and releases the latch member to trip the separable contacts open.

Abstract translation: 断路器包括可分离触点，具有闩锁构件的闩锁操作机构，双金属和电弧故障跳闸组件。 跳闸组件包括响应于双金属温度的热敏电阻器，具有第一和第二输入端和放大器的放大器，电连接在第二双金属端子和第一放大器输入端之间的第一电阻器，与热敏电阻并联电连接的第二电阻器 第三电阻器与该并联组合串联电连接，该串联组合电连接在第一放大器输入端和放大器输出端之间。 第二个放大器输入参考第一个双金属端子。 放大器输出具有电压，可补偿双金属温度系数。 跳闸组件提供作为补偿电压的函数的跳闸信号。 螺线管响应跳闸信号并释放闩锁构件以使可分离触点断开。