The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 14, 1976
Filed:
Sep. 11, 1975
Raymond E Wien, Penn Township, PA (US);
John F Cotton, Athens, GA (US);
Jack G Hanks, Bethel Park, PA (US);
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
A circuit interrupter having a magnetic trip element which is integral with the latch. The disclosed circuit interrupter is provided with a bimetal and a magnetic trip element directly connected to the latch of the circuit interrupter which is drawn towards the bimetal, unlatching the circuit interrupter when current flow therethrough exceeds a high overload level. The disclosed circuit interrupter is particularly adaptable for use on a distribution transformer. A movable bridging contact for completing a series circuit between two stationary contacts is provided. The movable bridging contact is spring biased towards an open position separated from the stationary contacts, but with the circuit interrupter in the normally closed position is held in engagement with the stationary contacts by a latching mechanism which is responsive to the bimetal or magnetic trip element to allow the circuit breaker to trip open during overload conditions. The magnetic trip element is formed integral with the latching mechanism to reduce time delay before operation. A plurality of poles are operated using only one operating mechanism by connecting the elongated operating arms with a strong metallic member for simultaneous operation of all poles. The bridging contact is disposed near the end of an elongated operating arm which is linked to the circuit breaker operating mechanism. Each pole of the circuit interrupter is provided with a bimetallic trip element. The magnetic trip element can be formed from a single piece having a plurality of legs each disposed in proximity with the bimetal of one pole.