USRE22218E - Circuit breaker - Google Patents

Description

l F. G. voN HOORN Re. 22,218;

Hummm original Filed June 1e, v195'? s sheet is A1; orneg.

s' I Invehtor:

Fred. G. vo'n Hoorn,

n H t o t ,um f, f

' Nov. 3, 1942. F. s. voN HOORN Re. 22,218

CIRCUIT BREAKER Original Filed June 18, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 f f w www uuml...-

Fig. I0.

Inventor:

, Fred @Non Hoorn,

Attorneg.

' returningthe switch member,

- .Recsuecl Nov. 3, 1942 CIRCUIT BREAKER Fred G. von Hoorn. Bridgeport, Conn., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of 4 New York Original No. 2,150,013, dated March 7, 1939, Serial No. 148,937, June 18, 1937.l Renewed April 25, 1938. Application for reissue September 23, 1941, Serial No. 412,010

39 Claims. (Cl. 20G- 116) My invention relates to circuit breakers, more particularly to thermal circuit breakers and has for its object a simple, reliable and inexpensive device of this character.

This invention, which is an improvement of the circuit breaker described and claimed in my copending application, Ser. No. 122,581, led Jan- -uary 27, 1937, has special application to circuit breakers of small physical size such as used in branch electric lighting circuits or as entrance panying tudinal drawings, Fig. l of which is the longilsectional view of a circuit breaker embodying my invention showing the parts in full circuit breakers for the building. The device is j operable manually to open and close the circuit and also responsive to excessive current condif tions. to open the circuit independently of' the operating handle. CircuitY breakers embodying my invention may be constructed with relatively small overall dimensions and at low cost while being capable of interrupting alternating currents oi short circuit magnitude, for example, on the order of 5000 to 10,000 amperes or more Yand at lighting circuitfvoltages such as 125 volts or more.

In carrying out my invention in one form I provide a switch member or blade which is mounted for pivotal movement about a plurality of points. One end of this switch member is normally` held by a current responsive element, while the other end carries a switch contact. The switch member is normally operated by a handle having a face cooperating with the switch member at an intermediate point thereof. It is biased by a spring vto an open circuit position and is held by the handle in the closed circuit position through the agency of a spring on the switch member itself. When the handle is moved to open and close the circuit, vthe switch member pivots about the end which is held by the current responsive element, while on overload, when this end is released, the switch blade pivots about the operating handle in moving to the open circuit position, the handle being moved thereby towards its open circuit position.

I have also provided means for automatically when it is released by the current responsive element, to a position in which it is secured by the current responsive element when the element has cooled. I fur- K thermore provide a common operating handle arrangement for t e simultaneous operation of two circuit breakers arranged side by side, this arrangement 'likewise giving an indication when either one Aor both of the circuit breakers opens on overload. 1

For` a more complete understanding of my in vention reference should be had to the accomin closed circuit position and dotted in manual open circuit position; Fig. 2 is' a fragmentary view similar to Fig. l, but showing the breaker in overload tripped open circuit position after operation of the overload responsive means; Fig. 3 is a sectional'view takenalong the line 3, 3 of Fig. l looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 4 is a view in perspective of the switch member and operating handle with the handle disassembled; Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modiiied form of my invention in the open circuit position; Fig. 6 is a plan view with part of the cover cut v'away showing an assembly of two circuit breakers such as shown in Fig. 5 With a common operating member; Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the common operating member for the two circuit breakers of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a plan view with part of the cover cut away on a reduced scale showing an. assembly in a metal box or cabinet of two circuit breakers such as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 together with the connection blocks for the electric circuit; Fig. 9 is a View l similar to Fig. 5, but showing the circuit in closed |"I oithe floating position; Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, but

showing the circuit breaker in the overload tripped open position, while Figs. 11 and 12 are detail views in section of a modified form of commonactuating means.

Referring to the drawings, I have shown my invention as embodied in a circuit breaker of quite small physical size and such as might be used as an entrance switchand circuit breaker for a dwelling house. Of course the size and characteristics of the device will be selected to take care of desired normal current and overload current. It, is especially adapted for use in alternating currentcircuits and in such circuits it performs as well the safety function of a. fuse interrupting short circuit currents of 5000 to 10,000 amperes or more depending on the size of the breaker.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive of the drawings, my invention in one form comprises anl electrically insulating base or casing l0 which may be molded from a suitable plastic insulating material such asa phenolic condensation product. In this base is mounted a switch member or blade type,A i. e., it is mounted for pivotal 'movement selectively about a plurality of points. As shown, the member Il is mounted by means of a transversely extending guide pin 'I2 near its middle and nearer the end bearing a movable switch contactl 3.

Thisguide pin I2 has its ends sliding in grooves or slots I t and'Ii provided in opposite walls of 4the'casing I0, the slots being perpendicular to the bottom of the casing. The switch member is Voperated between itsclosed position, shown in Fig. 1, and its open position, shown dotted in `Fig. 1, by means of a handle I6 supported on a pivot I1. This handle has a plane operating projection or cam face I8 at a predetermined distance from thepivot I1, and which engages the switch blade to move it between its openl and closed positions against the bias of a helical spring, located under` the switch blade below the guide pin IZ-and exerting a pressure on the switch bladein an upward direction as viewed in the drawings, i. e. in the direction 'oi'l the grooves or slots I4 and I5. Thus thespring biases the switch blade to the open position, the blade moving about its left-hand end which is secured by a current responsive element shown as a bimetallic thermostatic strip 2l. l

23 and a second terminal 30 on the exterior ofthe casing.r The switch member is guided by oppositewalls of the casing near the contact I3, one of these walls 3l being shown.. In other words, the casingis just wide enough at this point topermit free movement of they switch blade while holding the switch Vblade in its operative position.

As shown in Fig. 4, thehandle `I6 is provided for guiding resetting purposes with a member shownas a loop portion 32 made of a steel wire, the upper ends `of the wire being turned in-' ward towardseach other and each extending into an aperture provided for it inthe handle. Fur- Thus, when the handle is moved to the closed position, as shown in Fig. l, the projection or cam face I8 forces the switch blade downward tobring the contact I3 carried by it into engagement with the stationary contact 22.

shown in Fig. l, dotted, the cam face I8 is moved away from the upper edge of the switch bladefso as to allow the switch blade to be moved to the open position by the spring 20. It will be noted When the handle isv Imoved toward the right to the oi position, as

that the face I 8 is so disposed that a force perpendicular thereto at its middle passes substan tially through the pivot I1 whereby/the force applied by the switch member secures the han'dle in its closed circuit position.

To assure al good electrical contact when in i the closedfcircuit position, a straight spring strip 23 is mounted on the upper edge ofthe switch blade and it is with this spring that theA handle IB engages. This straight spring 23 is stronger than the biasing spring 2|) and consequentlyholds the contacts I3 and 22 into engagement with each other with a resilient force thereby assuring a good contact and providing for greater manufacturing tolerances i'n the parts and for subsequent wear.

The bimetallic thermostatic strip 2| is mounted at its upper end on anv electrically. conducting support 24 which leads to a 'terminal connector 25 on the exterior of the Vswitch casing. By means of an adjustment screw 26 on a support 28a the support 24 may be bent slightly either to the left or to the'right to adjust the position of the lowerend of the bimetallic strip and therefore its currentrating, i. e.l ther current value in response to which the strip is distorted laterally tar' enough to release the switch member on overload. The mnsverse support 28a may be secured by insertits ends in slots (not shown) providedlfor it in the 'opposite walls of the` casing. As shown,

e the thermostatic strip is provided with an aperture 21 adjacent its lower end in which the letthand end of the switch blade extends and rests on the lower edge of the bimetallic strip. -A nexible electrical connection 28, shown as a cable, is provided between 4the lower end o! the bimetal strip 2| and the switch blade. i'

Thus, referring to Fig. 1, a circuit may be traced through the cil-cuit breaker from the thermore, a slot or groove 33 is provided on each side of the handle in which the upperends of the loop 32 lie. In other words,` the handle I6 is somewhat thicker than the switchblade II so as to provide material for the walls of the grooves 33, the loop 32 closely embracing the switchmember, although being loose enough for free movement.

As previously indicated, the purpose of the loop extension 32 on the handle is to guide and reset the switch member IIfafter it has beenreleased 'on overload by the thermal element 2|. In such case, the switch member is moved by the helical V`spring 20 tothe open positionshown in- Fig. 2.

Thus when the left-hand end-of the member is released by the thermostat that'end is thrown down suddenly by the force exerted by the spring 20 and comes 'torest against the bottom vof the casing. During this movernentfthe` switch blade pivots about the corner 3l bf the lhandle atone edge or end of the cam faces I 8,` As the leithand end of the switch member moves downward the bias on the handle becomes applied along" `a line extending to the left of the pivotlpin I1, .the corner 34 on the handle ,being rounded to bring about this effect so that the handle is moved toward its open circuit position until it is brought to rest in an intermediate position by engagement between the loop member 32 and fa suitable projection'35 on the lower edge of the switch ,member. These positions oi the vparts are shown in Fig. 2. To close the switch, assuming that the bimetal'has cooled suiliciently to move back in position to latch the left-handv end oi. the switch blade, the handle is first moved farther toward the right to .the full open circuit' position whereby the loop 32 byr engagementwith the projection 3.5 carries the 1efthand end of the switch.'` blade upward and latches it 'onthe thermostat;

Actually the left-hand end of the switch blade is moved upward somewhatrurther than necessary to a point' wherethe loop32 slips 'over the projection 35, allowing the handle to move to its full oil.' position, the leftj-hand end of the switch blade then dropping somewhat ifvnecessary .into e engagement with the bimetallic strip.` The parts are now in the position shown inY dotted lines in lFig. 1 which is the same as the manual open cir-` cuit position. A n l As clearly shown inV Fig, 4, the spring 23 is secured to the switch member II in parallel spaced relation therewith, .one'end being'bent downward and lying ina groove 36 in the switch blade, while the other end is oilset downward and terminal 23, the connector 24, the bimeta'llic element'2l, the flexible conductor 28, the switch member I I, contacts I3A 22, connector strap secured to the switch bladev by a screw.

A suitable cover 31 made of a molded insulating compoundi is provided. This oo ver is provided with Aa recessed portion 38 adjacent the handle and extending downward near the pivot I'I Vin close relation with the handle, a suitable aperture being provided through which the handle extends. 'Ihe handle is provided with shoulders 38 and III cuit positions respectively forming stops which engage the lower edge of the cover in theopened circuit and closed cirf to prevent overtravel of the handle, especially in the open position shown in dotted lines in Fig.A 1.

Figs. to l0, inclusive, show a modied form of my invention in which the switch member '4 I is automatically reset when the switch is opened on -overload. This form of my invention is also especially adapted for mounting in groups, particularly in pairs in a suitable cabinet or entrance box 64, as shown in Fig. 8.

I'his'form of my invention is fundamentally the Vsame as that shown in Figs. l to 4, inclusive,

with the principal difference that an abutment 43 is providedin the casing, preferably secured to the switch member is brought to rest when the switch is openedon overload. Thereafter the left-hand end .of the switch member is forced upward 'by the spring 44 about the abutment 43 as a pivot until it is in position to be secured by the thermostat when the parts are then in the open position shown in Fig. 5, Awhich`is the same as the manual open position. In this form the reset projection 35 on the lower edge of the switch member is omitted.

In the event, however, that vthe floating blade or contact bar 4I is not reset or returned automatically after opening in response to an overload to the position shown in Fig. 5 withy its left-hand end in latching engagement with the thermostat, the handle can be moved manually to the open circuit position shown in Fig. 5 thereby to'raise the left-hand end of the contact bar and reset it on the thermostat as described in connection with Figs. l.A to 4 inclusive. During this emergency manual resetting operation. the Wire loop forming a. part of the handle engages and slides along the lower left-hand edge ofthe contact bar thereby lifting the bar, the lower left-hand edge of the bar being formed and constituting formation means to eect this lifting movement. v

As described in connection with Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the handle is moved to push or cam the contact bar between its off or.ope'n circuit position of Fig. 5 and its on or closed circuit position of Fig. 9. In opening automatically in response to overload, the trip bar oractuated latter has cooled. The

`the cover, against which the' right-hand end of `ating handles 56 and vided a three being shown. These plates .are made of magnetic material, such as steel, andare placed in spaced relation opposite the contact carrying end of the switch member. Moreover, the casing is provided with a vent opening 48 oppositethis end of the switch member, a barrier wall 4 9 which may be formed -of a suitable electrically insulating material such as a ber being provided lbetween the switch blade and the vent opening. This wall 49 extends upwards to 'a point near the top of the casing so as to form an exhaust channel 5U. In this channel is placed a strip 5I of wire gauze material which is bent in zig-zag formation, as shown. The object of the gauze material is to cool the gases escaping from the switch when it opens and 'prevent sparks from escaping.

Therefore, when vthe switch opens an appreciable gas pressure is created by the heat of the arc in the chamber surrounding the switch contacts 52 and 53. These gases escape through the opening 50 and in so doing the arc is blown in between the extinguisher plates 41. The effect of the plates is to break upthe arc and tocool it thereby quickly extinguishing it.` The casing is substantially gas tig/ht except for the opening 50 and consequently the gases are'compelled to escape through this opening.

In Fig. 6 I have shown the arrangement in a unit of two circuit breakers. To econoinize in space the two breakers may be mounted in a single casing provided with a single dividing wall 54 and a single cover 55. Between the two oper- 51 a third dummy or operating member 58 is provided, this handle being mounted on the samecommon pivot with the handles 5B and 51. Moreover, the circuit breakers are arranged'with similar ends adjacent each other so that the handles move in parallel relapart is moved rst counterclockwise by the spring 44 to an intermediate or "trip" position such as shown in Fig. l0, trip-free of the handle, andY then the spring reverses the movement of the bar tothe off position of Fig. 5. The handlev is moved at the same time to its off position. In the event that the handle is held manually in its on"'positi on or held in some intermediate position manually or by the interlocking com- 60 mon operating handle 58, as shown in Fig. 10, the bar comes to rest in this intermediate position. When the handle is released thereafter the spring 44 moves the left-hand end of the contact bar upward to relatch it on the thermostat and at the same time moves the handle to its oi position. It will be observed that in this `form of my invention the switch member 4| is extended upward somewhat at the left-hand end to form an elongated recess 45 over which the spring 4B extends. This provides ior a straight spring strip which is an advantage from Vthe manufacturing standpoint.

In this forml of my invention I have also profor the purpose of permitting limited independent movement of 'the handle in the event of opening of -a single circuit breaker on overload. yThis provides for a slight movement of the handle 5B also in that event to indicate that one of the switches has tripped open. Thus when lthe two circuit breakers are either both open, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, or both closed, as shown in Fig. 9, Vthe central handle'58 moves extreme right-hand and spectively, as indicated in positionl of the middle handle 58 indicates that the two switches are either both open or both closed as the case may be. In vthe event that one switch opens lon overload, however, its handle moves towards the oiiv position somewhat carryleft-hand positions reing along the central handle 58, as indicated in Fig. l0, untillthe handle 5B is brought to rest against the handle of the other circuit breaker. It should be noted that the force of the spring 44 tending to throw the handle toward its open c ircuit position on overload opening is much less than the forcefholding the handle Awhen the switchl is closed.

breaker opens, its handle is not' biased strongly enough to open the other circuit breaker. Thus plurality of' are extinguisher plates 41, l

by its'own weight to I the drawings.V This Y Therefore when one circuit Y 65a respectively.

switch member 4I is longer than that 'shown in j Figs. 1 and 2, connectionbeing made with the switch member at substantially the middle point thereof. This decreases the bending of the conf ductor during the movements oi' the switch member and further eliminates ma large exten incentrally of the depression provided for it inthe terference with the movements of the switch,

member.

In Fig. s I have shown a typical mainservi breaker installation for a dwelling house. Two 'circuit breakers 62 and 83, preferably constructside of the central operating member i. e., centrally o'i the depression Il o1' Pig. 7.

spring' 1| is quite fragile and has sufllcient force only to hold the three parts in alinement.` It does not oiier any substantial resistance uto movement of either one o1 the handles 15 and 1I ini the event that the circuit breaker corresponding to one ot these handles is opened on overload. Thus the handles in that event assume the relative positions shown in Fig. 10, as indi-` cated in Fig. 11. Y l

While I have shown a particular embodiment oi' my invention, itV will be understood, of course,

that I d0 not Wish' to be limited thereto Since ed as shown in Figs. 6, 7, 9 and 10, are mounted in a steel vbox B4 while connection or terminal blocks 65 andGSa for each breaker are mounted i .in a second box 66 adjacent thereto. The two boxes arev secured together by a conduit and bushing connection 81 and they may be further secured by mounting them on a common support. To facilitate this assembly, the two terminals of the circuit breaker are brought out at' the same end of thecircuit breaker. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, a connection strap, leads from the thermostat support 69 along the outer side of the breaker to the right-hand end. The other many modications may be made, and I therelore contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modiiications as fall within Vthe true spirit and scope oi my invention.

What I claim as new and Y Letters Patent 0f the United States is:

terminal 'l0 from the stationary contact 53 isV brought out just below' the vent opening 48. These terminals 88 tand 'l0 are connected, as shown in Fig. 8, to the connection blocks B5 and This arrangement is especially suitable-for a three wire neutral service connection. The three wires will be, brought into the box 66 through a suitable knockout. The neutral wire is connected to a terminal block 'Il in the box 68, which. terminal block is grounded to the box and it will be also grounded preferably to a water'pipe or other convenient grounding medium. This grounding connection to the water pipe may be made by running a ground wire from the terminal block II through the conduit B1 and thence out of the box 6l through a suitable knockout.

The two vungrounded service wires -are connected respectively to the breaker terminal blocks 65, only one oi' which is shown. The supply circuits will be run out ofthe box 6I from the two terminal blocks 65a. only oneor -which is shown, and from the neutralterminal block 1| as desired.

Referring to'Figs. 11 and 12, the two handles and the central operating member may be resiliently heldv in alinement with each other by means of a suitable spring. As-sho the central operating member 1I is provided with a transverse aperture for a'wire spring 1I, the aperture being enlarged at each end to provide for exing oi' thel spring at each end. The ends of the Spring at some suitable point above the pivot axis oi the three members preferably about hal! way between thev axis and the ends oi' the members.

that the spring wire holds each outside handle said switch member in the circuit of .Inthusaliningthemembersitwillbeobserved" 1. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, a handle of electrically insulating material, means'pivotally mounting said handle, a spring biasing said switch member against said handle, said handle being provided with ya face located a predetermined distance from the pivot of said handle for engagement with said switchmember in dependence upon the position of said handle, a spring strip secured to said switch member and having a portion in spaced relation with said switch member forming a bearingsurface for said handle, load responsive means securing one end of said switch member whereby movement of said handle moves said switch member about said secured encl, and circuit controlling means op- 'against said handle, saidhandle being provided with a face located a predetermined, distance from the pivot of said handle for engagement with said switch member in 'dependence upon the position oi' said handle, a spring strip securedto said switch member and having a por- `tion in spaced-relation withI said switch member forming a-bearing surface for said handle, thermal load responsive means'securing one end of said switch member whereby vmovement of said handle moves said switch vmember about vsaid secured end, and circuit controlling means operated by said switch member.

3.v A 'circuit breaker comprising an electrically conducting switch member, means mounting said switch member for pivotal movement aboutfa plurality ci points, a current responsive device normally securing one end of said switch member, a contact carried by the other end of -said switch member, electrical connections connecting the breaker. spring means biasing said switch member to an open circuit position aboutsaid current responsive device as a pivot, a handle made ot electri- 'cally insulating material engaging said switch member to move it between its open and closed circuit positions, said spring moving said switch member about said handle to its open circuit poy Except for the addition of the spring the three members may be constructed as shown in Fig. 7. This desire to secure by i switch member to its open Eising said switch ber, electrica1 connections connecting said switch member in the circuit of the breaker, a current responsive device normally securing the other end of said switch member, a spring biasing said circuit position about said current responsive device as a pivot, a handle made of electrically insulating material envmember to move` it between its open and closed circuit positions, said spring moving said lswitch member about said handle as a pivot tov its open circuit position when said switch member is released by said current responsive device, and a stop engaged by the movable spring, said face being so end ofmsaid switch member in its open circuit position and 'about which said spring movessaid switch member .to a position to be secured by said current responsive device. I

5. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, a contact cooperating with one end of said v switch member, a current responsive thermostat normally securing the other end of said switch member, a spring biasing said switch member to an open circuit position about said thermostat as a. pivot, a handle or electrically insulating material, means pivotally mounting said handle at a point intermediate the ends of said switch member and in the path of movement of said switch member so that said switch member is biased by said spring toward said pivot point, said handle being provided with a face located a predetermined distance from the pivot of said handle for engagement with said switch member in dependence upon the position o! said handle to thereby move ,said switch member between its open and closed circuit positions, said switch member when -released by said thermostat being moved'by said spring about said handle as a pivot to its open circuit position, and a stop engaged by said switch member in its open circuitposition about which said spring moves said switch member to aposition to b e secured by said thermostat.

6. A circuit breaker comprisingv a switch member, a contact cooperating with one end lof said switch member, a current responsive thermostat normaliysecuring the other end'of saidv switch member, a spring biasing said switch member to an open circuit position about said thermostat as a pivot, a handle ot electrically insulating material, means pivotally mounting said handle at a point intermediatethe ends of said switch member and inthe path of movement of said switch member, said handlebeing provided with a face located a predetermined distance from the pivot oi said handle for engagementiwith said switch member in dependence upon the pivotal position of said handle to thereby move said switch member between its open and closed circuit positions, said switch member when released by said ther'- mostat `being moved by said spring about one edge of said race as a pivot to its open circuit position whereby said handle is thrown to its open circuit position, and a stop engaged by said switch member in its open circuit position about which said face by said switch member, nating in a shoulder about lpivotal movement about a vbeing moved thereby to its open circuit member and said lace .spring moves said switch member to a position to be secured by said thermostat.

.'7. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, means mounting said switch member for plurality or points, a current responsive device normally securing one end of said switch member, switch member to an open circuit position about said end as a pivot, and a handle having a face movable into engagementwith said switch member to thereby move said switch member to a closed circuit Aposition against the force of said disposed that said handle is held in its closed circuit position by the force applied to said face by said switch member, and said face terminating in a shoulder about which said switch member pivots to its open p04 sition when released by said current responsive device, said handle being moved thereby to its open circuit position by the force applied to said shoulder by said switch member.

ber, means mounting -said switch member for pivotal movement about a'plurality of points, a current responsive device normally securing one end of said switch member, switch member to an open circuit position about said end as a. pivot, and a pivotally mounted handle having a face movable into engagement with said switch member t0 thereby move said switch member to a closed circuit position against the force of said spring, said face being so disposed that a force applied perpendicularly thereto at some point passes through the pivot of said handle, whereby said handle is secured in its closed circuit position by the force applied to said which said switch member pivots to its open position when released by said current responsive position by the force applied to saidl shoulder by said switch member.

9. A circuit breaker comprising an elongated current carrying switch member, means mount,- ing said switch member for pivotal movement about a plurality of points, a. current' responsive thermostat normally securing one end of said switch member, a switch contact carried by the other end of said switch member, a spring b iasing said switch member to,Y an open circuit position about said thermostat as a'pivot. and a pivotally mounted handle having a plane face movable into engagement with said switch member to thereby move said switch member to its closed circuit position against the force of said spring, said face being so disposed that a force applied perpendicularly thereto at some point passes through the pivot of said handle, whereby said handle is secured in its closed circuit position by the torce appliedvto said face by said'switch about whichsaid switch member pivots to its open position when released by said thermostat,

said handle being thereby thrown to its open-cir# cuit position by'the force applied to said shoulder by said switch member.

' 10. A circuit breaker member, means mounting said switch member for pivotal movement about a a contact carried by a normallymovable end oi said switch member, a current responsive thermostat normally switch member, end t0 an open securing the other end of said a spring biasing said movable circuit position about said thera spring biasing said` a spring biasing said and said face termidevice, said handle terminating in a shoulderl comprising a switch Y plurality of points,

. member to move it betweenits open and closed circuit positions, said spring moving said switch member about said handle as a pivot to its open circuit position when said switch member is released by said thermostat and said handle being returned thereby to its open circuit position, a stop engaging the movable end of said-switch member in its open circuit position and about which said spring moves said switch member to a position to be secured bysaid thermostat.

11. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, means mounting said switch member for pivotal movement about a plurality of points, a contact carried by a normally movable. end Voi said switchmember, a current responsive device normally securing the other end of said. switch member, a spring biasing said movable end to an openv circuit position about said current responsive device asa pivot, a handle 'engaging said switch member to move it between its `open and closed circuit positions,said spring moving said Vswitch member about said handle as a pivot to its open circuit position when said switch member is released by said current responsive device, Va stop engaged by the movable end ofsaid switch member in its open circuit position and about whichv saidr spring moves said switch-member to a position to be secured by said current responsive device, and a spring strip secured to said switch v member and having a portion in spaced relation with said switch member forming a bearing sur-` face for said handle. l A Y 12. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, means mounting said switch member for pivotal movement about a plurality of points, a

` 4 22,218 mostat as a pivot, a handle engagingV said switch contact carried by a normally movable end of said switch member, a current responsive device normally securing a, normally fixed end of said switch member. a spring biasing said movable end of said switch member to an open circuit position about said fixed end as av pivot, and a pivotally mounted handle having a face movable into engagement with said switch member to thereby.v

move said switch member to a closed circuit position against the force of said spring. said face being so disposed that a force applied r.perpendicularly thereto at someV point passes through the pivot of said handle, whereby said handle is secu-red inits closed circuit position by theforce applied to said face by said switch member, and

said face terminatingin a shoulder about which said switch-member pivots to its operi 'position when released by said' current responsive device, said handle being moved thereby to its open circuit positionby the force applied to said shoulder by said switch member, a springI strip secured to said switch member and having a portion in spaced relation with said switchmember iorming a bearing surface forfsaid handle, and a stop engaged bythe movable reuri oi said switch member in its open circuit position :and about which said spring moves VsaidfswitchA member after said switch member is released by'said cur- Y* rent responsive device to a position to be secured by said thermostat.

`13; A circuit breaker `comprising 'an elongatedl electrically conducting switch member.' aprojecf tion on said member` at an intermediate point thereof, asupportfor said switch memberprovided with a guide for s aid projection extending when said switch member vis released by said current responsive device, and a stop engaged by said switch` member at a point between said spring and. said 'movable end when said switch member isin its open circuit position, said operating member being moved to its open circuit position' by said switch when said switch member is released by said current responsive device whereupon said spring moves said switch member about said stop asa pivot to a position to be secured by said current responsive device.

' 14. A circuit breakercomprising an elongated electrically conducting switch member, a projection on said member at an intermediate point thereof; a support for said switchmember provided with a guide for said projection extending transversely with respect to said switch member, a switch contact carried on a movable -end of said switch member, a current responsivedevice normally securingthe other normally fixed end of said switch member, a spring bearing on said switch member at a point adjacent saidprojecbetween its open and closed circuit positions, said spring-moving said switch member about said handley as a pivot to its open circuit position when said switch member is released by said current rresponsive device, and a stop engaged by v said switch member at a point between said projection and said movable end when said switch member'is in its open circuit position, said handle being moved to` its open circuit position by said switch member when said switch member is released by said current responsive device whereupon said spring moves said switch member about said stop as a pivot to a position to be secured by said current responsive device.

15. A circuit breaker comprising an elongated electrically conducting switch member, a pin extending transversely f'through said member at a point near its'center, a support for said switch member provided with guides `ior the ends of said pin extendingftransversely with respect to said switch member, a movable switch contact carried on a movable end oi said switch member nearer n, said guid pin, a cooperating stationary contact,

transversely'with respect to said switch member,

circuit control means operated'by a-movable end of said switch member,A a current responsive devicenormally securing the other normally ilxed 75 a current responsive thermostat` vsecuring the' other normally iixed end of said switch member;

a spring bearing Von said switchmember at a point adjacent said l,guide pin and having its line of torce parallel with said guides for biasing said switch member to'an open circuit position about said current responsive device as a pivot, a handle engagingsaid switch member at substantially the center thereof and at a point between said guide pin and said normally fixed endior moving said switch member betweenv its open and closed circuitpesitions, said spring moving said `switch end oi Asaid switch member, a spring bearing on` member engaging member about said handle as a pivot to its open circuit position when said switch member is released by said thermostat, and -a stop engaged by said switch member at a point between said guide pin and said movable end when said switch member is in its open circuit position, said handle being moved to its open circuit position by said switch member when said switch member is released by said thermostat whereupon said spring moves said switch member about said stop as a pivot to a position to be secured by said thermostat, and a spring strip secured tov saidswitch member and having a portion in spaced relation with said switch member forming a bearing surface for said handle whereby said movable switch is resiliently held in engagement with said xed contact when said switch member is in its closed circuit position. f

16. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, means mounting said switch member for pivotal movement about a plurality of points, a current responsive device normally securing one end of said switch member, a spring biasing said switch member to an open circuit position about said end as a pivot, and a pivotally mounted handle having a face movable into engagement with said switch member to thereby move said switch member to a closed circuit position against the force of said spring, said face being so disposed that said handle is secured in its closed position by the force applied to said face by said switch member, and saidk face terminating in a `shoulder about which said switch' member pivots to its open position when released by'said current responsive device, said handlebeing moved thereby toward its open' circuit position by the force applied to said shoulder by said switch member, a projection on said switch member, and an extension member on said handle engaging said projection to hold said handle in a position intermediate said closed and open circuit posi-I tions when said switch member is released by said current responsive device.V l

17. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, a handle, means pivotally mounting said handle, means biasing said switch member against said handle, said handle being provided with a projection for engagement with said switch member in dependence upon the position r of said handle, current responsive means securing one end of said switch member whereby movement or said handle moves said switch member about said secured end between-closed and open circuit positions, said switch member when released by said'current responsive means being moved by said sp'ring about said projection to its open circuit position whereby said handle is moved toward its open circuit position, a projection on said switch member, and a resetting member on said handle engaging said projection to`hold said handle in'an intermediate position when said switch member is released by said current responsive means, said resetting member cooperating with said switch member upon movement of said y return said iixedend to a. position to be secured y.by said current -responsive means.

18. A vcircuit breaker comprising a floating switch member, a contact cooperating with one end of said switch member, a current responsive thermostat normally securing the other normally nxed end of said switch member, a spring biasing said switch member to an open position about handle to its open circuit position to` member, a contact cooperating of said switch member and in the path of movement of'said switch provided with a projection for engagement with said switch member in dependence upon the position of said handle to thereby move said switch member between its 'open' and closed circuit positions, said switch member when released by said thermostat being moved by said spring about said handle as a pivot to its open circuit position whereby said handle is moved toward its open circuit position, a projection on said switch member, and a resetting member on said handle engaging said projection to hold said handle in an intermediate position when said switch member is released by said thermostat, said resetting member cooperating with said switch member upon movement of said handle to its open circuit position to return said ii-xed end to a, position to be secured by said thermostat.

19. A- circuit breaker comprising a switch with one end of said switch member, a current responsive thermostat normally securing the other fixed end of said switch member, a spring biasing said switch member to the open position about said thermostat as a, pivot, a handle, means pivotally mounting said handle at a point intermediate the ends of said switch member and in the path of movement of said switch member, said handle being provided with a projection arranged for engagement with said switch member in dependencel upon the position of said handle to thereby move said switch member between its open and closed circuit positions, said switch member when released by said thermostat being moved by said spring about said handle to its open circuit posisaid thermostat as a pivot, a. handle o! electrically insulating material, means pivotally mounttion with the pivots of l tially common axis and said handles movable totion whereby said handle is moved toward its open circuit position, a projection on said switch member, and a resetting member'on said handle closelyn encircling said switch member to form a' guide therefor and engaging said projection to hold said handle in a position intermediate said closed and open circuit positions` when said switch-member is released by said thermostat, said resetting member engaging said switch member upon movement of said handle to its to return said fixed end to a' position to be secured by saidthermostat.

20. The combination with a .plurality ofcircuit" with an operating handle an open circuit position breakers each provided arranged Yto move to when the circuit breaker opens in response toV the current passing therethrough, oi' means securing said breakers together in side by side relasaid handles on a substangether between the closed and open circuit positions, a common actuating member for said handles pivotally mounted between said handles, and a. pair of flanges on each side 'of said actuating member loosely embracing said handles respectively so that when one of said circuit breakers opens in response to current the handle of that breaker is free to move through a limited angle toward its open circuit position. 21. The combination with a closed position whenthe breaker is closed, of

means securing said breakers together in side ing said handle at a point intermediate the ends.

member, said handle being plurality c: 'en cuit breakers' each provided with an operating member overlapping` theends 'oi said handles, and a pair oi' anges-on each sideoi said actuating member loos'ely embracing said handles respectively so that when one of said circuit breakers opens in response to current the handle oi that breaker is free to move through a limited 22,218 by side relation with the pivots of said handles on a substantially common axis and said handles movable 'in parallel relation between the closed and vopen circuit positions, a common actuating member for said handles pivotally mounted be- "tween said handles, a head on said actuating angle toward its open -circuit position` until brought to rest by vthe other handle through the connection therewith afforded by said actuating member.`

22. The, combination cuit breakers each'provided with an operating handle arranged to moveto an open circuit position when the circuit breaker opens in response to the current passing therethrough, oi' means securing said breakers together in side by side relation with the pivots of said handles on a comsvith a pmrenty of en.

mon axis and said handles movable in` parallel relation between the closed and open circuit positions, a common actuating v member for said handles pivotally mounted between said handles, a pair of ilanges on each side oi.' said actuating member loosely embracing said handles respectively, and yieldable means cooperating with said actuating member and said handles for normally holding said handles in predetermined central positions with respect to said actuating member g so that when one of said circuit breakers'opens` in response to current the handle of that breaker is free to move through a limited angle toward its open circuit position. A

23. A circuit breaker comprising a switch meniber, means mountingr said switch member for pivotal movement about a plurality of points between open and closed circuit. positions, a current responsive device normally securing a point of said switch member, a spring biasing said switch member toone ofA said positions about -said point as a pivot and a pivoted handle hav-r ing a protection engaging said switch member to vmovesaid` switch member labout said point between said positions,' said spring moving said switch member about said projection as a pivot to its open circuit position. when said switch member is released by said current responsive device and said handle being returned thereby to its open circuit position. f

24. A circuit breaker comprising a switch member, means mounting said switch member for pivotal movement about a plurality ot points between open and closed circuit positions, a curofsaid switch member, a spring biasing said switch member to its open circuit position about said end as a pivot andan operating member having'a projection movable into engagement with said switchl member to thereby move said switch member 4to` -its closed circuit. position,

againstk the forge oi' said spring, said operating member being held inits closedfcircuit position by-said Vswitch member, said spring moving' said member, means mounting said switch member 75 sive device, and guide between open and closed circuit positions, a current responsive device normally securing one end of said switch member, 'a spring biasing said switch member to its open circuit position about said end as a pivot and a pivoted operating'V member having ajprojection movableinto engagement with saidswitch member to aposition between said switch member and the pivot of said operating member to thereby move said switch member to its closed circuit position against the force of said spring, s aid proj ection being thereby held between said switch member and the pivot o f said operating member and said spring moving said switch member about said projection as a pivot to'its open circuit position when said switch member is released by said current responsive4 device and said projection being thereby biased to return said operating member to its open circuit position by the switch member.

26. A circuit breaker comprising a switch arm, means mounting saidI switchs arm for pivotal movement about a plurality of points between open and closed circuit positions, a current responsive device normally securing one end of said switch arm, a 'spring biasing said switch arm to its open circuit position about said end as a pivot, a pivoted operating handle having a projection moveable into engagement with said switch arm to thereby move said switch arm to its closed circuit position against the force of said spring. said operating handle being held in a closed circuit position by said switch arm andsaid spring moving said switch arm about said projection as apivot to its open circuit position when said `switch arm is released by said current responmeans controlling the lonsaid switch arm so that about lsaid projection into gitudinal position of said` switch arm moves -engagement with a different portion thereof to therethrough. oi' means securing said breakers circuit positions,

in side by side relation so that said handles are movable together between the closed and open for said handles, pivot means independent ofi. said handles for pivotally mounting said. actuating member between said-handles and' connecting Y 'means between said common actuating member -re'nt` responsive device normally securing one end and said handles providing for limited movement of each handle toward open position independently oi' the other handle to thereby indicate lof one of said circuit breakers. 28. The combination with a plurality oi' autoautomatic opening matic circuit breakers,each provided with an operating handle biased vto move to an open circuit position when the circuit breaker opens automatically inresponse to the current passing therethrough, of means securing said lbreakers together in side by side relation so that said handles vmay Vclosed and open circuit positions, a common actuating. member for said handles-means independent ofsaid handles mounting said actuating tween said common actuating of said handles providing for or the corresponding handle member and each limited movement for'pivotal movement about a plurality of points force applied thereto by said l a common actuating member be vmoved together between theV a connection betoward open posi-4 tion when one of said circuit breakers opens in response to current to thereby indicate such automatlc opening, and resilient means yieldably connecting said actuating member with said handles for normally holding said handles in a predetermined relation with said actuating member.

29. The combination with a plurality of circuit breakers each provided with a pivoted operating handle arranged to move to an open circuit position when the circuit breaker opens automatically in response to the current passing therethrough, of means securing said breakers together in side byside relation with the pivots of said handles on a substantially common axis and so that said handles are movable together between the closed and open circuit positions, a common actuating member for said'handles, a pivot for said common actuating member having an axis common with the pivot axis of said handles for mounting said common actuating member between said handles, andconnecting means between said common actuating member and said handles providing for a limited movement of each handle toward the open circuit position independently of the other handle to thereby indicate the automatic opening of one of said circuit breakers.

30. In a circuit breaker, a contact, a bar whose movement controls movement of the contact and to which the contact is operatively connected, a handle and a spring' arranged to bias the bar in opposite directions, and formation means on the gar arranged to be engaged by the handle wherey? lated to pull the bar in thereon of the spring'.

3l. An automatically releasing circuit breaker having an actuated part, a spring biasing means and an overload latch therefor, and a handle for moving the part to and from on" and o.'" positions and for relatching the part after an overload release thereof, the parts being so arranged that on an overload release of the latch, the spring moves the part out of "on position, and into a trip" position, trip` free of the handle, and then moves the part into o position and the handle out of on" position, if the handle is not held manually, or when the handle is released, in case it was held manually duringthe overload release movement of the part.

32. An automatically releasing circuit breaker the direction of the bias in emergencies, the handle may be manipu- `the handle from "on to "oiT dle may be manipulated so to do,

' moving the part to and from overload release thereof,'the parts being so arranged that on an overload release of the latch, the spring moves the part out of on position, and into a trip position, trip free of the h andle, and then moves the part into oiT' position and the handle out of on" position, if the handle is not held manually, or whew-the handle is released, in case it was held manually during the overload release movement of the part, the handle being so constructed as to push or cam the part into on position when it is moved to on" position, and to release the part for movement by the spring when it is moved out of on" position, there being a formation on the part enabling it to be moved by the handle out of trip position and into off position, whereby, in the event the spring fails to move the part out of "trip and into off" position and fails to move position, the hanby being moved from the on" position to the offpositloin 34. An automatically releasing circuit breaker having an actuated part, a spring biasing means and an overload latch therefor, and a handle for on and.off positions and for relatching the part after an overload release thereof, the parts being so arranged that moving the part to on an overload release of the latch, the spring moves the part out of on" position, and into a trip" position, -trip free of the handle, and then moves the part into "off position and the handle out of on position, if the|handle is not held manually, or when the handle is released, in case it was held manually ,during the overload release movement of the part, the actuated part comprising a. floating bar having a latch connection at one end about which it pivots on normal handle actuation and adapted to be engaged by the handle between its ends.

35. An automatically releasing circuit breaker having an actuated part, a spring biasing meansv and an overload latch therefor, and a handle for and from on and ofi posi- 'tions and for relatching the part after an overmoves the part into off having an actuated part, a spring biasing means and an overload latch therefor, and a handle for moving the part to and from on and "ofi" positions and for relatching the part after an overload release thereof, the parts being so arranged that on an overload release of the latch, the spring Imoves the part out of on position, and into a trip" position, trip free of the handle, and then moves the part into off position and the handle out of on" position, if the handle is not held manually.. or when the handle is released, in case it was held manually during the overload release movement of the part, the handle being so constructed as to push Vor cam the part into on position when it is moved to on" position, and to release the p art for movement by the spring when it is moved out of "on" position.V

33. An automatically releasing circuit breaker having an actuated part, a spring biasing means and an overload latch therefor, and a handle for moving the part to and from"on" and "oiP positions and :or relatching the part after an load release thereof, the parts being so arranged that on an overload release of the latch, the spring moves the part out of "on position, andy into a trip" position, trip free of the handle, fand then position and v the handle out of on position, if the handle is not held manualy, or when the handle is released. in case it was held manually during the overload release movement of the part, there being a formation on the part enabling it to be r'noved by the handle out of trip" position and into on position, whereby, in the event the spring fails to move the part out of trip and into o position and fails to move the handle from on to 05" position,- the handle may be manipulated soto do, by being moved from the "on" positionto the ofi position.

' is not held manually, or when the handle is reoverload release movement of manually during the the part, the handle leased. in case it was-held 36. An automatically releasing circuit breaker l the spring when it is moved out of l -on position tothe "o l 'part comprising ariioating bar having a latch conbeing so constructed as.

into on position when tion, and' to release the part formovement by it is moved to on pomv "on position. the actuated part comprising a iloating bar havtobe engaged by the handle between its ends.

37. Amautomatically releasing circuit breaker Y having an actuated part, a spring biasing means ltions andior relatching the part after an over 4load release thereof, the parts being so arranged that on an overload release of spring moves the part out oi' "on position. and into a trip" position. trip ireeoi' the handle, and then moves the part into on position and the handle out offfon positiom if thehandle is not held. manually. or when the handle is re'- leased. in case it was held manually during the overload release movement of the part, 4the handle being so-constructed as to push or cam the part in'to on position when itis moved to "on" position, and to release the part tor movement by the springwhen it is moved out of on position, vthere being a. formation on the part enabling it to be moved by the handle out of trip" position and into 0112" position, whereby, in the event the vspring tails to move the partout otJtrip" and into oir position and fails to move the handle `from Lon" to o position, the handle may be manipulated so to do, by being moved from the position. ,the actuated nection at one end about which it pivots on normalV handle actuation by the handle between its ends.

3s. A circuit bmakerccmprising a switcn mem,

ber, means mounting said switch member for pivotal movement-about a plurality Qfpolnts between open and closed circuit positions, a cui-rent responsive device normally securing a point of said switch member, aspring biasing said switch member to one o! said positions about said point the latch, theV and adapted to be engaged ing a latch connection at one end about which it pivots on `normal handle actuation and 4adapted and an overload latch therefor, and a handle for Amoving the part to` and from on and "oT posi- ,when said switch rent responsive device lrality of points, a current 22,218V to push or cam the part as a,pivot, a pivoted handle having a ojection engaging said switch member to move sa d switch member about said point between said positions, said spring movingsaid switch member about said projection as a pivot kto its open circuit position turned thereby to its open circuit position, a stop engaged by the movable end oisaid switch mem-Y spring moves saidswitch ber about which said member to a reset position to be secured by said current responsive. device, and actuating means on said handle cooperating with said switch member to reset said switch member in the event said spring fails-to reset said switch member.

39. A Vcircuit breaker conducting'switch member, means'mounting said switch member for pivotal'movement about agpluresponsive device normally .securing one end oi' said 'switch member, a contact carried by the other end oi' said switch member, electrical connections connecting said switch member in the circuit 4 of the` breaker. spring means'biasing said switch member to an open circuit position about said current responsive d evice as a pivot, a handle Vmatie of electricallyinsulating material engaging said switch member to move it betW'een its open and closed circuit positions, said springimoving said switch member about said handle to its open circuit positin when said switch member is released by said current responsive device and said handle being returned thereby to its open circuit position, a stop engaged by the movable end oi' said switch member and about which said spring moves said switch member to a reset position to be secured by said current responsive devicel and actuating means on said handle cooperating with said switch member to hold saidhandle in an intermediate position in the event said spring fails to move said switch member to said reset position and for resetting said nswitch member when said handle is moved to its open circuit po' sition.

FRED G. von` HOQRN.

member is released by said cur- ,v

and saidl handle being recomprlsing'an electrically

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