Thermal loop breaker switch

Application Number: 00102248
Application Date: 2000.02.18
Publication Number: 1276616
Publication Date: 2000.12.13
Priority Information: 1999/6/8 US 09/328,107
International: H01H37/52;H01H71/02;H01H71/16;H01H73/24
Applicant(s) Name: Richard W. Sorenson
Address:
Inventor(s) Name: R. W. Sorenson
Patent Agency Code: 11038
Patent Agent: sun zheng
Abstract The thermal circuit breaker and switch has fixed and movable contacts, and non-conductive contact and trip actuators. The movable contact is provided on the free end of a lever arm that normally biases the movable contact toward its open position. The contact actuator transfers movement from a rocker or operator to the movable contact arm when no overload condition exists. The trip actuator is L shaped and rotates in a socket when engaged by a thermally sensitive bi-metallic element so as to allow one end of the contact actuator to float freely. The bi-metallic element is so positioned as to engage and rotate the trip actuator only when the bi-metallic element is deformed due to an overheat condition that occurs with an overcurrent. A compression spring acts between the upstanding legs of the trip actuator and the underside of the rocker thus biasing the rocker to the 'off' position and biasing the trip actuator to the 'reset' position.