Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A disposable circuit breaker comprising relatively movable contact means and operating mechanism therefor, a trip device comprising a bimetal trip element having one end fixedly mounted and heated in response to the current of the circuit, the trip device also comprising a latch member releasably restraining the operating mechanism and responsive to the movement of the bimetal trip element, the bimetal trip element deflecting in response to a predetermined range of overcurrent to operate the latch member and cause the latch member to release the operating mechanism, the bimetal trip element being distortable by thermal stresses when subjected to a current greater than the predetermined range of overcurrent, a fusible link connected in series with the normal current path and being destructible in response to current greater than said predetermined range of overcurrent, a housing enclosing the foregoing parts and comprising separable housing members and destructible fastening means for holding the housing members together, the housing comprising molded wall portions forming a channel in which the fusible link is disposed, and opposite end portions of the fusible link extending through said molded wall portions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
A disposable circuit breaker comprising relatively movable contact means and operating mechanism therefor, a trip device comprising a bimetal trip element having one end fixedly mounted and heated in response to the current of the circuit, the trip device also comprising a latch member releasably restraining the operating mechanism and responsive to the movement of the bimetal trip element, the bimetal trip element deflecting in response to a predetermined range of overcurrent to operate the latch member and cause the latch member to release the operating mechanism, the bimetal trip element being distortable by thermal stresses when subjected to a current greater than the predetermined range of overcurrent, a fusible link connected in series with the normal current path and being destructible in response to current greater than said predetermined range of overcurrent, a housing enclosing the foregoing parts and comprising separable housing members and destructible fastening means for holding the housing members together, the housing comprising molded wall portions forming a channel in which the fusible link is disposed, and opposite end portions of the fusible link extending through said molded wall portions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable circuit breaker of claim 1 in which the housing members include an insulating base and an insulating cover.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The disposable circuit breaker of claim 2 in which the destructible fastening means comprise fasteners that are removable only by being destroyed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The disposable circuit breaker of claim 3 in which the fasteners are rivets.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The disposable circuit breaker of claim 1 in which the fusible link is a fuse wIre.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The disposable circuit breaker of claim 1 in which the fusible link is a shunt wire.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disposable circuit breaker of claim 1 in which the fusible link is enclosed in a molded portion of the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The disposable circuit breaker of claim 1 in which the channel is packed with sand around the fusible link.