Patent ID: 6879228
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A circuit breaker comprising: separable contacts; an operating mechanism for opening and closing said separable contacts; a conductor electrically connected in series with said separable contacts; a trip mechanism cooperative with said operating mechanism to trip open said separable contacts, said trip mechanism responsive to a predetermined condition of current flowing in said conductor, said trip mechanism comprising: a magnetic member coupled to said conductor; an armature pivotally mounted to said magnetic member; and a spring set apart from said conductor and biasing said armature away from said magnetic member; wherein said armature includes an opening; wherein said magnetic member includes an arm; and wherein said spring includes a first portion, which engages said armature at the opening thereof, a second portion and a bend portion between the first and second portions, the second portion of said spring flexing and engaging the arm of said magnetic member, thereby biasing said armature away from said magnetic member.