Patent ID: 7342474

Claim:
A multi-pole circuit breaker configured to be remotely operated, comprising: a master pole and at least one slave pole, each pole comprising a set of main contacts configured to connect between an electrical source and an electrical load, an operating mechanism in operable communication to open and close the associated main contacts, and a primary drive in operable communication to open and close the associated main contacts separate from actuation of the associated operating mechanism; wherein said at least one slave pole primary drive includes a set of gears and a locking member having a first position that locks the set of gears and a second position that unlocks the set of gears, wherein in response to the set of gears being in a set position, the locking member is in the first position, and in response to movement of the set of gears, the locking member is moved to the second position; and, a mechanism tie disposed to operate the master and slave mechanisms together; wherein the master pole further comprises a remotely operable motor in operable communication with the master primary drive, and in operable communication with each slave primary drive via a connecting gear therebetween; wherein the motor is responsive to first and second control signals to open and close the master and slave main contacts separate from actuation of the master or slave operating mechanisms.