Thermally actuated variable-rating circuit breaker having adjustable heat sink means
US4570144A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H71/74
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A heater strip (12) is disposed in spaced relation to a temperature responsive actuator element (20) for indirectly heating that element in response to current flow in the heater (12). An adjustable heat sink (22) is disposed in spaced proximity to the actuator element (20) for removing heat from the actuator element by radiation therefrom through air to the heat sink in a first position and adjustable to be in thermally conductive engagement with the actuator in a second position for increasing the efficiency of heat transfer from the actuator to the heat sink. Increased current flow in the protected branch circuit is required to cause the actuator (20) to attain its predetermined actuation temperature as the heat sink is adjusted to increase the efficiency of heat transfer between the actuator (20) and the heat sink.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.