Ground fault circuit interrupter and electronic detection circuit
US4688134A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 1985 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H50/32
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a pair of flexure arms having moveable contacts disposed thereon are deflected in response to the activation of a solenoid having a moveable core. The core of the solenoid causes a pair of cam actuators which are preferably coupled together by a catcher to rotate. The rotation of the cam actuators causes the deflection of the flexure arms, thereby separating the moveable contacts from the stationary contacts and interrupting the flow of current. The activation of the solenoid is controlled by an electronic module. The electronic module includes a detection circuit which inhibits the solenoid from opening the contacts until there is sufficient electrical energy to insure that the kinetic energy of the solenoid will cause the contacts to latch open. The electromechanical current interrupter and the electronic module are disposed within a housing that can be mounted within a standard electrical receptacle box.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.