James Leroy Richter

US Patent:

58644555, Jan 26, 1999

Filed:

Oct 1, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/941967

Inventors:

Paul D. Gernhardt - Chesapeake VA
David Y. Chan - Bellerose NY
Serge P. Krzyzanowski - Flushing NY
James Richter - Bayside NY

Assignee:

Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. - Little Neck NY

International Classification:

H02H 900

US Classification:

361 42

Abstract:

An in-line cord ground fault circuit interrupter which contains within a common housing the sensing unit and the tripping relay usually found separately packaged at a remote location. The fixed contacts are mounted on fixed contact arms mounted adjacent one surface of a printed circuit board with the movable contacts mounted on movable contact arms mounted adjacent the second surface. The tripping relay operates an armature between an open and a closed condition and by cams on the arms of the armature opens and closes the movable contacts with the fixed contacts. The two portion housing allows the components of the interrupter to be mounted on one portion of the housing which also supports the line and load conductors making assembly of the rear housing portion to the front housing portion easy. A stop member and a positioning post are provided on the interior of the front cover to check the position of the armature in the non-energized state to verify proper contact placement and gaps.