Abstract: A ball ratchet mechanism suitable for use with an electrical disconnect employs a track and drive surface that engage the ball so as to capture it without significant shear force being applied to ridges of the track. In this way, the shape of the track can be optimized for smooth ratcheting action without the risk of high torques shearing track ridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a control assembly including a power source and a circuit disconnector located on a first side of a planar member forming an opening, the disconnector including a first mechanical linkage having open and closed positions, the apparatus for manipulating the mechanical linkage between the open and closed positions and visually indicating on a second side of the planar member at least a first state of the control assembly when the first state occurs, the apparatus including a handle assembly including a handle member moveable between at least first and second positions and positioned on the second side of the planar member adjacent the opening, an extension member rigidly connected to and extending from the handle member through the opening and forming a second mechanical linkage at a distal end that is linkable with the first mechanical linkage on the first side of the planar member, the extension member moving the first mechanical linkage between the closed and open positions when the

Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a planar member forming an opening and having first and second sides, the assembly including a handle member moveable between at least first and second positions and mounted on the second side of the planar member adjacent the opening, an extension member rigidly connected to and extending from the handle member through the opening, a cam at least linkable to at least one of the handle member and the extension member for movement therewith and at least a first contact including a activation member, the first contact closing when the activation member is activated, the cam, extension member and activation member positionable in a first relative juxtaposition with respect to each other such that when the handle member is in one of the first and second positions, the cam activates the activation member and, when the handle member is in the other of the first and second positions, the cam releases the activation member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular disconnect switch (10) for use in an electrical enclosure cabinet (26) having a plurality of different operating mechanisms that can be assembled with the switch. These include, but are not limited to: a dial-type ratcheting rotary switch with a door-sensitive actuating mechanism (40), a dual rotary switch (30) that meets certain standards and provides a butterfly handle inside the cabinet, a lock accessory (60) for enabling the lockout of the switch in the off position, a motion translator device (50) for interfacing to a side-mounted cabinet door handle, a network connectivity module (70), and a module for adding at least one switch pole to the basic disconnect switch (10).

Abstract: A rotary switch assembly for mounting on a disconnect switch (10) in an electrical enclosure (26) includes a base (50) and a rotor (60) which is rotatably coupled to the base (50). The rotor (60) is first axially depressed and then rotated to switch the disconnect switch (10) to the “on” position. The base (50) has a stop member (53) for latching the rotor (60) in an “off” position before the rotor (60) is axially depressed. A lockout tab (43) is attached to the rotor (60) for locking the switch in the “off” position. A rotary handle (30, 90) is provided for mounting on the rotor (60), for operation in either rotational direction. The rotary handle (30) has two wings with formed grips (34, 35) for thumb and fingertips to securely grip and turn the handle (30) with the required torque for actuating and de-actuating the disconnect switch.

Abstract: A fuse status indicator assembly (40, 41, 42) for insertion in an opening (31) in a side wall of the fuse cartridge (20a, 20b, 20c) including a fuse (35) has a snap-in removable carrier (41) in the event that the bulb (42) has burned out and must be replaced. Labels (22) are attached to the fuse cartridges (20a, 20b, 20c) to identify the circuits and ratings of the fuses (35).

Abstract: A disconnect is coupled to a rotary shaft communicating with a door-mounted knob provides an operator on the shaft for engaging the door handle to detect closure of the door. The operator includes a pair of coupling mechanisms that control the transmission of torque between the operator and the shaft depending on whether the door is open or closed. Specifically, when the door is open, torque applied to the operator in both directions is transmitted to the shaft. If the door is open, torque applied to the operator is only transmitted in one direction to disconnect power through the disconnect unless the user performs a predetermined sequence of events to rotatably couple the operator to the shaft with respect to rotation in the opposite direction that connects power through the disconnect.