Abstract: An equipment unit protection switch from an in-service equipment unit to a standby equipment unit is realized prior to any movement of the active equipment unit about to be removed from an equipment frame in which it is inserted. This is achieved by advantageously incorporating apparatus for generating an equipment unit removal indication signal that enables a controller to anticipate the removal of the equipment unit from the equipment frame. To this end, the equipment units employ an equipment unit latch and an associated switch to generate the equipment removal indication signal. Initial movement of the latch causes the equipment unit removal indication signal to be generated prior to any movement of the equipment unit in the frame in which it is inserted.

Abstract: A switch plunger is covered at its exposed end with a serrated cap which is ratchetable over the end of the plunger. The plunger is axially slidable within a housing upon which is mounted a selectively operable locking pin. The locking pin may be actuated during installation of the switch so as to fix the relative position of the plunger within the housing during installation. This initial setting of the plunger within the housing also aligns a pair of electrical contacts mounted on the plunger with cooperating circuitry mounted within the housing. The switch is initially installed and calibrated simply by engaging the lock pin with the plunger and inserting the switch within an aperature formed in a cover or housing and abutting the cap with a switch actuator.

Abstract: For cocking an energy accumulator, an actuating device comprises a ratchet wheel with teeth as well as a reciprocating transport ratchet. For maintaining the cocked position of the energy accumulator, a cam wheel and blocking lever which can be braced against a blocking member via a ratchet lever are provided. Due to a wedge-like cooperation between a working surface of the cam wheel and a projection of the blocking lever, the blocking lever is transferred from its rest position into a blocked position if the deadcenter position of the cam wheel is exceeded. In the process, the transport ratchet is lifted from the teeth of the ratchet wheel by means of a striking surface of the blocking lever.

Abstract: An operating handle locking device for use with an electrical switchgear such as a circuit interrupter comprises a locking plate for blocking the movement of the operating handle between the ON position and the OFF position, and a support plate secured to the circuit interrupter for supporting the lock plate, the locking plate being locked in the operating handle locking position relative to the support plate by a locking member. The switchgear may have a trip button for tripping the switchgear from the exterior, and the locking plate may have a cover portion for covering the trip button when the locking plate is in an operating handle locking position. A cover portion may also be provided in the locking plate for covering the reset button of the circuit interrupter when in the operating handle locking position.

Abstract: A high-speed, high-current making switch is provided which has a driver which forms an air cylinder in the housing and which has movable contacts attached thereto. The driver moves the contacts to make and break the circuit. The force to move the driver is provided by pressurized air within the housing chamber which in response to the operation of a solenoid which operates a latch allows the contacts to make very rapidly. Upon operation of the solenoid, the latch is removed from abutting contact with the driver thereby allowing the driver to move in response to the air pressure and make the circuit.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter comprising a pair of separable contacts at least one of which is movable, and an operating mechanism operatively connected to the movable contacts for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a movable contact arm having mounted thereon the movable contact, a latch lever pivotally mounted on the movable contact arm, and a toggle link mechanism connected at its one end to an operating handle and the other end of which is directly engageable with said movable contact arm and the latch lever. The movable contact arm has a latch surface, and the latch lever has a latching end which, in cooperation with the latch surface, releasably catches the other end of the toggle link mechanism.

Abstract: A linear operating mechanism is provided for operating one or more electrical switches or interrupters, the mechanism selectively closing the switch via movement of a switch operating member and immediately thereafter being capable of opening the switch as required. The operating mechanism includes a carriage that is movable over a linear path to charge an opening spring and a closing spring. The switch operating member is movable along an axis parallel to or coincident with the path of the carriage. The opening spring and the closing springs are disposed about a common axis parallel to the movement of the carriage and the switch operating member. A first latch arrangement is provided for preventing switch-closing movement of the switch operating member when the switch is open and the first latch arrangement is engaged.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter comprises a pair of separable contacts at least one of which is movable, and an operating mechanism operatively connected to the movable contacts for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a movable contact arm having mounted thereon the movable contact, a latch lever pivotally mounted on the movable contact arm, and a toggle link mechanism connected at its one end to an operating handle and the other end of which is directly engageable with said movable contact arm and the latch lever. The movable contact arm has a latch surface, and the latch lever has a latching end which, in cooperation with the latch surface, releasably catches the other end of the toggle link mechanism. A roller may be mounted on the other end of the second toggle link for quick and smooth operation of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A ski locker building is disclosed having rows of lockers each configured to receive the mid-portion of a pair of skis so as to confine same against lengthwise removal. Recesses in upper and lower plate members of each locker receive a skier's laterally inserted skis and poles whereafter a locker door is closed to constitute a barrier to ski and pole removal. A door jamb is of tubular construction to house lock mechanisms serving adjacent locker doors. A plunger type switch acts on a door mounted plate to urge the door to an open position in those instances where a latching solenoid is rendered inoperable by a computer controlled circuit including a circuit interrupter to cause cycling of the solenoid.

Abstract: A switch actuator mechanism including a slider which can execute movement in steps along a linear track, the step-wise movement being governed by the interaction of a pair of cam-followers, carried by the slider, with respective cam-surfaces disposed alongside the track, one to either side thereof. The cam-followers are resiliently urged into contact with their respective cam surfaces and permit the slider to assume, alternately, stable and unstable conditions at locations disposed in series along the track.

Abstract: A switch machine which is connected by two throw rods to the respective switch points to be operated includes an internal locking arrangement which includes two holding elements pivotally mounted on the respective throw rods and accommodated between a sliding member and a displacement member of the switch machine which are disengageably connected to one another. Each of the holding elements has a free end which is enlarged by two tongues respectively extending toward the sliding member and the casing of the switch machine. Depending on the position of the sliding member, the tongues are received in the associated recesses in the sliding member or in the casing to thereby either lock the throw rods in their positions relative to the casing or to entrain the same for movement with the sliding member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided which includes stationary and movable contacts and a mechanism for moving the movable contact. A rotatable cam is included which has a cam pin fixedly secured thereto. The cam pin extends outwardly from the cam, and is contacted by releasable latch member which prevents the breaker from closing until the latch member is released.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by a plurality of pole-units adapted for interrupting multi-phase circuits having an operating mechanism releasable to effect simultaneous opening of the multi-phase circuits, at least two latch levers biased against a latch member with each latch lever having a beveled surface to effect simultaneous release of both levers.

Abstract: An electric switch of the snap-action type includes a pair of relatively movable contacts, an operating linkage interconnected with a movable one of the contacts for imparting operating movement thereto, a hollow tubular rotatable member interconnected with the operating linkage and operable to impart switch operating movement thereto, a latching part secured to the rotatable member and engageable with abutment means so as to secure the rotatable member against rotation, spring means in the form of a torsion bar disposed within the rotatable member and effective to impart rotation thereto upon disengagement of the latching part from the abutment means, movable motive means in the form of a rotatable tube interconnected with the torsion bar for imparting twisting moment thereto together with latch releasing means mounted on and movable with the movable motive means for engaging the latching part and for moving such part out of engagement with the associated fixed abutment means after a predetermined degree of

Abstract: A high voltage switch having a snap-action switching mechanism for effecting opening and closing of relatively movable switch contacts, and having mechanical time delay trip release mechanism operatively associated with the switching mechanism to effect a selected time delayed opening of the switch contacts in response to a predetermined event such as a current overload. The time delay trip release may also be manually actuated to open the switch contacts from a closed condition.

Abstract: In a locking arrangement of an electric circuit breaker which includes a latch and a locking strap which cooperates with the latter and is supported by means of two pivots in support openings of stationary parts, the pivots having a rectangular cross-section and arranged so that the force exerted by the latch on the locking strap is transmitted to one of the small surfaces of the pivots, the support openings have a convex surface which cooperates with the one small surface of the pivot and the long surfaces of the pivots are opposite similarly convex surfaces of the support openings. For the other small surface of the pivots, a concave surface or a surface which consists of two subsurfaces which are at an angle to each other and are connected by a transition arc is provided. The pivots cooperate with the support openings by rolling and sliding motions which insure low stress on the contact surfaces.

Abstract: An improved operator for a high-voltage switch. Prior art operators have a drive member connected to the switch for operation thereof. Immediately after the switch is opened, the drive member is held by a first latch and a spring is automatically charged to bias the drive member to close the switch. When the first latch selectively releases the drive member, it moves to close the switch. Immediately thereafter, the drive member is again held by a second latch and the spring is automatically charged to bias the drive member to open the switch. When the second latch releases the drive member, it now moves to open the switch. In prior art operators the latches sometimes fail to immediately hold the drive member rendering ineffective attempts to recharge the spring. A control system is provided which permits charging of the spring only if the respective latches hold the drive member following a switch operation.

Abstract: A turn-push electric switch operator characterized by a tubular housing having a switch operator therein with a detent extending therefrom, a detent cam having a camming surface inclined at an angle to the axis of the housing with a detent retaining notch, and a manual handle operable between first and second positions and having a camming surface for returning the handle from one position to the other.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for tripping devices of electrical switchgear has a driven inner member carrying a radially extending, resilient detent arm which interacts with stationary detent slots. For joining with an outer driving member, an interrupted ring snap-in connection is provided between the inner and outer elements which is designed so that eccentric forces as well as asymmetrical spreading forces caused by the resilient detent arm and by the application of torque can be transmitted. For this purpose, two larger posts lying one behind the other on the longitudinal axis of the detent arm have right-angled undercuts and two smaller posts disposed between the first posts are provided with radial projections. The projections have side walls lying in planes extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the setting mechanism. The setting mechanism members are made as complete parts by injection molding of plastic material.

Abstract: A vacuum contact enclosure has end contact assemblies within contact enclosures specially formed to distribute the high voltage field and eliminate high stress in an encapsulating solid insulation. A non-tracking guide tube extends concentrically of a movable contact rod. A solid, dry, high voltage insulation wall intimately attaches to the vacuum and contact enclosures. The wall has an opening through which the contact rod extends with a planar end wall surface abutting a submersible operating housing. A clamp engages the wall and housing and draws the wall surface into sealing engagement with the housing. The operating mechanism includes a pivoted lever assembly connected to a spring-loaded linkage member secured to the contact operating member and a spaced drive lever and pin assembly. A toggle assembly is pinned between the assemblies and includes a releasable latch member.

Abstract: A disconnect switch for use with a metal-encapsulated high-voltage switching installation wherein the switch comprises a movable switching pin and a mating contact axially associated therewith. The switch is further provided with a tube of insulating material arranged in surrounding sliding relationship to the switching pin and with a spring means braced against the pin for applying a force to the tube. Latching means is also provided for latching the tube against the force of the spring means in the on and off positions of the switch. The latter means further cooperates with an unlatching means which, during the course of the movement of the switching pin to close the switch, releases the latching means, thereby causing the tube to bridge the gap between the mating contact and the pin before the latter elements make metallic contact.

Abstract: A tilt actuated circuit breaker that discontinues the flow of electrical energy from a battery through the ignition system of a motor vehicle when the vehicle is involved in an accident. Longitudinal and transverse undulated tubes, each containing a heavy metal ball, define respective paths which permit either one of said balls to contact one of three triggers in the event of an accident to open a switch to break the electric circuit. All three of the triggers are interconnected with a trip arm in a manner whereby actuation of any one trigger by a ball will operate the trip arm to open a latch, permitting movement of a first contact arm of a switch in the circuit out of engagement with a second contact arm. A switch reset tool is built into the device which may be manipulated to re-engage the contact arms to re-establish the circuit.

Abstract: A new and improved dead man safety assembly having an activator lever mounted for movement from an operable position to an inactive position and a safety trigger mechanism coacting with the activator lever for preventing unintentional movement of the activator lever to the operable position. The control mechanism activated by the activator lever may be fluidic or electrical. The instant special application of the dead man safety assembly is related to control of hand-held abrasive hose and nozzle structures.

Abstract: A movable switch contact of a switch for connecting in a circuit at least a pair of stationary contacts which may be the lands or terminal pads of a printed circuit on a printed circuit board includes an actuating member and a bridging portion. The actuating member is supported for movement in at least two directions and the bridging portion is attached for movement with the actuating member. The bridging portion includes a body of a deformable material having a capacity to conduct current and provide electrical continuity between the stationary contacts when the actuating member shall have been moved to a switch closed position. The actuating member may be adapted for movement toggle fashion as well as for sliding movement. Movement of the actuating member toggle fashion may be through snap action and momentarily whereby the return memory of the body causes the actuating member to return to a neutral or switch open position.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved positive latch for high voltage, air break disconnect switches of the type having an elongated blade with one end swiveling on a terminal to switch its opposite end from the remote terminal, the blade being rotatable about its longitudinal axis and relative to the terminals and provided at its switching end with a transversely projecting contact lug shiftable by rotation of the blade into and out of frictional engagement with the remote terminal. The latch is pivotally mounted on the remote terminal and has a hook-like portion spring biased downwardly into latching position with respect to the end portion of the blade and is rotatable out of latching position by engagement with the latch of an arm carried by the blade when the contact lug is rotated out of engagement with the remote terminal and is formed with an extension engageable with the blade mounted latch operating arm for opening the latch as the blade approaches closed position.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is disclosed which may be either a single pole or a multiple pole switch. Actuator means is provided to actuate first and second contact means between open and closed circuit conditions. This actuator means is shown as a lever which acts on an actuable portion of a contact blade or directly moves a contact portion into and out of engagement with an individual contact. For economy the actuator means lever may be unitary with a housing by means of a unitary hinge which not only permits movement of the lever but also provides a resilient force in first and second generally perpendicular directions. This resilient force is used to establish the contacts in a closed circuit condition and is also resisted by a detent so that the switch remains in that selected circuit condition. When the switching mechanism is constructed as a multiple pole switch, then a common conductor is provided which has individual contact portions actuated by a plurality of levers for an economically produced switch.

Abstract: An electric switch comprises a closed switch housing which is adapted to contain the switch contacts which has a guide bore for guiding a shaft portion of a switch operating member or push button. An operating member lock included an exterior housing portion associated with the switch housing which has a lock guide channel and a lock member bore intercepting the guide channel. The lock member is movable in the bore to engage a lock actuator which is connected to the switch operating member and is displaceable in the lock guide channel. The lock member is engageable with the lock actuator when the switch operating member is in an actuated position in order to lock the lock member and the switch operating member against movement.

Abstract: A rocker switch assembly for controlling at least one fluorescent lamp has a contact mounting block fitted in a housing, with a pair of normally closed contacts at one end of the block and at least one pair of normally open contacts at the other end. A rocker button is supported in an opening in the housing above the contacts on the mounting block for limited vertical and pivotal motion against spring biasing forces while being restrained against longitudinal movement. A preferred support means includes stub shafts extending laterally from each side of the rocker button that fit slidably in vertical bearing slots on each side of the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A household freezer alarm system has a door alarm switch having a holding element that is movable to a position for releasably maintaining an actuating plunger of the switch at a deactivated position. At the deactivated position, the freezer can be cleaned, loaded with food, or other freezer door-open operations performed without sounding a door-open alarm. Means is associated with the holding element for automatically moving the holding element from the holding postion to the free position in response to closing the position door for automatically resetting the alarm system.

Abstract: An alarm switch adapted to be mounted on the wall above a door on the side of the wall toward which the door swings open, having an electrically conductive arm adapted to be set in a position for actuation by the door, when the door swings, to swing inwardly and then upwardly into engagement with a terminal of the switch to complete an alarm circuit. The arm has a finger at its free end adapted to be set in a downwardly extending position for engagement by the door and a raised position clear of the door for deactivating the switch.