Abstract: The vacuum insulated switch-gear is configured to be capable of being lifted up with a jack-up bolt to adjust a seated height of the vacuum insulated switch-gear. The switch-gear comprises a nut fixed on a base plate forming a bottom of the vacuum insulated switch-gear. The nut is used as a mating component with the jack-up bolt.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear comprising a vacuum container accommodating at least a pair of movable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts, wherein the movable contacts are capable of taking three positions, the switchgear being a double-break three-position type switch having breaking and disconnecting functions.

Abstract: A vacuum interrupter includes a number of insulative tubes having a first open end and a second open end; a first end member secured to the first open end; a second end member secured to the second open end; a fixed contact mounted on a fixed electrode extending through the second end member; a retainer; and a movable contact. The retainer includes a rigid retainer having a plurality of legs and an opening, and an insulative bushing having a smaller opening. The insulative bushing is molded over a portion of the rigid retainer. The smaller opening is within the opening of the rigid retainer and is structured to receive a movable electrode. The movable contact is mounted on the movable electrode extending through the first end member and through the smaller opening. The movable contact is capable of axially reciprocating into and out of contact with the fixed contact.

Abstract: In a vacuum circuit breaker corresponding to three-phase, which is configured by linearly arranging three pressure tanks respectively corresponding to one-phase, in which insulation gas is encapsulated, and a vacuum valve is installed, each pressure tank has a nearly longitudinal shape or a nearly square shape, viewed from a plane surface, and the vacuum valve is arranged in each of the pressure tanks in a state where a drive direction of the movable conductor is aligned with an upper lower direction and the movable conductor is positioned lower than the vacuum valve, and keeps a sufficient insulation distance with respect to the movable-side connection conductor, and is neared to a position in one of diagonal directions or longitudinal directions of the pressure tank having a nearly square shape or nearly ellipsoidal shape, and moreover, the operation mechanism is arranged and configured at a position, which is lower than the vacuum valve.

Abstract: A subsea arrangement including at least one canister including a chamber accommodating at least one circuit breaker. The chamber is filled with a gaseous dielectric medium constituting a quenching medium for the at least one circuit breaker in the chamber. The pressure in the chamber is balanced against ambient sea water pressure by a pressure balancer, which includes at least one pressure container containing a pressurized gaseous medium of a same type as the gaseous medium in the chamber. The pressure container is connected to the chamber via a control valve, which is arranged to be controlled by the ambient pressure so as to feed pressurized gaseous medium from the pressure container into the chamber when the ambient pressure increases in order to maintain the pressure in the chamber equal to the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum switchgear has a vacuum valve including a movable conductor connected to an insulating rod, and a fixed conductor connected to a bus bar or to a load cable, a vacuum chamber encasing the vacuum valve, an insulating envelope covering the vacuum chamber, the outer surface thereof being covered with an electro-conductive layer thereby to earth the envelope, and an insulating lid gas-tightly fitted to the insulating envelope. The lid has an insulating bushing through which an insulating rod penetrates, the insulating rod being connected to an operating mechanism, wherein the insulating rod except a portion exposed from the bushing is gas-tightly confined in insulating gas atmosphere formed between the insulating envelope and the insulating lid.

Abstract: Cooling arrangement for an electrically conductive element in an electrical installation. A casting body (3) is provided for electrically isolating the electrically conductive element (2). The casting body has an outer wall, part of which forms a contact surface 5 (5) for contact with a heat conducting surface (1) of the electrical installation. The outer wall of the casting body (3) is provided with an electrically conductive layer (4; 7) at its outer surface.

Abstract: This interrupter device includes a parallel branch (4) in which a vacuum switch chamber is connected for breaking current. The branch is inactive in normal operation, with current flowing in it only when the disconnector (2) has started its opening movement, by progressive transfer of the current from the main power line (1) to the branch (4). Since the vacuum switch (6) is generally at rest, it no longer needs to be dimensioned to satisfy stringent electrical and dielectric requirements for normal operation.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes a number of poles each having an elongated conductor with a first end and an opposite second end with a first terminal member. A circuit interrupter is electrically connected in series with the elongated conductor at the first end. A second terminal member electrically engages the first terminal member. A number of insulative skirts are disposed on the elongated conductor between opposite ends thereof. An insulative tube receives the insulative skirts and includes a first open end and an opposite second end carrying the second terminal member. A carrier carries the poles between (a) a first position in which the first terminal member electrically engages the second terminal member and the insulative tube receives the insulative skirts, and (b) a second position in which the first terminal member is electrically disconnected from the second terminal member and the skirts are withdrawn from the insulative tube.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a vacuum valve, an electromagnet including a first coil for driving an operating shaft of the vacuum valve toward an opening direction by electromagnetic repulsion, a movable core and a permanent magnet. Further, an operating mechanism is provided which excites the first coil to close the vacuum valve, holds the vacuum valve closed by an attractive force of the permanent magnet and excites the first coil in a direction reverse to an excitation direction in closing operation to open the vacuum valve. In the circuit breaker, together with the first coil, a second coil is disposed which is excited simultaneously with an electromagnetic repulsion coil for a quick opening operation by electromagnetic repulsion is provided in the electromagnet.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear comprising a vacuum container accommodating at least a pair of movable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts, wherein the movable contacts are capable of taking three positions, the switchgear being a double-break three-position type switch having breaking and disconnecting functions.

Abstract: A reliable, compact vacuum switchgear is provided at an inexpensive cost. The vacuum switchgear comprises a switch 1 having a fixed electrode 12 and a movable electrode 13 connectable to and disconnectable from the fixed electrode 12, another switch 2 having a fixed electrode 22 and a movable electrode 23 connectable to and disconnectable from the fixed electrode 22, conductors 3 connected to the fixed electrodes 12, 22 of the switches 1, 2, earth switches 4 connected to the conductors 3, a mold section 7 formed by molding the conductors 3 and the earth switches 4 with resin, and a vacuum container 8 accommodating the switches 1, 2 and disposed on the mold section 7.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear is provided with: an enclosure having a switch block defined by a grounded metal plate, a bus block positioned above the switch block, and a cable block positioned on the rear side of the bus block; a bus provided in the bus block and connected with a fixed contact of a vacuum double-break three-position switch; the vacuum double-break three-position switch provided in the switch block so that its movable contacts are positioned below its fixed contacts; an operating device provided in the switch block so as to be positioned below the vacuum double-break three-position switch; and a lever mechanism that couples together the movable contacts of the vacuum double-break three-position switch and the operating device.

Abstract: A seal is provided around a vacuum interrupter and an air-filled cavity, and a tube is provided within the seal. The tube has a first end open to the air-filled cavity and a second end open to an exterior of the seal. The seal, the vacuum interrupter, and the air-filled cavity are encapsulated.

Abstract: Methods for making and using vacuum switching devices are disclosed. A vacuum switching device has an operating rod for actuating a movable electrical contact within the device. The operating rod may be a hollow epoxy glass tube with an electrical sensor disposed within it, and there may be an elastomeric polymer filling compound disposed within the tube and encasing the sensor. The operating rod may be attached to the movable electrical contact on one end by a steel end-fitting that has been press-fit into the tube and secured with at least one cross pin. In this way, a very secure electromechanical connection may be made between the operating rod and the rest of the vacuum switching device, and the sensor is protected from shock associated with the operation of the device. Moreover, the vacuum switching device is compact and easy to construct.

Abstract: A power switchgear includes a circuit breaker including a container filled with an insulating gas, a stationary contact arranged in the container, and a movable contact that makes a movement to make contact with the stationary contact; an operation unit including a biasing member, and opens and closes the circuit breaker; and a linkage unit that transmits an biasing force of the biasing member to the circuit breaker. The linkage unit includes a rotary shaft, a lever including an engaging hole to be engaged with an outer periphery of the rotary shaft, and a pressing member that presses the rotary shaft onto an inner periphery of the engaging hole.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear comprising a vacuum container accommodating at least a pair of movable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts, wherein the movable contacts are capable of taking three positions, the switchgear being a double-break three-position type switch having breaking and disconnecting functions.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear comprising a case having a switch section, a bus-bar section and a cable section, each being partitioned by an earthed metal plate, a vacuum double break three point switch disposed in the switch section and having breaking and disconnecting function, an operator, a bus-bar disposed in the bus-bar section of the case, and a cable connection terminal connected to a cable in the cable section.

Abstract: A visible open indicator for high voltage vacuum interrupters and switches, which use a vacuum bottle having a high voltage contact and an actuating element that opens and closes the contact, is provided. The visible open indicator includes: an actuating mechanism that operates the actuating element; a housing that contains the actuating mechanism; an indicator attached to the actuating mechanism, wherein the indicator shows that the contact is in an open position or closed position; a viewing window extending through the housing, wherein the viewing window is aligned with the indicator so that the indicator can be viewed through the viewing window. The indicator includes a first indicating portion and a second indicating portion. The first indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is open and the second indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is closed.

Abstract: A vacuum recloser including a first connection section adapted to connect to a first electrical conductor; a second connection section mechanically connected to the first connection section; and an arm connected between the first and second connection sections. The second connection section is adapted to connect to a second electrical conductor. The arm includes a vacuum bottle section with contacts that are movable into and out of contact with each other for respectively electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second connection sections with each other. The arm is movable to electrically disconnect the vacuum bottle section from one of the connection sections.

Abstract: A connector system for a high voltage vacuum switch which includes: a voltage source connector; a load connector; a first contact in a vacuum bottle; and a second contact connected in series with the first contact, wherein the second contact is external to the vacuum bottle. The voltage source is connected to the load through the first and second contacts and the second contact includes a first separable interface, a second separable interface and a conducting pin. When the conducting pin is removed, an insulating pin can be inserted in its place. In preferred embodiments, the connector system includes a housing and a sight glass which extends through the housing for viewing the conducting pin. The connector system can also include a first and second connectors for the first and second separable interfaces, which are used for test connections and/or grounding connections.

Abstract: Insulated vacuum switchgear and active switchgear elements therefor are provided with a rigid support structure mechanically isolating a vacuum insulator from axial loads in use without reinforcing or insulating encapsulations. At least one of the elastomeric insulating housing and the support structure directly contacts an outer surface of the insulator. Systems and methods for assembling the switchgear are also provided.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and/or earthing switch are disclosed wherein a rotatable spindle nut, which is mounted in a spindle housing, displaces a spindle in a translatory manner, thus displacing contact elements of the switching device. The spindle actuates a contact pin that is configured in a contact carrier by a connection yoke that is common to all phases or poles and an isolating bar for each phase or pole.

Abstract: Methods and system for making and using vacuum switching devices are disclosed. A vacuum switching device has an operating rod for actuating a movable electrical contact within the device. The operating rod may be a hollow epoxy glass tube with an electrical sensor disposed within it, and there may be an elastomeric polymer filling compound disposed within the tube and encasing the sensor. The operating rod may be attached to the movable electrical contact on one end by a steel end-fitting that has been press-fit into the tube and secured with at least one cross pin. In this way, a very secure electromechanical connection may be made between the operating rod and the rest of the vacuum switching device, and the sensor is protected from shock associated with the operation of the device. Moreover, the vacuum switching device is compact and easy to construct.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated switchgear comprising: a vacuum container; a vacuum insulated switch having a movable contact connected to a movable electrode and a fixed contact connected to a fixed electrode for interrupting and closing current; an operating rod connected to the movable electrode and connected to a magnetic drive mechanism; and a connecting mechanism for operating the operating rod; wherein the magnetic drive mechanism and the connecting mechanism are aligned on a straight line, wherein each of the magnet drive mechanisms has a shape of a rectangular parallelopiped shape.

Abstract: A multi circuit type vacuum switchgear with improved ground isolation reliability. The multi circuit type vacuum switchgear has plural main circuit switches in a chamber. The respective main circuit switches, each having a fixed electrode and a movable electrode open/close to the fixed electrode, are respectively accommodated in a non-earthed type vacuum chamber. The respective movable electrodes are connected with flexible conductors. Operating rods are introduced into the non-earthed type vacuum chamber and respectively connected to the respective movable electrodes via insulators. The vacuum switchgear has a molded part having a first insulating member to insulate the main circuit switches and a second insulating member, integrally formed with the first insulating member, to insulate the movable electrode side and the movable operating rod side. The molded part is provided on the periphery of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum assembly including a vacuum interrupter may be sealed with a compliant material and/or rubber plugs, so that a cavity is created and maintained within the assembly for use with a current exchange housing and/or bellows, during operation of the vacuum interrupter. During vacuum molding of the vacuum assembly to encapsulate the vacuum assembly in an epoxy, a resulting pressure differential caused by the vacuum molding is prevented from disturbing the seal around the vacuum assembly, by way of a needle or tube included in the seal. In this way, air from within the cavity is allowed to escape, while the epoxy is prevented from entering the cavity. Then, once encapsulation is complete, the vacuum assembly can be joined with an operating rod and other components to complete a vacuum switching device.

Abstract: A main circuit switching unit and an isolator are accommodated in a vacuum container. A first conductor and a main circuit conductor are arranged to extend in and out of the vacuum container. A movable electrode of the main circuit switching unit is connected to the first conductor through a first flexible conductor, and a movable electrode of the isolator is connected to the main circuit conductor through a second flexible conductor. A shield is arranged around the first conductor and the main circuit conductor. Another shield is arranged around a connecting portion between the first flexible conductor and the movable electrode of the main circuit switching unit. A still another shield is arranged around the isolator. A further another shield is arranged around the second flexible conductor. These shields are secured to the vacuum container through insulating spacers.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter includes a line conductor, a vacuum interrupter, a load conductor, a ground conductor and an operating mechanism. The vacuum interrupter includes a fixed conductor and a vacuum envelope containing a fixed contact and a movable contact movable between a closed circuit position in electrical connection with the fixed contact and an open circuit position spaced apart from the fixed contact. The fixed conductor is outside of the vacuum envelope and is electrically connected to the fixed contact. The load conductor is electrically connected to the movable contact. The operating mechanism is structured to: open and close the fixed and movable contacts, and move the vacuum interrupter and the fixed conductor thereof between a first position wherein the fixed conductor is electrically connected to the line conductor, and a second position wherein the fixed conductor is electrically connected to the ground conductor.

Abstract: An adjusting bolt is screwed into a nut attached to a dolly, and is disposed such that a central axis thereof is parallel to a closing and opening direction of a contact. A lever is attached to a shaft. An electrically-insulating rod is coupled to a first end of the lever, and a pin is mounted to a second end of the lever. The adjusting bolt is turned and lowered to lower the pin. The lever and the shaft are pivoted by the lowering of the pin, and the electrically-insulating rod is raised. Thus, a movable contact moves toward a fixed contact, moving the contact from an open state to a closed state.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved and more efficient methods and apparatus for maintaining and/or adjusting over-travel gaps and contact wipe portions in operating rod assemblies of circuit interrupters.

Abstract: Vacuum circuit breaker, provided with a casing, in which a fixed and movable contact member are each attached to a supporting contact rod and supported therein in a mutually electrically isolated manner, and a coil coaxial to the casing and surrounding the contact members and having end connections. A first end connection of the coil is connected to one of the contact members. The contact member to which the first end connection of the coil is connected is coupled via a first coupling element to a feeder or outgoer connection of the vacuum circuit breaker. The second end connection of the coil is coupled via a second coupling element to the feeder or outgoer connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrical switching module which can be displaced between an entry position and an exit position. The switching module comprises switching contacts of vacuum switching tubes; an isolating element which can be also be displaced in the switching module and comprises isolating contacts which can be connected to, and disconnected from, corresponding mating contacts inside an enclosed switchboard section, as required; and connector contacts and mating connector contacts in the low voltage range. The switching contacts of the vacuum switching tubes support the closing and opening processes, under the control influence of a closing spring which can be influenced by a closing catch (EK) and an opening spring which can be influenced by an opening catch, and prominent functional positions of the isolating position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an interrupter coaxial with a current sensor or transformer, the combined assembly being encapsulated within solid dielectric material and supported by an earthed tube mounted on an earthed housing. Detection by the sensor of a current overload is communicated over conductors to a circuit within the housing to cause an actuator to pull a dielectric linkage in a direction so as to move an armature through a bell crank and open interrupter, thereby opening the main current path between conductors and flexible coupling. The circuit breaker requires no insulating gas or oil.

Abstract: A power circuit interrupter includes a housing having an opening, one or more vacuum interrupters including separable contacts, and an operating mechanism, supported by the housing, adapted to open and close the contacts. A linear actuator cooperates with the operating mechanism to open and close the contacts, and is responsive to a close signal to close the contacts. A pivotable trip member protrudes through the opening of the housing and cooperates with the operating mechanism and the linear actuator to open the contacts when pivoted from a first position to a second position. A close circuit includes an input inputting the close signal. A micro-switch includes an operator and a contact electrically connected in series with the input of the close circuit. The operator is engaged by the pivotable trip member to open the contact in response to partial pivoting thereof from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: In a switchgear, oscillation of a moving current-carrying shaft and a moving contact of a vacuum valve is minimized, offset load on the contact surface is reduced, and friction the portion supporting the moving current-carrying shaft is reduced. A vacuum valve is disposed in a gas tank, one end of a moving current-carrying shaft integrally includes a moving contact of the vacuum valve, and a contact pressure adjusting spring is disposed on the other end of the moving current-carrying shaft. An operating rod extends through the gas tank, an operation mechanism is mounted on the operating rod outside the gas tank, an insulating rod is mounted inside the gas tank, and the contact pressure adjusting spring is joined to the insulating rod.

Abstract: By molding a plurality of vacuum valves (7), (13) having differing functions together with an input member (3) and an output member (21) en bloc in a resin layer (23) to form a switch gear (1), the present invention seeks to achieve dielectric strength without resorting to the use of SF6 gas, while rendering the whole device more compact and reducing both the number of parts and the man hours required for molding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum switchgear wherein a ground switch, a load switch, and an external connecting conductor to be electrically connected with the inside and outside of the vacuum container are provided in a vacuum container; the ground switch and the external connecting conductor are electrically connected in the vacuum container; and the vacuum container has a joint construction of a body portion having openings on both ends thereof, and a lid joined to the opening of the body.

Abstract: A recloser for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter including a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a movable shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement therewith and without insulation being disposed between the movable contact and the movable shaft. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum switchgear comprising an electro-conductive outer vacuum container, a plurality of inner container disposed in the outer vacuum container. The inner containers and the outer container are electrically isolated from each other. The outer container is made of stainless steel plate, for example. One of the inner vacuum containers accommodates a ground switch for keeping the circuit open while the switchgear is opened, having a movable electrode connected to an operating mechanism, and a fixed electrode connected to fixed electrode rod. Another inner vacuum container accommodates a function switch capable of having at least one of functions of a circuit breaker, a disconnector and a load switch. A plurality of electrode shields each surrounds the electrodes of the ground switch and of the function switch. The ground switch and the function switch are disposed in separate vacuum inner containers, respectively.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter having a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator moves the circuit interrupter between the closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current. First and second terminals are electrically connected to the circuit interrupter and are adapted for electrical connection to the power distribution system, defining a current path between the first terminal, the circuit interrupter, and the second terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass through the current path so that the potential of the circuit interrupter is the same as the potential of the power distribution system.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter having a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator moves the circuit interrupter between the closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current. First and second terminals are electrically connected to the circuit interrupter and are adapted for electrical connection to the power distribution system, defining a current path between the first terminal, the circuit interrupter, and the second terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass through the current path so that the potential of the circuit interrupter is the same as the potential of the power distribution system.

Abstract: A recloser for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter including a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a movable shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement therewith and without insulation being disposed between the movable contact and the movable shaft. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker includes a plurality of switching mechanism units having movable contacts and stationary contacts for connecting/breaking an electrical circuit between an electric source and an electric load, respectively, and disposed in a lengthwise direction; an actuator unit including at least one rotary shaft for providing the movable contacts with dynamic power so as to move to positions contacting the stationary contacts or positions separating from the stationary contacts; a supporting frame for fixing and supporting the switching mechanism units and the actuator unit; and a transfer link unit for transferring rotating movement of the rotary shaft to a plurality of vertical movements, whereby the vacuum circuit breaker can be easily installed in a power distributing cabinet and the power of the actuator unit can be evenly transmitted to the plurality of switching mechanism units.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter that includes a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing the current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement without insulation being disposed between the shaft and the movable contact. The shaft moves the movable contact from the closed position to the open position upon occurrence of a fault current. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator and communicating with the actuator to trigger the shaft to move the movable contact of the circuit interrupter from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: In a vacuum contactor, the armature is initially deflected from an armature rest position through an initial movement distance, and then through a driving movement distance to an armature operating position when a pull-in current is applied to a drive coil. An operating element is deflected from an element rest position to an element operating position by the armature only while the latter is passing through the driving movement distance. This makes it possible to achieve a good tripping characteristic of the vacuum contractor.

Abstract: A three-phase encapsulated high-voltage circuit breaker for outdoor use, whose interrupter units are arranged in a tubular switch housing which is arranged horizontally. Phase connections of the interrupter units are passed vertically and together through in each case one connecting flange, with each connecting flange having an associated splitting module which is fitted with outdoor bushings. Each phase connection has an associated current transformer, and these items are located within the housing and are attached to the respective splitting module.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an autorecloser provides an improved form of mechanical interlock between the circuit breaker element (3) of an autorecloser and a disconnector (2) in electrical series with it A shaft (82) transmits linear motion between the circuit breaker's moveable contact and the profile of a bell crank (50), the bell crank being attached to a link (70) for manual rotation of the bell crank and also to a link (60) for moving a moveable contact (20) of the disconnector between CLOSED and OPEN positions. The geometry of the bell crank profile and linkages is such that when the bell crank is rotated clockwise through an angle X from a starting position in which the moveable contacts of both the circuit breaker and the disconnector are in the CLOSED position, the moveable contact of the circuit breaker is moved to an OPEN position while the moveable contact (20) of the disconnector is maintained CLOSED.

Abstract: A vacuum contactor includes a stationary contact and a moving contact, which can be moved in order to produce a current-carrying connection. In order to guide the moving contact during its movement in the enclosure, at least one guide element, which can be moved in a groove, is provided on the moving contact.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism ensures that a first switch does not switch to a first position unless a second switch is in a second position and that the second switch does not switch from the second position while the first switch is in the first position. The interlock mechanism includes a moveable body with a notch configured to associate a position of the moveable body with a switching of the second switch. The associated position of the moveable body locates the notch in an engagement position when the switch is in a second position and locates the notch out of the engagement position when the switch is not in the second position. The interlock mechanism also includes a rod structured and arranged to engage the notch of the moveable body when the first switch is in a first position and to disengage the notch of the moveable body when the first switch is switched from a first position.