US3562454A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Positive switch contact operating mechanism for underground switch
Assignee: AB Chance Co
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Filing: 1969-07-11
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Granted: 1971-02-09
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Expires: 1989-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A positive switch contact operating mechanism for a vacuum interrupter unit of the type having a pair of contacts, one of which is moved relative to the other by a toggle or similar nondirect operating mechanism and wherein auxiliary lever structure assures opening of the contacts. The auxiliary lever structure is used to apply a direct force to the movable contact during opening of the switch to break a weld of the contacts which may have occurred. Alternatively, the lever structure is designed to render the toggle mechanism inoperative and preclude full movement of the operating arm from its nonoperated location to its operated location in the event that the lever structure is incapable of breaking the contact weld. This latter feature affords a visual indication of the position of the contacts and precludes any false impression that the contacts have been disengaged unless this, in fact, has occurred.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip G Chance
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:02
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H33/00; H01H33/60; H01H33/66; H01H33/666; H01H3/00; H01H3/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
In a toggle switch unit provided with a pair of contacts, one of the contacts being movable relative to the other, toggle linkage for shifting the one contact out of and into engagement with the other contact including a first link pivotally joined to said one contact, a second link, a yieldable member interconnecting the first link and the second link for shifting the first link in a direction to move the one contact out of engagement with the other contact as the second link is moved from one overcenter position relative to the first link to a second overcenter position, and an operating member connected to said second link for shifting the latter between said first and second overcenter positions respectively as the operating member is shifted back and forth from corresponding nonoperated and operated locations thereof, the combination with said toggle linkage of mechanism for preventing full movement of the operating member from the nonoperated location into the operated location thereof unless said contacts move out of interengagement, said mechanism comprising: a movable lever element having: first means thereon located to engage the first link; and second means thereon located to be engaged by the second link, and effect shifting of the element and thereby said one contact relative to the other contact as the second link is moved from said one overcenter position toward said second overcenter position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
231 words
In a toggle switch unit provided with a pair of contacts, one of the contacts being movable relative to the other, toggle linkage for shifting the one contact out of and into engagement with the other contact including a first link pivotally joined to said one contact, a second link, a yieldable member interconnecting the first link and the second link for shifting the first link in a direction to move the one contact out of engagement with the other contact as the second link is moved from one overcenter position relative to the first link to a second overcenter position, and an operating member connected to said second link for shifting the latter between said first and second overcenter positions respectively as the operating member is shifted back and forth from corresponding nonoperated and operated locations thereof, the combination with said toggle linkage of mechanism for preventing full movement of the operating member from the nonoperated location into the operated location thereof unless said contacts move out of interengagement, said mechanism comprising: a movable lever element having: first means thereon located to engage the first link; and second means thereon located to be engaged by the second link, and effect shifting of the element and thereby said one contact relative to the other contact as the second link is moved from said one overcenter position toward said second overcenter position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the toggle switch is enclosed in a housing, said lever element being of generally L-shaped configuration, and wherein is provide structure pivotally mounting said element on the housing at a point adjacent said first link at the uppermost end of the element and with a portion thereof in partial circumscribing relationship to said toggle mechanism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein said lever element is provided with a laterally extending, rigid arm on the uppermost extremity thereof, said arm being provided with a threaded opening therein and said first means comprising a threaded screw complementally received within said threaded opening and located to engage said first link.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein said second means comprises a laterally protruding ear rigidly mounted on the lever element along the lower leg of the latter and within the path of travel of said second link.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-08 | 1974-08-10 | 1975-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-08 | 1978-08-10 | 1979-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-08 | 1982-08-10 | 1983-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |