Other

Richard F Holzhausser

John S Schaffer

Naresh J Malaviya

A switch actuator includes an operator plate which provides a structure for mounting the actuator and for supporting the remaining parts. An operator shaft receives torque from an operating handle and via mechanical coupling, transmits torque to a torque plate subassembly. The torque plate compresses a torsion spring which provides temporary energy storage for the switch actuator. The torsion spring acts on a reaction plate subassembly which mechanically couples the torque generated by the spring to a rotor tube to operate the switch contacts. A spring guide subassembly maintains the spring in a predefined region to prevent the spring from deforming into a non-energy storing position during operation. The operator shaft, torque plate, reaction plate, spring guide, and spring are nested substantially concentrically about a predefined mounting axis. Left and right cam followers and a pivot lever combine to form a latch mechanism to prevent the switch actuator from changing position except when operated by a user.

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Calumet City, IL, United States of America

Richard F Holzhausser