The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 13, 1987
Filed:
Apr. 10, 1985
Walter J Hall, Evanston, IL (US);
Chester H Lin, Skokie, IL (US);
Joel A Ramos, Chicago, IL (US);
Edward J Rogers, Chicago, IL (US);
S&C Electric Company, Chicago, IL (US);
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. A second latch arrangement is provided for preventing movement of the carriage opposite to the direction of charging movement after the springs are charged and when the second latch arrangement is engaged. The latch arrangements each include a gapped, latch ring that cooperates with a latch member that is received within the gap of the latch ring. The carriage and the switch operating member each carry one of the latch rings. The latch members are slidable and pivotal with respect to the plane of the latch rings to accomplish latching and trip release movement. When it is desired to close the switch, the switch operating member is released and the closing spring drives the switch operating member to close the switch. Thereafter, when it is desired to open the switch, the carriage is released and is driven by the opening spring to move the switch operating member to open the switch. Orientation control arrangements are provided to control the orientation of the carriage and the switch operating member with respect to the latch member and to control orientation of each latch ring with respect to the carriage or the switch operating member which carries the respective latch ring.