William R Erickson

US Patent:

53549600, Oct 11, 1994

Filed:

Jun 4, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/072339

Inventors:

William C. Erickson - Cary IL

Assignee:

Boltswitch, Inc. - Crystal lake IL

International Classification:

H01H 500

US Classification:

200400

Abstract:

A linear actuator powered closing mechanism for a trip-free operating mechanism of a high current, low voltage, load break switch of the type having an operating shaft and a follower affixed to the operating shaft for rotation therewith. A lever is mounted on the operating shaft for rotation therewith. A spring connects the follower and the operating lever to bias them toward each other when the spring is energized. The closing assembly includes a linear actuator having an extendible and retractable tube. A drive rod is connected to the operating shaft to rotate the operating shaft in a spring energizing direction upon longitudinal movement of the drive rod in one direction. A mechanism connecting the actuator tube and the drive rod so that movement of the actuator tube in one direction will move the drive rod in its spring energizing direction while movement of the actuator tube in the opposite direction will not result in opposite movement of the drive rod.

US Patent:

52762882, Jan 4, 1994

Filed:

Aug 26, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/749680

Inventors:

William C. Erickson - Cary IL
James A. Erickson - Crystal Lake IL

Assignee:

Boltswitch, Inc. - Crystal Lake IL

International Classification:

H01H 500

US Classification:

200400

Abstract:

A trip-free operating mechanism for a load break switch of the type having a fixed contact engageable by a movable contact between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The operating mechanism includes an operating lever connected to the movable contact and rotatable about a shaft to move the contact between its open and closed positions. A follower rotates with the shaft into and out of contact with the operating lever. A closing spring biases the operating lever and the follower towards each other. An opening spring drive connects to the follower to drive the follower to its switch contact open position. A first latch holds the operating lever and follower apart against the force of the closing spring when the operating lever is in its switch contact closed position. A manual and a solenoid actuated trip mechanism are provided to release the first latch to allow the closing spring to rotate the follower into engagement with the operating mechanism and to rotate the spring drive to quickly drive the operating lever to its switch contact open position. A second latch retains an operating handle in its closed position until the closing spring rotates the follower into engagement with the operating mechanism.