Transfer switch

• Main Authors: FOGLE, THOMAS, K, SMITH, GEORGE, A, LOTZMANN, MARK, L, KREVOKUCH, ROBERT, N
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 27.06.1997
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC SWITCHES; ELECTRICITY; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES; RELAYS; SELECTORS

A transfer switch mechanism is provided for operating the handles of a pair of circuit interrupters. The transfer switch mechanism has a lever arm movable between advanced and retracted positions, the lever arm having a gripping portion permitting handhold for manual operation. The lever arm turns an axle via a ratchet assembly with pawls that permit the axle to turn in one direction but oppose movement of the axle in the direction counter to that direction. The axle turns a crank, and a pair of connecting rods have proximal ends coupled to the crank. The transfer switch mechanism further includes a pair of handle-engaging heads, each of which has opposed abutment surfaces that removably receive the handle of one or the other circuit interrupters between the opposed abutment surfaces. A base is fixed relative to the circuit interrupters and movably supports the lever arm and the handle-engaging heads. The connecting rods have distal ends respectively coupled to one of the two heads such that operation of the lever arm between the advanced and retracted positions causes the abutment surfaces to drive against the handles and thereby move the handles between operative positions.