US3605050A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Quick-acting, safety disconnect electrical switch
Assignee: Anderson Power Products Inc
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Filing: 1970-04-03
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Granted: 1971-09-14
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Expires: 1990-04-03
Abstract
Abstract A quick-acting electrical switch which provides a positive means for disconnecting relatively high currents in a single conductor. Circuit connection is made between two switch contacts by a reciprocally movable, spring-loaded bridging assembly. When the bridging assembly is pushed into the ''''Current ON'''' position, it is locked in position by a trigger-actuated latching mechanism. The bridging assembly will snap to the ''''Current OFF'''' position when the trigger is actuated either mechanically or by means of a solenoid. In the preferred embodiment, the latch mechanism engaging portion of the bridging assembly is free to rotate with respect to the latching mechanism to provide wear equalization. A plurality of the quick-acting switches can be stacked together with a common trigger for multiple pole requirements.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne E Goldman
- 👤 Edward D Winkler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/32; H01H3/50; H01H3/503; H01H13/00; H01H13/50; H01H13/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
A quick-disconnect electrical switch comprising: a. an electrically insulating housing; b. first and second electrical connectors each having a contact portion, said connectors being mounted in spaced relation within said housing with the contact portions thereof facing each other; c. spring means mounted within said housing for urging said electrical connectors toward each other for a limited distance while maintaining electrical separation between said contact portions; d. a reciprocally movable bridging assembly mounted in said housing for movement between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, said bridging assembly comprising: an electrically conductive bridging member which electrically contacts the electrical contact portions in the closed circuit position, a reciprocally movable shaft mounted in said housing, said shaft having means engaging a latching means, means mechanically connecting said electrically conductive bridging member to said shaft, said means permitting the shaft to rotate about its axis without moving the bridging member; spring means biasing said reciprocally movable bridging member in the open circuit position; latching means operatively associated with said reciprocally movable bridging assembly for holding said bridging member in the closed circuit position; and, movable trigger means connected to said latching means for unlatching said bridging member upon movement of the trigger means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
204 words
A quick-disconnect electrical switch comprising: a. an electrically insulating housing; b. first and second electrical connectors each having a contact portion, said connectors being mounted in spaced relation within said housing with the contact portions thereof facing each other; c. spring means mounted within said housing for urging said electrical connectors toward each other for a limited distance while maintaining electrical separation between said contact portions; d. a reciprocally movable bridging assembly mounted in said housing for movement between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, said bridging assembly comprising: an electrically conductive bridging member which electrically contacts the electrical contact portions in the closed circuit position, a reciprocally movable shaft mounted in said housing, said shaft having means engaging a latching means, means mechanically connecting said electrically conductive bridging member to said shaft, said means permitting the shaft to rotate about its axis without moving the bridging member; spring means biasing said reciprocally movable bridging member in the open circuit position; latching means operatively associated with said reciprocally movable bridging assembly for holding said bridging member in the closed circuit position; and, movable trigger means connected to said latching means for unlatching said bridging member upon movement of the trigger means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The switch of claim 1 further characterized by said reciprocally movable shaft being electrically conductive and said means mechanically connecting said shaft and bridging member providing electrical isolation between the shaft and bridging member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The switch of claim 1 further characterized by said shaft having a reduced diameter portion with a right-angle shoulder at one end of said reduced diameter portion and a sloping shoulder at the other end and, said latching means engaging said right-angle shoulder in the closed circuit position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
The switch of claim 3 wherein said latching means comprises: a. a latching shaft having a transverse groove which forms a flat surface with two interior shoulders and two exterior edges, said latching shaft being rotatably mounted in said housing with the longitudinal axis thereof transverse at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of said reciprocally mounted shaft; and b. spring means rotatably urging one of said latching shaft flat surface exterior edges against the right-angle shoulder of Said reciprocally movable shaft in the closed circuit position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The switch of claim 4 wherein said spring means comprises: a. a longitudinal member secured to said latching shaft at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the latching shaft; and b. a spring connected between one end of said longitudinal member and the housing, said spring exerting a force upon said longitudinal member in a first direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The switch of claim 5 further characterized by said trigger means moving said longitudinal member in a second and opposite direction to the direction of the spring force exerted upon the longitudinal member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The switch of claim 6 wherein said trigger means comprises an electrically actuated solenoid having a plunger mechanically connected to said longitudinal member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The switch of claim 6 wherein said trigger means comprises a manually actuated, spring-loaded, plunger which operatively engages said longitudinal member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-13 | 1975-03-15 | 1975-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-13 | 1979-03-15 | 1979-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-13 | 1983-03-15 | 1983-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |