US2579798A - Operating mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 25, 1951 H, J', CRABBS 2,579,798

OPERATING MECHANISM Filed April 50, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet l 9/ WITNESSES:

du /oz @73m `INVFNTOR Herberffabb Dec. 25, 1951 H. J. cRABBs OPERATING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 30, 1945 INVENTOR /vifrb erf 7. Crab b5 4 Zyl ATTORN W|TNESSESI Bec. 25, 1951 H J CRABBS 2,579,798

OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Apil s, 1945 3 sheets-sheet s Patented Dec. 25, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE OPERATING MECHANISM Application April 30, 1945, Serial No. 591,077

(Cl. 20o-162) 1s claims. l

This invention relates to electric switching mechanism in general, and especially to operating mechanism for disconnect switches.

In my copending application, Serial No. 591,078, iiled April 30, 1945, on a Switch, and assigned to the same assignee as this invention, there is illustrated certain mechanism for operating electric switches from a countershaft located adjacent the switches, together with manually operable means for rotating the countershaft. It is often desirable, however, that provision be made for operating the switches from a remote point, for example when the switches are mounted on an elevated support, and for this purpose an operating handle is usually provided at the operating location suitably connected with the switch operating shaft by suitable motion transmitting means, such as linkage or the like.

One object of this invention is to provide novel simplified remotely operated mechanism for electric switching means.

Another object of this invention is to provide remotely operated mechanism for electric switching means embodying relatively few parts which are capable of being assembled in a plurality of different relations in a novel manner, to readily effectuate a plurality of diilerent mounting arrangements of the mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel remotely operated toggle linkage for actuating electric switch means, which linkage is readily adjustable in a novel manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel operating mechanism for electric switching means remotely located with respect to the switching means, and which is relatively simple in form yet incorporates means for defining spaced positions of the mechanism corresponding to open and closed positions of the switching means, and may also include latch or lock means for retaining the mechanism at said spaced positions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel remote operating handle structure having latch means associated therewith for latching the handle at a plurality of different positions.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, when taken in connection with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation view partially in section, of a disconnect switch and its operating mechanism constructed in accordance vwith this invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front view partially in section, of the operating handle and crank structure shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the remote operating crank for the disconnect switch countershaft shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the operating handle support and a portion of the` handle structure,taken substantially on the line IV--IV of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a partial transverse section taken through the lower end of an operating handle structure similar to that shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, but illustrating an optional form of lock device.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the support and lower end of the operating handle structure and lock device shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 'z is a view similar to Fig. s, but iuustratv Fig. 10 is a schematic view of still another v arrangement of operating handle and actuating mechanism.

The disconnect switch structure and its unitarily associated operating mechanism, including the c-ommon countershaft, is substantially identical with that disclosed and claimed in the aforementioned copending application. This structure in general comprises a hollow support of sheet metal 2 or the like, having mounting flanges 3 adapted to be secured to a suitable support, and supporting, at the side opposite mounting flanges 3, insulators 4 and 6 of porcelain or the like. Insulator 4 is adapted to have secured at its outer end a break contact tongue LB having a terminal pad I0 integral therewith for the connection of a line conductor thereto. Insulator B has a hinge contact tongue l2 secured at its outer end, and provided with a terminal pad I3 integral therewith for the connection of another line terminal thereto. I'he contacttongues may be secured to the outer ends of insulators I and 6. respectively, by any desired means, for example by bolts l5.

A split switch blade I'Iis adapted to have the split .sides thereof positioned at opposite sides of the contact tongues at the lclosed position of the switch, with the blade being pivotally mounted on hinge contact tongue I2 as by a pivot bolt I6, and the other ends of the blade sides are connected by a bolt I8 which is adapted to be received in a notch 20 provided in the outer end of thebreak contact; tongue 8 at the closed position of the switch. Preferably, bolts I6 and I8 are provided with cup-shaped spring washers 22 for urging the sides of blade I1 towards each other into pressure engagement with the contact tongues.

As disclosed in the previously mentioned copending application, a plurality of identical disconnect switch structures may be mounted in side by side relation, with each switch blade I1 adapted to be actuated by a link 24, preferably of insulating material such as fiber or a molded insulating material, in order to insulate the switch from the switch actuating mechanisms. Link 24 is pivotally connected between the sides of its split blade I1 by a pivot pin 26, and, in turn, is pivoted at its other end on a connecting rod 28 which connects a plurality of actuating cranks 30 mounted on a countershaft 32.

It will be observed that at the closed position of the switch illustrated in Fig. 1, connecting link 24 and actuating cranksV 30 form toggle levers substantially at or slightly beyond an overcenter position. The switch blades are thus locked by this toggle at their closed circuit positions, and in order to open the switches, countershaft 32 must be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, to thus move the switch blades in a similar manner to a position wherein they are spaced from break contact tongues 8. The switch blades may be moved to closed circuit position by rotation of the countershaft 32 in the opposite direction to the position shown in Fig. l.

In accordance with this invention, countershaft 32 for operating the switch blades is provided at one end with a remote operating crank 34 of special construction. Referring particularly to Figs. l and 3, it can be seen that crank 34 comprises a tubular portion 36 having spaced flanges 38 at one side thereof terminating in laterally inwardly extending spaced pivot ledges 40. Tubular portion 36 of crank 34 is provided with spaced flanges 42 at the opposite side thereof having adjacent their lower ends a laterally outwardly extending apertured ledge 44, for a purpose to be described. Flanges 38 and 42 merge and below tubular portion 36 are notched, as at 45, for a purpose to be described. Crank 34 also includes a clamp member 46 which is generally arcuate in form and provided at one end with outwardly extending trunnions 48 adapted to be seated on pivot ledges 40 when clamp member 46 is inserted between the ledges. The outer surface of clamp member 46 is provided with ribs 50, and the inner surface has spaced flanges 52 which are notched as at 54, in a manner similar to flanges 38 and 42. The end of clamp member 46 opposite trunnions 48 is directed outwardly to form a flat apertured ledge 56 which cooperates with ledge 44 to receive a clamping bolt 58 having a nut 60 thereon, for pivotally moving clamp member 46 toward tubular portion 36 of the crank structure into clamping engagement with countershaft 32. Crank 34 4also includes an extensible portion 62 threadedly engaged in the outer end of tubular portion 36, and having a lock nut 64 to secure it at an adjusted position. The outer end of extensible portion 62 of the crank structure is provided with an opening 66 for pivotal connection thereof to the remotely operated mechanism.

The special structure of crank 34 described above is for the purpose of permitting easy mounting thereof on countershaft 32, which is hexagonal in form, by means of a single clamp bolt 58. Notches 45 and 54 are provided in the separate clamping parts of the crank structure for the purpose of permitting interlocking of the crank structure and countershaft in a nonrotatable manner at a relatively large number of different angular positions of the crank relative to the shaft. For this purpose, it will be noted in Fig. 3-that notches 45 and 54 are provided spaced at an angle of 30, thus permitting mounting of the crank at twelve different angular positions on countershaft 32 when the crank is applied thereto in the manner shown. However, it will be noted that the line passing through the opposed notches closest to the longitudinal axis of crank 34 is displaced at an angle of '7l/2 from the longitudinal axis of the crank. This means that if the crank is removed from countershaft 32 and turned over it can then be applied in a non-rotatable manner to the countershaft at twelve different angular positions, each of which lies intermediate the twelve positions at which the crank can be mounted when applied in the manner previously described. The

purpose of providing a relatively large adjustment for crank 34 ywill become more apparent hereafter.

Crank 34 is adapted to be connected to remotely located manual operating mechanism by a pivot pin 68 connecting it with an extensible rod 10 of a tubular drive link 12. A tubular xture 14 is threaded on the upper end of link 12, and, in turn, has rod 10 threaded therein and secured at an adjusted position by the lock nut 16. The other end of drive link 12 is provided with a tubular fixture 18 which, in turn, has threaded therein one end of an extensible rod 80 which is secured in adjusted position by a nut 82. Extensible rod B0 of link- 12 is pivotally connected as by a pivot pin 84 with a drive crank 86 rotatably mounted on a supporting bracket 88. The supporting bracket is provided with a base flange 89 adapted to be secured to any suitable support 9|, as by bolts 93.

An operating handle structure 96 is provided at its lower end with a mounting fixture 92 having at one end a tubular portion in which is threadedly received an elongated tube 94. The other end of mounting fixture 92 is fork-shaped to present spaced legs 96 and 98 which are adapted to receive therebetween the enlarged substantially cylindrically shaped outer end |00 of supporting bracket 88. The handle structure is adapted to be mounted on bracket 88 by means of a single pivot bolt |02 which extends through a close fitting bearing aperture in leg 98 of mounting fixture 92, through a bearing sleeve |04 provided in a bearing aperture in the outer end of bracket 88, with both the bolt and bearing sleeve extending through an aperture in leg 96 of mounting fixture 92, with a nut |06 for the bolt to secure the parts in assembled relation. Preferably, a washer |08 is provided on the bolt adjacent nut |06, and a. lock washer ||0 and |I4 are adapted tov cooperate with stop lug ||6 Iprovided on mounting ilxture 92 between legs 96 and 98 thereof, so as to be engageable with one end of each abutment ||4 and ||2 to limit rotation of the handle structure to an arc of substantially 180. The cylindrical portion of supporting bracket 88 is also provided at one end with a semi-circular ange H8, the ends for pivotal movement in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 4. The handle structure 90 may then be moved 180 to a depending position to thereby move switch blades to their open circuit positions through the linkage 86, 12 and 34 to countershaft 32, and

then to the switch blades as previously described.

of which terminate at points spaced from abutments ||2 and ||4, respectively, to provide latch recesses |20 and |22 therebetween. The latch recesses are adapted to receive a latch plunger |24 slidably mounted within handle tube 94.

'Ihe outer end of tube 94 of the handle structure is provided with a tubular tting |26 threadedly mounted on the end of the tube, and having integral therewith a bail-like handle |28 provided with a transverse hand grip portion |30 which is channel-shaped in form with the channel opening inwardly, or towards tube 94. Latch At the open circuit position, when hand grip portions |40 are released. the biasing spring |36 will automatically move latch plunger |24 into recess and thus latch the handle structure 90 at the open circuit position of the switch. As previously described, stop lug 6 on the handle i'lxture 92 cooperates with abutments ||2 and ||4 to limit movement of the switch and thus deiine the extreme positions thereof at which it will be latched by latch plunger |24.

plunger |24 is provided with a washer |32 within handle tube 64 which' is maintained in position by a pin |34 extending through the latch plunger, for supporting a coil compression spring |36, which reacts between washer |32 and xture |26, to continually bias the latch plunger towards support 88.' At its outer end the latch plunger has an integral bail-like portion |38 adapted to be positioned within the bail-like handle |28 and includes transverse hand grip portions |40 provided with an extension |42 received in the channel of hand grip |30, to slidably guide bail-like portion |38. Guide extension |42 of the latch hand grip portion does not extend entirely across the interior of handle |28, so that openings |44 are provided at each side so that a padlock or the like may be 'inserted in openings |43 provided in opposite sides of handle |28 to prevent upward latch releasing movement of portion |38, as viewed in Fig. 2, and thus prevent unauthorized movement of handle 90.

Handle structure 90 is secured to drive crank 86 of the operating mechanism by pivot bolt |02, and may be secured thereto in a non-rotatable fashion at a plurality of different angular positions.. For this prupose, leg 98 of handle mounting fixture 92 is provided with a substantially conically-shaped socket on the outer side thereof for cooperation` with -a conically-shaped boss |48 provided on drive crank 86. Boss |48 on the drive crank is provided with a plurality of ribs on the periphery thereof spaced a, uniform predetermined distance apart, for example at an angle of Conical socket |46 is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced grooves |52 for receiving ribs |50 on the drive crank, and preferably grooves |52 are spaced apart a fraction of the angular spacing of ribs |50, for example one-half the spacing, or 22%. With the spacings speciiically mentioned, it is obvious that drive crank 86 may be non-rotatably secured tov the handle structure by pivot bolt |02 at a plurality of equally spaced different angular positions 221/12 apart.

The particular operating mechanism disclosed renders installation thereof very easy, in that no drilling or tapping of any of the parts is required, a-s they may all be assembled in an extremely simple manner and secured at their proper adjusted positions by a single bolt or the like. Moreover, the particular mounting of the handle structure and its connection with drive crank 86 permits these parts to be mounted in a variety of different modes. Thus Fig. 2 illustrates a mode of mounting where, at the closed circuit' position of theswitches, handle 98 extends upwardly with drive crank 86 also extending upwardly at one side of the handle. In Fig. 8, there is illustrated a similar arrangement but with drive crank 86 mounted at the opposite side of the handle. This is easily done by merely removing the single bolt |82 if the parts are mounted in the positions shown in Fig. 2, and turning the handle structure and support 88 180 about their longitudinal axes, and reassembling the parts.

In the closed switch positionshown in Fig. 1,

crank 86 and link 12 form a toggle which is at or just beyond an overcenter position. When it is desired to operate the switch by the mechanism described above from the closed circuit position illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 of the drawings, hand grip portions |30 and |40 are manually grasped, thus causing outward movement of the grip portion |40 to withdraw latch plunger |24 from recess |22 and release handle structure 80 The arrangement shown in Fig. 9 differs from that shown in Fig. 2 only in that operating handle structure 90 is in its lower position at the closed circuit position of the switches. The operating handle structure 90 may be either at its upper or lower position when the switches are closed, and this adjustment may be made merely by loosening bolt |02, and then tightening it when the handle has`been moved to the desired position. In Fig. 10, the arrangement is similar'to Fig. 8 except that' the handle is at its lower rather than its upper position. Any of the arrangements shown in Figs. 2, 8, 9 and 10 may be easily obtained with the structure disclosed, merely by properly assembling handle structure 90 and drive crank 86 on support 88 by means ot the single bolt |02. When the switches and mechanism are mounted in actual practice, the switches will usually be separately mounted and adjusted to their closed circitposition. The handle structure 98 will be mounted separately with the handle and drive crank located in the position desired at the closed circuit position of the switches. Drive link 12 is then attached to drive crank 86 and crank 34, with the latter crank, due to its capability of being mounted on countershaft 32 at a relatively great number, of different angular positions, being then clamped by bolt 58 on to the shaft at a position very closely approximating that which will obtain the desired throw of the disconnect switches from closed to open circuit position with the available throw of drive crank 86. If any nner adjustment is necessary, this can be accomplished by adjusting `extensible rods 10 vand 80 at the ends of link 12 or by adjusting the length of crank 34.

It is also possible to provide theI handle structure 90 with key interlocks in a. relatively simple manner as disclosed in Figs. 5, 6 and '1, by merely providing a lock plate |55 on bolt |02 at the side of the handle structure opposite drive crank 86. Lock plate |55 has a peripheral flange |54 which is interrupted at opposite points to form recesses |56 for receiving mounting xture 92 of the operating handle structure. Accordingly, when lock plate |55 is secured in position as shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 by bolt |02, it is non-rotatably secured relative to handle structure 90. Lock plate |55 is provided with at least one aperture |58 adapted to be engaged in one position of the switch, for example, the closed circuit position, by a lock plunger |60 controlled by alock |62 secured on the outer end of an angular supporting bracket |68, which may be mounted directly on supporting bracket 88, for example as by bolts |69. Lock plunger |60 is adapted to be extended and retracted by rotation of a tumbler cylinder |66 when a key is inserted therein and turned, with vthe tumbler cylinder being mounted in the usual lock barrel |64. Lock plunger |60 is illustrated in the drawings as being in its retracted position, permitting operation of handle structure 90.

Key interlocks such as that disclosed in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are adapted for use in a well known manner with keys which also control similar key interlocks applied to other electrical apparatus, such, for example, as circuit breakers or the like, in the same circuit. Briefly, where key interlocks are applied to a disconnect switch and circuit breaker in the same circuit, the arrangement may be such that the key cannot te removed from the circuit breaker interlock when the breaker is closed, but can be removed wnen the break-er is opened for use in the disconnect switch interlock such as interlock |62, to unlock the disconnect switch and permit it to be opened. Similarly, when the disconnect switch is open plunger |60 is retracted and cannot be extended because it is blocked by plate |55, consequently, the key cannot be removed from lock |62 to permit operation of the breaker until the disconnect switch has been locked closed. Various other arrangements may be employed, for' example, 1t may be desirable to provide a pair of key interlocks for locking the disconnect switch open a'. well as closed. This arrangement is shown in Fig. 'l wherein the lock plungers of both locks are adapted to cooperate with a single aperture provided in lock plate |55.

The locks arrangements shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are more particularly described and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 251,172, filed October 13, 1951, on Disconnecting Switch Operating Mechanism, as a continuation in part of this application, and assigned to the same assignee as this application.

It is apparent from the foregoing that the switch operating mechanism disclosed herein comprises but a relatively few parts to obtain a plurality of different mounting arrangements of the mechanism which results in a considerabie saving in the number of stock parts and spar: parts which must be kept to supply these mechanisms from stock. Furthermore, the various parts may be easily assembled in a relativel'.' simple manner because no drilling, tapping, cr other machining operations are required during installation, except for drilling and tapping holes for mounting bolts 93 and for bolts to mount support 2. As a matter of fact, but a single bolt |02 is required for mounting the operating handle structure 90 and to drivinglv secure it to the Provision is made for relatively small angular and linear adjustment changes throughout the mechanism in order to simplify the installation and insure proper operation of the switches. Releasable latching and padlocking for various operating handle positions is arranged for, as well as the addition of key interlocks when desired. Although in the structure specifically disclosed but two releasable latching and padlocking provisions are disclosed, it is obvious that additional provisions may be included if desired, merely by providing additional recesses in flange ||8 on support 88. Such an additional latching and padlocking position would be desirable if the switches are double throw switches, in which case a latching and padlocking position would be necessary intermediate the two positions disclosed defined by recesses |20 and |22 in the outer end of support .88. Moreover, the handle and mechanism is fully adjustable to any of the positions shown in Figs. 2, 8, 9 and 10 in a simple manner due to their assembly with but a single bolt |02.

Having disclosed preferred embodiments of the invention in accordance with the patent statutes, it is desired that the invention be not limited to these particular embodiments inasmuch as it will le apparent to persons skilled in the art that many Vchanges and modifications may be made in these particular embodiments Without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is desired that the invention be interpreted as broadly as possible and that it be limited only as required by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, an operating shaft connected to said switch means for operating the same, an operating crank for said shaft, an operating handle rotatably supported at a remote point, toggle linkage connecting said handle and crank, means for connecting one link of said linkage to said handleat a plurality of different relative angular positions comprising intertting projection and recess means on said handle and link with means to clamp said interftting means in engagement at any one of a plurality of different relative angular positions to positively lock them in engagement, and means for mounting said operating crank at a plurality of different angular positions on said operating shaft comprising interfitting projection and recess means on said crank and shaft with means to clamp said intertting means in engagement at any one of a plurality of different relative angular positions to positively lock them in engagement, whereby said switch means and handle may be separately mounted for operation as desired, and thereafter said link and crank adjusted and locked on said handle and shaft so that said linkage will go overcenter at the closed circuit position of said switch means to prevent opening thereof. l

2. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, an operating shaft for said switch m-eans, an operating crank for said shaft, an operating handle rotatably supporte.. at

' a remote point, toggle linkage connecting said handle and crank, one link of said linkage being adjustable in length, means for connecting one link of said linkage to said handle at a plurality of different relative angular positions, and means for mounting said operating crank at a plurality of different angular positions on said operating shaft, whereby said switch means and handle may be separately mounted for operation as desired, and thereafter said link and crank adjusted and mounted on said handle and shaft so that said linkage will go overcenter at the closed circuit position of said switch means to prevent opening thereof. i

3. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, an operating shaft for said switch means, an operating crank for said shaft, an operating handle rotatably supported at a remote point, toggle linkage connecting said handle and crank, means for connecting one link of said linkage to said handle at a plurality of different relative angular positions, comprising means on said link and handle adapted to interflt at said plurality of different angular positions and a single bolt for securing said link to said handle at any of said positions, and means for mounting said operating crank at a plurality of different angular positions on said operating shaft comprising means on said crank and, shaft adapted'to interflt at said plurality of different angular positions and a single bolt for securing said crank on said shaft at any of said positions, whereby said switch means and handle may be separately mounted for operation as desired, and thereafter said link and crank adjusted and mounted on said handle and shaft so that said linkage will go overcenter at the closed circuit position of said switch means to prevent opening thereof. A

4. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, a. hexagonal operating shaft connected to said switch means for operating the same, an operating crank for said shaft, an operating handle rotatably supported at a remote point, toggle linkage connecting said handle and crank, means for connecting one link of said linkage to said handle at a plurality of different relative angular positions comprising intertting projection and recess means on said handle and link with means to clamp said intertting means in engagement at any one of a plurality of difierent relative angular positions to positively lock them in engagement, and means for mounting said operating crank at a plurality of different angular positions on said operating shaft cornprising a shaft encircling portion on said crank having recesses angularly spaced not more 'than 60 for engagement with corners of said shaft, whereby said switch means and handle may be separately mounted for` operation as desired, and thereafter said link and crank adjusted and mounted on said handle and shaft so that said linkage will go overcenter at the closed circuit position of said switch means to prevent opening thereof.

5. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, an operating shaft connected to said switch. means for operating the same, an operating crank for said shaft, an operating handle rotatably mounted on a support at a remote point, toggle linkage connecting said handle and crank, means for connecting one link of said linkage to said handle at a plurality In of different relative angular positions, means for mounting said operating crank at a plurality of different angular positions on said operatingshaft, whereby said switch means and handle may be separately mounted for operation as desired, and thereafter said link and crank adjusted and mounted on said handle and shaft so that said linkage will go overcenter at the closed circuit position of said switch means to prevent opening thereof, and releasable latch means on said handle engageable with said support at least at the position of said handle corresponding to the closed circuit position of said switch means to lock said toggle linkage at said overcenter position and thus positively lock said switch means at closed circuit position.

6. Switch operating mechanism, comprising, motion transmitting mechanism for actuating switch means from a remote point, a supporting bracketi including means for mounting the same at said remote point, an operating handle adapted to be rotatably mounted on said bracket by a single bolt, and said bolt also adapted to secure a part of said mechanism against one side of said handle, means on said one side of said handle for preventing relative motion of said mechanism part when secured thereto, whereby said mechanism may be secured to said handle for operation thereby at either side of said bracket mounting means by mounting said handle and bracket with said one side of the handle positioned on the same side with said mechanism.

7. Switch operating mechanism, comprising,

'motion transmitting mechanism for actuating switch means from a remote point, a. supporting bracket including means for mounting the same at said remote point, an operating handle adapted to be rotatably mounted on said bracket 'oy a single bolt, intertting' means on one side of said handle and a part` of said mechanism for preventing relative rotation thereof when secured together, and said bolt also adapted to secure said part of `said mechanism against said one side of saidhandle, whereby said mechanism may be'secured to said handle for operation thereby at either side of said bracket mounting means by mounting said handle and bracket with said one side of thel handle positioned on the same side with said mechanism.

8. Switch operating mechanism, comprising,

switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, motion transmitting mechanism for actuating said switch means from a remote point, a supporting bracket at said remote point, an operating handle adapted to be rotatably mounted on said bracket by a single bolt, ,cooperating stop means on said handle and bracket for limiting rotation of said handle between positions corresponding to the, open and closed circuit positions of said switch means, releasable latch means on said handleoengrageable with said support substantially at the extreme limits of handle movement, and means on said handle cooperating with said latch means for receiving a padlock to prevent release of said latch means when the padlock is in place.

9. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, an operating shaft for said switch means, an operating crank for said shaft, an operating handle rotatably supported at a remote point, toggle linkage connecting said handle and crank, means forconnecting one link of said linkage to said handle at a plurality of dierent relative angular positions..

said shaft being non-circular in section, said crank having separate portions for enga-gement with said shaft, said portions configura-ted so as to be substantially pivotally engageahle, and a single bolt for moving said portions toward each other into clamping engagement with said shaft.

10. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switching means adapted to be operated to open and -closed circuit positions, an operating shaft for said switchv means, an operating crank for said shaft, an operating handle rotatably supported at a remote point, toggle linkage connecting said handle and crank, means for connecting one link of said linkage to said handle at a plurality of different relative angular positions, said shaft being in the form of a regular polygon, said crank having separate 4portions for engagement with said shaft, said portions conlgurated so as to be substantially pivotally engageable, a. single bolt for moving said portions toward each other into clamping engagement with said shaft, said crank portions having their shaft engaging parts coniigurated so as to non-rotatably engage said shaft at a plurality of diierent angular positions, and the longitudinal axis of said crank being at an angle relative to a normal axis of said polygon such that when said crank is turned over it can be non-rotatably secured to said shaft at a plurality of different angular positions lying intermediate said ilrst-mentioned positions.

l1. Switch operating mechanism, comprising,

switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, motion transmitting mechanism for actuating said switch means from a remote point, a supporting bracket at said remote point, an operating handle adapted to be rotatably mounted on said bracket by a single bolt, the inner end of said handle being forked for receiving said bracket with said bolt passing through openings in the forked -ends of said handle and said bracket, cooperating stop means on said handle and bracket for limiting rotation of said handle between positions corresponding to the open and closed circuit positions of said switch means, releasable latch means on said handle engageable with said support substantially at the extreme limits of handle movement, and said latch and stop means located within said forked portion.

12. In a device of the type described, a support, an operating handle adapted to be pivotally mounted at one end on said support, releasable latch means carried by said handle and being engageable with said support to releasably latch said handle at predetermined positions. a hand grip portion adjacent the other end of said handle, latch release means having at least one part positioned adjacent to but spaced from said hand grip portion so as to be manually moved relative to said hand grip portion when said portion and parts are manually grasped to therein7 release said latch means, and portions of said latch release means at opposite sides of said spaced part positioned closely adjacent said hand grip portion to form an opening for receiving a padlock to prevent release of said latch means when said padlock is in place.

13. In a device of the type described, a support, an operating handle adapted to be pivotally mounted at one end on said support, releasable latch means carried by said handle and being engageable with said support to releasably latch said handle at predetermined positions, a rigid bail-like hand grip portion adjacent the other end of said handle, latch release means having a bail-like portion guided for movement in said hand grip portion so as to move outwardly to release said latch means when said bail-like portions are manually grasped, said latch release means being biased inwardly to a latching position, and said portions having a space therebetween for receiving a padlock to prevent release of said latch means.

14. In a device of the type described, a support, an operating handle adapted to be pivotally mounted at one end on said support, releasable latch means carried by said handle and being engageable with said support to releasably latch said handle at predetermined positions, a rigid bail-like hand grip portion adjacent the other end of said handle, the outer end of said portion having an inwardly facing groove, latch release means having a bail-like portion the outer end of which is guided for movement in said hand grip portion so as to be moved outwardly to release said latch means when said bail-like portions are manually grasped, said latch release m-eans being biased inwardly to a latching position, and said portions having a space between the outer ends of said portions at least at one sidev thereof for receiving a padlock to prevent release of said latch means.

15. Electric switching apparatus comprising, switch means adapted to be operated to open and closed circuit positions, a hexagonal operating shaft connected to said switch means for operating the same, an operating crank for said shaft. an operating handle rotatably supported at a remote point, linkage connecting said handle and crank, means for connecting one link of said linkage to said handle at a plurality of different relative angular positions comprising interfitting projection and recess means on said handle and link with means to clamp said intertting means in engagement at any one of a plurality of different relative angular positions to positively lock them in engagement, and means for mounting said operating crank at a plurality of different angular positions on said operating shaft comprising a shaft encircling portion on said crank having recesses annularly spaced 30 apart for engagement with corners of said shaft, whereey said switch means and handle may be separately mounted for operation as desired, and thereafter said link and crank adjusted and mounted on said handle and shaft so that the desired throw of said switch means is obtainable with the available handle movement.

`16. Switch operating mechanism, comprising, a supporting bracket, a hollow operating handle having a forked portion at one end receiving said bracket and being rotatably mounted there-- on by a single pivot bolt passing through the legs of said forked portion and said bracket, actuating mechanism secured to one outer side of said handle by said pivot boltv to be operated by said handle, releasable latch means in the forked portion of said handle cooperable with means on the part of said bracket received in said forked portion for releasably holding said handle at least at one predetermined position, and latch release means extending through said handle into proximity with the free end of said handle.

17. Switch operating mechanism comprising. a supporting bracket, a tub-ular operating handle which is joined at one end to the bight portion of a U-shaped mounting portion which is adapted to receive said bracket and be rotatablv mounted thereon by a single pivot bolt, an actuating crank having an opening for receiving said bolt so as to be secured thereby to the outside of one leg oi said mounting portion, releasable latch means including a rod extending through said handle into the space between the leg portions oi' said mounting portion so as to be engageable with said bracket to releasably latch said handle at a plurality of different positions, a hand grip at the other end of said handle, latch release means associated with the other end of said rod and being located adjacent said hand grip, and cooperating stop means on said handle and bracket also located in the space between said leg portions for limiting pivotal movement of the handle.

18. Switch operating mechanism comprising, a supporting bracket, a tubular operating'handle which is joined at one end to the bight portion oi' a U-shaped mounting portion which is adapted to receive said bracket and be rotatably mounted thereon by a single bolt, releasable latch means including a, rod extending through said handle into the space between the leg portions oi' said mounting portion so asto be engageable with said bracket to releasably latch said handle at a plurality of diierent positions, a rigid bail-like hand grip portion at the other end of said handle, latch release means secured to the other end of said rod and having a bail-like portion guided for movement in said hand grip portion so as to move outwardly to release said latch means when said bail-like portions are manually grasped, said latch release means being biased inwardly to a latching position, and said portions having a space 14 therebetween for receiving a padlock to prevent release of said latch means.

HERBERT J. CRABBS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 587,732 Hormelink Aug. 10, 1897 611,096 Barrow Sept. 20, 1898 1,275,038 Jensen Aug. 6, 1918 1,305,178 Sutherland May 27, 1919 1,309,361 Knudsen July 8. 1919 1,310,577 Parker July 22, 1919 1,398,232 Jakobsky Nov. 29, 1921 1,453,004 Collion Apr. 24, 1923 1,458,013 Tampier June 5, 1923 1,463,320 Jacobs July 31, 1923 1,546,802 Steinmayer July 21, 1925 1,693,126 Van Ryan Nov. 27, 1928 1,747,320 Rea Feb. 18, 1930 `1,774,540 Alsaker et al Sept. 2. 1930 1,817,904 Alsaker et al Aug. 11, 1931 1,826,734 Christensen Oct. 13, 1931 2,177,249 Hammerly Oct. 24, 1939 2,206,648 Schnell July 2, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 15,095 Great Britain May 19, 1904

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