US3069518A

US3069518A - Switch operating mechanism

Info

Publication number: US3069518A
Application number: US862558A
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven W Soos
Original assignee: Controllix Corp
Current assignee: Controllix Corp
Priority date: 1959-12-29
Filing date: 1959-12-29
Publication date: 1962-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 1979-12-18

Description

Dec. 18, 1962 Filed DeC. 29, 1959 oFF S. W. SOOS SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Armen/Ys Dec. 18, 1962 s. w. soos swITcH OPERATING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Deo. 29, 1959 INVENToR. 7EVEN W Soos BY Mx/nn,

United States Patent O tea 3,069,518 SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Steven W. Soos, Brecksville, Ohio, assignor to The Coutrollix Corporation, Bed-tord, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Dec. 29, 1959. Ser. No. 862,558 20 Claims. (Cl. 200m-9d) This invention relates to switch operating mechanisms and has particular relation to mechanisms for operating a pair of switches or circuit breakers in a preselected sequence.

The mechanism of the present invention is particularly applicable for transferring an electrical load device from avtirst power supply to a second power supply when the rst supply has become inoperative for any reason. As an example, it is frequently desirable to quickly transfer a load from a normal source of supply to an emergency source of supply when the normal supply has failed. It is also desirable to return the load for energization from the normal supply when the latter has been restored to an operative condition.

The present invention relates to mechanism for operating switches in sequence and, `as stated above, it is particularly useful in transferring an electrical load from a first power supply to a second power supply. The mechanism includes circuit breakers or switches which are tied together by an operating member that is moved to operate the switches in sequence.

An important objectl of the present invention is to provide a switching ,arrangement wherein irst and second circuit breakers or switches are operated in sequence between positions by throwing a member interconnecting actuating elements for the switches or breakers, with the sequence of operation being determined by the fact that one of the actuating elements requires more force t actuate the element to the position to which it is to be thrown than is required for actuating the other element.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an operating mechanism for operating rst and second circuit breakers in sequence between positions wherein the first breaker is on and the second breaker is olf to positions wherein the second breaker is on and the iirst breaker is olf, the mechanism including a member tying the actuating elements of the breakers so that the breakers are constrained to be in their lirst positions or in their second positions, with the member being translated to throw the breakers and a sequential throwing of the breakers occurring by reason of the fact that the actuating elements require diterent forces to be thrown.

It is still another object of the invention to provide an operating mechanism including a lever or bar operatively connected to a pair of switch actuating elements and movable between spaced positions to actuate the switches with the lever being mounted for movement about an axis transverse to the direction of spacing of the positions to allow actuation of one of the switches in advance of actuation ofthe other of the switches.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism as defined in the preceding object wherein the lever is yieldably connected to the actuating elements.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a mechanism as defined in the next preceding object wherein a pair of solenoids is provided to effect movement of the lever between its operating positions.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mechanism as detined in the preceding object wherein the 'solenoids are de-energized by switches actuated in response to movement of the lever toward its operating positions.

' In a preferred embodiment of the invention the operat- 4 3,069,518 Patented Dec. 18, 1962 ice ing means of the mechanism is in the form of a flat planar lever or bar having ends each operatively connected to a separate one of the switch actuating elements. The lever is mounted for movement between its operating positions about a rst axis which is transverse to the direction of spacing of the operating positions and parallel to the plane of the lever. In order to permit the connection and disconnection of the power supplies in the proper sequence the lever is also mounted for predetermined movement about a second axis which is transverse to the rst axis and transverse to the plane of the lever.

The lever is preferably yieldably connected to the actuating elements so that limited movement of the lever relative to the actuating elements is permitted when the elements arrive at their operative positions. The yieldable connection also allows movement of the lever about the second axis to provide the proper sequence of actuaion of the switches.

The lever is preferably moved to its operating positions by the selective energization of a pair of solenoids having plungers which are operatively connected to the lever. Selective energization of the solenoids is conveniently controlled by a suitable switch which may be actuated manually or automatically in any suitable manner. Energization of each solenoid effects a separate direction of movement of the lever. When the lever is moved in either direction in response to energization of one of the solenoids .a control switch is actuated in response to movement of the lever which eiects de-energization of the energized solenoid. The arrangement is such that the lever has no stable neutral position between its operating positions. The solenoid plungers are operatively connected to the lever through a suitable spring arrangement which effects rapid and positive movement of the lever to its operating positions.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which FIG. l is a view in front elevation of a switch mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and showing an operating lever in one of its two operating positions;

FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. l; p

FIG. 3 is a view with parts shown in section taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. 5 showing the operating lever in its unstable neutral p0- sition intermediate its two operating positions;

FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a View in top plan of a yieldable part employed in the mechanism of FIG. l;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation showing the relative locations of parts of the mechanism when the mechanism is in its operating positions and in its intermediate neutral position; and

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an electrical circuit employed in the device of FIG. l.

The present invention is susceptible of various constructions and modifications and of use in various type c1rcu1ts, and particularly with circuits wherein a pair of circuit breakers are to be actuated to open one breaker to interrupt current in one circuit and to close the other breaker to establish current in a second circuit, it being desirable to rst interrupt the second circuit and then establish the lirst circuit. In switching systems for trans? ferring from normal to emergency power, and vice versa, it is desirable that the circuit breaker carrying the load current from either the normal or the emergency power to the load, as the case might be, be actuated to an open position prior to the time that the other circuit breaker is closed to connect the load to the other power supply.

The present invention is, therefore, particularly useful in transfer switch mechanisms connected to transfer a load between emergency and normal power supplies or between any two power supplies where it is undesirable to interrupt the current flow to the load.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a pair of circuit breakers, arranged in spaced side-by-side relationship. The circuit breakers are preferably conventional type circuit breakers, each having an actuating element which extends outwardly of the casing for the breaker mechanism and which is normally actuated manually to throw the breaker between its open and closed positions. In accordance with the present invention, an operating bar or lever receives the actuating elements for the circuit breakers and is movable between first and second thrown or operating positions to actuate the circuit breakers between open and closed positie. s. The operating bar is moved to a first position to open one circuit breaker and to close the other circuit breaker, a il is moved to a second position to close the one circ breaker and to open the other circuit breaker. The one circuit breaker may be connected to close the circuit between the normal power supply and the load, while the other circuit breaker may be connected to close the circuit between an emergency power supply and the load as described hereinafter.

In accordance with the preferred form of the invention, the operating7 bar is moved between its upper and lower positions by mechanism which may be conveniently disposed in a small space between the breakers. The mechanism for moving the bar is constructed, as explained in detail hereinafter, so that first one breaker and then the other 4breaker is operated when the closed breaker is carrying a current. In other words, the bar is not necessarily moved parallel to itself through its operating movement but first one end may be moved to throw one circuit breaker and then the other end moved to throw the other breaker, the bar rocking about the central portion thereof to permit the movement described.

Inasrnuch as the actuating elements in the conventional circuit breaker have definite limit positions, it is necessary that the throwing of the bar be done so that the force applied to the handles when they reach their limit positions is insufiicient to break the handles. Furthermore, the bar must be yfree to move angularly with respect to the actuating elements as well as in ya direction lengthwise of the bar to permit the rocking of the bar to throw first one breaker and then the other. The operation of the bar to throw first one breaker and then the other is described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. l a switch operating mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As there shown, a suitable base 1 is mounted in any desired manner to a supporting panel and extends in a vertical direction. The base 1 may be mounted to extend horizontally if desired. 'Ille base 1 supports a pair of horizontally spaced switches or circuit breakers 2 and 3 which are adapted to be operated by the mechanism of the present invention. The switches or breakers 2 and 3 may be of conventional snap-acting construction.

Each of the circuit breakers is associated with a separate power supply (not shown) for connecting the associated supply to a suitable load device (not shown). Each power supply may provide alternating current at a frequency of sixty cycles per second. For this purpose the switch 2 is provided with a plurality of input terminals 4 whereas the switch 3 includes a plurality of input terminals 5. These input terminals may be connected in any suitable Imanner to the associated source of supply. A plurality of electrical conductors 6 connect a plurality of output terminals 7 of the switch 2 to a plurality of output terminals 7' of the switch 3. Each of the conductors 6 is provided with a connector 7a with these vconnectors being adapted to be connected to a load device (not shown).

Each of the switches or breakers 2 and 3 is provided with a suitable actuating element which may be in the form of a projection which extends outwardly of the casing Ifor the breaker and which is connected to the mechanism of the associated switch. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch 2 includes an actuating element `8 whereas the switch 3 has an actuating7 element 9. The elements 8 and movable between two spaced operating positions in vertical directions as viewed in FiG. l. The elements S and 9 are movable between on and off positions wherein the switches 2 and 3 are respectively in closed and open conditions. It is observed that when the

elements

8 and 9 are in their upper positions as viewed in FIG. l the element 8 is in its ofi position to open the switch 2, whereas the element 9 is in its on position to close the switch 3. Similarly, when the elements 8 and are in their illustrated lower positions they lrespectively close the switch Z and open the switch 3.

According to the present invention, an operating mechanism is provided to control operation of the switches 2 and 3. In the present invention the operating mechanism is designed so that if one of the switches or breakers is closed and carrying current and the other is open or not carrying current, the current carrying switch is actuated in advance of actuation of the other switch. This arrangement is advantageous in installations wherein it is desire-sI to transfer a load Vfrom an emergency source of supply to a normal source of supply after the normal supply has `been restore in auch emergency power installations one switch is carrying current and the other is not and it is desirable to actuate the other switch subsequent to actuation of the current carrying switch so that the load is connected to the normal supply after its disconnection lfrom the emergency supply. It will be assumed that the switch 2 is associated with an emergency power supply and that the switch 3 is associated with a normal power supply.

As viewed in FIG. l, the operating mechanism of the present invention includes parts which may be positioned in the space between the switches 2 and 3 to be supported by the base 1. The mechanism includes operating means illustrated in the form of an elongated, generally flat bar 1@ of `any suitable construction. The bar 1d may be formed of a suitable metallic material to be of rigid construction and includes a pair of ends having sections 11 and 12 which are displaced from the plane of the bar to provide recesses which are bridged by suitable bridging devices 13 and 114. The

bridging devices

13 and 14 are arranged to connect the bar 19 with the switch actuating elements S and 9.

The

devices

13 and 14 are such as to provide a yield- `able connection between the bar and actuating elements and are each comprised of a pair of identical resilient members 15 each having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein only one of the members 15 is illustrated. The members 15 may be formed of suitable metallic wire proportioned to provide the desired resiliency. Each of the bridges includes a pair of the members 15 which are arranged in reversed relation about an axis extending longitudinally thereof. It is observed that each of the members 15 includes a pair of terminal portions 16 and 17 having openings for receiving

rivets

18 and 19 which may be attached to spaced areas of the bar. Intermediate terminal portions 16 and l17 is a straight section 20 and the members 15 are positioned so that the sections 2G are spaced to define a passage for receiving the

elements

8 and 9 as shown in FIG. l. The purpose of the

bridges

13 and 14 will be more fully described hereinafter.

In the present invention the bar 1t) is mounted for movement in substantially vertical directions, as viewed in FIG. l, between a pair of spaced operating positions. In order to mount the bar 10 there is provided a U-shaped supporting member 21 having a base 22 with a pair of The operation of the device may be described as follows:

Let it be assumed initially that the bar is in its position as illustrated in FIGS. l and 3 to provide an on condition of the switch 2 and an ofi condition of the switch 3, whereby the emergency supply is connected to the load and the normal supply is disconnected therefrom. When the normal supply is restored, the load may be transferred to the normal supply by actuation of the arm 69 of the switch 68 toward the left as viewed wherein the switch 2 is on and the switch 3 is offf Let it be assumed that it is desired to operate the mechanism to turn the switch 2 off and to turn the switch 3 on. To accomplish this the solenoid 43 is energized by movement of the arm 69 of the switch 68 in the lefthand direction as viewed in FIG. 8 to connect the

contacts

70 and 72. This effects energization of the winding 66 of solenoid 43 and the bar 10 will be moved upwardly as viewed in FIG. 7 in the direction of the arrow 86 to the position illustrated in the central figure of FIG. 7. This position corresponds to that shown in FIG. 4 and it is observed that the bar 10 in such position is displaced clockwise with respect to its position in the bottom figure of FIG. 7. This slight clo-ckwise movement of the bar results from the `fact that a somewhat greater force is required to actuate the switches 2 and 3 to the on position than is required to actuate the switches to the off position. Such force differential is inherent in switches or breakers of conventional snap acting design. This differential in force prevents the element 9 connected to the end 12 of the bar from moving initially whereby the end 11 of the bar is displaced slightly about the axis of the bolt as the end 11 carries the element S therewith. Such displacement is permitted by reason of the yieldable connection afforded by the bridge 13 consisting of the resilient wires 15.

Continued movement of the link toward the left as viewed in FIG. 4 causes the spring 49 to pass through the vertical central plane of the rocker 27, whereby the spring effects a quick snap movement of the rocker 27 and the bar 10 to the left-hand operating position. In this operating position the bar 10 occupies a position shown in the upper illustration of FIG. 7. As the bar 10 is snapped toward its left-hand operating position the end 12 of the bar is moved upwardly and in a counterclockwise direction from its position shown in the central illustration of FIG. 7, to carry the element 9 therewith to the on position. Subsequent to movement of the element 8 to its o position the end 12 of the bar is moved sufficiently to carry the element 9 to its on position. It has been observed that the operating mechanism is effective to vcomplete the transfer in less than three cycles of the sixty cycle frequency.

During such snap movement the switch 57 is opened to de-energize the solenoid 43, and the switch 56 is closed to condition the Winding 67 for subsequent energization when it is desired to connect a load to the emergency supply. It is noted that a first one of the

switches

56 and 57 is closed and a second one of the switches is opened when the bar moves in one direction, and that the first switch is opened and the second switch is closed when the bar is moved in the opposite direction.

When it is desired to transfer a load from the normal lsupply to the emergency supply, the arm 69 of the switch 68 is moved in a direction to energize the winding 67 of the solenoid 46 through the now closed switch S6. This will effect movement of the bar to the position it occupies in FIG. 3. When the bar is moving toward the right as viewed in FIG. 4, the switch 56 will be opened to de-energize the solenoid 46, and the switch 57 will be closed to condition the solenoid 43 for subsequent energization when it is desired to connect a load to the normal supply.

In moving from one position to the other, the rocker 27 is first moved to approximately a center position which will, at least, effect the movement of one end of the bar to throw the circuit breaker actuated by that end section of the bar, and as the rocker moves through center the other end of the bar will begin movement to actuate the other breaker.

After the rocker 27 moves through center, it will actuate the

switches

56, 57 to de-energize the solenoid producing the movement and condition the other solenoid for energization. Since the actuating mechanism is an overcenter mechanism, the

switches

56, 57 may be actuated in advance of the complete throwing of the second breaker to be thrown since the spring 49 will function to snap the bar to complete the throwing of the second breaker even though the solenoid is de-energized. IInasmuch as conventional breakers normally have overcenter mechanisms therein which will cause the breaker to assume either an open or closed position, with the center position being unstable, it is preferable that the

switches

56, 57 .are not actuated until after the rocker 27 has moved to 'a point where both actuating elements for the breakers 2, 3 are at least in and preferably over, their center position.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments thereof, numerous modifications are possible and it is desired to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a mechanism for operating a pair of switches, a bar having a pair of spaced ends each to be operatively connected to a separate switch of a pair of switches, a channel-shaped member having a length dimension less than the length dimension of the bar, first means securing said barl within the channel to have said length dimensions in parallel -relation with clearance between sides of the bar and sides of the channel, said rst means additionally mounting the bar for pivotal movement relative to the member about a first axis extending transverse to said length dimensions between said ends, second means mounting said member for movement in opposite directions between spaced operating positions about a second axis transverse to said first axis and parallel to said length dimensions for operating the switches, and third means for effecting movement of said member about said second axis to carry said bar between said spaced operating positions.

2. In a mechanism for operating a pair of switches, a bar having a pair of spaced ends each to be operatively connected to a separate switch of a pair of switches, a channel-shaped member having a length dimension less than the length dimension of the bar, first means securing said bar within the channel to have said length dimensions in parallel relation with clearance between sides of the bar and sides of the channel, said first means additionally mounting the bar for pivotal movement relative to the member about a first axis extending transverse to said length dimensions between said ends, means mounting said member for movement about a second axis extending transverse to said first axis and parallel to said length dimensions, a link movable in a plane transverse to said second axis, a coil spring having ends operatively connected to said link and to said member, and a pair of solenoids each having a plunger connected to a separate end of the link.

spasms spaced

parallel legs

23 and 23 extending from the base 22 transversely thereof. The bar is positioned within the space between the

legs

23 and 23 to engage the base 22 `such that the length dimensions of the bar lil and the base 22 extend in parallel directions. The space between the

legs

23 and 23 is somewhat greater than the width dimension of the bar Ml which permits the bar E@ to be positioned within the channel formed by the legs with

spaces

24 and 24 between the sides of the lever and the legs. It is observed that the length of the member 2l is considerably less than that of the bar iii for a purpose appearing hereinafter. A suitable cap 2l may be secured to the member 2l if desired.

ln the present invention the bar l@ is mounted for movement about an axis which is transverse to the direction of spacing of the operating positions of the bar and to the plane of the bar. For this purpose a suitable pivot is provided which also serves to secure the bar to the member 2l. In the embodiment illustrated this connection consists of a bolt 25 having a threaded part which extends through suitable openings in the base 22 and the bar ld to threadably receive a nut 26. The head of the bolt 25 is located within a recess of the base A slight clearance is provided between the bolt 25 and the side walls of the openings through which it extends to permit the desired pivotal movement.

The member 2l and in turn the bar l@ are mounted on -an inverted 'LJ-shaped rocker 27 comprising a crosspiece and a pair of spaced

lens

29 and 29 extending downwardly in parallel relation from the crosspiece 2%. The base 22 of the member 2l is secured in any suitable manner to the crosspiece 23 of the rocker 27. T he lower ends of the

legs

29, 29 of the rocker 27 are connected to a bracket 30, which has a base 3l secured to the base It in any suitable manner and spaced

legs

32 and 32 which are secured respectively adjacent the

legs

29 and 29 of the rocker Z7 by a suitable pin 33 which extends through openings of the

legs

29 and 29 and 32 and 32'. lt is noted that the pin 33 provides a pivot about which the rocker 27, the member 2l, and the bar lo may be moved so that the bar itl may be carried between its operating positions. A suitable roller 34 may be positioned to surround the pin 33 to space the

legs

29 and 29 of the bracket 27.

An activator link or plate 35 is disposed between the

legs

29, 29 of the rocker 27 and is reciprocable to rock the rocker 27 to move the bar between its operating positions. The activator link is of generally tlat rectangular configuration and is supported in a plane extending transverse to the axis of the pin 33. The link 35 includes an elongated slot 36 through which the pin 33 and roller 34 extend whereby movement of the link relative to the pin 33 is permitted in the direction of elongation of the slot. The link 35 includes further a pair of openings 37 and 3S which receive pins 39 and 40 extending respectively through spaced projections 41 of a plunger 42 of a solenoid 43 and spaced lprojections 44 of a plunger 45 of a solenoid 46. Suitable spacers 47 surround the pin 39 between the projections 41 and the link 35 whereas spacers 4Sv surround the pin 4l) between the projections 44 and the link 35. This arrangement provides operative connections between the link 35 and the

solenoids

43 and 46.

The operating mechanism for the bar 10 further comprises in the illustrated embodiment a helical spring 49 having ends 59 and 51 which are secured respectively to the link 35 and to the rocker 27. The end Si) of the spring extends through a central opening 52 of the link and the end 51 of the spring is attached to a pin S3 which extends through suitable openings of the

legs

29 and 29 of the rocker 27 adjacent the upper end thereof. As will presently appear, the spring 49 -provides an over center arrangement which facilitates the movement of the bar 10 between its operating positions and provides unstable neutral positions of the bar intermediate its operating positions.

CII

In order to control energization of the solenoid the invention provides a plurality of switches, certain of which are actuated in response to movement of the bar 10 toward its operating positions. For this purpose a pair of

U-shaped members

54 and 55 are secured respectively to the legs 29 and 29' of the rocker 27 so that the legs of the members 54 and S5 extend in opposite directions parallel to the length dimension of the bar iti. ln the preferred embodiment, the

members

54 and 55 are arranged to actuate respectively switches 56 and 57 by engaging actuating arms SS and 59 of the switches 56 and .LJ-'7. As will presently appear, the switch 56 is effective when actuated by displacement of the arm 5S in one direction to tie-energize the solenoid 46 and the switch 57 is effective when actuated by displacement of the arm 59 in one rection to (ie-energize the solenoid 43.

Any suitable arrangement may be employed for mount ing the

switches

56 and 57. in the embodiment illustrated a pair of supports 6d and 61 are provided with each of the supports being located on a separate side of link 35. The support 6@ is arranged to mount the switch 56 so that the arm 5S thereof is between a pair ble screws 5d carried by the legs of the memso that one of the screws 54 will engage and displace the arm 5S to open the switch 56 to Cle-energize the solenoid 46 as the bar l@ is moved to the right as viewed in 4, as a result of energization of the solenoid 46. ln a similar manner the support 6l mounts the switch 57 so that its arm 59 is between a pair of adjustable screws S5 carried by the legs of the member sc that one of the screws 55 will engage and displace the arm to open the switch 57 to `de-energize the solenoid 43 in response to movement of the bar l@ toward the left as viewed in FIG. 4, as a result of energization of the solenoid in order to facilitate movement of the link 35 a pair of rollers 62 and a pair of rollers 63 are mounted at opposite ends of the link by

suitable pins

64 and 65 which extend through the

rollers

62 and 63 and through suitable openings of the link.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated in diagrammatic form an electrical circuit which may be employed to control energization of the solenoids 43 and d6. As there shown, the

solenoids

43 and 46 include respectively

electroconductive windings

66 and 67 which are diagrammatically illustrated in association with a suitable switch 68 which may be actuated in any suitable manner either manually or automatically. In the embodiment illustrated, the switch 68 may be manually actuated by movement of a suitable arm 69 relative to a pair of spaced fixed contacts 70 and 71. The arm 69 is connected to a fixed contact 72 which is connected to one side of a suitable source 74 of electrical voltage the other side of which is connected to a conductor 73 connected to the

windings

66 and 67. The source 74 may conveniently comprise the emergency source of supply if desired. When the arm 69 is moved to the position wherein it connects the

contacts

70 and 72 the winding 66 is energized from the source 74 through the closed switch 57 whereby the solenoid 43 is energized and the plunger 42 is displaced to the left to effect movement of the link 35 and the bar 10 toward the left as viewed in FIG. 4. During such movement of the bar one of the screws 55' carried by the member 55 displaces the arm 59 of the switch 57 to open the switch 57 which effects deenergization of the solenoid 43, and also closes the switch 56. In a similar manner when the arm 69 is moved to a position wherein it connects the contacts 71 and 72, the winding 67 is energized from the source 74 through the closed switch 56 to energize the solenoid 46 which effects displacement of the plunger 45 toward the right and movement of the link 35 and the bar lt) toward the right as viewed in FIG. 4 to the position illustrated in FIG. 3. As the bar l0 moves in this direction one of the screws 54 carried by the member S4 engages the arm 58 of the switch 56 to open this switch for effecting de-energization of the winding 46, and also to close switch 57.

3. In a switch device,`a pair of switches each having a separate actuating element, bar means having a pair of spaced ends, yieldable means yieldably connecting each of4 said ends to a separate one of said elements, means mounting said bar means for movement between a pair of spaced operating positions in opposite directions substantially transverse to the length dimension of the bar means for operating the switches, means permitting predetermined movement of said bar means about an axis extending substantially transverse to said opposite directions and to said length dimension between said ends, and means for effecting movement of said bar means between said operating positions.

4. In a switch device, a pair of switches each having a separate actuating element, said elements having first positions wherein one of said elements provides a closed condition of its switch and the other of the elements provides an open condition of its switch, and having second positions wherein the one element provides an open condition of its switch and the other element provides a closed condition of its switch, a bar having a pair of spaced ends, yieldable means yieldably connecting each of said ends to a separate one of said elements, means mounting said bar for movement Vin opposing directions substantially transverse to the length dimension of the bar to carry said elements between said first and second positions, means permitting predetermined movement of said bar about an axis extending substantially transverse to said opposite directions and to said length dimension between said ends, and means for effecting movement of said bar between said operating positions.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 wherein said lastnamed means includes a pair of solenoids having plungers movable in directions substantially transverse to said axis and parallel to the direction of spacing of said operating positions, and means operatively connecting said plungers to said bar.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 in combination with first switch means effective when operated to energize a selected one of said solenoids to cause movement of the bar toward a selected one of said operating positions, a pair of spaced second switch means each for controlling energization of a separate one of said solenoids, and means effective in response to movement of said bar towards either of said operating positions to operate both of said second switch means for deenergizing the solenoid causing such movement and for conditioning the other solenoid for energization.

7. In a mechanism for operating a pair of switches, a bar having a pair of spaced ends each to be operatively connected to a separate switch of a pair of switches, a

channel-shaped member having channel defining sides spaced by a distance greater than the distance between sides of the bar, first means securing said bar within the (channel defined by the sides of said member with clearance between sides of the bar and sides of the member, said first means additionally mounting the bar for pivotal movement relative to the member about a first axis passing between the sides of the member generally perpendicular to the direction of extension of the channel, means mounting said member for movement about a second axis extending generally perpendicular to said first axis and parallel to the direction of extension of the channel, a link movable in a plane generally perpendicular to said "second axis, a coil spring having ends operatively connectedvto said link and to said member to provide a ysnap acting over center mechanism, a pair of solenoids each having a plunger connected to a separate end of the link, first switch means effective when operated to energize a selected one of said solenoids to cause movement of the bar about the second'axis in a selected direction with a snap action as the spring passes over center, a pair of spaced second switch means each for controlling energization of a separate one of said solenoids, and means effective in response to movement of said bar in either direction about said second axis to operate both of said 10 second switch means for de-energizing the solenoid causing such movement and for conditioning the other solenoid for energization.

8. In a switch device, a pair of switches each having a separate actuating element, said elements having first positions wherein one of the elements provides a closed condition of its switch and the other of the elements prof vides an open condition of its switch, and having second positions wherein the one element provides an open condition of its switch and the other element provides a closed condition of its switch, a bar having a pair of spaced ends, yieldable means yieldably connecting each of said ends to a separate one of said elements, a channelshaped member having a length dimension less than the length dimension of the bar, first means securing said bar within the channel to have said length dimensions in parallel relation with clearance between sides of the bar and sides of the channel, said first means additionally mounting the bar for pivotal movement relative to the member about a first axis extending transverse to said length dimensions between said ends, means mounting said member for movement about a second axis extending transverse to said first axis and parallel to said length dimensions, a link movable in a plane transverse to said second axis, a coil spring having ends operatively connected to said link and to said member to provide a snap acting over center mechanism, a pair of solenoids each having a plunger connected to a separate end of the link, first switch means effective when operated to energize a selected one of said solenoids to cause movement of the -bar toward a selected one of said operating positions with a snap action as the spring passes over center, a pair of spaced second switch means each for controlling energization of a separate one of said solenoids, and means effective in response to movement of said bar towards either of said operating positions to operate both of said second switch means for de-energizing the solenoid causing such movement and for conditioning the other solenoid for energization.

9. In a switching system, a switching device having an actuating element movable from a first position to a second position to operate said switching device, a second switching device having a second actuating element movable from a first position to a second position to operate the switching device, said first actuating element requiring less force to throw the element to its said second position from its said first position than is required to throw said second actuating element to its said second position from its said first position, a member movable from a first position to a second position to throw said first element from its said first position to its said second position and tying said first element to said second `element to cause said second element to move from its said first position to its said second position on movement of said first element to its said second position, means connecting said member to said elements and providing limited relative movement between said elements and member whereby the element offering the less resistance to movement to said second position initially moves toward its said second position with the other element stationary and said member moves angularly relative to said elements as it is initially translated toward its said second position, and operating means for throwing said member from its said first position to its said second position.

l0. In a switching system, a switching device comprising a first actuating element having ON and OFF positions, a second switching device comprising a second actuating element having ON and OFF positions, said first element requiring less force to throw the element to its said OFF position than is required to throw said second actuating element to its said ON position, a member constraining said second element to be in its OFF position when said first element is in its ON position and movable from a first position to a second position to throw said first element from its ON position to its OFF position and tying said first element to said second element to cause said second element to move from its said OFF position to its ON position on movement of said first element to its OFF position, means connecting said member to said elements and providing limited relative movement between said elements and member whereby when said member is moved toward its said second position the element offering the less resistance to movement is initially moved with the other element remaining stationary and said member moves angularly relative to said elements as said first element is translated toward its said OFF position, and operating means for throwing said member from its said first position to its said second position.

11. In a switching system, a switching device having a first actuating element movable from a first position to a second position to operate said switching device, a second switching device having a second actuating element movable from a first position to a second position to operate the switching device, said first actuating element requiring less force to throw the element to its said second position from its said first position than is required to throw said second actuating element to its said second position from its said first position, a member movable from a first position to a second position to throw said first element from its said first position to its said second position and tying said first element to said second element to cause said second element to move from its said first position to its said second position on movement of said first element to its said second position, means connecting said member to said elements and providing limited relative movement between said'elements and member whereby the element offering the less resistance to movement to said second position initially moves toward its said second position with the other clement stationary and said member moves angularly relative to said other element as it is translated toward its said second position, operating means for throwing said member from its said first position to its said second position, and means connecting said operating means to said member comprising a pivot connection providing for angular movement of said member to accommodate movement of said first element toward its said second position in advance of the movement of said second element and means for limiting the angular movement of said member and constraining said member to move with said operating means after a predetermined angular movement.

12. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 11 wherein said operating mechanism comprises an overcenter mechanism having two positions in which said member is respectively in its said first and second positions.

13. A switching arrangement comprising first and second side-by-side circuit breakers having snap-acting overcenter actuating elements with the outer ends of said ele- Vrnents being swung in substantially parallel planes between first and second positions to actuate the breakers off and on and with said first positions being in a line laterally `displaced from the line of said second positions, one of 'said elements requiring a greater force to be moved from its said first position to its said second position than is required for the other of said elements, a member eX- tending between said elements substantially perpendicular to said planes and laterally operable between positions along said first and second lines to throw said breakers, means connecting the opposite end portions of said member to said elements for movement of the elements with the end portion of the member and for limited relative movement of the member relative to the elements in the plane of the member to accommodate limited movement of one element from said first position toward said second position in advance of movement of the other element from said first position, and operating means for translating said member between its said position along said lines and accommodating said angular movement of said member whereby the element requiring the less force to actuate is first moved to its second position.

14. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 13 wherein said operating means comprises power-actuated means pivotally connected to said member at a point intermediate said elements for relative. movement about an aXis generally perpendicular to the plane of said member.

15. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 14 wherein said operating means comprises an over-center mechanism and means pivotally connecting said over-center mechanism to said member to accommodate angular movement of said member.

16. A switching arrangement comprising side-by-side circuit breakers each comprising an actuating element having two stable, ON and OFF, positions on opposite sides of a center position, said elements being movable between first side-by-side positions along a first line to second side-by-side positions along a second line displaced laterally from said first line, the first positions of said actuating elements for said first and second breakers being respectively ON and OFF positions and the second positions of said actuating elements of said first and second breakers being respectively OFF and ON positions with the force required for operating each actuating element to its ON position being greater than the force required to actuate the element to its OFF position, a member extending between said elements, means connecting respective end portions of said member to the adjacent element and providing angular movement of said member relative to said elements to enable one element to be initially moved with the other element in a stationary position, operating mechanism for translating said member between positions along said lines to actuate said actuating elements, and means connecting said operating means to said member and accommodating said angular movement of said member as said member is translated to throw said elements between said positions in sequence.

17. A switching arrangement comprising side-by-side circuit breakers each comprising an actuating element having two stable, ON and OFF, positions on opposite sides or a center positions, said elements being movable between first side-by-side positions along a first line to second side-by-side positions along a second line displaced laterally from said first line, the first positions of said actuating elements for said first and second breakers being respectively ON and OFF positions and the second positions of said actuating elements of said first and second breakers being respectively OFF and ON positions with the force required for operating each actuating element to its ON position being greater than the force required to actuate the element to its OFF position, a member extending between said elements, means connecting respective end portions of said member to the adjacent element and providing angular movement of said member relative to said elements to enable one element to be initially moved with the other element in a stationary position, operating mechanism for translating said member between positions along said lines to actuate said actuating elements, and means connecting said operating means to said member and accommodating said angular movement of said member as said member is translated to throw said elements between said positions in sequence, said operating means comprising an over-center mechanism having two stable positions wherein said member is disposed along respective ones of said lines.

18. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 17 wherein said member moves relative to the element offering the greater resistance to movement until said mechanism moves over center and then constrains the latter element to move with the member.

19. A switching arrangement as defined in claim 17 wherein said over-center mechanism includes power means energizable to move said member between positions along said lines, means for energizing said power means to effect movement of said member and means responsive 13 to the movement of said mechanism over center to effect a de-energization of said power means.

20. A switching arrangement comprising side-by-side circuit breakers each comprising an actuating element having two stable, ON and OPF, positions on opposite sides of a center position, said elements being movable between rst side-by-side positions along a first line to second side-by-side positions along a second line displaced laterally from said first line, the first positions of said actuating elements for said rst and second bre be,-v ing respectively ON and OFP` positions and the second positions of said actuating elements of said first and second breakers being respectively OFF and ON positions with the force required for operating each actuating element to its ON position being greater than the force required to actuate the element to its OFF position, a member ex tending between said elements, means connecting respective end portions of said member to the adjacent element and providing angular movement of said member relative to said elements to enable one element to be initially moved with the other element in a stationary position,

operating mechanism for translating said member between positions along said lines to actuate said actuating elements, and pivot means connecting said operating means to said member whereby said member is adapted to swing around said pivot means to effect movement of one element in advance of the other and including means limiting the extent of said swinging movement about said pivot means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,831,368 Rubel Nov. 10, 1931 2,097,786 Fiedl Nov. 2, 1937 2,671,836 Anger et al. Mar. 9, 1954 2,703,827 Gelzheiser Mar. 8, 1955 2,722,135 Taylor Nov. 1, 1955 2,755,354 Dehn et al. July 17, 1956 2,773,949 Edmunds Dec. 1l, 1956 2,790,044 Booth Apr. 23, 1957 2,881,284 Mekelburg Apr. 7, 1959 2,904,649 Ranson Sept. 15, 1959