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Automatic transfer switch

  • US 20100038966A1
  • Filed: 07/30/2009
  • Published: 02/18/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An automatic transfer switch, comprising:

  • a first breaker switch operably and interruptably connected between a load and a utility power source, the first breaker switch having a first breaker switch handle movable between ON and OFF positions;

    a second breaker switch operably and interruptably connected between the load and an auxiliary power source, the second breaker switch having a second breaker switch handle movable between ON and OFF positions;

    an interlock mechanism, operably interconnecting the first and second breaker switch handles, for selectably moving the one of the first and second breaker switch handles away from one of its ON or OFF positions to the other of its ON or OFF positions, while also moving the other of the first and second breaker switch handles away from its OFF or ON positions to the other of its OFF or ON positions, respectively;

    a motor assembly, drivingly connected to the interlock mechanism; and

    a controller, operably connected to the first and second breakers, the utility power supply, the auxiliary power supply, and the motor assembly, for actuating the interlock mechanism so as to cause the first and second breaker switch handles to change positions, upon detection by the controller of a change in at least one characteristic of utility power being supplied which corresponds to a predetermined condition indicating a possible impending loss of utility power;

    the interlock mechanism includingan interlock member movably mounted adjacent to the first and second breaker switches, in cooperating arrangement with the first and second breaker switch handles, for preventing both first and second breaker switch handles, so that upon movement of one of the first and second breaker switch handles to its ON position, causes the one of the first and second breaker switch handles contacts the interlock member, and causes it to move, and bear against the other of the first and second breaker switch handles to move the other of the first and second breaker switch handles to its OFF position; and

    an actuator, moveably mounted adjacent to the first and second breaker switches, in driven connection to the motor assembly and in cooperating arrangement with the first and second breaker switch handles, for selectively pushing one of the first and second breaker switch handles away from its OFF position, toward its ON position, so that the breaker switch handles are operably interposed between the interlock member and the actuator.

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