Patent ID: 6559743
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter mechanism, comprising:a holder assembly being configured, dimensioned and positioned to receive a portion of an operating handle of said circuit interrupter mechanism; a drive plate being mounted to a support structure of said operating mechanism, said drive plate being coupled to said holder assembly and said drive plate being adapted to manipulate said holder assembly between a first position and a second position, said first position corresponding to a closed position of said circuit interrupter mechanism and said second position corresponding to an open position of said circuit interrupt mechanism; and an energy storage mechanism for assuming a plurality of states, each state having a prescribed amount of energy stored in said energy storage mechanism, said energy storage mechanism providing an urging force to said drive plate when said holder assembly is in said first position, said urging force causing said holder assembly to travel from said first position to said second position when said urging force is released by said operating mechanism, wherein said energy storage mechanism further comprises: i) a first elastic member; ii) a first fixture having a plurality of slots therein, said first fixture positioned in said first elastic member; iii) a second fixture having a plurality of members defining an aperture; and a second elastic member engaged to said second fixture and positioned within said aperture, wherein said second fixture is engaged with said first fixture.