Patent ID: 7238910
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A crossbar assist mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus, said electrical switching apparatus including a housing, a first conductor, a second conductor, a movable contact, a stationary contact, and an operating mechanism, said stationary contact being electrically connected to said first conductor, said operating mechanism including a crossbar, a carrier having a first end coupled to said crossbar and a second end, and a movable contact arm, said movable contact arm being pivotably cooperable with the second end of said carrier, said movable contact being disposed on said movable contact arm, said crossbar being structured to move said carrier and said movable contact arm, thereby moving, said movable contact disposed on said movable contact arm into and out of electrical contact with said stationary contact, said crossbar assist mechanism comprising: an electrically conductive member structured to electrically interconnect said movable contact arm of said operating mechanism of said electrical switching apparatus and said second conductor; and a biasing member structured to be disposed between said crossbar of said operating mechanism of said electrical switching apparatus and said electrically conductive member, and further structured to bias said crossbar of said operating mechanism from a first position corresponding to said movable contact and said stationary contact being separated, toward a second position corresponding to said movable contact being in electrical contact with said stationary contact.