Patent ID: 6388214
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A mechanical AND gate for interlocking multiple electric power switches, the mechanical AND gate comprising:a pivot plate having an elongated slot; a first input coupling mounted on the pivot plate at a point laterally offset on a first side of the elongated slot; a second input coupling mounted on the pivot plate at a point laterally offset on a second side of the elongated slot; an output shaft extending transversely toward the pivot plate and aligned with the elongated slot; an output coupling mounted on but radially offset from an axis of the output shaft and engaging and slideable relative to the pivot plate in the elongated slot; a first elongated actuator engaging the first input coupling and axially moveable between an ON position and an OFF position; a second elongated actuator engaging the second input coupling and axially moveable between an ON and an OFF position; and the first and second input couplings being structured to only transfer force from the first and second elongated actuators, respectively, to the pivot plate with movement of the first and second elongated actuators, respectively, to the ON position, so that the pivot plate slides relative to the output coupling engaging the elongated slot when only one of the first and second elongated actuator moves to the ON position, and the pivot plate rotates to rotate the output coupling and therefore the output shaft, only when both the first and second elongated actuators are moved to the ON position.