Improvements in Electrical Tumbler Switches.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 9th July, 1897-Accepted, 14th Aug., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electrical Tumbler Switches.
We, HENRY CHARLES GOVER, Secretary of The Edison and Swan United Electric
Light Company Limited, and CHARLES FARADAY PROCTOR, all of 36 Queen Street,
Cannon Street, in the City of London, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to a construction of electrical tumbler switches in such a
manner that, when the circuit is open there is a considerable distance between
the conducting parts, and thus, even when currents of high tensions are dealt
with, there is little risk of an are being formed between those parts.
We shall described switches constructed in this way, referring to the accompany-
ing drawings.
Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive shew a two way switch according to this invention.
Fig. 1 is a side view, Fig. 2 is an end view, Fig. 3 is a vertical section shewing
the parts in position for circuit open, Figs. 4 and 5 are sections shewing the two
positions for circuit closed. Fig. 6 is a plan with cap removed shewing one circuit
closed.
Figs. 7 to 10 inclusive shew a one way switch according to this invention.
Fig. 7 is a section and Fig. 8 a plan shewing circuit closed. Fig. 9 is a section
and Fig. 10 is a plan of the base.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, the tumbler A has in one with it a toothed
segment B gearing with a pinion fixed insulated on the axis Con which is fixed
the circuit closer having two spring blades D. On the axis C is fixed a four sided
cam E embraced on two sides by the limbs of the spring F fixed on the side of
the frame H. On the base G of insulating material are fixed the two pairs of
terminals TT2 and the frame H in which are pivotted the tumbling lever A and
the axis C, and on the upper part of which is screwed the cap K. When the
tumbling lever A is in middle position as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the blades D
of the circuit closer stand upright consequently at a considerable distance from
any of the terminals. By moving the lever A to the left as in Fig. 4 the circuit
of the terminals T" is closed.
By moving A to the right as in Figs. 5 and 6 the circuit of the terminals T3 is
closed. The spring F acting on the sides of the cam E holds the lever A firmly in
any one of its three positions. When the switch is employed for very high tension
currents it is of advantage to provide on the base two prominences indicated by
dotted lines L in Fig. 6, which being interposed between each pair of terminals
prevent formation of an are between them.
The one way switch shewn in Figs. to 10 inclusive has its one pair of
terminals T sunk in a recess in the base G, and its circuit closer has its blades D
bent so as to pass down between the terminals, between which is interposed the
part of the base L. For this switch the tumbling lever A takes only two positions,
that to the right shewn in Fig. 7 closing the circuit, or over to the left, the circuit
closer being then brought to the position indicated by the dotted lines D' in Fig. 7.
It is to be understood that in the one way switch a spring such as F Fig. acts

page_text: on suitable cam such as E fixed on the axis C of the pinion and circuit closer so
as to hold the latter firmly in either of its two positions.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we claim
is:-
1. A two way electrical tumbler switch constructed and operating substantially
as described with reference to Figs. to 6 inclusive, for the purpose set forth.
2. A one way electrical tumbler switch constructed and operating substantially
as described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10 inclusive.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicants.