Electric switch with counteracting electro-electro-dynamic forces

A single pole - double throw switch comprising:

• a contact assembly movable between first and second positions;
• and
• a first fixed contact positioned so that said contact assembly in the first position makes electrical contact with said first fixed contact, in the first position electric current flows through said contact assembly in substantially the same direction as electric current flows through a portion of said first fixed contact that is closely spaced from said contact assembly;
• and
• a second fixed contact positioned so that in said contact assembly in the second position makes electrical contact with said second fixed contact, in the second position electric current flows through said contact assembly in substantially the same direction as electric current flows through a portion of said second fixed contact that is closely spaced from said contact assembly.

A transfer switch, for connecting an electric load to either one of two power sources, comprising at least one switch assembly including:

• first and second spaced fixed contacts, each of said fixed contacts having two spaced apart L-shaped members, a contact bridge extending from a first leg of one L-shaped member to a first leg of the other L-shaped member, a conductor arm having a first section attached to a second leg of each L-shaped member and extending toward the contact bridge and said conductor arm having a second section contiguous with the first section, a portion of the second section extending between the L-shaped members;
• a movable contact arm having a first position in which it is in electrical contact with the contact bridge of the first fixed contact and adjacent to the first section of the first fixed contacts conductor arm, and a second position in which it is in electrical contact with the contact bridge of the second fixed contact and adjacent to the first section of the second fixed contact's conductor arm;
• means for quenching an electric arc which develops between the movable contact arm and either fixed contact;
• and
• a drive means coupled to said movable contact arm for moving the arm between the two fixed contacts.