Abstract: An interrupted electric circuit recloser for reclosing an interrupted high voltage electric circuit system and a solenoid to be utilized for use in a sealed pressurized dielectric gaseous atmosphere. The recloser has a sealed tank and a solenoid therein. The solenoid has a plunger connected through a yoke for returning vacuum contact back to a closed contacting position, a dampener for regulating the opening movement of the plunger, a dielectric gas filling the sealed chamber and permeating the solenoid and acted on by the solenoid plunger. The solenoid also has a central chamber complimentarily accepting the plunger. The central chamber of the solenoid is substantially closed at one end and permits the ingress of the dielectric gas when the plunger is moved in an outward direction within the central chamber away from the closed end and a second dampener controlling the solenoid plunger's movement toward the closed end.

Abstract: A distribution class recloser comprises puffer type, compressed-gas circuit interrupters and a spring stored energy operating mechanism. The interrupter includes a single pair of elongated and axially aligned contacts, one of which is moveable and includes a plurality of flexible contact fingers for engagine the stationary contact. The contacts include arcing tips formed on the terminus portions thereof for conducting arcing current. Additionally, the contact fingers on the moveable contact include raised, wedge-shaped electrical connections. When the moveable contact engages the stationary contact, the raised connections flex the fingers outward so as to cause the arcing tips of the moveable contact to move out of contact with the stationary contact to allow the raised electrical connections to carry the continuous current.

Abstract: A bushing system for high voltage electrical equipment includes a weathershed with integral annular shirts molded around an electrical conductor. The weathershed has a cavity at its base for mating with the opening in the housing for the high voltage electrical equipment. A dielectric gas in the housing communicates with the cavity in the weathershed. A flange and seal are provided at the base of the weathershed for sealingly connecting the bushing system to the housing. A secondary ground may also be provided.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier system for a vacuum switch is disclosed comprising: a dielectric barrier having three generally flat elongated rectangular walls, and means for holding the barrier at a spaced distance apart from the vacuum switch and from a high voltage conductor which is disposed at a spaced distance from the sides of the switch and along a path which includes a position which is generally adjacent to the opposite end to which the conductor is connected to the vacuum switch.

Abstract: An interrupter (10) having an outer housing (62) adapted to contain an arc-extinguishing fluid, a fixed tubular electrical current carrying member (40) disposed at one end; a movable tubular current carrying member (30) disposed in an end-to-end relationship with the fixed electrical current member (40); a prime mover for stroking the movable current carrying member (30) between an open position and a closed position; a piston means (16), carried by the movable electrical current carrying member, for supplying pressurized fluid between two current carrying members when the interrupter is opened; an insulated plenum means (22), carried by the piston means (16) and disposed around the contacting ends of the two current carrying members, for confining the flow of pressurized arc-extinguishing fluid into the gap formed between the two current carrying members when the interrupter is opened so as to direct ionized fluid and arc by-products away from the interior surfaces of the outer enclosure and to shield the op

Abstract: An improved housing structure for a circuit interrupter. The interrupter mechanisms are mounted upon the upper surface of a platform which serves to divide the housing into upper and lower, high- and low-voltage compartments. The platform is provided with a series of vertically-depending bracing plates which carry a cross shaft for operating the interrupters. An operator mechanism is coupled to the cross shaft and hangs downwardly from the platform so that forces generated in opening and closing the interrupters are not transmitted to the housing structure but rather are contained within the platform assembly.