Abstract: In an overhead power line switch, critical switch adjustment dimensions, switch position, switch status and other switch parameters are sensed by a plurality of particularly placed sensors, allowing determination as to whether the switch has operated correctly at critical points of the switch. The sensors also provide critical maintenance indication as to the operational status of the switch. In a preferred arrangement, the sensors are positioned to sense at least one of whether the contact blade is in a toggled closed position or a switch-open position, whether the contact blade is aligned with the clip assembly, the contact blade depth in the clip assembly, etc. The monitoring system is preferably provided with a remote terminal unit delivering sensor data to a remote operating facility.

Abstract: A gang-operated multi-pole switch is provided including an operating handle suitable for manual operation via a hookstick and including an open-position retention arrangement. The open-position retention arrangement includes a first member movable with the operating handle which coacts with a second member. In a preferred arrangement, the first member extends radially from the operating shaft of the operating handle and the second member is a spring plate including a retention surface and disposed in the path of the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus used in combination with a motor operator and an overhead distribution gang switch. The motor operator is activatable for automatically opening and closing the gang switch. The locking assembly includes a coupler assembly that couples the motor operator with the gang switch. A clutch plate and operating handle connecting device is hinged to the coupler assembly for selectively connecting and disconnecting the motor operator with the gang switch, and for manually opening and closing the gang switch when the motor operator and the gang switch are disconnected. An assembly is provided for locking the coupler assembly in a coupled mode. A locking device is engageable with the connecting device when the motor operator and the gang switch are disconnected. The locking device locks the connecting device in a first position in which the gang switch is opened, and locks the connecting device in a second position in which the gang switch is closed.

Abstract: A double-sided break switch is provided which is operated by a double motion mechanism that rotates the blade about its own axis.

Abstract: The apparatus includes contact blades at different elevations on a utility pole rotatable between electrical connection and disconnection positions vis-a-vis contact members. To rotate the contact blades, an electromechanical linear actuator extends a clevis and crank arm to rotate a vertically extending shaft coupled to another crank and a lever arm to rotate the insulators on which the contact blades are mounted. The linear actuators are carried by support structure high on the utility pole and, by rotating the vertical shafts, the insulators and contact blades at each phase are simultaneously rotated.

Abstract: A multi-pole group-operated switch configuration is provided for electrical distribution circuits. The switch configuration includes integral arrangements for sensing circuit parameters and supplying power for a switch operator of the switch configuration. The switch configuration includes a plurality of switch-pole units. In accordance with desired characteristics and features, one or more of the switch-pole units includes an integral current-sensing device, an integral voltage-sensing device, or an integral combination voltage and current-sensing device. The voltage-sensing device also provides operating power to power a switch operator and charge the batteries of the switch configuration.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking the disconnect linkage of a high-voltage switch is provided that includes two relatively movable locking members that are each moved between locked and unlocked positions in response to operation of the disconnect linkage. As the disconnect linkage is moved to an opened position, the two locking members are moved into relative overlapping alignment to receive a blocking member to prevent movement of the disconnect linkage. One locking member is carried by the disconnect linkage and the second member is carried by a pivotally mounted support arm that is affixed to the disconnect linkage so as to move therewith. Accordingly, the second locking member does not encroach on the space adjacent the disconnect linkage except when it is moved into alignment in the opened position.

Abstract: A section switch has a pivoting blade connected to a first connector. The blade is provided with a contact hammer for engaging contact jaws connected to a second connector. The section switch includes a first contact finger fixed to a first spring and electrically connected to the second connector. A second contact finger is fixed to a second spring. The fingers come successively into contact during an opening operation of the section switch with an arcing horn that extends the hammer. The second finger and second spring are disposed so that the opening movement of the section switch causes ever-increasing amounts of energy to be stored in the second spring to cause the finger to rapidly escape from the arcing horn after a given opening stroke. The hammer is rotated about its axis to reduce contact force between the hammer and the jaws during opening of the section switch.

Abstract: A high-voltage circuit-breaker comprises a first insulative support column carrying a first current terminal and a pivoting cut-off arm provided with a first contact. An insulative column rotates to maneuver the cut-off arm. A second insulative support column carries a second current terminal and a jaw-type second contact cooperating with the first contact when the circuit-breaker is closed. The pivoting arm rotates about its axis through 90.degree. at the start of an opening maneuver or at the end of a closing maneuver to close the jaw on opening the circuit-breaker and to open the jaw on closing the circuit-breaker. The cut-off arm is extended by a cylindrical assembly containing a resistance and comprising a metal exterior tubular portion connected electrically to the resistance.

Abstract: A multi-pole group-operated switch configuration is provided for electrical distribution circuits. The switch configuration includes integral arrangements for sensing circuit parameters and supplying power for a switch operator of the switch configuration. The switch configuration includes a plurality of switch-pole units. In accordance with desired characteristics and features, one or more of the switch-pole units includes an integral current-sensing device, an integral voltage-sensing device, or an integral combination voltage and current-sensing device. The voltage-sensing device also provides operating power to power a switch operator and charge the batteries of the switch configuration.

Abstract: An operator is provided that includes a common drive for charging an operating mechanism and for driving a functional accessory device in predetermined coordinated relationship. The common drive in a specific embodiment is provided as a drive shaft at the output of a drive train. The operating mechanism is charged as the drive shaft is rotated from a first to a second predetermined position. The functional accessory device is also driven via the drive shaft; the functional accessory device being operated from a first predetermined operational state to a second predetermined operational state in response to the rotation of the drive shaft between the predetermined positions. When desired, the functional accessory device is operated from the second predetermined operational state to the first predetermined operational state by subsequent rotation of the drive shaft to the first predetermined position. The operating mechanism is controlled thereafter to close the contacts of one or more interrupting units.

Abstract: An improved insulating material is provided. The insulating material is a mixture of an insulating fluid and solid insulative bodies. The insulating material exhibits desirable insulating, conformal coating, surface adhesion, and low-viscosity characteristics. For example, when the insulating material is used to fill the cavity of a hollow insulator, the insulating material prevents any moisture that enters the insulator from adhering to the walls that define the cavity; thus maintaining the insulating qualities of the insulator. In the event that some of the fluid is lost through leakage, the insulating material also aids in preserving the insulating qualities of the insulator.

Abstract: An improved switch-jaw construction is provided for a disconnecting switch having a tie-rod assembly interconnecting the free ends of the confronting switch jaw contacts. The tie-rod assembly includes preferably a metallic tubular member having its outer interior surfaces threaded to accommodate mounting bolts and the tie-rod assembly passes through apertures provided adjacent the free ends of the inwardly-turned switch-jaw contacts. Preferably mounting bolts are threaded into the interior threads of the tubular tie-rod within insulating bushings to prevent current flow into the tie-rod assembly, which would otherwise heat the compression springs and thereby cause them to loose their temper.

Abstract: A switch for high voltages comprising co-operating fixed and movable spherical contacts, of which the or each fixed contact consists of a stationary body in the shape of a hollow spherical cap and a potential field controlling screen adapted to be forced by the respective movable contact into said hollow cap, said screen being spherically complementary to said spherical cap, when the switch is in its open condition, and being also provided with the contact surfaces to conduct the main current.

Abstract: An improved bearing and journal construction is provided for a high-voltage disconnecting switch of the type having supporting insulators and a rotatable crank-arm arrangement, with the operating thrust of the crank-arm being supported by simplified bearing discs running in a journal, the improvement residing in the fact that the hinge member about which the switch-blade pivots is separate from the journal member which bridges the hinge supporting insulator to the rotating insulator, and that the foregoing separation allows the journal member to be stamped out of plate material resulting in considerable economy over the cast construction known to prior art. A preferred bearing arrangement locates the discs under the crank-arm so that traditional machining of a bearing race on the crank-arm is eliminated for further economy.

Abstract: An improved simple adjustment device is provided for each of several disconnecting switch structures enabling an independent positioning of the blade-assemblies in the open and closed positions, by an adjustment of a tongue-member, which is incorporated in the operating arm assembly by adjustment bolts. Inward and outward movement of the tongue-member in the operating crank-assembly will effect only the closed position of the switch-blade assembly. Once this is made, right and left adjustment of the same tongue-member will correspondingly effect only the open position of the blade-assemblies. The aforesaid tongue-member is pivotally connected to the link-member interconnecting the blade-assembly, and it is provided with one or more elongated adjustment slots to permit the aforesaid adjustment movement in or out, and to the right or left for independent adjustment of both the open and closed circuit positions of the several blade-assemblies.

Abstract: An improved disconnecting switch is provided having an improved hinging structure which provides the traditional movements of a vertical break disconnect switch-blade in a simple and unique way. The switch-blade rotates about its longitudinal axis on a blade plug which is supported by a hinge pin that passes at a right angle through slots provided in the blade and a hole in the blade plug. The slots define the amount of rotation and prevent the switch-blade from sliding along the longitudinal axis. The structure also allows the switch-blade to pivot open on the axis of the hinge pin. The switch-blade contact on the hinge end of the switch may be used as the supporting member for the hinge pin.

Abstract: An isolating switch for use in a voltage cell connected to a source of power. The switch is disposed on a slidable frame mounted on guides internally of the cell. It includes a movable assembly mounted rotatably on the slidable frame, with capacity for pivotal movement from switch closing position to switch opening position. The movable assembly includes an oscillatable rotary cylinder formed of insulating material and pivotal about its longitudinal axis. A plurality of axially spaced, co-planar poles are formed integrally with the cylinder, each pole including a pair of coaxial diametral arms of unequal length extending from opposite sides of the cylinder. The arms encase a diametral conductive core provided with electrical contacts mounted at each end. The contacts are connectable to, and disconnectable from, the source of power and an adjacent circuit breaker, or similar apparatus, by turning the movable assembly angularly about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Improvements in a quick-break attachment, for a pole-top air-break switch, wherein said attachment is of the type including a whip engaged in a catch to maintain a protective, anti-arcing shunt across the switch until the latter opens, whereupon the whip disengages and quick-breaks from the catch; the improvements consisting of instrumentalities which, firstly, assure of substantial acceleration in speed of the whip after its disengagement but before actual electrical separation occurs, and, secondly, prevent rebound of the disengaged whip into arcing contact with the catch.

Abstract: An improved support assembly for a circuit-interrupting device is disclosed. The device is of a type having first and second end fittings which define a major axis and which are selectively engageable and disengageable from matching first and second mountings spaced apart in the assembly in insulated relation. The device can be manipulated by a hookstick selectively attachable to the first end fitting and held by a human operator, and so manipulated as to selectively engage and disengage the end fittings and their respective mountings and to open and close the device. The second mounting has a noncircular pin which can be slideably received in a slot in the second end fitting only when the second end fitting and the device are in one particular orientation. The slot contains an enlargement which permits the second end fitting to rotate in the second mounting once the pin enters the enlargement.

Abstract: A high voltage grounding switch adapted to ground high voltage power lines or other electrical equipment is provided with a two-part blade having toggle type action, with the toggle joint placed near the hinge pivot. The blade is then rotated from a fully opened position toward a closed position in which the blade end engages an overhead jaw type contact. The engagement of the blade end with a stop which is adjacent the jaw contact straightens the toggle and forces sliding engagement between the blade end and the jaw contact in an axial direction relative to the blade axis. A counterbalancing spring is connected from the switch support to the blade in order to at least partly balance the blade mass and to maintain the blade in a toggle-collapsed condition. The telescoping action of the blade in its stationary jaw contact provides a mechanical stop against blowout forces produced by fault currents.

Abstract: Main contact and interrupter contact operating rods of opposed current interrupters are sequentially moved by a spring loaded operating mechanism to open the main contacts and interrupting contacts of the interrupter switches. Rotation of an input shaft trips a first overcenter toggle linkage by the engagement of a cam on a drive lever operably connected to the shaft. Tripping of the first overcenter toggle linkage allows the springs to rapidly move a main rod arm assembly connected to the main contact operating rods to open the main contacts. Rotation of the main rod arm assembly trips a second overcenter toggle linkage connected to a fast rod arm assembly permitting springs to rotate the fast rod arm assembly connected to the interrupter contact rods to open the interrupting contacts in sequence. Continued rotation of the shaft in the same direction causes abutments on the drive lever to engage the main rod arm assembly and the fast rod arm assembly to recock the mechanism for subsequent operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auxiliary mechanism for rapidly imparting rotational energy to electrical switch components. An insulator connects an electrical switch component to an output shaft mounted for rotation in the mechanism housing. A lever arm assembly is mounted on the shaft and a link member is pivotably connected between the lever arm assembly and a first arm extending from a bellcrank member. The bellcrank member is mounted for rotation in the housing and has a second arm that is operably connected to one or more solenoids. Initially the link member and first arm are in an overcenter toggle position so that the insulator cannot be accidentally rotated. Energization of the solenoid causes rapid rotation of the insulator because the mechanical advantage of the system in such that maximum force is applied initially.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved positive latch for high voltage, air break disconnect switches of the type having an elongated blade with one end swiveling on a terminal to switch its opposite end from the remote terminal, the blade being rotatable about its longitudinal axis and relative to the terminals and provided at its switching end with a transversely projecting contact lug shiftable by rotation of the blade into and out of frictional engagement with the remote terminal. The latch is pivotally mounted on the remote terminal and has a hook-like portion spring biased downwardly into latching position with respect to the end portion of the blade and is rotatable out of latching position by engagement with the latch of an arm carried by the blade when the contact lug is rotated out of engagement with the remote terminal and is formed with an extension engageable with the blade mounted latch operating arm for opening the latch as the blade approaches closed position.

Abstract: An outdoor high-voltage switchgear assembly comprising rigid sectionalized busbars provided with busbar compensators made of flexible current-conducting members mounted on insulated supports through the use of bases having an open configuration and electrical apparatuses connected through branches to said sectionalized busbars, each base being composed of legs forming said open configuration in such a way that it is almost U-shaped, wherein said legs are placed in planes parallel to longitudinal axes of the sectionalized busbars, and the base is secured on the insulated support so that the ends of the base legs are higher than the horizontal plane going through the point common for both legs, each busbar compensator being secured by its ends to adjacent sections of the sectionalized busbars, which are attached at the ends of said base legs, and positioned between the longitudinal axes of these legs.

Abstract: An interphase support shaft is offset with respect to the rotation point to permit the shaft weight to serve as a counterbalance to the switch blade by locating its weight at a distance from the pivot point.

Abstract: The disconnect switch blade, prior to the engagement of the blade plug with the switch contact shoes, engages with a curved upper portion of an ice breaker lever to effect its pivotal movement and thereby move a plurality of associated ice breaker bars from between the switch contact shoes to remove accumulated ice from the contact shoes.

Abstract: Providing the contact spacer of a high voltage outdoor switch with a reduced number of inboard contacts to reduce the friction experienced in opening and closing the switch without reducing the switch rating.