Abstract: A motor operator is configured to provide local and remote operation of a power line phase switch. The motor operator has its components individually enclosed in a component enclosure and further enclosed in a main enclosure, allowing isolation and protection of the components from the environment and operators. A gear box includes a worm gear reducer submersed in oil providing a no maintenance gear train that makes continuous braking unnecessary by virtue of the inherently self-locking nature of the worm gear. The motor operator also includes a plurality of limit and auxiliary switches providing local and remote indication of switch position. The switches are each independently adjustable using cam adjustment collars. The overall configuration of the motor operator provides safe, reliable and cost effective phase switch operation.

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 motor operator is configured to provide local and remote operation of a power line phase switch. The motor operator has its components individually enclosed in a component enclosure and further enclosed in a main enclosure, allowing isolation and protection of the components from the environment and operators. A gear box includes a worm gear reducer submersed in oil providing a no maintenance gear train that makes continuous braking unnecessary by virtue of the inherently self-locking nature of the worm gear. The motor operator also includes a plurality of limit and auxiliary switches providing local and remote indication of switch position. The switches are each independently adjustable using cam adjustment collars. The overall configuration of the motor operator provides safe, reliable and cost effective phase switch operation.

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 group operated switching apparatus for overhead electric power lines has a box-like elongated housing which mounts on a pole and supports three disconnect switches. Three operating shafts are journalled on the housing and are operatively connected to the disconnect switches so that axial rotation of the operating shafts alternately opens and closes the disconnect switches. An upright control shaft extends through the housing. A transverse rod assembly is enclosed within the housing and defines a mechanical connection between the control shaft and the operating shafts so that axial rotation of the control shaft causes axial rotation of the operating shafts. Each disconnect switch includes a jaw terminal having dual function backup springs and auxiliary contacts for minimizing effects of arcing during opening and closing of the switch.

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: Compact electrical power disconnect switch modularized to provide very broad current rating and comprising reverse-loop fingers which cooperate in pairs and form flexible spring-loaded contact members. An enlongated rotatable contact member is positioned between the reverse-loop fingers and makes and breaks electrical contact with same upon being rotated. Operation is fast and positive and three-phase power can readily be accommodated. A viewing window can be provided for a rapid check of the position of the switch.

Abstract: A multi-position contact for use in high voltage switchgear utilizes a multi-laminar electrical contact and a movable contact blade to maintain continuous electrical contact with a first circuit component and a switch blade assembly movable concomitantly with said movable contact blade for selective connection to second or third circuit components.

Abstract: A contact assembly is provided for a high-voltage switch. The contact assembly includes one or more contact members that cooperate with a contact element. The arrangement of the contact members is such that an interference fit results with the contact element and one or more of the contact members are displaced. To provide operation of the contact assembly in ice-forming environments, facilities are provided to prevent the ingress of moisture and the formation of ice in the space required for displacement of the appropriate one or more contact members. Of course, if ice were allowed to occupy the space required for displacement of the one or more contact members, due to the relatively incompressible nature of ice, appropriate contact engagement would be inhibited since displacement of the one or more contact members would be unable to occur when engaged by the contact element. In a specific arrangement, the contact assembly includes a contact support structure which carries the contact members.

Abstract: An electric bypass switch for connecting and disconnecting an electric apparatus such as a voltage regulator with respect to a power system includes a pair of spaced insulators on each of which a pair of conductive terminals are mounted, one pair of terminals being adapted for connection to the apparatus and the other pair of terminals being adapted for connection with the infeed and outfeed conductors of an electric power line respectively, a pair of hinge contacts hingedly mounted respectively on one pair of the conductive terminals, a pair of jaw contacts mounted respectively on the other pair of conductive terminals, a unitary switch blade having a pair of concentric conductors which are separated by mechanically sturdy insulating material and arranged with the hinge ends thereof connected respectively with the hinge contacts and the swing ends of the switch blade conductors being engageable and disengageable with the jaw contacts respectively, a bypass conductor electrically connected with and pivotally

Abstract: An electric disconnect switch having fixed and movable contacts includes a latch mounted for limited oscillating and sliding movement on the movable contact and operable by a manual operating member, a ramp fixedly mounted on the fixed contact and having a latching surface engageable by the latch, a biasing device arranged to bias the latch in a direction to maintain the latch in engagement with the latching surface, together with a low friction device mounted on the movable contact and engageable with a part of the latch during a switch closing operation to impart closing movement to the movable contact in response to closing movement of the operating member.

Abstract: An electric switch of the by-pass type having a pair of main fixed contacts insulated from each other which cooperates with a pair of main movable contacts which are insulated from each other is provided with a by-pass switch for electrically connecting and disconnecting the main fixed contacts on which a latch is movably mounted and having a part engageable with a fixed latch engaging element so as positively to lock the by-pass switch in closed position, the latch being operated by an actuator mounted on and movable with the main movable contacts for imparting latching movement to the latch in coordination with opening of the main movable contacts. Conversely the actuator unlatches the latch in coordination with closing movement of the main movable contacts.

Abstract: A power line/transformer switch of the isolator type, with knife members for the respective phases disposed on a common, rotatable shaft of insulating material. The respective contacts for the knives are disposed on an opposing, fixed shaft composed of insulating material. The respective shafts are mounted at one end of supports that are joined at the opposite end such that the supports constitute the legs of a V-shaped frame. The base of the V-formed supports is disposed perpendicularly on the longitudinal support bar that is parallel with the shafts, this longitudinal bar being provided with fasteners for attachment to a tower.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting single-pole load-disconnecting switches in a middle voltage net includes a plurality of conventional, individually switchable load-disconnecting switches mounted on a single common base frame enclosed with a common housing. All the switches are arranged on individually rotatable hubs positioned on a common central shaft journalled in the base frame. Each hub establishes the connection between the associated load-connecting switch and a respective drive. Each switch is additionally provided with a support which carries a high voltage-high efficiency safety device.

Abstract: A so-called blow-off type current limiting circuit breaker is provided with an elongated movable contact arm that is pivotally mounted at one end thereof on a pin that projects from opposite sides of a support. The contact arm is constructed of parallel sections that are biased toward one another, by spring means disposed remote from the support, with the support being resiliently clamped between the sections to provide a good electrical connection between the support and contact arm. The pivot pin extends through aligned enlarged pivot apertures in the parallel sections to facilitate weld breaking. A wall of each pivot aperture is disposed to cooperate with the pivot pin to achieve a camming action that moves the contact arm slightly lengthwise after initial butting engagement of the circuit breaker main contacts to wipe the engaged contacts with respect to one another.

Abstract: A high voltage multi-position type three phase electrical switch having stationary and movable contacts which are supported, respectively, on relatively fixed and movable contact supports internally of a switch casing. The contact supports are interchangeable and are made of a nonconductive molded plastic. The contact supports are adapted to selectively support either conductive contact support bars on which relatively stationary spring contacts are mounted, or contact blades which, in association with movement of a movable contact support, may be closed into spring contacts carried on an associated relatively fixed contact support. The movable contact blades comprise flexible braided electrical conductors having conductive contact sleeves swaged on their opposite ends so that the contact end portions define contact bars which are substantially solid in transverse cross section.

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: Apparatus for preventing two switches from being simultaneously closed. A pair of rollers are each movable in, and between the ends of, respective curved tracks. The rollers are each linked to a respective switch so that when its switch is closed, each roller is at the bottom of its track, and when its switch is open, each roller is at the top of its track. Each switch cannot operate if its roller cannot move. A yoke maintains the rollers a fixed distance apart so that each roller may be at the top of its track, one roller may be at the top of its track while the other roller is at the bottom of its track, and vice versa, but one roller cannot move away from the top of its track if the other roller is not at the top of its track and vice versa. If one switch attempts to close while the other switch is closed, the roller of the closed switch is pulled into a detent at the bottom of its track; the roller remains in the detent as long as the other switch attempts closure.

Abstract: A modular section insulator switch having a unique base on which two feeder cable assemblies and at least two trolley line assemblies may be provided in combination with a switch assembly. In use, different sized feeder cable assemblies and switch assemblies may be interchanged quickly while the switch is in-line to accommodate higher amperage feeder cables because of the unique base.

Abstract: A group operated circuit disconnect apparatus for overhead electric power lines has a base in the form of a box-like housing which mounts on a pole, an upright shaft extends through the housing, and a transverse shaft also extends through the housing. A linkage is mounted on the shafts in the housing so that axial rotation of the transverse shaft axially rotates the upright shaft, and this causes three circuit disconnect switches mounted on the housing to be moved simultaneously between closed positions and open positions, or vice versa. An electric motor driven screw and nut drive subassembly for the transverse shaft is mounted in the housing; and the ends of the housing have removable closure plates for access to the linkage and for removal of the subassembly.

Abstract: The disclosed circuit breaker includes a movable contact which enters the space between stationary contact jaws, the movable contact acting through a spring to bias a jaw-closing toggle toward erect condition, so that contacts on the contact jaws firmly grip the movable contact.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a contact arrangement with a first contact and a second contact. The second contact has two contact members between which the first contact is received. A contact support resiliently supports one of the first and second contacts so that the supported contact is resiliently mounted relative to the contact support means and movable relative to the other contact.

Abstract: A manual operating handle assembly for an enclosed switch includes a walled frame which resides within the switch enclosure and rotatably mounts a shaft. A sprocket on the shaft turns therewith to move a chain coupled to another sprocket which operates the switch or a stored-energy operator therefor. A pair of arms keyed to the shaft mounts a handle for longitudinal sliding movement toward the shaft and into the frame, and away from the shaft and out of the frame. Rotation of the handle between extreme rotative locations rotates the arms and the shaft. A contoured surface within the frame interferes with the handle in its extreme rotative locations when it is within the frame to prevent rotation thereof. Only if the handle is first slid out of the frame does it clear the surface for rotation between its extreme rotative locations. When the handle is between its extreme rotative locations, it cannot be slid into the frame due to interference of the contoured surface.

Abstract: An electric switch of the snap-action type includes a pair of relatively movable contacts, an operating linkage interconnected with a movable one of the contacts for imparting operating movement thereto, a hollow tubular rotatable member interconnected with the operating linkage and operable to impart switch operating movement thereto, a latching part secured to the rotatable member and engageable with abutment means so as to secure the rotatable member against rotation, spring means in the form of a torsion bar disposed within the rotatable member and effective to impart rotation thereto upon disengagement of the latching part from the abutment means, movable motive means in the form of a rotatable tube interconnected with the torsion bar for imparting twisting moment thereto together with latch releasing means mounted on and movable with the movable motive means for engaging the latching part and for moving such part out of engagement with the associated fixed abutment means after a predetermined degree of

Abstract: A shielding arrangement for preventing the buildup of ice on the contacts of an outdoor high-voltage switch structure. The shield includes one or more flexible members which overlie the contacts and are in the path of the travel of a switch element.

Abstract: Load break air switch incorporating quick make and break mechanical operator that includes arming and load release levers rotatable about separate parallel axes. A pair of compression springs are connected in uni-directional force transmitting relation between the arming and load release levers and are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the plane defined by the foregoing axes. Latching structure is provided to prevent rotation of the load release lever upon rotation of the arming lever until a predetermined amount of energy is stored in one of the compression springs. Improved pivot structure is provided for providing enhanced current transfer, the pivot incorporating a louvered contact band.

Abstract: A high voltage switch has a molded plastic support base which carries contact terminals at its opposite ends and on the front surface of the base. Switch contacts are connected to the terminals. The support base is hollow and its interior and exterior surfaces are slotted or projections are added to increase electrical creepage from the switch support to the switch contacts. The support base has openings for receiving elongated bus terminals to allow rear connection of the switch terminals rather than front connection to the front switch terminals. A rotatable operating shaft is mounted at the rear of the base and connected to the switch blade by insulation operating links. A suitable operating mechanism is fixed to the operating shaft at one end thereof.

Abstract: An electric circuit disconnect switch has an improved hinge terminal mounting in which a rotatable blade has a hinge terminal end portion in which opposite faces are provided with sockets which are essentially hemispherical about a common axis, and a terminal connector has a bifurcated end portion defining a bight and effectively parallel arms which flank said faces of the blade and have threaded holes on said common axis near their free ends. Pivot studs which screw into the holes have hemispherical extremities seated in the sockets so that seating force applied by turning the studs spreads the arms and thus thrusts the pivot studs firmly into the sockets. A compression spring and an adjusting bolt and nut between the bight and the studs biases the arms toward one another with adjustable force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch suitable for use in power systems. The switch is of the vertical break type, having two stationary support insulators and one reciprocatory, insulative push rod, wherein movement of a switch blade takes place in a plane which also includes the insulators and the push rod. The two insulators are mounted on a base, one insulator supporting a switch blade hinge assembly, and the other insulator supporting a contact assembly for the switch blade. A novel linkage mounted to the hinge assembly connects the blade to the push rod and permits at least 90.degree. of movement of the blade without adversely affecting dielectric clearances between the push rod and the insulators. The insulators remain stationary when the switch operates, only the push rod and the novel linkage moving to provide motive force to the blade. The push rod may be reciprocated by interconnection to a rotatable shaft via a lever.

Abstract: A group operated circuit disconnect apparatus for overhead electric power lines has a base in the form of a box-like housing which mounts on a pole, an upright shaft extends through the housing, and a transverse shaft also extends through the housing. A linkage is mounted on the shafts in the housing so that axial rotation of the upright shaft axially rotates the transverse shaft, and this causes three circuit disconnect switches mounted on the housing to be moved simultaneously between closed positions and open positions, or vice versa, as the upright shaft is manually rotated. An end of the housing has a removable closure plate for access to the linkage.

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: The disclosed device eliminates the undesired rotational movement of an installed in-line power switch of the type having a ribbed insulator through which an insulator rod is extended into metallic end fittings. The end fittings carry the electrodes or contacts of a blade switch assembly and at least one of the end fittings is adapted for pivotal mounting to the clevis member end of a strain link. The end fitting at the pivotal mounting is provided with integral projecting tongues which project away from the pivot axis and engage a surface of the clevis thereby to reduce the relative rotation between the end fitting and the clevis member about the pivotal mounting. In one embodiment the tongue includes an inclined surface adapted to wedgingly engage a corresponding inclined surface of the clevis member in a complementary relationship therewith.

Abstract: A group operated circuit disconnect apparatus for overhead electric power lines has a base in the form of a box-like housing which mounts on a pole, an upright shaft extends through the housing, and a transverse shaft also extends through the housing. A linkage is mounted on the shafts in the housing so that axial rotation of the upright shaft axially rotates the transverse shaft, and this causes three circuit disconnect switches mounted on the housing to be moved simultaneously between closed positions and open positions, or vice versa, as the upright shaft is manually rotated. An end of the housing has a removable closure plate for access to the linkage.