Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a vacuum interrupter incorporates a pivotable bell crank mechanism and a displacement structure for imparting movement of the bell crank mechanism to a coupling structure which is connectable to a contact stem carrying the movable contact of the interrupter for moving the contact into and out of engagement with another contact of the interrupter. After movement of the coupling structure for a sufficient distance in a direction which causes closure of the contacts the displacement structure is capable of being moved for a further distance to disengage it from a cooperating surface of the coupling structure. On the return movement the displacement structure is traveling at high velocity when it re-engages the cooperating surface of the coupling structure which produces a rapid acceleration of the latter and hence, in use, of the movable contact of the interrupter to the open position.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for electrical switching elements oppositely mounts together the switching elements in a pair. Each switching element, which may be a high-voltage fuse, a disconnect blade, or the like, has a first and a second support point. A central support, which may be dihedral, mounts two insulators, the free ends of which extend away from each other. The free ends are attachable to the first support point on respective switching elements. A third insulator is mounted to the support opposite from the other two insulators so that a free end thereof is generally oppositely directed from the other insulators, producing a "Y" configuration. The end of the third insulator is attachable to the second support point on both switching elements. The assembly permits both compact, opposed mounting of a pair of switching elements, as well as one less insulator than used in typical mounting assemblies.

Abstract: A contact arrangement for a graphite electric arc-electrode employs a contact spud composed of a metal having a high melting point and a soldering layer disposed between the contact spud and graphite electrode. The soldering layer contains at least one carbide forming metal. In one embodiment of the invention, a carbide-forming metal layer is disposed between the graphite electric arc-electrode and the soldering layer. In a preferred form of the method of making the arrangement, the soldering layer and the carbide-forming metal layer are plasma-sprayed or steamed onto the surface to be connected.

Abstract: A three-phase, high voltage switch arrangement is operated through a connected drive shaft by a switch operating mechanism that can be either driven by motor power or manually operated. When manual operation is desired, a crank handle is folded out of a stored position to an operating position. An improved mechanism is provided to prevent the crank handle from operably engaging the switch operating mechanism until stored torsional energy (i.e., the potential energy due to torsional strain) in the drive shaft has been released thereby avoiding improper operation, such as unexpected whipping of the handle. In addition, when the crank handle is folded out to its operating position, the motor is disabled so that the motor can not be operated while the handle is engaged with the mechanism so that the handle cannot be driven by the motor.

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: A procedure and apparatus for increasing the ease and safety of making grounding connections in electrical distribution systems having access areas including switch and fuse blades removable by hot stick operation. A grounding blade physically interchangeable with standard fuse and switch blades is provided with convenient connections for receiving a grounding cable or cables, so that either end of the blade, or both ends thereof, can be grounded, whereby to ground system components connected thereto.

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: A high voltage center break disconnect switch assembly having an integrally cast aluminum base usable as cast with provisions for shaft and gear adjustments without disassembling the switch and utilizing open stainless steel bearings.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a control electrode for high-voltage apparatus which alters the electric field in the vicinity of the voltage-carrying parts. The control electrode includes a formed body of a conductive plastic foam material. The control electrode is suitable, for example, for multipole medium-voltage switching apparatus wherein the pole spacing can be reduced with the air of control electrodes of the invention.

Abstract: In an electrical switch for making and breaking electric connection between an energized electric conductor and a de-energizable electric conductor that are separated by an insulator and are controllable through manipulation of a pivotably movable switch element, a grounding mechanism is provided for connecting the de-energizable electric conductor to ground potential in the open condition of the switch to pass any electric current that might flow through the insulator to ground in the event the insulator might have become defective for any reason to such extent that it allows passage of electric current therethrough. The grounding mechanism may include a grounding connector element that may be connected to ground through a suitable grounding conductor and may also include grounding contact means that establishes electrical contact with the grounding conductor element in the open position of the switch.

Abstract: An electrical disconnect switch and circuit interrupter has an interrupter with an elongate tubular housing assembly that mounts on a fixed contact structure of the switch and has an internal fixed interrupter contact electrically connected to said fixed contact structure. A movable interrupter contact that normally abuts the fixed interrupter contact has a conductive actuating rod that slides in an apertured plug in one end of the housing assembly and has an actuating catch at its outer end, and a fixed conductive catch on the housing is electrically connected to the rod through the plug. An operating arm on a pivoted movable contact structure of the switch engages the catches sequentially as it is moved from closed position, first completing a bypass circuit through the fixed catch and then pulling the actuating rod to separate the interrupter contacts. The arm ultimately rides off the actuating catch and a spring returns the movable interrupter contact to its normal position.

Abstract: A cylindrical porcelain insulator having a depressed opening in at least one end thereof is utilized as a support member. An elongated steel stud having a threaded end and an enlarged securing end is disposed in the depressed central opening of the porcelain insulator. The enlarged securing end has circumferential lateral ridges and depressions for providing an enlarged surface area. Babbit or epoxy material is disposed in the remaining volume of the depressed opening. The securing end of the stud is therefore suspended in the hardened babbit or epoxy material, which in turn is affixed to the sides of the depressed opening, thus affixing the stud to the insulator. The stud has a relatively flat circumferential lateral shoulder at the upper end thereof which protrudes above the end of the insulator and out of the depressed opening. An electrical bus bar or bus bar retaining apparatus is disposed around the threaded portion of the stud to rest on the flat shoulder in a flat surface to flat surface relationship.

Abstract: Sequential operation of a pair of switches in a required sequence of operation is ensured by means of a telescoping arrangement of tubes which are connected to associated ones of switch operating shafts. A positive stop prevents the movement of one telescoping member relative to the other out of sequential order.

Abstract: An improved circuit-interrupter is provided using rectangular bars for the power conductor assemblies, and having the material of the bars, and the number and thickness thereof, determine the current-rating capability of the equipment, for example, 1200 amperes, 2000 amperes or 3000 amperes, for example. Standoff insulating insulators, such as porcelain insulators, are preferably utilized for supporting the power conductor-assemblies, or power bus-bar assemblies, in spaced-apart relationship within the equipment.The movable contact-bridging assembly comprises spaced conducting contact-blades with the number thereof, and material dependent upon the current rating of the device. The configuration of the contact blades, comprising the movable bridging contact assemblies, is preferably such that slight lateral width of the movable contact assembly is necessary, for accommodating the usual operating-rod when rotation of the movable assembly is desired to effect the movement thereof from the operating mechanism.

Abstract: An improved supporting means for the power conductor assemblies in circuit breakers is provided including one or more pairs of side-by-side post-insulators for insulatingly supporting one or more of the power conductor assemblies of the circuit breaker. Additionally, another pair of side-by-side post-insulators may be utilized to support one of the power-conductor assemblies from the grounded frame structure of the circuit breaker. Improved strength is provided by utilizing pairs of side-by-side post-type insulators and also cost reduction is remarkably achieved. Mounting bolts may be cast into the ends of the post-type insulators, such as formed of porcelain, for example, to support suitable hardware, such as metallic channel members, for example, to accommodate the power-conductor assemblies.