Abstract: A vacuum switch comprises a vacuum container, a grounding switch and a load switch disposed in the container, and an external connection conductor disposed in the vacuum container and to be connected electrically inside and outside the vacuum container, and it is characterized in that the grounding switch and the external connection conductor are electrically connected to each other in the vacuum container.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an interrupter coaxial with a current sensor or transformer, the combined assembly being encapsulated within solid dielectric material and supported by an earthed tube mounted on an earthed housing. Detection by the sensor of a current overload is communicated over conductors to a circuit within the housing to cause an actuator to pull a dielectric linkage in a direction so as to move an armature through a bell crank and open interrupter, thereby opening the main current path between conductors and flexible coupling. The circuit breaker requires no insulating gas or oil.

Abstract: A rotating arc fault-current interrupter, also known as an arc spinner interrupter, is provided that establishes an easily visible open gap via a movable blade member having a first portion for engaging a stationary main contact and a second portion formed by an arcing electrode for engaging an auxiliary contact associated with an arc spinner assembly. The geometry, orientation and placement of the auxiliary contact is such that during opening of the movable blade member, the arcing electrode remains engaged with the auxiliary contact after the blade member and the stationary main contact are separated from each other whereby current is transferred through the auxiliary contact into the arc spinner assembly, i.e. the current is commutated into the arc spinner assembly.

Abstract: A power circuit interrupter includes a housing having an opening, one or more vacuum interrupters including separable contacts, and an operating mechanism, supported by the housing, adapted to open and close the contacts. A linear actuator cooperates with the operating mechanism to open and close the contacts, and is responsive to a close signal to close the contacts. A pivotable trip member protrudes through the opening of the housing and cooperates with the operating mechanism and the linear actuator to open the contacts when pivoted from a first position to a second position. A close circuit includes an input inputting the close signal. A micro-switch includes an operator and a contact electrically connected in series with the input of the close circuit. The operator is engaged by the pivotable trip member to open the contact in response to partial pivoting thereof from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: In a switchgear, oscillation of a moving current-carrying shaft and a moving contact of a vacuum valve is minimized, offset load on the contact surface is reduced, and friction the portion supporting the moving current-carrying shaft is reduced. A vacuum valve is disposed in a gas tank, one end of a moving current-carrying shaft integrally includes a moving contact of the vacuum valve, and a contact pressure adjusting spring is disposed on the other end of the moving current-carrying shaft. An operating rod extends through the gas tank, an operation mechanism is mounted on the operating rod outside the gas tank, an insulating rod is mounted inside the gas tank, and the contact pressure adjusting spring is joined to the insulating rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit breaker, preferably for high or medium voltage. The movable conact of each breaker pole is connected, via mechanical means for transmitting movement, to a movable part of an electric motor (6). The movable contact and the means for transmitting movement are arranged in a gas-tight apparatus chamber (31) surrounded by a gas-tight apparatus housing (9) of insulating material such as porcelain. In accordance with the invention the motor (6) is arranged entirely in the apparatus chamber (31). The invention also relates to an electric plant provided with the breaker claimed, uses of the breaker claimed and a method of breaking electric current in which the breaker claimed is used.

Abstract: A closed loop feedback system controls electrical switchgear that moves at least one contact relative to another contact to switch power on and off in an AC electrical circuit. The control system includes a position feedback device that is operatively coupled to at least one of the two contacts to produce contact position information. A processor receives and analyzes the contact position information to control contact motion to provide AC waveform synchronized switching. The electrical switchgear may be a capacitor switch that includes a bi-stable over-toggle latching device. The latching device maintains the contacts in one of an open stable position in which electrical current does not flow through the contacts or a closed stable position in which electrical current flows through the contacts.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a rectilinear motion circuit-breaker, for performing an open-close-reopen cycle, and operating on an operating rod of the circuit-breaker and including closing and opening springs. The opening spring operates on the operating rod. The closing spring operates on a crank end whose other end is connected to a shaft fastened to a flywheel and on which is mounted a closing cam cooperating with a roller on the operating rod. A closing pawl retains the closing spring in a compressed position, opening the closing pawl releasing the closing spring to rotate the cam, thereby closing the circuit-breaker and rearming the opening spring. A rearming motor couples to the shaft by a freewheel. A pawl triggers opening retaining the operating rod against force of the opening spring in the closed position of the circuit-breaker and is adapted to receive an opening command.

Abstract: By molding a plurality of vacuum valves (7), (13) having differing functions together with an input member (3) and an output member (21) en bloc in a resin layer (23) to form a switch gear (1), the present invention seeks to achieve dielectric strength without resorting to the use of SF6 gas, while rendering the whole device more compact and reducing both the number of parts and the man hours required for molding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum switchgear wherein a ground switch, a load switch, and an external connecting conductor to be electrically connected with the inside and outside of the vacuum container are provided in a vacuum container; the ground switch and the external connecting conductor are electrically connected in the vacuum container; and the vacuum container has a joint construction of a body portion having openings on both ends thereof, and a lid joined to the opening of the body.

Abstract: A vacuum switch comprises a vacuum container, a grounding switch and a load switch disposed in the container, and an external connection conductor disposed in the vacuum container and to be connected electrically inside and outside the vacuum container, and it is characterized in that the grounding switch and the external connection conductor are electrically connected to each other in the vacuum container.

Abstract: A recloser for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter including a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a movable shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement therewith and without insulation being disposed between the movable contact and the movable shaft. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switch equipped with a fixed contact and a moving contact that can contact with and separate from the fixed contact, wherein a single shock absorber absorbs the shock in both the breaking action and the closing action of the moving contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a switching tube with a fixed and movable contact part, said movable contact part being controlled by a plastic switch rod (SS) which remains substantially unstressed when the contact parts are connected or disconnected and the force of the contact spring (KF) when the contact parts are connected is approximately fully exerted on the movable contact part of the switching tube. The actuating lever and the pendulum lever are replaced by drive levers (AH, AH′) having a triangular contour and which are fitted with a pivoting rotational bearing (SL . . . ) in each corner area, said drive levers (AH . . .

Abstract: A disconnect apparatus for electrical power lines comprises a circuit interrupter having a fixed contact and a moveable contact. A linkage mechanism has first and second coupling elements. The second coupling element is secured to the moveable contact for operating the circuit interrupter. A drive mechanism has an output coupling element. An insulator assemble operatively connects the output coupling element to the linkage mechanism first coupling element. The insulator assembly comprises an insulator having a through bore. An insulator rod extends through the bore and is connected between the output coupling element and the linkage mechanism first coupling element. A dielectric seal is located between the insulator and the insulating rod.

Abstract: An electromagnet includes a coil, a movable iron core adapted to move on the center axis of the coil, and a stationary iron core provided so as to cover the upper and lower surfaces and the outer peripheral surface of the coil. A permanent magnet is arranged in a gap surrounded by the movable iron core and the stationary core.

Abstract: The spring-loaded mechanical control mechanism for a circuit-breaker in a high-voltage or medium-voltage grid comprises a toothed wheel turned by a spring from a first angular position to a second angular position, and a cog wheel co-operating with the toothed wheel to displace it from the second angular position to the first angular position so as to tension said spring. The toothed wheel has a peripheral set of teeth including a retractable segment on which at least four teeth are spaced apart from one another at a constant pitch identical to the pitch of the primary teeth.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter having a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator moves the circuit interrupter between the closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current. First and second terminals are electrically connected to the circuit interrupter and are adapted for electrical connection to the power distribution system, defining a current path between the first terminal, the circuit interrupter, and the second terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass through the current path so that the potential of the circuit interrupter is the same as the potential of the power distribution system.

Abstract: Rapid arc extinguishing devices for air break switches have a whip with at least an end portion of nonmetallic material such as fiber reinforced plastic with a conductive path on its surface. The nonmetallic material is a single tapered rod or an assembly of a plurality of rods successively inserted into an outer rod. The conductive path on the whip is of various individual and combination forms of which some include a metal braid, foil, sheath or wound wire. Particular forms of the conductive path on the rod have enhanced durability and arc resistance at the areas of the whip most likely to be subject to arcing with a latch of the device upon switch opening or closing. Further forms of the whip are a combination in which an end portion as described is attached to an all metal base portion that is arranged to include a portion of the whip subject to arcing on switch closing. Another form of device has a latch engaging a whip at a rotating wheel on the latch.

Abstract: Described herein is a low-voltage circuit-breaker, which comprises at least one mobile contact and a corresponding fixed contact, and a positive-opening-operation device. The positive-opening-operation device in turn comprises: a moving element associated to the mobile contact; a first kinematic chain, operatively associated to said mobile contact and to an actuating device; and a second kinematic chain, associated to said moving element and to said first kinematic chain. A first lever is associated to the first kinematic chain and a second lever is associated to the second kinematic chain, said first and second levers interacting with one another during the opening operation and being equipped with blocking devices in the event of welding of the contacts together.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switchgear device which has a first bushing which accommodates a first terminal, a second bushing which accommodates a second terminal, a first enclosure which contains an interruption unit, and at least one first disconnection unit which has a first fixed contact electrically connected to the interruption unit and a second fixed contact at ground voltage, a first moving contact which is electrically connected to the first terminal and can be coupled to the first and second fixed contacts, the moving contact being fixed to a rotary operating element and rotating rigidly therewith, the fixed contacts that can be coupled to the moving contact lying on the rotation plane of the moving contact.

Abstract: The present invention consists in a switch actuator to move an air brake switch (124) such as those commonly found in power transmission lines, between an open and closed position wherein the actuator (4) includes a first rotatable member in mechanical connection with and to move said switch (124) between said open and closed position by the rotation of said rotatable member, a second rotatable member in mechanical connection with an actuator such as a linear drive motor (8), a connection member rotatable about the same pivot axis as the first and second members, the connection member being biased for rotation about the pivot axis in a toggle manner and providing a mechanical connection means to locate (a) against a fixed point of, and be displaced by, said second rotatable means at least during the rotation of the connection member by the second rotation means towards the point of toggle of the connection means, and (b) against a fixed point of and to thereby displace, the first rotatable member at least dur

Abstract: Enclosed type switchgear is provided. Oscillation amount of a moving current-carrying shaft and a moving contact of a vacuum valve is minimized, offset load on the contact surface is reduced, and friction force at the portion supporting the moving current-carrying shaft is reduced. A vacuum valve 2 is disposed in a gas tank 1, one end of a moving current-carrying shaft 9 is integrally provided with a moving contact 5 of the vacuum valve 2, and a contact pressure adjusting spring 19 is disposed on the other end of the moving current-carrying shaft 9. An operating rod 17 is disposed extending through the gas tank 1, an operation mechanism part 18 is mounted on the operating rod 17 outside the gas tank 1, an insulating rod 11 is mounted inside the gas tank 1, and the contact pressure adjusting spring 19 is joined to the insulating rod 11.

Abstract: An improved electrical interrupter apparatus includes a stationary contact and a movable contact within an enclosed region, with the movable contact being operatively connected with a drive unit that employs a pull-to-close mechanism to engage the movable contact with the stationary contact. When the contacts are desired to be closed, the drive unit applies a tensile force to an elongated rod that extends between the drive unit and a crank mechanism, which converts the tensile force in the rod into a compressive force applied to the movable contact.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter that includes a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing the current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement without insulation being disposed between the shaft and the movable contact. The shaft moves the movable contact from the closed position to the open position upon occurrence of a fault current. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator and communicating with the actuator to trigger the shaft to move the movable contact of the circuit interrupter from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: In a vacuum contactor, the armature is initially deflected from an armature rest position through an initial movement distance, and then through a driving movement distance to an armature operating position when a pull-in current is applied to a drive coil. An operating element is deflected from an element rest position to an element operating position by the armature only while the latter is passing through the driving movement distance. This makes it possible to achieve a good tripping characteristic of the vacuum contractor.

Abstract: In an integrated type gas-insulated switching apparatus, a plurality of switching devices are provided. Each of switching devices includes a contact and an insulated container in which the contact is contained. The contact comprises electrodes adapted to be contacted with each other and separated therefrom. The insulated container is filled with an insulating gas. A conductive container is provided, to which the plurality of switching devices are connected, respectively. An insulated structure supports the conductive container.

Abstract: A disconnect apparatus for electrical power lines comprises a circuit interrupter having a fixed contact and a moveable contact. A linkage mechanism has first and second coupling elements. The second coupling element is secured to the moveable contact for operating the circuit interrupter. A drive mechanism has an output coupling element. An insulator assemble operatively connects the output coupling element to the linkage mechanism first coupling element. The insulator assembly comprises an insulator having a through bore. An insulator rod extends through the bore and is connected between the output coupling element and the linkage mechanism first coupling element. A dielectric seal is located between the insulator and the insulating rod.

Abstract: The hybrid circuit breaker has at least two series-connected arcing chambers, which are operated by a commmon drive via a transmission (29) connected upstream from it. It is intended to be possible to assemble this transmission (29) easily in the interior of the hybrid circuit breaker. This is achieved in that the transmission (29) is formed from at least two transmission parts which can be plugged together, with a first transmission part being firmly connected to the at least one first arcing chamber and a second transmission part being firmly connected to the at least one second arcing chamber. The transmission (29) also has means which allow the movements of the at least two arcing chambers to be technically suitably matched to one another and to be optimized with respect to the time sequence and switching speed thereof.

Abstract: The movable conductors of a three-phase isolation switch are incorporated into the electrically insulative molded shaft, thereby mechanically supporting them and isolating them from the metal axle of the shaft. Movable contacts on the ends of each movable conductor are angularly spaced by &agr; degrees, where &agr; is less than 180° and is 90° in the exemplary embodiment. A common fixed load contact is located angularly between, and spaced &agr; degrees from, both the fixed line and ground contacts so that the shaft is rotated only &agr; degrees between a first, closed position, in which the movable conductors connect the fixed load contact for each phase to the corresponding fixed line contact, and a second, grounded position, where the fixed load contact of each phase is connected by the movable conductor to the corresponding fixed ground contact.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for interrupting the flow of current in a power distribution system is disclosed for use with an enclosure containing insulating fluid. The apparatus (10) includes a housing (20) formed from insulating material and having a mounting flange (28) formed along the exterior of the housing (20). The flange (28) is located so that the housing extends away from the mounting side and the upper side of the flange. An electrical current interrupter (16), having electrical input and output ends (16a, 16b), is positioned in the housing (20) so that a portion lies within the portion of the housing extending away from the flange mounting side. An actuator (12) is mechanically connected to the interrupter (16) to provide the mechanical actuation required to interrupt the current flow between the input and output ends of the interrupter. When the flange (28) is attached to the enclosure, the portion of the housing (20) extending away from the flange mounting side extends into the fluid within the enclosure.

Abstract: A rotating arc fault-current interrupter, also known as an arc spinner interrupter, is provided that establishes an easily visible open gap via a movable blade member having a first portion for engaging a stationary main contact and a second portion formed by an arcing electrode for engaging an auxiliary contact associated with an arc spinner assembly. The geometry, orientation and placement of the auxiliary contact is such that during opening of the movable blade member, the arcing electrode remains engaged with the auxiliary contact after the blade member and the stationary main contact are separated from each other whereby current is transferred through the auxiliary contact into the arc spinner assembly, i.e. the current is commutated into the arc spinner assembly.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises an interrupter (1) coaxial with a current sensor or transformer (2), the combined assembly being encapsulated (3) within solid dielectric material and supported by an earthed tube (11) mounted on an earthed housing (14). Detection by the sensor (2) of a current overload is communicated over conductors (13) to a circuit within the housing (14) to cause an actuator (12) to pull a dielectric linkage (10) in direction A so as to move armature (1′) through bell crank (5) and open interrupter (1), thereby opening the main current path between conductors (6, 7) and flexible coupling (4). The circuit breaker requires no insulating gas or oil.

Abstract: The movable conductors of a three-phase isolation switch are incorporated into the electrically insulative molded shaft, thereby mechanically supporting them and isolating them from the metal axle of the shaft. Movable contacts on the ends of each movable conductor are angularly spaced by &agr; degrees, where &agr; is less than 180° and is 90° in the exemplary embodiment. A common fixed load contact is located angularly between, and spaced &agr; degrees from, both the fixed line and ground contacts so that the shaft is rotated only &agr; degrees between a first, closed position, in which the movable conductors connect the fixed load contact for each phase to the corresponding fixed line contact, and a second, grounded position, where the fixed load contact of each phase is connected by the movable conductor to the corresponding fixed ground contact.

Abstract: A single-pole circuit interrupter is provided that includes a sealed housing containing a pressurized gas, relatively movable contacts and an operating mechanism for operating the relatively movable contacts. The operating mechanism is responsive to a low-speed rotational charging input and includes energy storage means capable of being charged and storing operating energy and charging means responsive to the low-speed rotational charging input for charging the energy storage means. Thus, the only seal to the environment for the overall single-pole circuit interrupter is at the single low-speed charging input. The operating mechanism includes linear stored energy devices arranged so as to generally define one or more planes or arrays and a latch arrangement that is disposed intermediate the stored energy devices and operating in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more planes or arrays.

Abstract: To reduce the size of a gas-insulated switch for the purpose of utilizing the space of a power station or substation effectively and improving the economy thereof. A gas-insulated switch equipped with a fixed contact and a moving contact that can contact with and separate from the fixed contact, wherein the breakage of the moving contact is operated with a single shock absorber in both the breaking action and the closing action of the moving contact. As a result that use of the gas-insulated switch according to the present invention improves the overall energy efficiency of components, a device with further reduced driving energy can be realized for a gas-insulated switch of the same specification.

Abstract: A three-phase encapsulated high-voltage circuit breaker for outdoor use, whose interrupter units are arranged in a tubular switch housing which is arranged horizontally. Phase connections of the interrupter units are passed vertically and together through in each case one connecting flange, with each connecting flange having an associated splitting module which is fitted with outdoor bushings. Each phase connection has an associated current transformer, and these items are located within the housing and are attached to the respective splitting module.

Abstract: A module comprising: a supporting frame, having a fixed and a movable part; first actuator for wiring the movable part; first and second sets of three insulating posts, arranged on the fixed part along two corresponding rows; first and second disconnection contacts being respectively associated with the insulating posts and being electrically connectable to the module, to corresponding electric terminals. The module comprises a set of three multifunctional interruption assemblies, each of which comprises: a supporting insulator, on the movable part and connected in an elbow-shaped configuration to a containment insulator which contains an interruption unit having a fixed movable contact which is operatively connected to second actuation means; third and fourth disconnection contacts, which are electrically connected to the interruption unit and are connected to the first and second disconnection contacts, respectively. Further, the first and/or second actuator comprises a motor with position control.

Abstract: A shorting switch includes a vacuum switch having fixed and movable contact assemblies and a driven member. A spring cover tube and bushing mount the driven member for linear movement along a path substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the movable contact assembly. The driven member moves the movable contact assembly between open and closed circuit positions. A compression spring has a compressed state and a released state, which moves the driven member and movable contact assembly to the closed circuit position. A release bolt has an opening therein and is coupled to the driven member to normally maintain the compression spring in the compressed state. A charge is disposed in the opening of the release bolt and is actuated to fracture the release bolt and release the compression spring to the released state. First and second terminals are respectively electrically interconnected with the fixed and movable contact assemblies.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an autorecloser provides an improved form of mechanical interlock between the circuit breaker element (3) of an autorecloser and a disconnector (2) in electrical series with it A shaft (82) transmits linear motion between the circuit breaker's moveable contact and the profile of a bell crank (50), the bell crank being attached to a link (70) for manual rotation of the bell crank and also to a link (60) for moving a moveable contact (20) of the disconnector between CLOSED and OPEN positions. The geometry of the bell crank profile and linkages is such that when the bell crank is rotated clockwise through an angle X from a starting position in which the moveable contacts of both the circuit breaker and the disconnector are in the CLOSED position, the moveable contact of the circuit breaker is moved to an OPEN position while the moveable contact (20) of the disconnector is maintained CLOSED.

Abstract: In a hydraulic pressure actuating apparatus for a circuit breaker, contacts of the circuit breaker has a moving contact 2 and a stationary contact 1 for turning on/off current. A shaft, at an end portion of which is attached the moving contact, and at the other end of which is attached a piston 5, is received within a cylinder 4. A directional control valve 13 exchanges oil pressure for actuating the piston. For changing over the directional control valve, pilot valves 50 and 60 are provided. Each pilot valve has a pair of valve bodies 53 and 55 or 63 and 65, each opposing to each other, and springs 54 and 64. One of the valve bodies is able to stroke up to contact with the valve body of the other valve body, therefore giving no ill influences upon actuating time, even if drawback occurs in the pilot valves in the hydraulic pressure actuating apparatus for the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A vacuum contactor includes a stationary contact and a moving contact, which can be moved in order to produce a current-carrying connection. In order to guide the moving contact during its movement in the enclosure, at least one guide element, which can be moved in a groove, is provided on the moving contact.

Abstract: A switching apparatus for multiphase electric power includes switching units corresponding to different phases. Each switching unit includes an operating mechanism having a movable coil disposed between two fixed coils, and a switch portion having a movable contact operatively connected to the movable coil. A separate power supply may be provided for each switching unit to permit individual control of the different phases.

Abstract: A highly reliable gas circuit breaker capable of improving the braking performance and the insulating performance and a gas circuit breaker capable of allowing a stress acting on the supporting member of the electrode are provided. The gas circuit breaker comprising a grounded tank filled with an insulation medium; a movable electrode arranged inside the grounded tank; a fixed electrode which is supported through an insulator supporting member inside the grounded tank and disposed detachably from and oppositely to the movable electrode; and electric conductive parts individually provided in the movable electrode and the fixed electrode, wherein the insulator supporting member is a solid cone and supports the fixed electrode in an upper side of a central axis of the grounded tank.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism ensures that a first switch does not switch to a first position unless a second switch is in a second position and that the second switch does not switch from the second position while the first switch is in the first position. The interlock mechanism includes a moveable body with a notch configured to associate a position of the moveable body with a switching of the second switch. The associated position of the moveable body locates the notch in an engagement position when the switch is in a second position and locates the notch out of the engagement position when the switch is not in the second position. The interlock mechanism also includes a rod structured and arranged to engage the notch of the moveable body when the first switch is in a first position and to disengage the notch of the moveable body when the first switch is switched from a first position.

Abstract: A mobile electrical transformer assembly is mounted on a trailer and includes a three phase transformer. The electrical switching for the transformer includes a circuit interrupter having three vertical towers at transversely spaced positions. Each tower and its associated lightning arrester is mounted on two arms of one of three vertical posts in a row. In respect of the outer posts, both of the arms are pivotal about the vertical axis of the post to move the tower and the arrester outwardly to increase the spacing. The arm of each tower includes a bracket at the bottom mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis for movement of the tower from a vertical operating position to an inclined transport position. The arm of each arrester is movable so that the arresters are moved in the transport position to a location out of alignment with the respective tower.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switchgear device. A casing is provided with a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, an interruption unit, and a disconnection unit. The disconnection unit includes a first fixed contact connected to the second connection terminal. A second fixed contact is at ground potential. A third fixed contact is connected to the first connection terminal. A first moving contact can be coupled to the third fixed contact. A second moving contact can be coupled to at least one of the first and second fixed contacts, and is electrically connected to the interruption unit. The second moving contact is rigidly fixed to a rotating actuation element. At least one of the first and second fixed contacts lies on the rotation plane of the second moving contact. The interruption unit includes an interruption chamber having a rotating case with a stationary contact and a mobile contact. A longitudinal axis of the interruption chamber is aligned with the rotating actuation element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric circuit breaker that includes at least one mobile contact. The contact is connected to operating means that includes an electric motor (6). Movement converting means (16, 17) are provided for converting rotary movement of the motor (6) to translatory movement for linear movment of the mobile contact. The object is to provide an improved movement conversion means. According to the invention, the movement conversion means includes a first body, such as a screw (17), and a second body, such as a nut (16). The threads of the screw (17) and the nut (16) co-act in engagement with each other. The invention also relates to an electric plant that is equipped with such a circuit breaker, to the use of the breaker for breaking electric current, and to a method of breaking electric current with the aid of the inventive circuit breaker.

Abstract: A retaining ring is provided for holding a bellows and a vapor shield on a stem of a vacuum circuit breaker prior to brazing. The retaining ring includes a ring shaped body defining an opening. The body has a plurality of tabs that extend into the opening. The body has an inner diameter larger than the stem while the area defined by the tabs has a diameter that is about the same size as, or smaller than, said stem nominal diameter. The body and tabs are made from a harder material than the stem. In use, the shield and bellows are placed on the stem and brought to rest on a ledge. The retaining ring is then placed on the stem. As the retaining ring is placed on the stem, one or more of the tabs will flex and bend, slightly, away from the shield and bellows. The retaining ring is then slid down the stem until the retaining ring contacts the shield and/or bellows.

Abstract: A high- and medium-voltage gas-insulated switchgear device having a casing. The casing includes an interruption unit having at least one fixed contact and one moving contact that can couple with each other, and a first actuator that is operatively connected to the moving contact. The casing also includes a disconnection unit electrically connected to the interruption unit. The disconnection unit has at least one fixed contact and one moving contact that can couple with each other, and a second actuator that is operatively connected to the moving contact. At least one of the actuators includes a motor with position control.