Abstract: An operating mechanism that provides multiple operational output states at a first output and additional operational output states at a second output that are synchronized with the first output to provide a predetermined sequence of control. The operating mechanism includes an output lever that is pivoted by the stored energy in a spring and latch levers that are selectively operated to release the output lever. When the output lever is moved between operational positions, the output lever is stopped in its pivoting movement via the latch levers.

Abstract: A loadbreak switch is provided that utilizes a pivotally mounted movable jaw contact and a main stationary contact that is positioned in the middle of an arc runner. For operation at voltages 15 kV and above, the switch utilizes a shunt contact that bridges the arc runner and that is above and coplanar with the main stationary contact. A magnetic field is developed by the current that flows through a coil of wire disposed around the arc runner. This configuration when utilized in an environment of insulating gas, provides efficient extinguishing of arcs upon opening of the contacts. Further, the open jaw contact is easily visible to establish an open gap.

Abstract: An electrical path or interconnection arrangement is provided within a formed support body of polymeric material that exhibits volumetric changes during and after the forming thereof. The electrical path or interconnection arrangement provides an accurately positioned electrically conductive path through the material of the support body and also responds to, accommodates and alleviates the effects of forces at the interface between the material of the support body and the electrical path or interconnection arrangement that occur during and after the forming of the support body. The interconnection arrangement exhibits predetermined deformability/compressibility characteristics to alleviate stresses caused by the volumetric changes of the polymeric material. In a preferred arrangement, the interconnection arrangement includes an elongated tubular conductor fabricated from a metallic material.

Abstract: An arrangement to coordinate protective devices is provided by defining operation of the instantaneous characteristic portion of an upstream protective device to coordinate with a downstream current-limiting fuse based on the peak let-through current of the downstream current-limiting device, with instantaneous operation being set to occur only above the peak let-through current of the downstream current-limiting fuse. Accordingly, for fault currents which are seen by both the instantaneous device and the current-limiting device and that are within the ratings of the current-limiting device, the upstream device will not respond and the downstream current-limiting fuse will interrupt the fault, as intended.

Abstract: A vent arrangement for enclosures that prevents the penetration of a pry bar. The vent arrangement includes a first predetermined pattern of openings of predetermined shape and dimensions provided at the exterior wall of the enclosure. The dimensions of the openings and the spacing between the openings are determined relative to the pry bar and the material in which openings are formed, such that the pry bar cannot fully enter the openings and such that the portion of the pry bar that can be applied to the openings does not cause any substantial deformation of the material surrounding the openings that could permit widening of the openings so as to allow full entry of the tip of the pry bar. In a preferred embodiment, to permit the maximum percentage area of openings within the pattern of openings while achieving the desired tamper-resistant characteristics, the first predetermined pattern of openings includes staggered rows of openings such that the openings of adjacent rows are not aligned.

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: Method and apparatus are provided responsive to the circuit parameters at one or more locations of an electrical power transmission and/or distribution network for detecting protective device operation. The detection of the protective device operation is utilized to locate faults and also to ascertain the status of protective devices. This information is useful in automated power systems for desirable isolation and sectionalizing of faults for optimum restoration of the network. A fault detection unit of the present invention is responsive to sensed circuit parameters and provides at least first and second outputs indicative of protective device operations that open the circuit. The first output is provided upon the occurrence of an overcurrent followed by the loss of a circuit parameter, such as voltage, for a specified time duration. In a preferred arrangement, the timing for a specified time duration is started when the overcurrent ends.

Abstract: Contact operating arrangement utilizing a stroke multiplier mechanism is provided for operating the contacts of high-voltage apparatus. The contact operating arrangement includes a shock-reducing feature such that the loading and forces on the stroke multiplier mechanism caused by the rapid deceleration of the moving contact structure are reduced by transfer to other portions of the contact operating arrangement. Where desired, the contact operating arrangement also includes provisions to reduce the loading to the moving contact structure during contact opening.

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 durable polymeric bearing is provided for a rotatable support insulator. The bearing is of sufficient conductivity to permit the flow of leakage current and capacitive charging current through the bearing. Thus, tracking across and/or deterioration of the bearing is avoided since insufficient voltage is developed across the bearing to cause any deleterious effects.

Abstract: A vent arrangement is provided for enclosures that prevents the entry of water into the enclosure and that also prevents the penetration of a pry bar or probe wire. The vent arrangement includes a first predetermined pattern of openings of predetermined shape and dimensions provided at the exterior wall of the enclosure. The dimensions of the openings and the spacing between the openings are determined relative to the pry bar and the material in which openings are formed, such that the pry bar cannot fully enter the openings and such that the portion of the pry bar that can be applied to the openings does not cause any substantial deformation of the material surrounding the openings that could permit widening of the openings so as to allow full entry of the tip of the pry bar.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection device is provided for one or more phases of a circuit that generates a control signal dependent upon an adjustable trip level setting after a fault has occurred. The device includes a blocking level detector that blocks the generation of the control signal is the current in any of the phases exceeds either a first predetermined blocking level or the adjustable trip level setting. In a preferred arrangement, before control-signal generation, the device also requires that the current in at least one phase is below a predetermined load level.

Abstract: A support arrangement is provided for an electrical device that is embedded within a support body or housing. The support arrangement responds to volumetric changes in the material of the support body during the molding of the support body. In a specific arrangement, the support arrangement accurately positions the electrical device with respect to the exterior of the support body and includes provisions for yieldingly supporting the electrical device.

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: A sealing arrangement is provided with overpressure relief. In the preferred embodiment, the sealing arrangement includes a sealing member that is positioned between two housing portions or the like and that is acted upon by the pressure within the housing. A force-responsive retaining arrangement maintains the sealing member in a predetermined location. Upon the occurrence of overpressures exceeding a predetermined value, the sealing member exerts sufficient force on the force-responsive retaining arrangement so as to cause appropriate displacement of the sealing member to permit the venting of the housing.