Abstract: A quick-acting movable-column tripping device is provided as an optional feature of either circuit-interrupters, supported by upstanding insulating column structures, or, alternatively, in connection with circuit-interrupters having a serially-related disconnecting switchblade, providing a visible open-circuit gap, so that a minimum of time is utilized in a tripping operation of the circuit-interrupter. Otherwise, there would be a considerably-delayed action caused by the normal, or inherent lost-motion provided in the loose linkages, which normally are used to effect operative movement of the movable relatively massive supporting column structure.The quick-acting, accelerating tripping device of the present invention provides relative fast motion between the upstanding rotatable supporting column structure and a base-spindle device, the latter of which is operatively mechanically linked to the motor-operated mechanism, for example, of the switch structure, which may be relatively slow in operation.

Abstract: An oil-type circuit-breaker has an improved grid structure for effecting quick extinction of the arc, which is established and lengthened within the grid structure by the separation of the rod-shaped movable contact downwardly away from the stationary-contact structure. The grid structure is constructed by providing a plurality of suitably-configured plate elements, constituting vent passages and oil pockets, within an outer cylindrical shell member. The stationary contact assembly is so arranged as to have a lengthened finger, which serves as an arcing horn, disposed adjacent the side lateral vent openings. The vent openings are formed by passages provided in the individual suitably-configured plate elements; and a splitter plate is interposed between the lateral vent passages and close to the path of movement of the movable contact rod.

Abstract: An improved puffer-type gas-blast circuit-interrupter is provided having a movable operating cylinder assembly movable over a relatively-fixed piston structure. A high-compression ratio is obtained during the opening operation by minimizing the "dead" volume of arc-quenching gas within the movable operating cylinder, and an efficient gas-flow path through the movable cylinder assembly smoothly converges through the movable nozzle throat area into the drawn arc.The improved puffer-type interrupter of the present invention, additionally, is provided with a shorter insulating nozzle than in conventional "puffers" to provide a more efficient gas path; and finally, a continuous annular stationary piston configuration requires no orientation procedures for assembly operations.

Abstract: An improved supporting insulator assembly is provided for high-voltage metal-enclosed gas-insulated equipment. The supporting insulator assembly is preferably cast onto the inner high-voltage conductor by improved attachment means, and the inner high-voltage gradient conditions are controlled around the inner high-voltage conductor, or bus by an improved shielding construction.Additionally, an improved construction provides an expansion joint so as to allow axial longitudinal movement of the inner high-voltage conducting elements relative to the outer grounded metallic sheath, or casing due to differences in temperature and coefficients of thermal expansion therebetween.An additional feature of the invention is the improved connection of the supporting insulator structure with adjacent high-potential components.Another important feature of the present invention is the truncated configuration of the supporting insulator assembly.

Abstract: An improved supporting insulator assembly is provided for high-voltage metal-enclosed gas-insulated equipment in which the peripheral flange portion is formed of two separate members, one member being an internal insulating spacer-member supporting the inner high-voltage conductor, and the other member being, optionally, of insulating or metallic material, and constituting an outer annular ring-shaped clamping support member, the latter being under high-loading pressure between the two confronting metallic flange portions of the outer metallic grounded casings, or pipe sections.

Abstract: An improved multiphase compressed-gas circuit-interrupter installation is provided having compact, serviceable and inexpensive operating arrangements with an improved gas-leakage detection arrangement and system for detecting a loss of high-pressure gas in each of the multiphase circuit-breaker modules to the exclusion of the other adjacent circuit-breaker phase modules.An improved operating-linkage rod-assembly is provided extending across the front of the circuit-breaker installation, and readily available for easy servicing and adjustment, so that synchronism of the control valves in the several phase-units, or pole-units may be achieved.

Abstract: An improved grounded-tank compressed-gas circuit-interrupter of the two-break rotatable contact-arm type is provided having an improved grounded metallic-tank configuration to accommodate interiorly therein one or more arc-extinguishing assemblages of the two-break rotating contact-arm variety.In some embodiments of the invention, only a single rotatable contact-arm assemblage is provided, the axis of rotation being generally horizontal, and a vertically-extending generally cylindrical grounded metallic dead-tank housing being provided to accommodate interiorly therein the arc-extinguishing assemblage, with the line-terminal connections for the rotatable contact-arm assemblage extending generally laterally, horizontally to a pair of upstanding terminal-bushings, the latter being generally vertically disposed, and extending downwardly into off-jutting metallic tank portions interconnected with the main cylindrical tank housing.

Abstract: An improved circuit-breaker position-indicator is provided for a gas-type circuit-interrupter in which the circuit-breaker structure is enclosed within an outer pressurized casing at a different pressure than the gas pressure interiorly of the circuit-breaker itself. Improved means are provided for effecting manual movement of the circuit-breaker contacts by a hand-jack assembly, when desired. Visible safe indication of the correct circuit-breaker open and closed-circuit positions is obtained at all times for safe and dependable operation of the circuit-breaker.

Abstract: An improved multi-phase compressed-gas circuit-breaker installation is provided having the three or more circuit-breaker assemblies mounted upon a horizontally-extending rigid frame structure, with the high-pressure and low-pressure gas-reservoir tanks disposed close to the ground, and having the circuit-breaker assemblies extending upwardly in spaced lateral horizontal relationship. Pressurized pipes, or conduits connect to the circuit-breaker assemblies, the pressurized pipes containing, of course, the internal high-voltage power-conductors at the centers of the pressurized pipes, as well known by those skilled in the high-voltage power-transmission art of the pressurized gas-insulated type.

Abstract: An improved high-voltage circuit-interrupter is provided having series main contacts and resistance contacts with a closing resistance shunting the resistance contacts, so that the closing resistance is inserted into the circuit during the closing operation of the high-voltage circuit-interrupter, but is out of the circuit during the opening operation. An improved latching mechanism is provided for ensuring that the resistance contacts remain closed, during the beginning of the opening operation of the breaker, so that the closing resistance is shorted out, and the task of extinguishing the established arc, or arcs is imposed only upon the main contacts and not at the resistance contacts.

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 gas-heating means is provided for a multi-phase gas-type circuit-interrupter, all phases being supplied with high-pressure gas from a single high-pressure reservoir tank by suitable baffling means spaced longitudinally along the high-pressure reservoir tank, together with hot and cold inlet and outlet pipes leading into the separate upstanding circuit-breaker columns, or modules, controlling the individual phases, with the cold outlet pipe, preferably, extending downwardly toward the lower end of the high-pressure reservoir tank, and the hot inlet pipe located, preferably, at a higher elevational level than the cold outlet pipe, for thereby promoting proper heated gas circulation into the upstanding circuit-breaker modules.

Abstract: A simplified-type of multi-phase compressed-gas circuit-interrupter installation is provided in which costly and complicated I-beam base structures are eliminated, and the low-pressure gas-reservoir tank is so used and located as to provide a lower main support for the circuit-breaker installation. In addition, the high-pressure gas-reservoir tank is so used and located in such a manner that its main supporting brackets become a main support for the circuit-breaker assembly.The construction is such that a simplified support is provided having the several component parts of the installation so arranged as to be readily accessible for servicing, and arranged together in a new combination for a resultant compact easily maintained arrangement.

Abstract: An improved puffer-type compressed-gas circuit-interrupter is provided having tubular stationary and movable contacts, which make a valve-closed, gas-retaining, abutting, contacting action for a predetermined portion of the opening travel of the interrupter.A lazy-tong-multiplying operator is provided with the guide-rail means therefor supported from one end of a gas-retaining hollow casing structure. Additionally, a movable metallic cooler member is shielded by the movable nozzle movable with the movable operating gas-compressing cylinder.

Abstract: A puffer-type gas-blast circuit-interrupter is provided having an operating cylinder movable over a fixed composite piston structure, the fixed composite piston structure providing a variable cross-sectional area by means of a secondary piston area, preferably annular in configuration, which is releasably latched in a fixed forward position, and, subsequently, during the opening operation of the breaker, collapsed to a retracted position.The composite piston arrangement may be such that upon collapse of the secondary "fixed" piston, the diameter of the surrounding movable operating cylinder may be such as to closely surround the central area of the primary fixed piston structure to retain high-pressure gas within the piston-compression chamber without loss.

Abstract: A seismic damper device is provided between the supporting plate adjacent the bottom of an upstanding piece of electrical apparatus and the lower main frame support members, supporting said upstanding electrical equipment, so that any relative motion between the upstanding column structure and the main lower-disposed frame support structure is restricted. Preferably, a liquid-filled dash-pot assembly, or energy-absorbing device, is utilized at one or more locations extending between the lower supporting plate member of each upstanding column structure and the lower-disposed main supporting framework.In one form of the invention there are provided three equally-spaced radially-extending support arms extending outwardly from the main supporting plate disposed adjacent and fixed to the lower end of each upstanding column structure.

Abstract: An improved adjustable circuit-interrupter is provided capable of withstanding the forces of high momentary currents, while utilizing easily-made parts, many of which are common for different-rating breakers. The circuit-interrupter arrangement provides more rigidity than prior-art interrupter arrangements, and is capable of withstanding the tremendous lateral forces encountered and associated with high momentary currents passing through the interrupter. The arrangement represents a substantial cost reduction, when compared with the solid-insulation-type of pole-unit interrupter currently in production. A support-rod provides a means of adjustment of the height of the primary disconnecting contact fingers of the device, and eliminates the necessity of many critical dimensions on the pole-unit without compromising the ability of the roll-in-type circuit-interrupter to "plug" into a standard cubicle, or cell.

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.

Abstract: Improved hermetic seals for casing structures, particularly applicable for insulating-casing structures utilized in connection with gas-type piston-flow circuit-interrupters, are provided including end metallic closure-plate members, which are hermetically sealed in a gas-tight manner to the ends of generally-tubular, or cylindrically-shaped insulating-casing structures, such as porcelain casings, for example.In some embodiments of the invention, an internally-located ring-shaped, mounting-flange member, or adapter ring, is secured, as by a cemented, or babbitted construction, to the inner internal end surface of the insulating-casing structure, and suitable hermetic sealing means are provided for attaching the metallic end closure plate member to this internally-disposed supporting-flange, or adapter member.

Abstract: An improved circuit-breaker is provided utilizing generally flat, horizontal, vertically-spaced power-conductors, which cooperate with the ends of pairs of post-type insulators to result in facilitated cooling and a desirable increase in the current-carrying capacity of the circuit-breaker. Higher continuous currents are achieved by the use of vertically-spaced, horizontal conductor-assemblies, which expose large surface areas to the air, in conjunction with high-strength post-insulators of novel construction. Additionally, the flat, rectangularly shaped, power conductors offer a useful available mounting surface for a vacuum-interrupter unit, when the latter is used as the interrupting means.