Abstract: An earth anchor apparatus having reduced bending moment characteristics is provided, including a longitudinally extending hub having first and second axial ends. Affixed to the hub between the ends thereof is a radially extending load-bearing element, including a leading edge intersecting the hub and structure extending radially outward from the hub in a generally helical direction. The apparatus further includes an elongated anchor rod having first and second ends, and means for coupling the rod to the earth anchor. The coupling means includes means for reducing bending moments in the rod during movement thereof.

Abstract: An improved, failure-resistant, low mechanical stress electrical connector bushing (10) is provided which includes an elongated, central metallic conductor rod (12) with an insulative epoxy body (14) cast about the central rod (12). The rod is of substantially constant diameter throughout its length, and includes a male connection end (16) and an opposed female connection end (18). The connection end (18) presents an upset, integral, cold-forged, radially expanded terminal portion (20) having a diameter greater than the constant diameter rod (12), and presents a butt end face (24). Stress analysis confirms that the bushing (10) develops reduced, mechanical thermally induced stresses, as compared with a prior design.

Abstract: A motor operator connecting member for padmount switchgear is provided which includes a connector and a key shiftably mounted thereon. The motor operator connecting member is adapted for selectively operatively coupling or decoupling a linear actuator and a shaft operatively connected to the switch blade of the switchgear for moving the switch blade in and out of contact with the switch contacts. The key is manually manipulable between a first position coupling the connecting member and the shaft and a second position effectively decoupling the connecting member from the shaft whereby the shaft and connecting member are free to pivot relative to one another.

Abstract: A manually installed landscape foundation (20, 56) adapted for supporting a yard light (22) or similar device requiring connection to a utility line (47) such as an electrical cable or gas line is provided having a lowermost anchor shaft (24, 64) equipped with a load-bearing helix (28, 68) and a slotted, centrally apertured (34, 62) uppermost base plate (30, 58). The anchor shaft (24, 64) is coupled with the base plate (30, 58) so as to define an open clearance area (44, 70) beneath the base plate (30, 58) and aperture (34, 62). A manual driving implement (46, 72) is used for installation purposes, and includes a T-handle (48, 74) having an engagement plate (50, 76) equipped with depending driving lugs (52, 54, 80, 82). In one foundation (20), a bail (36) defining a central clearance area (44) is used to interconnect the anchor shaft (24) and base plate (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing the foundation of a building structure includes a support assembly fastened to the foundation and a screw anchor installed in the earth in generally upright disposition with an upper end thereof located adjacent the foundation. The upper end is secured within a sleeve of the support assembly by a bonding composition to prevent movement of the screw anchor relative to the sleeve. During assembly of the apparatus, a lower bracket of the support assembly is attached to the foundation of a building to be stabilized, and the screw anchor is installed in the earth in generally upright disposition with an upper end of a rod of the anchor located adjacent the lower bracket. The sleeve is placed over the upper end of the rod, and a bonding composition is inserted into the interior space of the sleeve between the sleeve and the rod. The sleeve is also attached to the bracket to prevent settling and uplift movement of the foundation relative to the screw anchor.

Abstract: Improved synthetic resin insulators having enhanced arc track resistance and reduced UV light degradation characteristics are provided which include a continuous resin phase and a discrete, discontinuous hydrophobic phase in the form of discrete, suspended droplets within the resin. The preferred insulators are formed of a continuous epoxy matrix having suspended droplets of petrolatum dispersed therein. The resin phase comprises from about 15 to 50% by weight of the composition, whereas the hydrophobe is present at a level from about 2 to 10% by weight. UV light resistance is improved by predissolving or predispersing a quantity of UV light absorber in the hydrophobe before the latter is mixed with the resin phase. Use of a hydrophobe which is solid at normal temperatures but which melts above about 80.degree. F. (such as petrolatum) results in lower dust attraction during ordinary conditions and the ability to melt and effectively encapsulate surface dust during periods of increased arcing activity.

Abstract: A clamp for suspending a conductor from a support structure includes a body and a cover, each provided with a conductor-supporting surface having a trough and a set of upstanding tabs lining the sides of the trough and protruding from the conductor-supporting surface. The tabs on the cover are spaced from the tabs on the body in the longitudinal direction of the troughs such that the two sets of tabe intermesh when the cover is positioned on the body. The cover is movable between first and second positions in which the troughs, together with the two sets of tabs, enclose the circumferential surface of a conductor retained in the aparatus. A plurality of conductors may be accommodated by a single clamp construction.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution apparatus a switchgear device has a fixed element disposed within a shielded region of an enclosure of the apparatus, and a movable element supported for movement between a closed position in contact with the fixed element and an open position out of contact with the fixed element. The movable element is disposed at least partially within an access region of the enclosure when in the open position. A panel is supported between the shielded and access regions, and includes a slot through which the movable element passes during movement between the closed and open positions. A barrier member is movable horizontally relative to the panel between a blocking position covering the slot and a non-blocking position exposing the slot. The barrier member prevents inadvertent contact with the fixed element through the slot and prevents movement of the movable element between the open and closed positions when in the blocking position.

Abstract: A low cost, easy to install underpinning apparatus (14) for supporting below-grade structural footings such as foundations (10) or the like is provided which makes use of a power installed, load-bearing helix-type screw anchor (16) together with a connecting bracket assembly (b 19) secured to the foundation (10). The anchor (16) is screwed into the earth below the foundation (10), leaving the upright end of the anchor shaft (20) adjacent the foundation (10). The bracket assembly (18) advantageously includes a foundation-engaging plate (28) with a pair of spaced, outwardly extending wall portion (30, 32) rigidly secured thereto. An elongated, U-shaped bracket (36) together with a mating retainer (42) are releasably secured to the wall portions (30, 32) and serve to captively retain the upper end of the anchor shaft (20), with the U-bracket (36) having a top crosspiece wall (38) provided with a threaded opening (40) therethrough.

Abstract: An arc spinner interrupter apparatus includes a first electrical contact assembly having a fixed contact and an arcing element. A second electrical contact assembly includes an arm selectively movable along a path into and out of engagement with the fixed contact. The arcing element extends beyond the fixed contact in a direction parallel to the path of the arm and is biased toward a position at least partially within the path of movement such that the arm impacts and engages the arcing element during movement toward the fixed contact. A mass is biased toward a position in contact with the arcing element for dampening oscillation of the arcing element in a direction transverse to the path of movement. When the arm impacts the arcing element the kinetic energy of the arcing element acting in the transverse direction is transferred from the element to the mass and oscillation of the element is reduced.

Abstract: A low cost, easy to install underpinning apparatus (14) for supporting below-grade structural footings such as foundations (10) or the like is provided which makes use of a power installed, load-bearing helix-type screw anchor (16) together with a connecting bracket assembly (19) secured to the foundation (10). The anchor (16) is screwed into the earth below the foundation (10), leaving the upright end of the anchor shaft (20) adjacent the foundation (10). The bracket assembly (18) advantageously includes a foundation-engaging plate (28) with a pair of spaced, outwardly extending wall portions (30, 32) rigidly secured thereto. An elongated, U-shaped bracket (36) together with a mating retainer (42) are releasably secured to the wall portions (30, 32) and serve to captively retain the upper end of the anchor shaft (20), with the U-bracket (36) having a top crosspiece wall (38) provided with a threaded opening (40) therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method is disclosed for stabilizing the foundation of an existing building structure which may or has experienced settlement or movement. A support for the foundation is provided that is adapted to be located at a position in underlying relationship to the foundation structure. A screw anchor having an anchor shaft and at least one helix thereon is driven into the ground adjacent the foundation support.

Abstract: An earth anchor apparatus includes a hub having a longitudinal axis and first and second axial ends, and a load-bearing helix affixed to the hub. The load-bearing helix includes a generally radially extending leading edge adjacent the first end of the hub, a generally radially extending trailing edge adjacent the second end of the hub, an inner circumferential section connected to the hub, and an outer circumferential section extending radially outward from the inner circumferential section and having an outer circumferential edge separated from the inner section. A pair of opposed surfaces extend between the inner section and the outer edge and define a thickness of the helix. The thickness of the helix at the trailing edge is greater adjacent the inner circumferential section than at the outer circumferential edge, and the thickness of the helix adjacent the inner circumferential section is greater at the trailing edge of the helix than at the leading edge.

Abstract: A recloser apparatus is provided with an enclosure or tank (40) in which a current interrupter assembly (49) is disposed that includes a pair of relatively movable contacts (50, 54) movable between a closed, current-carrying position and an open, current-interrupting position. An opening assembly (60) is included for opening the contacts to the current-interrupting position and a closing assembly (66), including a high voltage solenoid coil (61) and plunger (116) moves one of the contacts (54) to the closed, current-carrying position. An operating assembly (43) is manually accessible from outside the tank (40) and includes an operating arm (44) which is movable between an upper, intermediate and lower position, and a contact closing circuit for initiating operation of the contact closing assembly (66) when the operating arm (44) is manually moved to the upper position.

Abstract: An electrical recloser apparatus includes a tank (10) having bottom, top and side walls (18, 22, 16) which define an interior, sealed space (14), and a current interrupter (44) disposed within the sealed space (14) and including a pair of relatively movable contacts (46, 48) which are movable between a closed, current-carrying position and an open, current-interrupting position. A control assembly (30) is provided for electronically controlling the opening and closing of the contacts (46, 48), the control assembly (30) initiating operation of the contact moving means (58) to move the contacts (46, 48) to the open position in response to a fault current sensed by a sensing means (66), and initiating operation of the contact moving means (58) to move the contacts (46, 48) to the closed position after each one of a predetermined number of opening operations.

Abstract: A boom lift apparatus for use on a truck having a boom and a boom mounted bucket includes a mast selectively positionable on the boom at any of a plurality of different angles and supported on the boom for limited axial movement by a hydraulic cylinder which is fixed relative to one of the mast and the boom and movable relative to the other of the mast and boom, and a cooperating piston which is fixed relative to the other of the mast and the boom and movable relative to the one of the mast and the boom, the piston being received in the cylinder to define a variable volume in which pressure changes depending upon the position of the piston in the cylinder. A load measurement system is provided which includes a pressure measuring mechanism for measuring the pressure in the variable volume, the mechanism including a pressure gauge that includes a scale converted to indicate the load experienced by the mast as represented by the pressure in the variable volume.

Abstract: A combined foundation earth anchor and installation unit includes a cylindrical foundation support which is open at opposite ends and adapted to at least partially be embedded in the ground, an installation drive component removably positioned within the support and provided with an element extending longitudinally through the support and projecting outwardly from one end thereof, and a connector for releasably coupling the installation drive component to the support, so that upon rotational movement of the drive component, the support is rotated therewith. The installation drive component includes a drive helix on the end of the element which projects outwardly from one end of the support, so that upon application of a rotational force to the assembled foundation support and drive component, while a downward force is applied to such assembly, the drive helix causes the support and drive assembly to be pulled into the ground.

Abstract: A current interrupting apparatus adapted to be interposed in either a single or multiple phase electrical circuit includes a fuse interposed in each phase of the circuit. A current interrupter is electrically connected in series with each fuse for interrupting the current through the circuit, each current interrupter including a pair of normally closed electrical contacts and structure for opening the pair of contacts in response to a fault current of a magnitude different from the magnitude of current necessary to cause fusing of the fusible element of the fuse. A current interrupter triggering circuit is included in the apparatus for triggering operation of the contact opening structure of all of the current interrupters in response to fusing of the fusible element of any of the fuses to protect the circuit from the effects of single phasing.

Abstract: Improved arc-suppressing fuse tubes of the type used in electrical cutouts is provided which includes a fluid epoxy resin matrix core designed, upon experiencing high temperature arcing conditions, to generate sufficient moisture and arc-suppressing gases to safely and efficiently interrupt an arc. The fuse tubes of the invention completely eliminate the use of expensive and difficult to fabricate bone fiber conventionally used in fuse tubes of this type. The preferred fuse tube construction is an integrated, synthetic resin body having an outer tubular shell including an epoxy fiberglass-reinforced synthetic resin matrix, together with an inner tubular arc-suppressing core having an epoxy resin matrix with respective quantities of an organic fiber and an inorganic filler therein. An anhydride curing agent for the epoxy is incorporated at an anhydride to epoxide ratio from about 1.0 to 1.4:1.