Abstract: The electrical switch according to the present invention has first and second electrical contacts each of which functions as both male and female contacts. More specifically, the first electrical contact includes a first electrical contact member having outer and inner perimeters. The second electrical contact includes a second electrical contact member also having outer and inner perimeters. A contact probe is secured to the second electrical contact member within the inner perimeter thereof. Thus, when the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact, the inner perimeter of the second electrical contact member electrically contacts the outer perimeter of the first electrical contact member and the contact probe electrically contacts the inner perimeter of the first electrical contact member.

Abstract: A high voltage surge arrester includes first, second and third terminals. Arrester components, including one or more arrester valve blocks, are serially disposed in an insulating arrester housing between the first and second terminals. A first current carrying conductor is connected between the second and third terminals by way of a disconnector. If the arrester fails, the disconnector will disengage the first current carrying conductor to provide a visible indication that the arrester has failed. At the same time, a second current carrying conductor then reestablishes the connection between the second and third terminals. Thus, a current carrying conductive path is maintained between the first and third terminals.

Abstract: A manual banding tool is provided with a band tension limit, which can be adjusted while the tool is coupled to a test device, such as a strain gauge. The manual banding tool includes a shuttle mechanism for incrementally advancing the band through the tool during a forward stroke. The shuttle mechanism is mechanically coupled to a pivotally mounted handle by way of an overcenter toggle mechanism. The overcenter toggle mechanism is coupled to a spring tensioning assembly, which includes a plurality of spring members, such as Belleville washers, disposed near the rear of the tool. An adjustment screw on the rear cover portion of the tool allows the spring tension of the spring members to be adjusted. Once the band tension limit is reached, the spring members collapse, allowing the overcenter toggle mechanism to lock the handle in position thereby preventing further movement of the shuttle mechanism. The termination may then be bent by hand such that the band is at approximately a 90.degree.

Abstract: A two-piece retaining ring assembly axially secures a coupling nut to a tubular sleeve and includes a C-shaped retaining ring and a keeper, both formed from a non-metallic composite material. An annular groove is formed on the inside surface of the coupling nut for receiving the retaining ring. The width of the gap defined between the ends of the retaining ring is such to allow the retaining ring to be pulled apart enough slipped over the annular shoulder on the tubular member and resilient enough to spring back to be received in an annular groove formed on the inside of the coupling nut. A keeper is received in an annular space between retaining ring and the tubular member. A tab, formed on the keeper, is received in the gap between the ends of the retaining ring. Anti-rotation means are also provided to restrict rotation of the coupling nut with respect to the backshell. One end of the tubular member is formed with an annular shoulder having ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A band finishing tool having a scissor-type mechanism utilizes a sliding pawl to hold one side of the buckle. The other side of the buckle is held along the edges of by buckle holding members to allow the free end of the tab to be folded over and engage the outside band diameter. The sliding pawl is mechanically coupled to the scissor-type mechanism. A rigid rollover member is mechanically coupled to the sliding pawl by way of a coupling spring. Initial squeezing of the scissor-type mechanism causes the sliding pawl to engage the buckle. Further squeezing of the scissor-type mechanism causes the rollover member to move laterally with respect to the pawl. This movement causes the tab to be folded over the buckle. The tool also includes a slot for prebending the leading edge of the tab at approximately a 45.degree. angle with respect to the band axis.

Abstract: A manual banding tool is provided with a band tension limit, which can be adjusted while the tool is coupled to a test device, such as a strain gauge. The manual banding tool includes a shuttle mechanism for incrementally advancing the band through the tool during a forward stroke. The shuttle mechanism is mechanically coupled to a pivotally mounted handle by way of an overcenter toggle mechanism. The shuttle mechanism includes a tensioning pawl assembly for gripping the band during a forward stroke. A retaining pawl assembly is mounted adjacent the feed track of the band holds the tension in the band while the shuttle mechanism is in its return stroke. The overcenter toggle mechanism is coupled to a spring tensioning assembly, which includes a plurality of spring members, such as Belleville washers, disposed near the rear of the tool. An adjustment screw on the rear cover portion of the tool allows the spring tension of the spring members to be adjusted.

Abstract: A calibration device measures the maximum pull force developed by a banding tool while tightening a metal band around a tubular sleeve, such as a termination sleeve on an electrical connector housing. The calibration device includes a strain gauge assembly carried by a frame. One portion of the frame includes a releasable jaw assembly for securely capturing the band to allow the pull force of the tool to be measured. Disposed adjacent the releasable jaw assembly is a foot portion of the frame having a slot for receiving a removable nosepiece. The removable nosepiece is formed to the contour of the nosepiece of a particular banding tool. Since the nosepiece is removable, various nosepieces having contours for various banding tools can be utilized. The calibration device also includes a force release assembly for gradually releasing the force on the force sensing element to avoid damage thereto.

Abstract: A surge arrester comprises a molded insulative support bracket for mounting the arrester to a metallic bracket. The insulative bracket includes at least two stringers that form at least one aperture between them. The aperture promotes the draining and drying of the insulative bracket. Baffles formed on the stringers increase the creepage distance across the insulative bracket and increase the rigidity and strength of the insulative bracket.

Abstract: The insulative support bracket of a surge arrester includes a concentric annular concavity formed at one or both ends of a bolt hole. A washer, when pressed concentrically to the concavity, contacts the insulative bracket only, at least initially, at surfaces adjacent the outer diameter of the washer. An annular convexity, surrounding the concavity, will mate with the central portion of an external tooth lockwasher to prevent the full penetration of the teeth of the lockwasher into the insulative bracket. The ability of the insulative bracket to withstand the mechanical forces tansmitted to the insulative bracket by the washers is thereby enhanced. The concavity may be formed either in a surface of the insulative bracket or in a surface of the washer.

Abstract: A control circuit for a circuit interrupting switch having a non-stored energy operator reduces the time period between a switch command and a change of the switch contacts. The time period is reduced by prearming the mechanical operating linkage after each switch operation. By prearming the mechanical operating linkage, the linkage has less distance to travel and hence the time period between a switch command and a change in the switch contacts is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A power driven banding tool utilizes, for example, a pneumatic motor, electric motor or other means of motive power for progressively driving the band through the tool. The tool is provided with a rotary drive mechanism which includes a knurled wheel and a plurality of spring loaded pinch rollers for gripping the band. The driving torque for the knurled wheel is provided by a worm gear assembly by way of an adjustable clutch. The worm gear assembly is operatively connected to a pneumatic or electric motor. The adjustable clutch allows the pull pressure to be calibrated to the desired limits. An Oldham type coupling is provided between the motor output shaft and the worm gear input shaft to overcome any axial misalignment. The tool also includes a handle operated rollover assembly for bending the band around the buckle to maintain the tension in the band so it can be cut off.

Abstract: An SF.sub.6 puffer interrupter switch includes one or more viewing windows located on the housing. The viewing windows are strategically located on a sidewall of the housing to allow all of the puffer interrupter assemblies within the housing to be viewed from one viewing window. The puffer interrupter assemblies that house the interrupting contacts are provided with clear puffer tubes to allow the operator to verify the position of the interrupting contacts within the puffer tubes from the viewing window located on the housing. The SF.sub.6 interrupter switch housing is pressurized. By assembling the viewing window assemblies from the inside of the housing, the positive pressure within the housing assists in sealing the viewing window assemblies to minimize the leakage of the SF.sub.6 gas. Additional viewing windows may be used to allow light inside the housing.

Abstract: A high voltage insulated bushing module of the gas operated fault closure type for connection with the probe of a mating insulated elbow module is disclosed. The module includes a snuffer tube adapted to perform as a piston within a piston cylinder cut from a length of drawn aluminum tubing. A connector unit mounted on and carried by the tube is provided to conduct load current in series abutting contact with and between the probe and the cylinder. Fault current arcing struck between an incoming probe contact and the tube mounted connector unit generates gas pressure to drive the tube toward the incoming probe, which in turn pulls the connector unit into connection with the probe contact to extinguish the arc. Alternatively, the connector unit is adapted for connection to an elongated, replaceable nut connected directly to the threaded stud of a mating bushing well, thereby rendering all load current conductive components of the bushing insert to be readily replaceable.

Abstract: A multi-conductor transmission system employs a plurality of individual conductors retained in a woven web assembly to form an organized signal transmission line. The conductors in the system may all be the same or different conductors may be used, and the conductors may be enclosed by a shield. Another shield or ground plane may be used to provide isolation between predetermined conductors of the line. The conductors may be arranged in a manner to maximize isolation between potentially interfering signals, and to permit standardized wiring arrangements. Impedance control is provided by accurately locating the conductor with respect to each other and with respect to any ground plane and shield.

Abstract: A new and improved utility pole reinforcement system includes an elongated pole splint driven into the ground adjacent the pole and having contact surfaces adapted to engage and support the surface thereof. The splint includes a structural body spaced outwardly of the pole providing increased resistance to stress applied to the pole. A pair of brackets are spaced apart longitudinally on the body portion of the splint, each bracket having opposite end portions extending laterally outwardly and a tension strap assembly for binding the pole and splint together is connected to opposite end portions of each bracket. Each strap assembly includes at least one elongated strap of relatively thin flexible material conforming generally to the surface of the pole and formed with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures.

Abstract: A metal end fitting for structurally interconnecting a crossarm brace to a crossarm and utility pole includes an extruded metal body having a dovetail recess for receiving an end portion of an enlongated wooden brace. The brace is inserted into the recess of the fitting and a bight portion of the recess abuts an end face of the wooden member. A pair of spaced apart legs integrally joining the bight portion are formed to taper toward one another to directly engage tapered dovetailed surfaces provided on opposite sides of the wooden member. A generally similar metal end fitting is mounted on an opposite end of the wooden brace. Each end fitting includes a tang integrally joining the bight portion and adapted to be secured to the crossarm or the utility pole with a single elongated fastener.

Abstract: A fault current interrupting disconnector, or fault disconnector, for a surge arrester operates to separate an electrical lead or ground lead wire from a damaged arrester and to interrupt the current flowing through the damaged arrester. The new fault disconnector includes an explosive charge, a tube of ablative material in a surrounding housing which co-acts with the tube to form a venting chamber, and a conductor extending through a portion of the chamber and through the tube. Excessive current heats and explodes the charge. The explosion pulls the conductor from an elongate connection, through the chamber portion and on through the tube; whereby arcing is first delayed, then is initiated in the chamber and then is drawn into and extinguished within the tube.

Abstract: An auxiliary contact for field or factory addition to a contactor or motor starter of the type including a housing wall and an operator element movable between alternate positions upon activation. The auxiliary contact includes a body of insulating material adapted to be detachably mounted on an outside surface of said housing wall of the contactor adjacent the movable operator element thereof. A fixed electrical contact is mounted in the body and includes an externally accessible connector and a movable electrical contact also mounted in the body, includes an externally accessible connector. The movable contact includes a cam that is positioned to engage the operator element upon movement thereof in order to make and break contact with the fixed contact in response to activation of said operator element.