Abstract: An apparatus for operating a combined interrupter disconnect switch is disclosed. The disconnect switch is operated by a slow speed linear motion of a mechanism pullrod. The interrupter, which is a component of the disconnect switch arm, is operated by a high speed linear motion of the same mechanism pullrod. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises: an operating rod; a high speed operating mechanism connected to the operating rod; a sliding gear having an elongated gear face; a motor, rotatably connected to the sliding gear; a coupling gear drive having a longitudinally disposed threaded shaft and an external gear face, connected to the operating rod and meshed with said sliding gear; a threaded rod threaded into the threaded shaft of the coupling gear drive; and a drive rod connected to the threaded rod and to the mechanism pullrod. The high speed operating mechanism and motor respectively provide high speed and slow speed linear motion to the mechanism pullrod.

Abstract: A dead tank high voltage SF.sub.6 circuit breaker has a stationary cylinder SF.sub.6 puffer section, an arc generated SF.sub.6 pressure blast section, a moving arcing contact plug, and a moving open position shield. The contacts are operated by a reduced size operating mechanism which can be used for both 145 kV and 242 kV circuit breakers.