Abstract: A fault interrupter is provided that includes a high-speed disconnect in series with an interrupter wherein the circuit opening is via the interrupter and the circuit making is via the disconnect. A stored energy disconnect operating mechanism operates the disconnect between ground, open and closed positions and also charges the interrupter mechanism during a slow opening of the disconnect without fully charging the disconnect operating mechanism. Thus, the required operating forces to open the disconnect and charge the interrupter mechanism are reduced. During a manual opening, the disconnect operating mechanism trips open the interrupter, then only partially charges to begin opening the disconnect before releasing the stored energy. Continued operation of the disconnect operating mechanism slowly drives the disconnect open while charging the interrupter mechanism and closing the interrupter.

Abstract: A switchgear module is provided that is assembled from one or more molded housing portions to provide a gas-tight volume for the housing of electrical components. The switchgear modules include provisions for assembly of various combinations of switchgear modules into a variety of electrical circuit configurations while maintaining a gas seal of the switchgear modules. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear module includes bus conductors that are integrally incorporated during the molding of the switchgear module housing and that are accessible from opposite sides of the module. Further, the switchgear module includes integrally molded features for providing access to make electrical interconnections between the bus conductors of adjacently positioned switchgear modules.

Abstract: A linear operating mechanism is provided for operating one or more electrical switches or interrupters, the mechanism selectively closing the switch via movement of a switch operating member and immediately thereafter being capable of opening the switch as required. The operating mechanism includes a carriage that is movable over a linear path to charge an opening spring and a closing spring. The switch operating member is movable along an axis parallel to or coincident with the path of the carriage. The opening spring and the closing springs are disposed about a common axis parallel to the movement of the carriage and the switch operating member. A first latch arrangement is provided for preventing switch-closing movement of the switch operating member when the switch is open and the first latch arrangement is engaged.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is provided for a housing. The sealing arrangement includes an elastically deformable sealing member and a flexible diaphragm member that receives the sealing member. The sealing member is disposed along a defined sealing path of the housing. A clamping element is fastened relative to the housing and applies a clamping force to the diaphragm member. The diaphragm member includes predetermined structural features for providing predetermined deformation of the sealing member, thus providing controlled sealing characteristics while accommodating dimensional variations of the housing, the clamping element, and the clamping locations for the housing relative to the sealing surface. The sealing arrangement also limits and controls the contact stress on the housing due to the clamping force applied between the housing and the clamping element.

Abstract: An improved operating mechanism is provided for controlling the operational state of an electrical switch or interrupter between open and closed positions. The operating mechanism includes a switch operating member that is selectively movable in switch-opening and switch-closing directions to effect opening and closing of the switch. The operating mechanism stores energy to selectively close the switch and to immediately thereafter be capable of opening the switch as required. A carriage is driven to charge an opening spring and a closing spring while the switch operating member remains latched in a stationary position. The closing spring acts between the carriage and the switch operating member. The opening spring acts between the carriage and the frame or housing of the operating mechanism. An independent latch is provided for each of the switch operating member and the carriage; each of the latches directly operating on a respective one of the switch operating member or the carriage.

Abstract: A female contact of an interrupter includes a number of flexible fingers in a cylindrical array defining a cavity toward the axis of which the fingers are biased. A pair of semi-annular refractory members are located at the free ends of the fingers and define a passageway which is continuous with the cavity. The members are not welded or brazed to the fingers and are, accordingly, transversely free-floating relative to the fingers; they can move laterally of the axis independently of the fingers, but are prevented from movement along the axis. When a male contact is out of the cavity and the passageway, the fingers act against the exterior of the members until facing stop surfaces on the members abut, setting the minimum size of the passageway, which is smaller than the diametric size of the male contact but larger than the diametric size of the cavity between contact buttons on the fingers.