Abstract: In order to check the operation of high-voltage electric circuit-breakers, proximity detectors are housed in through-bores pierced in the wall of the hydraulic jack cylinder, the through-bores being disposed in spaced relation over a distance corresponding to the range of travel of the jack piston. Since no provision is made for any piston ring or packing seal, the jack piston is not damaged as it passes against the outlets of the through-bores on the internal surface of the cylinder. The output signals of the proximity detectors are applied to a unit for measuring and controlling the position of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: An open-center three-way hydraulic valve as applicable to hydraulic control circuits of electric circuit-breakers comprises an admission valve-head which is restored to the closed position by a first spring, a drain valve-head which is displaced toward the closed position by a pilot valve, a second spring which is more powerful than the first and tends to close the drain valve-head, and a resilient semi-locking mechanism for retaining the drain valve-head in the open position in opposition to the second spring when the pilot jack is not under pressure.

Abstract: The times of response of a circuit-breaker control system to breaker-closing orders are reduced by means of a unit comprising a pressure reducer and a low-capacity compensating hydraulic accumulator, the unit being connected to the portions of the hydraulic control circuit which are alternately pressurized and depressurized. The hydraulic accumulator resupplies oil at reduced pressure to the portions of circuit in which there is a lack of oil or which are filled with emulsified oil as a result of depressurization operations.

Abstract: Two circuit breakers or circuit breaker modules are actuated by hydraulic jacks fed by supply and drain valves operated by a single closing-operation control unit. A differential pressure detector is subjected to the pressure of the two jacks. In the event of a relative variation in the jack-operating times, the free piston of the detector actuates a switching device which connects the supply and drain valves to the drain tank, thus preventing the complete performance of any non-simultaneous operation of the circuit breakers.

Abstract: The closure and trip pilot valves of a circuit-breaker control unit are actuated by a hydraulic device controlled by a pressure drop which appears in control lines in response to the transient opening of a drain electrovalve within a control cubicle. Thus the pressure-drop hydraulic signal transmitted from a single central control cubicle for closing or tripping a circuit-breaker dispenses with the need for any electrical system and permits the control of a plurality of circuit-breakers or breaker modules solely by means of small-section lines providing hydraulic connections between the central control cubicle and each breaker control unit.