Abstract: A separable insulated connector provides a current path for high-energy distribution between a power transmission or power distribution apparatus and an elbow connector. As gases and conductive particles exit the separable insulated connector during loadbreak switching, the gases and particles are re-directed away from a mating electrode probe and diverted along a path non-parallel to the electrode probe.

Abstract: The electrical connector of the present invention includes an electrically conductive sleeve having a passage therethrough and an elastomeric housing molded therearound. After the molding of the housing around the sleeve, a contact element is disposed within the passage of the sleeve for engagement with the contact member of another connector. An arc snuffer housing and arc snuffer are attached to one end of the contact element for guiding the contact member toward the contact element and for evolving an arc-quenching gas in response to an arc being struck between the contact member and the contact element. The contact element includes a piston member responsive to the evolved gas for jointly displacing within said passage the arc snuffer and contact element toward the contact member. A support member is provided within the sleeve for reciprocably supporting the piston member of the contact element.

Abstract: The electrical connector of the present invention includes an electrically conductive sleeve having a passage therethrough and an elastomeric housing molded therearound. After the molding of the housing around the sleeve, a contact element is disposed within the passage of the sleeve for engagement with the contact member of another connector. An arc snuffer housing and arc snuffer are attached to one end of the contact element for guiding the contact member toward the contact element and for evolving an arc-quenching gas in response to an arc being struck between the contact member and the contact element. The contact element includes a piston member responsive to the evolved gas for jointly displacing within said passage the arc snuffer and contact element toward the contact member. A support member is provided within the sleeve for reciprocably supporting the piston member of the contact element.

Abstract: A device electrically interconnects a high voltage cable to a bushing of a deadfront electrical apparatus or switchgear. The device comprises a feed-through bushing and a separate U-member. The U-member can be installed onto, or removed from, the bushings without having to disconnect the ground. A driver mechanism applies a force to the U-member at a location substantially midway between two parallel legs of the U-member for installing or removing the U-member without cocking of the legs. The U-member carries female contacts which are engageable with male contacts of the bushings.

Abstract: The electrical connector of the present invention includes an electrically conductive sleeve having a passage therethrough and an elastomeric housing molded therearound. After the molding of the housing around the sleeve, contact element is disposed within the passage of the sleeve for engagement with the contact member of another connector. An arc snuffer housing and arc snuffer are attached to one end of the contact element for guiding the contact member toward the contact element and for evolving an arc-quenching gas in response to an arc being struck between the contact member and the contact element. The contact element includes a piston member responsive to the evolved gas for jointly displacing within said passage the arc snuffer and contact element toward the contact member. A support member is provided within the sleeve for reciprocably supporting the piston member of the contact element.

Abstract: A tool for connecting or disconnecting a loadbreak reducing tap plug, comprising a shaft having a first end adapted for engagement with an end of the loadbreak reducing tap plug and a second end connected to a torque release means, an insulating boot mounted on the shaft, the torque release means having first and second components which release at a predetermined torque, the second shaft engaging the second component, a handle affixed to the first component of the torque release means, such that when a torque that is less than the predetermined torque is applied to the handle, the torque is transmitted through the components to the shaft, whereby the torque is transmitted to the element of the loadbreak reducing tap plug, while a torque that is greater than the predetermined torque is not transmitted through the components, but causes the first component to rotate relative to the second component.

Abstract: The insulated standoff bushing is used for terminating a connector probe connected to a high voltage circuit. The standoff bushing includes an insulated body having a bore for receiving a shielded housing. The shielded housing in turn has an aperture for receiving a contact which is secured within the aperture. The contact is in the form of a spring having opposed sides with contact pads. The connector probe is inserted into the aperture of the shield housing and passes between the opposed contact pads for the dissipation of current into the insulated standoff bushing.

Abstract: A method for forming cable which is insulated with a rigid insulating layer into a desired shape, comprising the steps of wrapping the a portion of the cable with a heater tape that houses heater elements, causing the elements to become hot and heat the cable portion so that its insulating layer is heated and loses its molecular memory of its prior configuration, and reconfiguring the cable portion into the desired shape.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a tap plug having therein an axially fixed nut and including an externally threaded portion threaded into a cable connector lug, a bushing having therein an internally threaded bore, and a stud including an externally threaded first end threaded into the nut, and an externally threaded second end threaded into the bushing bore.

Abstract: An installation tool comprising an elongated shaft having a threaded section and a blunt section, the tool having a threaded opening in one end and a hex opening in the other end. The installation tool is used to assemble a loadbreak reducing tap plug including a threaded mounting bolt mounted in the threaded end of the plug, and a threaded cable connector mounted in a visible-break "T" type connector housing, by the following method. Turning the threaded mounting bolt into the threaded opening of the installation tool. Turning the tool threaded section into the cable connector. Turning the tap plug into the cable connector. And removing the tool from the cable connector.