Abstract: An interrupted electric circuit recloser for reclosing an interrupted high voltage electric circuit system and a solenoid to be utilized for use in a sealed pressurized dielectric gaseous atmosphere. The recloser has a sealed tank and a solenoid therein. The solenoid has a plunger connected through a yoke for returning vacuum contact back to a closed contacting position, a dampener for regulating the opening movement of the plunger, a dielectric gas filling the sealed chamber and permeating the solenoid and acted on by the solenoid plunger. The solenoid also has a central chamber complimentarily accepting the plunger. The central chamber of the solenoid is substantially closed at one end and permits the ingress of the dielectric gas when the plunger is moved in an outward direction within the central chamber away from the closed end and a second dampener controlling the solenoid plunger's movement toward the closed end.

Abstract: A switchgear operating mechanism is disclosed which includes two helical springs which are stretched to store energy to close and then open circuit breaker contacts. A mechanism is provided for stretching the springs in response to reciprocating movement of a hook stick. A single operating handle is provided with a spring biased detent arrangement such that the handle may be moved from a predetermined reset position to a closed position to close the circuit breaker contacts using energy from the charged springs. The handle is returned to the reset position by the spring biased detent arrangement and may be moved from that position to an open position to open the circuit breaker contacts using energy from the charged springs. The handle is preferably operable by a shot gun type hook stick.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier system for a vacuum switch is disclosed comprising: a dielectric barrier having three generally flat elongated rectangular walls, and means for holding the barrier at a spaced distance apart from the vacuum switch and from a high voltage conductor which is disposed at a spaced distance from the sides of the switch and along a path which includes a position which is generally adjacent to the opposite end to which the conductor is connected to the vacuum switch.

Abstract: In a high voltage circuit interrupter (30) or recloser, an auxiliary undervoltage lockout mechanism (300) provides a backup lockout means to deenergize circuit contactor closing solenoid (78). Auxiliary undervoltage lockout device (300) provides a backup means to lock out recloser (30) after a period of time longer than the normal functioning time of the recloser to prevent damage to closing solenoid (78) in the event of low voltage or other unexpected conditions on the power line.

Abstract: A compact load break switch having at least one vacuum interrupter connected between two terminals carried by respective insulating bushings through a current exchange assembly. The vacuum interrupter is disposed within one of the insulating bushings, and a current exchange insulating housing having portions which extend telescopically into both insulating bushings, provides adequate creepage distance through air from the vacuum interrupter and the current exchange assembly to a grounded housing for the load break switch. Also, a current transformer is disposed about the insulating housing to provide remote indication of the flow of fault current through the current exchange assembly.

Abstract: In a high voltage circuit interrupter switch or recloser a single multi-function control actuator is connected to a trip bar for tripping contact operating linkage to effect opening of one or more movable contacts. The control actuator includes a spring biased crank member and a toggle linkage operably associated to permit resetting of the control actuator to its initial position upon effecting movement of the contact operating linkage. The recloser has a switch for energizing a closing solenoid to reclose the interrupter contact. A movable catch is associated with switch operating linkage and is operably connected to the control actuator whereby the control actuator may effect energization of the solenoid to close the interrupter contacts. The control actuator is also connected to a lockout linkage for effecting lockout of the contact operating linkage upon receipt of a control signal when a predetermined number of circuit interruptions have been performed in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A compact load break switch having at least one vacuum interrupter connected between two terminals carried by respective insulating bushings through a current exchange assembly. The vacuum interrupter is disposed within one of the insulating bushings, and a current exchange insulating housing having portions which extend telescopically into both insulating bushings, provides adequate creepage distance through air from the vacuum interrupter and the current exchange assembly to a grounded housing for the load break switch. Also, a current transformer is disposed about the insulating housing to provide remote indication of the flow of fault current through the current exchange assembly.

Abstract: A compact load break switch having at least one vacuum interrupter connected between two terminals carried by respective insulating bushings through a current exchange assembly. The vacuum interrupter is disposed within one of the insulating bushings, and a current exchange insulating housing having portions which extend telescopically into both insulating bushings, provides adequate creepage distance through air from the vacuum interrupter and the current exchange assembly to a grounded housing for the load break switch. Also, a current transformer is disposed about the insulating housing to provide remote indication of the flow of fault current through the current exchange assembly.

Abstract: A manual operator for a series-connected circuit interrupter and disconnect combination mounted within a switch gearing closure, which includes an external operating handle affixed to a common operating shaft for the interrupter and the disconnect, which is rotatable about its axis between a closed position and an open position. A quick make, quick break, interrupter operating mechanism includes a manual operating shaft which is rotatable about its axis between a closed position and an open position. An operating rod has one end pivotally connected to a lever affixed to the common shaft and an opposite end pivotally connected to a lever affixed to the interrupter operator shaft, so that when the common shaft is rotated between its closed and open positions, the interrupter operating shaft is correspondingly rotated between its closed and open positions. The operating rod is held in a toggled position at both its closed and open positions by a spring connected between the rod and the switchgear enclosure.

Abstract: A compact combination vacuum interrupter and visible break disconnect switch, in which the interrupter is electrically connected in series with the disconnect. The interrupter is manually closed, and can be tripped manually or automatically on overcurrent or undervoltage line conditions by a quick make, quick break, trip-free operating mechanism.The disconnect is manually opened or closed by a separate operating mechanism, which is mechanically interlocked with the interrupter operating mechanism so that the disconnect cannot be opened when the interrupter is closed, or the interrupter cannot be closed when the disconnect is open. The disconnect can be padlocked in its open position.The interrupter is mounted integral with the movable contact of the disconnect on a pivotable, insulating support member of the disconnect, with the movable contact rod of the interrupter pivotably connected to the interrupter operating mechanism.