Abstract: A compact operating mechanism for switches and circuit interrupters provides improved input drive arrangement and more particularly to a quick-make quick-break operating mechanism for electrical circuit interrupters, i.e. load-interrupter switches and fault interrupters, the drive input arrangement being capable of either power or manual operation without the necessity of any coupling/decoupling or mode selection.

Abstract: A compact operating mechanism for switches and circuit interrupters provides improved input drive arrangement and more particularly to a quick-make quick-break operating mechanism for electrical circuit interrupters, i.e. load-interrupter switches and fault interrupters, the drive input arrangement being capable of either power or manual operation without the necessity of any coupling/decoupling or mode selection.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided that includes a coordinating input for a mechanism of an interrupter switch; the coordinating input being derived from sensed movement of an element away from a first position and toward a second position. The coordinating input is utilized to trip the interrupters if they are closed. In a specific arrangement, a stored-energy mechanism is tripped to provide opening and closing of the interrupters via a high-speed interrupter drive train. The tripping arrangement is operable via a first input to cause movement of a latch member to release the stored-energy mechanism to operate the interrupter drive train. The first input may be actuated via open or close instructions, including both local and remote capabilities. The latch for the stored-energy mechanism is reset after each actuation. An output shaft of the mechanism is connected to drive the interrupter drive train. Both opening and closing are accomplished via rotation of the output shaft in the same direction.

Abstract: A switch operator is provided that is capable of field retrofit installation by being affixed to manually operable switchgear to provide power operation thereof. The switch operator includes provisions for connecting the drive output of the switch operator to a switch-operating shaft of a manually operable switch within the switchgear. The drive output provisions of the switch operator include a selectively operable decoupling arrangement which is operable without the need for tools. The switch operator also provides for manual operation without the need for decoupling or the disconnection of parts. The drive output of the switch operator is defined at an output shaft of a motor/gear train. Two coaxially arranged levers, an operator drive lever and a switch drive lever, are selectively coupled to transmit the drive output of the switch operator to the switch-operating shaft. A manual drive connection is affixed to the output shaft which is rotatable to provide manual operation via a handle.

Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for power operation of manually operable switchgear. The capability for power operation may be provided either during manufacture or as a retrofit to installed switchgear. The apparatus includes a switch-operator unit which is attached to the switchgear. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a device for providing power to a rechargeable power supply of the switch-operator unit from the energized portions of the switchgear; the power-providing device being efficiently installed in either a field retrofit operation to installed switchgear or during manufacture of the switchgear. The apparatus also includes provisions for providing operating power from the rechargeable power supply of the switch operator to a second, separately housed switch-operator unit that is attached to the switchgear.