Abstract: A multipole current limiting circuit breaker comprising an insulating enclosure that contains: a) for each pole, at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact, which can be mutually coupled/uncoupled upon closure/opening of the circuit breaker; b) actuation means which provide the energy for moving said movable contacts and determines their coupling/uncoupling with the corresponding fixed contacts, said actuation means comprising a rotating actuation bar that is operatively coupled to the movable contacts of the poles; characterized in that said movable contacts have a fork-shaped body having a base element that supports two arms provided with plates for electrical contact with corresponding coupling surfaces of the fixed contact, and in that said fork-like body is connected to the actuation bar by virtue of elastic means accommodated at least partially in a seat formed in the bar, said elastic means being anchored to said bar and being fixed to said base element so as to support the movable con

Abstract: A power circuit breaker includes a switching pole enclosure for accommodating at least one switching pole, whose switching contacts, when closed, rest against one another on a predetermined contact plane. It further includes a switching shaft for transferring drive forces to the at least one switching pole. The switching pole enclosure includes a first and a second enclosure shell, which rest against one another along a separating joint running essentially parallel to the contact plane, and in which the switching shaft is mounted by use of at least two switching shaft mounts held on the first enclosure shell. At least one first and one second fastening device, each serving the purpose of connecting the two enclosure shells, is in each case supported on the one hand on the second enclosure shell and on the other hand on one of the switching shaft mounts.

Abstract: A spring-loaded operating mechanism for a high-voltage circuit-breaker comprises, between a motor and a trigger shaft, a freewheel-type coupling device which comprises first and second friction members (5, 6) coaxially mounted on a secondary shaft (1). The first friction member (5) is screwed onto the secondary shaft (1) and the second friction member can freewheel about the secondary shaft (1) while being disposed between the first member and an axial abutment (8). The two members (5, 6) are substantially in abutment one against the other along the secondary shaft (1), and the first member is screwed or is unscrewed along the secondary shaft depending on whether it is rotated by the shaft or by the second member. The device does not require any greasing; it operates without maintenance. In addition, the forces exerted by one friction member on the other are low, thereby improving the reliability of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker switch handle engagement apparatus is provided. The apparatus is adapted to be removably attached across a circuit breaker face-plate of a traditional residential and commercial circuit breaker in order to facilitate remote completion of a circuit between a source and load, thereby reestablishing electrical service having been previously interrupted. The apparatus utilizes a handle trip assembly which engages an operating switch handle of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A three position apparatus and method of operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an actuator plate a first spring assembly in operable communication with the actuator plate a second spring assembly in operable communication with the actuator plate a first drive plate in operable communication with the actuator plate and first spring assembly and a second drive plate in operable communication with the actuator plate and second spring assembly. A driver is in operable communication with the first drive plate and with the second drive plate. The three position apparatus is configured to provide quick movement of the driver to at least three discrete positions.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker, comprising: at least one first fixed contact, which is electrically connected to a terminal for connection to an electric circuit; a rotating moving contact, which comprises a central body from which at least one first arm protrudes, an active surface being provided at the end of the first arm, the active surface being associable/separable with respect to the fixed contact by means of a rotation of the moving contact; a rotating contact supporting shaft, which is functionally connected to an actuation mechanism of the circuit breaker and is provided with a seat that accommodates the central body of the moving contact so that the first arm protrudes externally from the seat, at least one first spring being furthermore arranged in the contact supporting shaft and being functionally coupled to the moving contact and suitable to ensure, when the circuit breaker is closed, an adequate contact pressure between the active surface and the first fixed contact; its particularity consists

Abstract: A circuit breaker trip unit includes a housing and a rotary plunger pivotally mounted within the housing. The rotary plunger has an on position and a tripped position. A portion of the rotary plunger is pivoted outside of the housing in the tripped position. A trip bar is pivotally mounted within the housing and includes a first tab latching the rotary plunger in the first position and releasing the rotary plunger from the first position. The trip bar also includes a second tab. A trip actuator includes a solenoid and a rotary trip lever engaging the second tab of the trip bar, in order to pivot the trip bar and release the rotary plunger from the on position. A spring biases the trip bar, in order that the first tab latches the rotary plunger in the on position. A pair of springs biases the rotary plunger to the tripped position.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a rectilinear motion circuit-breaker, for performing an open-close-reopen cycle, and operating on an operating rod of the circuit-breaker and including closing and opening springs. The opening spring operates on the operating rod. The closing spring operates on a crank end whose other end is connected to a shaft fastened to a flywheel and on which is mounted a closing cam cooperating with a roller on the operating rod. A closing pawl retains the closing spring in a compressed position, opening the closing pawl releasing the closing spring to rotate the cam, thereby closing the circuit-breaker and rearming the opening spring. A rearming motor couples to the shaft by a freewheel. A pawl triggers opening retaining the operating rod against force of the opening spring in the closed position of the circuit-breaker and is adapted to receive an opening command.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker, comprising: a rotating contact supporting shaft, is provided with a seat that accommodates the central body of a moving contact so that the first arm protrudes externally from the seat, at least one first spring and one second spring being furthermore arranged in the contact supporting shaft and being suitable to ensure, when the circuit breaker is closed, an adequate contact pressure between the active surface and the fixed contact; the particularity of the circuit breaker consisting of the fact that a first pivot is fixed to the contact supporting shaft and is coupled to a hole formed in the central body, engagement means and at least one second pivot being furthermore arranged on the shaft on mutually opposite sides with respect to the first pivot, the second pivot being movable with respect to the shaft and to the moving contact, the first and second springs being furthermore anchored to the second pivot and to the engagement means and being arranged along two opposite sides

Abstract: A switching device includes a latching mechanism and is cheap to produce and easy to assemble. To this end, the construction is essentially formed from a three-part modular unit including metallic material, and has a spring which supports the back-latching of the latching mechanism, and forces which extend essentially in one plane in the latching mechanism.

Abstract: An improved circuit breaker includes an inertial time delay mechanism that permits a self-powered trip unit to become fully operational before inputting into the trip unit a signal indicating a change in the state of the circuit breaker. The time delay mechanism includes an inertia member, a first spring, and a second spring, and is activated upon the rotation of a lay shaft of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The first spring extends between the inertia member and a housing of the circuit breaker and biases the inertia member from an initial position toward a terminal position. The second spring extends between the lay shaft and the inertia member and biases the inertia member toward the initial position when the circuit breaker is in an OFF condition. The combined action of the first and second springs on the inertia member provides a time delay using a relatively small inertial mass.

Abstract: Drive devices for switchgear interrupter units, having movable contact pieces that can be controlled by solenoid drives are described. The drives of the movable contact pieces being controllable by linear motor drives. The interrupter units are realized by vacuum circuit breakers, and the linear motor drives are realized by three-phase AC linear motors. Each of these can be influenced by a control unit that optimizes the switching operations and that is provided with a mains connection. The three-phase AC linear motors are composed of individual components that determine thrust and range of motion. The individual components together constitute the drive of the movable contact parts. The individual components are determined by the number of motor coils and/or by the number of parallel motor modules.

Abstract: A computer pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, includes a reverse cantilever button assembly to match strength-related variations in user hand size. In one embodiment a button assembly is built with two cantilever beams, the fulcrums for each beam being at opposite ends of the button assembly. The stiffness of the two beams can be selected to obtain an increasing, decreasing, or constant force profile necessary to activate the associated electronic switch as one moves along the external surface of the button assembly from the palm end toward the fingertip end. An increasing force profile provides lower actuating force for operators with smaller hands, while providing greater tactile feedback for operators with larger hands.

Abstract: A force-storing unit for a tap changer has an output shaft journaled in a support and a pair of parallel guide rods fixed on the support, defining a longitudinal direction, and spaced parallel to the shaft. A force-storing slide and an output part are displaceable longitudinally along the rods between respective end positions. Teeth on the output part mesh with a gear carried on the output shaft. Mechanism between a drive shaft and the slide displaces the slide longitudinally on the rods in a direction dependent on a rotation direction of the drive shaft and loads a spring between the slide and the output part as the slide is moved longitudinally relative to the output part. A latch connected between the slide and the output part retains the output part in each of its end positions until the slide moves into the respective end position.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a rectilinear motion circuit-breaker, for performing an open-close-reopen cycle, and operating on an operating rod of the circuit-breaker and including closing and opening springs. The opening spring operates on the operating rod. The closing spring operates on a crank end whose other end is connected to a shaft fastened to a flywheel and on which is mounted a closing cam cooperating with a roller on the operating rod. A closing pawl retains the closing spring in a compressed position, opening the closing pawl releasing the closing spring to rotate the cam, thereby closing the circuit-breaker and rearming the opening spring. A rearming motor couples to the shaft by a freewheel. A pawl triggers opening retaining the operating rod against force of the opening spring in the closed position of the circuit-breaker and is adapted to receive an opening command.

Abstract: A gas-insulated switch equipped with a fixed contact and a moving contact that can contact with and separate from the fixed contact, wherein a single shock absorber absorbs the shock in both the breaking action and the closing action of the moving contact.

Abstract: A drive train is for a displaceable contact on a breaker contact arrangement in an electrical power breaker. A coupling element displaceable against a stop and arranged between the moveable contact and corresponding drive element is provided with an anti-bounce device, including a catch element and a counter piece. The catch element which may be swung into a catch position as a result of the inertia exerted on the centre of gravity thereof, when the coupling element strikes the stop, includes a working surface extending in the pivoting direction to forma momentary working connection with the counter piece. A retaining spring is additionally provided on the catch element to guarantee that a rebounding of the coupling element into the position corresponding to the close state of the breaker contact arrangement does not occur.

Abstract: A switching device includes a latching mechanism and is cheap to produce and easy to assemble. To this end, the construction is essentially formed from a three-part modular unit including metallic material, and has a spring which supports the back-latching of the latching mechanism, and forces which extend essentially in one plane in the latching mechanism.

Abstract: Cluster assemblies for both low and medium voltage applications which allow a movable circuit breaker to connect to a fixed part of the switchgear. The assembly apparatus comprises a plurality of conducting bridge elements consisting of resilient finger springs held in a predetermined geometrical configuration by a guide plate and a locator plate, wherein the locator plate is fixedly attached to a conductor. The resilient finger springs act to engage and hold a second conductor, thus making the electrical connection. The apparatus is scalably configured to address any range of low and medium voltage current necessary to be carried by the switchgear using simple and easily manufactured components.

Abstract: A power circuit breaker includes a switching pole enclosure for accommodating at least one switching pole, whose switching contacts, when closed, rest against one another on a predetermined contact plane. It further includes a switching shaft for transferring drive forces to the at least one switching pole. The switching pole enclosure includes a first and a second enclosure shell, which rest against one another along a separating joint running essentially parallel to the contact plane, and in which the switching shaft is mounted by use of at least two switching shaft mounts held on the first enclosure shell. At least one first and one second fastening device, each serving the purpose of connecting the two enclosure shells, is in each case supported on the one hand on the second enclosure shell and on the other hand on one of the switching shaft mounts.

Abstract: The circuit-breaker comprises: a control assembly having a driving splined shaft; an interrupting chamber having at a pair of arcing contacts, at least one of which can be moved under the action of the control assembly, and also a driven second splined shaft; and a synchronization assembly for synchronizing said shafts, said synchronization assembly comprising: two levers, each of which is provided with a splined ring suitable for co-operating with a corresponding shaft; and two connection rods, each of which is hinged at both of its ends to respective ones of said levers.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts, an operating mechanism having an open position, a snap closed position, a closed position, an operating handle for moving the operating mechanism between the open and closed positions, a movable contact arm carrying a movable contact, a link having a first end pivotally mounted with respect to the case, a second end and a projection, and a linkage. A first end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the link second end. A second end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the movable contact arm. A flexible cantilever lever is fixed within the case, engages the link projection and holds the link in the open position of the operating mechanism. The flexible cantilever lever flexes and releases the link projection and releases the link as the operating handle moves the operating mechanism from the open position to the snap closed position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, a trip mechanism having an armature mechanism responsive to selected conditions of current flowing through the contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes an open position, a closed position, a tripped open position, a lock, a first link and a second link having a base and a pair of legs. The lock is pivotally mounted to and substantially between the legs of the second link. The first link is pivotally mounted to the second link. The first link and the second link have an unbroken state in the closed position and a broken state in the tripped open position. The lock maintains the unbroken state in the closed position and responds to the armature mechanism to release the first link and the second link to the broken state in the tripped open position.

Abstract: A switching device including housing and a breaker mechanism, the latter consisting of a trip lever, a catch, a displaceable contact arm and a deflection shaft that is fixed to the housing. The aim is to generate a constant contact force. To achieve this, the end of the catch is coupled to the displaceable contact arm by way of a bolt. The bolt is configured to be displaced in a receiving element that is formed by the housing.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts housed within the case, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the contacts. The operating mechanism includes a first pivot, a catch link and a U-link. The catch link has a first end and a second end, is pivotally mounted to the first pivot at the first end of the catch link, and is pivotally mounted to the U-link at the second end of the catch link. An operating handle includes a first handle portion extending through an opening of the case, a second elongated arm portion within the case, and a second pivot between the first and second portions. An independent operating handle link has a first end and a second end, is pivotally mounted to the second pivot at the first end thereof, and is pivotally mounted to the first pivot at the second end thereof.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, separable contacts having a fixed contact and a movable contact, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a closed position, an open position, an operating handle for moving the operating mechanism between the open and closed positions, a movable contact arm carrying the movable contact, a linkage having a first end and a second end, and a snap lever. The second end of the linkage is pivotally mounted to the movable contact arm. The snap lever holds the linkage in the open position of the operating mechanism and releases the linkage as the operating handle moves from the open position toward the closed position of the operating mechanism, in order to snap close the separable contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a case, a frame fixedly disposed within the case, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The frame includes a tab. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle, a closed position, an open position, a linkage, such as a pair of links, having a first end and a second end, and a link pivotally mounted to the case and to the first end of the linkage. The tab of the frame engages and stops movement of the link in the closed position.

Abstract: A device is for controlling the closing of a power circuit breaker according to operational parameters. The device includes an indication element for indicating the readiness for closing and a coupling element which interacts with the indication element. The operational parameters, for example, energy store empty or switchgear cell door open cause the indication element to pivot into the position not ready for closing and cause the coupling element to move into its disabled position.

Abstract: A limiting circuit breaker comprises two separable contacts 68, 70 and a mechanism 12 with energy storage 36 operated by an opening catch 30. The mechanism 12 drives a movable cage 58 between a closed position and an open position to perform opening of the contacts. One of the contacts is movable with respect to the cage 58 in the closed position and can thus take a separated position. A Thomson effect electromechanical actuator 100 is provided to drive the movable contact 68 to the separated position. A latch 80 enables the movable contact to be held in the separated position. In the event of a fault requiring a very high-speed response, separation of the contacts is obtained by means of the Thomson effect actuator and is then confirmed by opening of the mechanism. In other cases, only the mechanism operates to perform opening.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts and an operating mechanism having a cradle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanism cooperates with the cradle of the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a bimetal conductor, which is electrically connected in series with the separable contacts. The trip mechanism is responsive to a predetermined condition of current flowing in the bimetal conductor. The trip mechanism also includes a magnetic yoke coupled to the bimetal conductor, an armature pivotally mounted to the magnetic yoke, and a spring biasing the armature away from the magnetic yoke. The spring is set apart from the bimetal conductor. The spring is coupled to the armature and engages the magnetic member.

Abstract: A unitary operating mechanism assembly for a circuit breaker that includes a frame assembly having a planar member with a first pivot point located thereon, a handle member rotatably attached to the frame assembly at the first pivot point and structured to move between a first, closed position, a second, open position having an intermediate position therebetween, and a third, reset position, an operating arm coupled to the handle member and structured to move between a first and second position, and a trip device attached to the frame assembly and structured to move the handle member between the first, closed position and the intermediate position upon the occurrence of a predefined condition. The trip device causes the handle member to rotate upon the occurrence of a predefined condition, such as an overcurrent, thereby causing the operating arm to rotate and wherein none of the components except the frame assembly is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker system, comprising a single voltage input connector for receiving current from an external power supply, at least two pole assemblies each including a trip mechanism, and a trip crossbar. The input connector provides a single power source to both pole assemblies, and the trip crossbar couples the trip mechanisms together. One of the pole assemblies further includes a remote-controlled actuator that controls only one of the two pole assemblies.

Abstract: An operating mechanism assembly for a circuit breaker that includes a frame assembly, a metal pivot structure, and a trip device. The trip device has a cradle member structured to pivot about a pivot point and a trip assembly. The trip assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The cradle member is pivotally disposed on the metal pivot structure.

Abstract: A latch type solenoid switch including a frame, a permanent magnet providing magnetic force to the frame, a coil unit which offsets the magnetic force of a permanent magnet when power is supplied, and a moving part which adheres to and detaches from the frame depending on the power supply to the coil unit. Anti-corrosion coating is applied to the surface of the frame and the moving part. The plating thickness on the contact surfaces between the frame and the moving part is thinner than on the other surfaces of the two bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train for a displaceable contact (1) on a breaker contact arrangement in an electrical power breaker, whereby a coupling element (3), displaceable against a stop (12) and arranged between the moveable contact (1) and corresponding drive element (8), is provided with an anti-bounce device, comprising a catch element (13) and a counter piece (14). The catch element (13) which may be swung into a catch position as a result of the inertia exerted on the centre of gravity (16) thereof, when the coupling element (3) strikes the stop (12), comprises a working surface (22) extending in the pivoting direction (23) to form a momentary working connection with the counter piece (14). A retaining spring (32) is additionally provided on the catch element (13) to guarantee that a rebounding of the coupling element (3) into the position corresponding to the closed state of the breaker contact arrangement does not occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective unit (4) to prevent contact with conductive contacts (3) in a withdrawable rack (1) of a switching device. Said unit comprises at least one displaceable protective plate (6) and a lever arrangement (9, 12 and 23) for operating the protective plate (6). Said lever arrangement ha, two levers (9 and 12) that are interconnected in an articulated manner, of which a first lever (9) can be operated by means of the switching device and the second lever (12) is coupled to the mobile protective plate (6).

Abstract: A circuit breaker for a dual-circuit includes a body with two chambers. Two pairs of terminals are respectively provided in the two chambers and extend out from the body. The first terminal has a first immovable node, and the second terminal has a bimetallic strip and a first movable node on the bimetallic strip and electrically connected with the first immovable node. The third terminal has a second immovable node, and the fourth terminal has a metal strip and a second movable node on the metal strip and electrically connected with the second immovable node. A linkage transversally extends between the metal strip and the bimetallic strip. A reset button is pivotally mounted in the body and has a tab formed at a bottom side thereof and located in the first chamber and near the first terminal. A hook installed on the tab is attached to the bimetallic strip.

Abstract: A spring-loaded operating mechanism for a high-voltage circuit-breaker comprises, between a motor and a trigger shaft, a freewheel-type coupling device which comprises first and second friction members (5, 6) coaxially mounted on a secondary shaft (1). The first friction member (5) is screwed onto the secondary shaft (1) and the second friction member can freewheel about the secondary shaft (1) while being disposed between the first member and an axial abutment (8). The two members (5, 6) are substantially in abutment one against the other along the secondary shaft (1), and the first member is screwed or is unscrewed along the secondary shaft depending on whether it is rotated by the shaft or by the second member. The device does not require any greasing; it operates without maintenance. In addition, the forces exerted by one friction member on the other are low, thereby improving the reliability of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having a load discharge device. The load discharge device is compact and provides fast earthing of the load-side cables. The device has a scissors-type linkage and is charged by compressing at least one spring. The scissors-linkage, when in an almost-straight-line alignment, holds the compressed springs. An actuator moves one member of the scissors-linkage, thereby removing the holding alignment of the scissors-linkage. The springs move an earthing bar at high acceleration to ground the line-side cables.

Abstract: A single-pole circuit interrupter is provided that includes a sealed housing containing a pressurized gas, relatively movable contacts and an operating mechanism for operating the relatively movable contacts. The operating mechanism is responsive to a low-speed rotational charging input and includes energy storage means capable of being charged and storing operating energy and charging means responsive to the low-speed rotational charging input for charging the energy storage means. Thus, the only seal to the environment for the overall single-pole circuit interrupter is at the single low-speed charging input. The operating mechanism includes linear stored energy devices arranged so as to generally define one or more planes or arrays and a latch arrangement that is disposed intermediate the stored energy devices and operating in a direction substantially perpendicular to the one or more planes or arrays.

Abstract: The spring-loaded mechanical control mechanism for a circuit-breaker in a high-voltage or medium-voltage grid comprises a toothed wheel turned by a spring from a first angular position to a second angular position, and a cog wheel co-operating with the toothed wheel to displace it from the second angular position to the first angular position so as to tension said spring. Said toothed wheel has a peripheral set of teeth including a retractable segment on which at least four teeth are spaced apart from one another at a constant pitch identical to the pitch of the primary teeth.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a handle having OFF, ON and intermediate positions, and an extension. A blocking disk has a spring, and first, second and third surfaces. The handle and disk are co-pivotally mounted. The extension engages the third surface for rotation therewith. A pivot lever includes a first end adapted for engagement with a movable contact arm, and a second end adapted for engagement with the first and second surfaces. The first surface blocks the second end as the handle moves from OFF toward the intermediate position, and releases the second end to the second surface at the intermediate position. The first end blocks movement of the movable contact arm when the first surface blocks the second end, and releases the movable contact arm when the first surface releases the second end, thereby moving a movable contact toward a fixed contact in response to the bias of a spring.

Abstract: The electric circuit-breaker includes an interrupting chamber with at least one moving contact inside the chamber, the moving contact being actuated by means of a spring-loaded mechanical control mechanism so as to open or close the circuit-breaker. The control mechanism includes at least one first spring exerting a force tending to move the moving contact to open the circuit-breaker, and a second spring exerting a force tending to move the moving contact to close the circuit-breaker while loading the first spring. An additional spring is provided for exerting an additional force that is added to the force exerted by the first spring at the beginning of circuit-breaker opening. The additional spring thus accumulates some of the kinetic energy from the moving contact at the end of opening.

Abstract: A screw shaft for a motor operator is pivotally secured at each end by a bearing insert, with each bearing insert fitting within a channel defined within opposing walls of the housing.

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 actuator for remote operation of a switch, such as a recloser-type circuit breaker in a power distribution network, comprises an electric mechanism including an electric motor and electro-magnetic clutch mechanism, which is energisable to connect the motor drive to mechanically operate the switch on command and which is otherwise mechanically disengaged from the switch such that the switch may operate freely, and a receiver arranged to receive remotely transmitted command signals for the electric mechanism.

Abstract: A breaking mechanism includes a latch receiver engaging a latch to allow a movable contact shoe to be closed, and a tripping device for rotationally driving the latch receiver to disengage the latch to open the movable contact shoe. An engaging surface of the latch engaging the latch receiver is formed as a projecting circular surface, whereas an engaging surface of the latch receiver engaging the projecting circular surface is formed as a recessed circular surface having a radius of curvature greater than that of the projecting circular surface. The center of the curvature of the recessed circular surface coincides with the axis of a support shaft supporting the latch receiver. The loads causing a tripping device to drive the latch receiver do not change even if the location of an engaging point is changed.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight and low-cost operating apparatus for a switchgear include a second cam (50) turned counterclockwise by an electric motor begins to maintain contact with a closing lever (37) at a first angular position (POS1), turns the closing lever (37) counterclockwise to energize a circuit-making coil spring (77), and causes a closing latch (48) to lock the closing lever (37). The second cam (50) further turning counterclockwise becomes separated from the closing lever (37) and actuates a cam switch (156) at a second angular position (POS2) to interrupt an electric current supplied to the electric motor. The second cam (50) further turns due to inertial turning of the electric motor and is braked by a elastic brake member (159) at a third angular position (POS3), whereby the second cam (50) stops within a specific angular range &Dgr;&thgr; of rotation. Despite its simple structure, the elastic brake member (159) can halt the second cam (50) in a reliable fashion.

Abstract: An air-insulated high-voltage disconnector including a pivotally-mounted arm suitable for pivoting at one of its ends about a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the axis &Dgr; of the arm, and also suitable for turning about its own axis &Dgr;, the free end of the arm carrying a contact part or “hammer” which, when the disconnector is in the closed position, co-operates with a jaw comprising a jaw support to which two facing rows of contact fingers are fixed, wherein the hammer is equipped with contact tabs co-operating with the contact fingers, each contact tab forming a wedge of angle &bgr;, which wedge acts, during disconnector closure, to meet the corresponding row of fingers with an angle of attack &agr;, said angle of attack &agr; being less than 90°.

Abstract: A mechanism for operating a plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms of a circuit breaker, the mechanism applies a uniform force to the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to an elongated member for manipulating the circuit interruption mechanisms. The mechanism applies a force to the elongated member at a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position being intermediate to a center of the elongated member and the plurality of circuit interruption mechanisms.