Abstract: In an embodiment, a photoinitiation apparatus includes: a set of illumination sources or elements configured for outputting optical energy; a body structure having a proximal body structure portion confining a proximal volume of explosive medium, an intermediate body structure portion confining an intermediate volume of explosive medium, and a distal body structure portion confining a distal volume of explosive medium, wherein the proximal volume of explosive medium is optically coupled to portions of the first volume of explosive medium, at least one of the proximal volume of explosive medium and the distal volume of explosive medium is a tertiary explosive medium, and (a) the body structure does not carry a primary explosive composition and does not carry a secondary explosive composition, and/or (b) each of the proximal, intermediate, and distal volumes of explosive media has an initiation sensitivity that is less than cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) based explosive compositions.

Abstract: A structure for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The structure includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.

Abstract: A contact press-on assembly for a switching contact piece of an electrical switching unit has a first stop and a second stop. A spring element extends between the two stops, wherein the first stop can move relative to the second stop. The second stop provides a counterbearing for the first stop, wherein a rotary bearing for the spring element can move together with the first stop.

Abstract: Circuit interrupters with opto-electronic and/or acoustic systems that can measure displacement over time, optionally along with interrupt current measurements, during an opening and closing event with signal data collected when triggered by a “breaker open” or “breaker close” event.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring a travel curve of moving part of circuit breaker comprising: device for optically monitoring travel path and comprising: light source; light detection device; optical element having plurality of zones with different optical properties which are alternately arranged, the optical element being provided on moving part of circuit breaker, light being intensity-modulated by the optical element and being received by light detection device during circuit breaker operation. The system further comprises an accelerometer mounted to circuit breaker, control unit for receiving signals from light detection device and from accelerometer, the control unit being configured to determine the travel curve based on the detected modulated light and on the detected vibration signal, the vibration signal being employed to identify a change of direction of movement of the moving part.

Abstract: A molded case circuit interrupter advantageously employs a circuitry component that is situated adjacent a rear exterior surface of the molded case of the molded case circuit interrupter. Previous circuit interrupters have sometimes employed a non-conductive backsheet of a nominal thickness of 0.062 inches that was adhered to the rear surface of the molded case circuit interrupter in order to electrically isolate screws, posts, and the like that were mounted to and that were exposed on the rear portion of a molded case thereof. The disclosed and claimed concept provides a circuitry component in place of or in addition to the back sheet, with the circuitry component including flexible ribbons having electrical conductors that extend through holes formed in the molded case and that are electrically connected with electronic components that are situated within the interior of the molded case.

Abstract: A switching device including: one or more fixed contacts and one or more movable contacts, each movable contact being reversibly movable between an opening position, at which the movable contact is decoupled from a corresponding fixed contact, and a closing position, at which the movable contact is coupled with the corresponding fixed contact; an electromagnetic actuator adapted to actuate the movable contacts between the opening and closing positions, the electromagnetic actuator including a fixed yoke and a movable armature operatively associated with the fixed yoke to form a magnetic circuit, the movable armature being reversibly movable between a first position, which corresponds to the opening position of the movable contacts, and a second position, which corresponds to the closing position of the movable contacts; and a kinematic chain to operatively connect the movable armature with the movable contacts, wherein the electromagnetic actuator includes a first excitation coil and a second excitation coil

Abstract: A switching device arrangement has an encapsulation housing and also a drive device. The drive device is supported on the encapsulation housing. The drive device is arranged at a distance from the encapsulation housing via a spacer device. A receiving space is delimited by the spacer device.

Abstract: A gear unit housing for a gear unit includes a two-sided control lever for moving two switching contacts of a circuit breaker in opposite directions. The gear unit housing includes a housing cassette having a housing base and a cover plate detachably connected to the housing cassette by screw connections and lying opposite to the housing base. A bearing shaft for mounting the control lever for rotation about the bearing shaft is connected to the housing cassette and to the cover plate and extends between the housing base and the cover plate. At least one stud element form-lockingly connects the housing cassette and the cover plate. A gear unit having the gear unit housing is also provided.

Abstract: A solid dielectric deadfront electrical switch assembly having a switch contact assembly. The switch contact assembly can include an upper insulative diaphragm, a male pin contact having an insulating tip and an isolating sleeve, a primary contact, a lower insulative diaphragm, and a female socket contact. The upper insulative diaphragm, isolating sleeve, and insulating tip can assist in electrically isolating the male contact pin when the electrical switch assembly is in an open condition. Further, the upper insulative diaphragm can be separated from the female socket contact, and/or a female-contact insulating sleeve, by a gap chamber that utilizes air as an insulator. The lower insulative diaphragm can be configured to engage a drive rod that is used to axially displace the male pin contact between open and closed positions in a manner that may prevent arcing between the switch contact assembly and a base plate of a switchgear.

Abstract: In an electromagnetically moving device 100, a magnetic-flux variation measuring unit 3 is placed at a position which is outside a closed magnetic path established when a movable core 6 and a stationary core 5 are being attached to each other due to permanent magnets 7, and at which a leakage magnetic-flux variation due to movement of the movable core 6 can be measured, so that a behavior of a movable part in a switch, etc. is estimated such that an inflection point time is calculated from the measurement of time-series data of the magnetic-flux variation.

Abstract: A switching device, for the on-off switching of a current passing through a current path, has at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact, wherein the movable contact can be moved relative to the fixed contact for making or breaking the current path, and a drive for the functional movement of a jumper between a contact-making position and a contact-breaking position. In the contact-making position with the fixed contact, the movable contact makes the current path. The switching device includes a high-speed circuit breaker for breaking the current path in the event of a short circuit or overload, wherein the armature of the high-speed circuit breaker is rigidly coupled to the movable contact.

Abstract: A coil actuator for a low and medium voltage switching apparatus comprising a coil electromagnet (2), a power and control unit (3), which comprises a power circuit (31) operatively connected to said coil electromagnet (2) and a processing unit (32) operatively connected to said power circuit and controlling the trip of said coil electromagnet (2) through said power circuit (31). The power and control unit (3) comprises an optical port (30), which is suitable to be operatively connected to an optical fiber cable (112), and a first detection unit (33), which is operatively connected to said optical port and to said processing unit. The first detection unit (33) is suitable to receive a light signal (L) from said optical port and to output a first detection signal (D1) indicative of the presence of an arc fault, depending on said light signal.

Abstract: To provide a gas circuit breaker having a space-saving and highly reliable double motion mechanism with high design freedom. In a double motion mechanism of the gas circuit breaker, a driven side movable pin is communicated with a lever driven side hole cut in the opposite side with respect to a rotation axis of a lever. A round hole through which a driving side movable pin is inserted and an elongate hole through which the driven side movable pin is inserted are cut in the outside of the lever. A position retaining member to suppress rotation of the driving side movable pin about two axes vertical to a pin axis is provided. The driving side movable pin is moved in respective grooved cams with an operation of the driving side rod, to rotate the lever, drive the driven side connecting rod in an opposite direction to the driving side connecting rod, and drive the driven side arcing contact in an opposite direction to the driving side arcing contact.

Abstract: A switching device arrangement has a first contact set and a second contact set. The first contact set includes a first electric arc contact element and a first nominal current contact element. The first nominal current contact element can be moved relative to the first electric arc contact element. A first transmission is introduced in a kinematic chain in order to generate a relative movement of the first nominal current contact element and the first electric arc contact element. The first transmission is operationally connected between a stationary counter bearing and the first electric arc contact piece.

Abstract: The invention provides electric power line switchgear (10) comprising a main movable contact (14) and a secondary movable contact (16), capable of moving along a main axis A of the switchgear (10), in which the main movable contact (14) is connected to the secondary movable contact (16) by means of a crank mechanism (20) that transforms the movement of the main movable contact (14) in one direction into a movement of the secondary movable contact (16) in an opposite direction; the switchgear being characterized in that the crank mechanism (20) comprises two levers (22, 24) mounted to pivot relative to the stationary housing (12) about respective parallel pivot axes (B, C), each lever (22, 24) being connected firstly to a respective one of the main movable contact (14) and the secondary movable contact (16), and secondly to the other lever (24, 22).

Abstract: A switching device has a first contact side with a first nominal current contact piece and a first electric arc contact piece, and a second contact side with a second electric arc contact piece and a second nominal current contact piece. In order to generate a relative movement between the first and second contact sides, the first electric arc contact piece and the first nominal current contact piece as well as the second electric arc contact piece and the second nominal current contact piece are driven. For switching, the first contact piece is moved by a movement profile and the first nominal current contact piece is moved by a movement profile that differs from the movement profile of the first electric arc contact piece. A movement profile of the second electric arc contact piece and the second nominal current contact piece deviate from each other.

Abstract: A device for protection against an electric arc in an electric installation comprising: at least one detection apparatus of the electric arc, at least one short-circuiter establishing a short-circuit for extinction of the electric arc, an electronic control unit of the short-circuiter commanding to an established state of said short-circuit in case of detection of the electric arc by the detection apparatus, and a switchgear apparatus for interrupting said short-circuit at the end of a predefined short-circuit time delay as from the time this short-circuit is established.

Abstract: An arc extinguishing contact assembly for a circuit breaker assembly is provided. The arc extinguishing contact assembly includes a fixed contact assembly, a movable contact assembly and an arc extinguishing assembly. The fixed contact assembly includes a fixed arc contact assembly, a fixed main contact assembly, and a number of movable, intermediate arc contact assemblies. The movable contact assembly includes a movable arc contact assembly and a movable main contact assembly. The arc extinguishing assembly is structured to extinguish an arc generated as the movable contact assembly moves between an open, first position and a closed, second position.

Abstract: A system and method for coupling electrical power subsea. The system comprises a subsea electrical distribution system having at least one modular circuit breaker assembly. The modular circuit breaker assembly is controlled by a control system that has a plurality of circuit breaker controls. Each circuit breaker is operable to be controlled by a plurality of circuit breaker controls and each circuit breaker control is operable to control a plurality of circuit breakers. Therefore, control of each circuit breaker is maintained even if one circuit breaker control fails.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker comprises: a plurality of stationary contact arms; a plurality of movable contact arms each having a plurality of contact arm pieces; a switching mechanism providing a driving force to move the movable contact arms to a closing position or an opening position; a driving shaft configured to provide a driving force for simultaneously rotating the movable contact arms; a link configured to transmit a driving force; a holder configured to rotate the movable contact arms; an upper arc barrier configured to prevent arcs from moving to a rear side from an upper side of the movable contact arms; and a torsion spring having one end portion contacting upper surface of the movable contact arms on the opening position, so as to provide an elastic force to the movable contact arms such that the movable contact arms are rotated to the closing position.

Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed, especially a circuit breaker. In addition, a method for improving such a switch is also disclosed. In order to protect an electrical switch in an especially simple manner from contamination and/or damage by erosion materials, it is proposed to cover a few or all functional parts of the switch at least partly with a protective material, wherein the protective material involves a viscous, temperature-resistant mass.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a stationary contact and a movable contact, and an actuator device for actuating it comprises a rigid drive shaft (8) that drives the movable contact, first resilient means for driving the movable contact, and a torsion bar (2) for driving the drive shaft, the torsion bar (2) being suitable for being deformed in twisting in order to assist the resilient means during an initial period while opening the contacts of the circuit breaker. The torsion bar (2) is housed inside the drive shaft (8). A first end (4) of the torsion bar (2) is constrained to turn with a ring (10). A second end (6) of the torsion bar (2) is constrained to turn with the drive shaft (8).

Abstract: An electric switch includes first and second stationary contacts, and a movable contact for making an electrical connection between the first and second stationary contacts. The movable contact is pivotally connected to the first stationary contact by a pivotal connection for allowing the movable contact to pivot with respect to the first stationary contact about a pivoting axis such that in an open position of the switch, the movable contact is disconnected from the second stationary contact, and in a closed position of the switch, the movable contact is in contact with the second stationary contact. The movable contact and the first stationary contact are arranged in a first angle with respect to each other in the open position of the switch, and in a second angle with respect to each other in the closed position of the switch, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing formation of electrical arcing in a circuit breaker while transitioning to a closed circuit condition are disclosed. An electrical contact assembly (12) includes a stationary contact (14) and a movable contact (18) responsive to an operating mechanism (22) to move towards the stationary contact and initiate a closed circuit condition. An oscillatory element (30) is disposed opposite a side of the stationary contact that makes contact with the movable contact during the closed circuit condition. The oscillatory element is configured to provide a transient response effective to adapt shock energy resulting from impact of the movable contact with the stationary contact to joint oscillatory motion so that the stationary contact and the movable contact remain interconnected to one another during the joint oscillatory motion, thus reducing formation of electrical arcing while transitioning to the closed circuit condition.

Abstract: The high voltage relay consists of a main body (1). One set of electrical contacts (2a, 2b) upper and lower respectively. High voltage connections to connect the voltage being switched (3a, 3b) are electrically connected to the upper and lower contacts respectively. Several size options for the electrical contacts will allow for a wide range of currents. A cylinder (4) driven by a fluid (e.g. Air, Nitrogen, Hydraulic fluid) moves the electrical contacts together during the ON state of the device. During the OFF state of the device the cylinder moves the electrical contacts apart to isolate the switch voltage. The greater the High Voltage being switched the greater the distance the electrical contacts must be moved apart in the OFF state. The cylinder is supplied the fluid power from a small solenoid (5) on the device. This solenoid has control voltage connections to actuate the device.

Abstract: A gas circuit breaker includes movable and fixed electrode parts arranged to face each other in an engaging/separating manner in a container filled with an insulating gas, an operating mechanism attached to a partition of the container and configured to output an operating force to the movable electrode part, an operating rod attached to the movable electrode part, a first link rotatably attached to the operating rod, a lever rotatably attached to the first link, a support bearing fixed to the partition of the container via an insulating spacer, a second link rotatably attached to the lever and also rotatably attached to the support bearing, a seal bearing connected through the partition of the container, a seal rod rotatably attached to the center of the lever and slidably supported to the seal bearing, and a third link rotatably attached to the seal rod and also attached to the operating mechanism.

Abstract: An electric switch for application to high- and very high-voltage circuit breakers and switches comprising a flexible toroidal helical spring (8) placed in a groove of a control rod (1) carrying a movable resistance-insertion contact (2), and springs (4) placed about the movable resistance-insertion contact to cause the springs to be compressed until a certain value is reached, at which value the movable resistance-insertion contact causes the flexible toroidal helical spring (8) to deform under pressure enabling the movable resistance-insertion contact (2) to be withdrawn. Among other uses, the switch is suitable for use in a resistance-inserting device that does not need additional mechanical moving parts. For application to high- and very high-voltage circuit breakers and switches.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes: a vacuum valve which houses a fixed side electrode fixed to a fixed current-carrying shaft and a movable side electrode fixed to a movable current-carrying shaft coaxially arranged with the fixed current-carrying shaft in face-to-face relation to the fixed side electrode; and a buffering mechanism which is coaxially disposed with the fixed current-carrying shaft on the fixed side of the vacuum valve and reduces a collision load at the time when the movable side electrode is close contact with the fixed side electrode.

Abstract: A driver for a switch in a GIS (Gas Insulation Switchgear) includes a motor, a shaft connected with a moving contact of the switch, a gear connected with one terminal of the shaft and configured to transfer power of the motor to cause the shaft to reciprocate the moving contact through the shaft, a cam spline combined with the shaft and spaced apart from the gear, and a micro-switch connected with the cam spline and configured to control an operation of the motor.

Abstract: A switch suitable for DC applications includes: two fixed conductive contacts with first contact areas; a movable conductive bridge with two second contact areas for being connected to the two first contact areas in the on-status and for being disconnected from the two the first contact areas in the off-status; and two arc-extinguishing units configured to extinguish electric arcs occurring between the first and second contact areas after disconnecting the second contact areas from the first contact areas. First conductive arc-guiding elements extend from each first contact area into the corresponding arc-extinguishing unit and at least one second conductive arc-guiding element extends into the arc-extinguishing units suitably shaped to guide the electric arcs from each of the second contact areas of the movable bridge into the arc-extinguishing units.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switchgear including: a vacuum chamber; a fixed electrode having a fixed contact at an end thereof, the fixed contact being disposed within the vacuum chamber; a movable electrode having a movable contact at an end thereof, the movable contact being disposed within the vacuum chamber; a linkage assembly electrically connecting or disconnecting the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; an engaging coil spring; and a disengaging coil spring. The engaging coil spring and the disengaging coil spring are provided such that centers of the diametric directions thereof are substantially coaxial and at least a part of the engaging coil spring and a part of the disengaging coil spring overlap each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprising a core moving between a latched position and an open position, a permanent magnet, a coil designed to generate a first magnetic control flux to move the core from an open position to a latched position, and a second magnetic control flux designed to facilitate movement of the moving core from the latched position to the open position. The permanent magnet is positioned on the moving core so as to be at least partly outside the fixed magnetic circuit in which the first magnetic control flux flows in the open position, and to be at least partly inside the fixed magnetic circuit used for flow of a magnetic polarization flux of the magnet in the latched position.

Abstract: A disconnector (1) including a movable conductive unit (6) comprising a main electrically conductive body (9) has a main contact (4b) as well as an arcing contact (5b). According to the invention, the unit (6) further comprises a secondary body (14) mounted to move in sliding relatively to the main body (9) along a movement direction (11) of the unit (6), the secondary body (14) being designed to be connected to a connection point (22) of a drive device of the unit (6), the unit further comprising resilient return means (16) interposed between the bodies (9, 14), the switchgear being designed so that during an opening operation the resilient return means (16) can firstly store energy as a result of the secondary body (14) moving relative to the main body (9), and can then release the stored energy in order to cause the main body (9) to accelerate.

Abstract: A system having electrical equipment integrated on a structure is provided. The system includes at least one electrical equipment located at a spaced apart relationship and mounted on at least one structure. A method is provided for isolation of electrical equipment. The method includes opening and closing a contact by engaging or disengaging one or more terminals of the electrical equipment correspondingly with a supply line or a distribution line by a mechanism for isolation. The mechanism can be a handle or a moving mechanism which is associated with a movement in a vertical direction or horizontal direction or with a movement that provides isolation.

Abstract: Provided is a molded case circuit breaker including an upper external box defining a rear space, a lower external box coupled with the upper external box and defining a front space divided from the rear space together with the upper external box, a fixed contact unit provided on one side of the front space and connected to electrically connected to one of a power supply and a load, a movable contact unit installed in the front space to be movable and being in contact with the fixed contact unit or being separated from the fixed contact unit, a switching device installed in the rear space and operating to allow the movable contact unit to be in contact with the fixed contact unit or to be separated from the fixed contact unit, an operation device installed in the front space and the rear space and transferring the movable contact unit according to operation of the switching device, and an electrode shaft installed on one side of the upper external box, corresponding to an outside of the front space.

Abstract: A switchgear having an electrified conductor accommodated in a tank in which insulating gas is contained includes a fixed contact connected to the electrified conductor, a movable contact installed to be contactable and separable to and from the fixed contact, an insulating rod that is externally extended from inside of the tank while being electrically insulated from the tank and turned by an operation device, and an insert that is extended from an end of the insulating rod toward the movable contact and is rotatably supported by a holding part installed in the electrified conductor. A flange part that is installed in the insert at a position where the holding part opposes the insulating rod and is extended in a substantially right-angle direction with respect to a direction of a rotation axis of the insulating rod is formed on the insert.

Abstract: A switchgear assembly module has a housing, which forms a common gas space for accommodating an insulating gas for the switchgear assembly module. The switchgear assembly module includes a busbar conductor arrangement having three busbar conductor sections, which are accommodated in the common gas space, an outgoing conductor connection group with three outgoing conductor openings and with three outgoing conductor sections, which extend from within the housing towards a respective one of the outgoing conductor openings, and three switch disconnectors, which each connect a respective one of the busbar conductor sections to a respective one of the outgoing conductor sections via a disconnection point. The disconnection point of a first one of the switch disconnectors is arranged on a first side of an outgoing normal plane and the disconnection point of a second one of the switch disconnectors is arranged on a second side of the outgoing normal plane.

Abstract: A pushrod assembly for a circuit breaker having a pushrod with an insulating body, an insulating housing surrounding the push rod, a first insulating shield connected to the pushrod and a second insulating shield connected to the housing. The first insulating shield and the second insulating shield are arranged inside the housing such that an electrical path through a fluid inside the housing is longer than the distance of a first end and a second end of the push rod.

Abstract: A fast closing mechanism includes a rotation shaft and an ejector pin. The ejector pin is rotatably assembled to the side plate by the rotation shaft. The ejector pin strides over the side plate. The ejector pin includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to a handle via a rod, and the second portion is located above a press plate. The fast closing mechanism may have an additional ejector pin based on current structures, the press plate may press against a moving contact at an initial stage of a closing process, so that the moving contact will not move during the initial stage of the closing process. The mechanical energy generated during the closing process is stored in an energy storage spring. At a later stage of the closing process, the ejector pin releases the press plate to accomplish closing quickly.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact movable with respect to the first contact, an arcing chamber, and an arc splitter. The arc splitter is located on a first side of the first contact, as is an arc runner. An electrical conductor is connected to the arc runner having a first portion running from the first side of the first contact towards a second side of the first contact, the second side being opposite the first side with respect to the first contact. A second portion is connected to the first portion and the second contact; the second portion is located on the second side of the first contact. A current running through the arc runner and the electrical conductor generates a magnetic force on the arc moving the arc toward the arc splitter.

Abstract: Circuit breakers having an electrical contact assembly with a moving electrical contact that is linearly translatable within an inner cavity are disclosed. A guide linearly carries a moveable contact assembly having the moving electrical contact and the guide has one or more guide supports accessible by a drive member external to the cavity. According to another aspect, a circuit breaker electrical contact assembly and method of operating a circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A switching device for electric power distribution, electrically connectable to an electrical conductor, the switching device including a breaker electrically connectable to the electrical conductor, and an electrically conductive housing to which the breaker is mounted, the switching device providing a current path between the breaker and the electrical conductor, and the housing houses a guiding member for operating the breaker, the guiding member being movable in relation to the housing, the housing having an outer surface, wherein the housing has a smooth outer shape to distribute the electric field generated by the voltage of the current through the switching device. A switchgear including such a switching device.

Abstract: Terminals for a vacuum circuit breaker include: a first terminal having a plurality of supporting rings, a plurality of finger contactors, and ring-shaped springs installed to contact an outer circumferential surface of the finger contactors so as to provide an elastic force to the finger contactors toward the center; a second terminal having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first terminal formed by an inner circumferential surface of the finger contactors of the first terminal, and configured by a bushing-type electric conductor; and an insulation guide member detachably fixed to a leading end of the second terminal such that an electric insulating property of the second terminal increases when the first and second terminals are disconnected from each other, having an electric insulating property, and tapered so as to have a decreased outer diameter as a distance from the second terminal becomes long.

Abstract: An interlock system for a circuit-interrupting device. The circuit-interrupting device includes a gearbox, a load-breaker in series with a visible disconnect, and an assembly driving the visible disconnect between an open state and a closed state. The interlock system includes a cam and a bias-driven follower. The cam is coupled to a shaft and is driven by the shaft between a first cam state when the load-breaker is in an open state and a second cam state when the load-breaker is in a closed state. The bias-driven follower has a first follower state when the cam is in the first cam state and has a second follower state when the cam is in the second cam state. In the second follower state, the bias-driven follower blocks movement of at least one component of the assembly. The cam and the bias-driver follower are positioned inside the gearbox.

Abstract: A high-voltage switch includes a contact arrangement having two arcing contacts, one of which is supported displaceably against the action of a pretensioned spring. When the contact arrangement is closed, the free ends of the two arcing contacts are supported on one another. When the contact arrangement is opened, the two arcing contacts separate and during this process an arcing zone, accommodating compressed arc gas, is produced which is limited axially by free ends of the two arcing contacts and radially by an insulating nozzle toward the outside. To prevent the displaceably supported arcing contact from returning against the action of the pretensioned spring when a large short-circuit current is interrupted, the switch includes a piston/cylinder system functioning as a restoring device, which communicates with the arcing zone and which, with increasing pressure of the compressed arc gas produced in the arcing zone, generates a restoring force supporting the repelling force of the pretensioned spring.

Abstract: A contact arrangement has a longitudinal axis (z) with a first contact group having a first contact and a second contact, and a second contact group having a third contact and a fourth contact. The first contact interacts electrically and mechanically with the third contact, and/or the second contact interacts electrically and mechanically with the fourth contact. At least one mechanical coupling is provided for transmitting an actuation force to the second contact group and thereby moving the second contact group. The third and the fourth contact can move in such a way that their speeds differ along at least a portion of a travel path of the third contact or of the fourth contact.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated switching device according to the present invention includes a pair of electromagnetically operated mechanisms for driving a main circuit contact of a switch via a link mechanism symmetrically arranged with respect to an operational center axis, and a length of a spring retaining plate can be regulated in accordance with a change of a link ratio, which is caused by a design change of the main circuit contact.

Abstract: A fixed electrode 10 and a movable electrode have coil electrodes formed of plural coil portions installed at both contacts and on a rear surface side in a divided manner in a circumferential direction along peripheries of the contacts such that a longitudinal field is generated in a direction in which the fixed contact and the movable contact come close to and move apart from each other. Protruding portions joined to the contacts are provided to tip ends of the respective coil portions to form joint portions to the respective contacts. A current to be flowed is controlled by changing resistance values between the contacts and the coil electrodes for each joint portion.

Abstract: A power switching apparatus includes: a pressure tank having tube-like openings in a shank portion and having an insulating gas sealed therein; a vacuum valve housed in the pressure tank and connected to the pressure tank at one end; bushing conductors penetrating through the openings of the pressure tank and electrically connected to the vacuum valve; and current transformers provided on an outside of the pressure tank and measuring a current flowing through the bushing conductors. Tube-like current transformer installation portions on which to install the current transformers are provided above the openings of the pressure tank and an outside diameter of the openings of the pressure tank is made larger than an outside diameter of the current transformer installation portions.