Abstract: A three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly for power distribution systems comprises an outer case having at least one window, a plurality of internal disconnect switch assemblies, and a plurality of vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies within the case. Each vacuum interrupter bottle switch is coupled in electrical series with a corresponding internal disconnect switch assembly. Because the open/closed state of a bottle switch is not directly observable owing to its sealed interior, a direct visible indication of the state of the three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly is provided by a visually detectable contact rod for each internal disconnect switch that is visible through the case window. To prevent potentially serious damage caused by arcing between the contacts of the internal disconnect switch, the internal disconnect switch is prevented from opening or closing when the bottle switches are closed. The case interior is preferably free of oil and/or SF6 gas.

Abstract: A three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly for power distribution systems comprises an outer case having at least one window and containing a plurality of component assemblies. The case interior is preferably free of oil and/or SF6 gas. Each component assembly comprises three internal disconnect switch assemblies, three vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies and three ground switch assemblies. Each vacuum interrupter bottle switch is coupled in electrical series with a corresponding internal disconnect switch assembly. Because the open/closed state of a bottle switch is not directly observable owing to its sealed interior, a direct visible indication of the state of the three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly is provided by a visually detectable contact rod of the corresponding internal disconnect switch that is visible through the case window.

Abstract: A vacuum switchgear comprising a vacuum container, two fixed contacts and two movable contacts for being in contact with and out of contact with the fixed contacts which are disposed in the vacuum container, and two operation rods linked to the each movable contact, respectively, characterized that a connection conductor having a current collector for making electrical sliding contact with the external surface of the each operation rod, which is fixed to outlet parts of the vacuum containers, from which extend the operation rod outwardly.

Abstract: A high or very high voltage circuit breaker comprising, for each phase: at least two breaker chambers connected electrically in series and disposed parallel to each other in a metal tank, in which the ends of the chambers through which at least one pair of movable contacts of each chamber is driven lie in a common plane; and the mechanical transmission assembly whereby simultaneous movement is transmitted, and which ensures identical stroke lengths for the movements of the movable contacts of at least two chambers, comprises firstly at least two bars of identical lengths, each coupled to the pair of movable contacts of one of the chambers, and secondly, drive means coupled to at least one drive rod outside the tank or passing through its wall.

Abstract: A three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly for power distribution systems comprises an outer case having at least one window, a plurality of internal disconnect switch assemblies, and a plurality of vacuum interrupter bottle switch assemblies within the case. Each vacuum interrupter bottle switch is coupled in electrical series with a corresponding internal disconnect switch assembly. Because the open/closed state of a bottle switch is not directly observable owing to its sealed interior, a direct visible indication of the state of the three-phase vacuum interrupter switch assembly is provided by a visually detectable contact rod for each internal disconnect switch that is visible through the case window. To prevent potentially serious damage caused by arcing between the contacts of the internal disconnect switch, the internal disconnect switch is prevented from opening or closing when the bottle switches are closed. The case interior is preferably free of oil and/or SF6 gas.

Abstract: An adjustable switching mechanism for adjusting the tolerance of electrical contacts of series coupled vacuum interrupters includes a primary drawbar coupled to a secondary drawbar via a pair of coupling pull rods. The primary and secondary drawbars are adjustably attached to the coupling pull rods by a plurality of adjustable compression assemblies. The primary drawbar also includes an attachment bore having threads of one dimension to threadably receive a double-threaded part therethrough. The double-threaded part also includes an internal bore having threads of another dimension in which to receive a coupling screw. As such, the tolerance between the electrical contacts of the vacuum interrupters may be changed through adjustment of the compression assemblies and the rotation of the double-threaded part.

Abstract: A switch unit comprising a circuit breaker and a disconnector disposed in one plane and fixed to a metal casing. Common drive means comprise: a single insulating drive bar adapted to move in a straight line in the same plane as the plane of straight line movement of the movable contacts of the circuit breaker and disconnector; and at least one mechanical assembly mounted in the metal casing, at least part of the mechanical assembly being driven by the single insulating drive rod while permitting non-simultaneous straight-line movement of the two movable contacts.

Abstract: Opening electrical contacts or electrical circuit interrupters. Particularly, a design for an electrical switch having opening electrical contacts which inhibit arcing. More particularly, a circuit breaker having a micro-contact interface comprising a contact with a plurality of contact points capable of handling high steady state currents conventionally handled by small to medium size molded case circuit breakers (i.e., 0.5 A.sub.rms to 400 A.sub.rms) at distribution voltage levels (120 V.sub.rms to 600 V.sub.rms).

Abstract: A circuit-breaker having two interrupting chambers per pole, the chambers being disposed in a T or V configuration at the end of a column provided at its base with a control system for operating a drive rod, each chamber containing a moving assembly connected via a linkage to the drive rod, and main contacts and arcing contacts, wherein each chamber contains a semi-moving assembly including main contacts and arcing contacts co-operating respectively with the main contacts and the arcing contacts of the moving assembly, the semi-moving assembly in each of the chambers including a mechanism for moving it at a velocity of equal magnitude and of opposite direction to the velocity of the moving assembly with which it co-operates.

Abstract: A device for switching electric current includes a compressed gas switch, at least one vacuum switch, and two terminals. A first consumable contact of the compressed gas switch is electrically connected to a first of the two terminals and a movable electrode of the vacuum switch is connected to a second of the two terminals to form a quenching circuit. The two electrodes of the vacuum switch can be separated without the use of the drive and a contact pressure is applied to them which prevents the electrodes from breaking below a threshold value of the current to be switched off. On switch-off, the current to be interrupted is switched over from a rated current circuit containing two rated current contacts of the compressed gas switch to the parallel quenching circuit. The vacuum switch now in the quenching circuit breaks only if the current to be switched off exceeds the aforementioned threshold.