Abstract: A disconnector device including an isolator connected between a first terminal and to a second terminal, and a sleeve positioned around the isolator and moveable between an un-extended position prior to the isolator operating and an extended position after the isolator operates, the sleeve being configured to trap debris produced by operation of the isolator.

Abstract: A cutout mountable recloser that remains latched to the cutout until the recloser is selectively mechanically unlatched via at least rotation of a driver by an operator. During installation, including while the recloser is being latched to the cutout, the recloser can be in an open condition. Latching of the recloser to the cutout can include increasing a tension force exerted by the cutout on the recloser by increasing a linear distance between first and second terminals of the recloser. With the opened recloser latched to the cutout, the recloser can be mechanically closed via a release of stored energy from a closing mechanism. The recloser can selectively be mechanically unlatched from the cutout by a subsequent reduction in the linear distance between first and second terminals of the recloser, which can reduce the tension force being exerted by the cutout.

Abstract: A system for an electrical power distribution network includes a plurality of electrical apparatuses, each electrical apparatus including a mechanical connection and at least one electrical connector; and a single-piece unitary support configured to receive and hold the plurality of electrical apparatuses, the support including: a frame including a plurality of mechanical interfaces, each of the mechanical interfaces configured to receive and hold a mechanical connection of one of the plurality of electrical apparatus; a cover extending from a side of the frame; and a panel integrated with the frame, the panel including a plurality of electrical interfaces, each of the plurality of electrical interfaces configured to couple to an electrical connector of one of the electrical apparatuses, the cover positioned over the panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical assembly for a wire-fuse circuit-breaker (1) provided with a fuseholder (2) and a drive lever (3) adapted to be actuated by an operator and to actuate a lever for breaking the fuse wire. According to the invention, the direction of pivoting of the drive lever is the opposite of the direction of pivoting of the fuseholder tube and the mounting of the parts leaves sufficiently clear the area in the vicinity of the open lower end of the fuse-holder tube to allow gases produced by breaking the fuse wire to exhaust without disturbing the flow thereof. This makes a wire-fuse circuit-breaker safe to drive and safe in operation. The invention also relates to a method of renovating an existing wire-fuse circuit-breaker.

Abstract: A cutout cover includes an arcuate top portion covering an insulator having a closed top and an open bottom with a slit extending therebetween. A midsection can connect the top portion to an open end adapted to access the cutout. The top portion is bell-shaped with an upper and lower dome, two opposing sides, and a slit between the sides. A fastener mechanism is attached to the two opposing sides with an aperture disposed on each of the sides for receiving a fastener.

Abstract: An enclosed insulator assembly has a generally cylindrical polysiloxane body, a tubular Durethan® core with upper and lower terminals, Multilam™ contacts within the terminals, an arc-quenching tube, and a manually removable handle. Entrance holes in the body accommodate the coupling of external cables to the terminals. A threaded cylinder positioned on the handle's interior accommodates one of an interchangeable cutout fuse tube assembly and disconnect tube assembly and permits the assembly to be inserted into the core as the handle is positioned on the body. Both assemblies have top and bottom fittings with O-rings that prevent weather corrosion between the fittings and terminals. A grooved load interrupter is attached to the bottom fitting of the assemblies to suppress arcing when the assembly is pulled out from the body.

Abstract: A fuse cutout for connection to a power source, includes a mounting having upper and lower support members extending from opposing ends of the mounting. A holder member is fixedly attached to the lower support member of the mounting and a pivot member is received in the holder member at a first pivot point. The pivot member is movable between first and second positions. A lever member, movable between non-release and release positions, has unitary first and second portions. The first portion is pivotally coupled to the pivot member. A fuseholder, movable between closed and open positions, has upper and lower ends, the lower end being pivotally coupled to the pivot member at a second pivot point. The first and second positions of the pivot member and each of the closed and open positions of the fuseholder, correspond to each of the non-release and release positions of the lever member.

Abstract: A hot stick switch head for a lineman's tool for safely and expeditiously removing and installing fuseholders having a tubular body and a mounting assembly from an overhead mounting comprising a base member having a downwardly depending attachment device for attachment to the end of a hot stick and an elevated slot member on the opposite end thereof for receiving an element of said mounting assembly, and a fusebody-receiving notch. A laterally projecting arm engages a fusebody anywhere along the length thereof an guides the fusebody into the fusebody-receiving notch in the base member. The notch and slot are shaped and juxtaposed relative to each other so that on vertical elevation of the lineman's tool, the fusebody is securely retained thereon while the fusebody is lifted out of the fusebody mounting.

Abstract: An insulator assembly for a polymeric cutout assembly has a core with first and second ends and an outer surface. First and second end caps are attached at the first and second core ends. The end caps have outer surfaces. A sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the core. A projection extends laterally outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve. An insulator is molded around the outer surface of the core, the sleeve and the first and second end caps. A center pin is attached to the projection to secure the cutout assembly to a support.

Abstract: A fuse cutout for connection to a power source includes a mounting having upper and lower support members extending from opposing ends of the mounting. The upper support member includes a first contact having opposing first and second end portions, with the first end portion being attached to the upper support member, and a dome portion disposed between the first and second end portions. The dome portion includes opposing first and second dome surfaces and a first ridge extending along the second dome surface. A holder member is fixedly attached to the lower support member of the mounting. A pivot member is received in the holder member at a first pivot point, the pivot member being movable between first and second positions. A fuseholder is movable between closed and open positions and has upper and lower ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled to the pivot member at a second pivot point.

Abstract: An actuating device (22) operated by a hookstick (12) is attached to a manually operated fused cutout switch (10) or a oil circuit recloser switch (22). The device (22) is readily clamped to a ring (14) of the switch with a locking member (30) and a cantilever (24), each defining a boss or raised portion (34) and (60, 64, selectively for the cantilever), which bosses are disposed within the ring (14) to bear against an inner surface of the ring. A fastener (40) secures the locking member (30) and the cantilever (24) together. The hookstick (12), being engaged in the receptacle (48, 50), moves the actuating device (22) to alternatively open or close the switch. An alternate embodiment of the cantilever and a method of actuating a manually operated switch are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-venting current limiting fuse for mounting in a cutout comprises a high current fuse component and a low current fuse component housed in separate compartments of a housing and connected in series. Interruption of a low current overload results in operation of the low current fuse component only, with the high current component being unaffected. The low current fuse component is removable from the housing such that when a low current overload situation exists, the low current fuse component can be simply removed and replaced without the need for replacement of the more costly high current fuse component.

Abstract: In order to protect a brushless motor, heat generated at a switching device, in response to an abnormality, activates a protection device. The protection device includes a connecting line communicating between a source supply line and the switching device. The protection device is provided near the switching device such that it can sense heat at the switching device with a high degree of sensitivity. Thus, when excessive heat is generated at the switching device, the protection device reaches a specific temperature, whereby the source supply line becomes cut off from the switching device, thereby immediately stopping the operation of the brushless motor.

Abstract: A delay mechanism for retarding relative movement between two members has particular application in a hinge assembly for a dropout fuseholder. In one embodiment, a pin member rotatably connecting two adjacent members is disposed through a sleeve which has a cavity filled with viscous material, such as silicon putty. Protrusions extending from the shaft of the pin engage the putty and retard the relative rotational movement of the two members. In another embodiment, a friction member, such as a washer or annular seal, is disposed between the adjacent rotatable members. The friction member has facing surfaces contacting the opposing surfaces of the rotatable members such that the frictional forces between the friction member and the rotatable members retard rotation. In still another embodiment, the hinge assembly of a dropout fuseholder includes a latch member which rotates away from the fuseholder once dropout is initiated.

Abstract: A sectionalizer assembly includes a mounting structure having upper and lower electrical contacts, a sectionalizer tube, an actuating member mounted to the tube and movable from a non-actuated to an actuated position, and a pivotal latching mechanism having a pivot member, latch arm and catch. The pivot member is mounted to the lower electrical contact and to a lower end of the tube for undergoing pivotal movement relative thereto between locking and releasing positions. The latch arm fixedly attached to the pivot member extends outwardly therefrom and undergoes pivotal movement therewith between the locking and releasing positions. The catch is carried on a lower end of the actuating member and undergoes movement therewith. The latch arm has an outer end fittable within a recess in the catch that is open at least at one side thereof.

Abstract: A current responsive latching apparatus may be employed in a dropout fuseholder or other electrical component for retaining the component in a current-carrying position and disconnecting and isolating the electrical component upon the occurrence of an overcurrent of a predetermined magnitude. The apparatus includes a current path through the component, including a current-carrying stud or conductor, a portion of which extends outside the component for releasably engaging a support member. A latching apparatus, which may include an actuating member of memory allow or a bimetallic material, engages the conductor to retain the support member in a supporting position beneath the electrical component. The apparatus may further include a heater element in the current path to ensure that the actuation member is heated to the temperature necessary to cause it to change shape and release the conductor upon the presence of an overcurrent.

Abstract: A fuse holder which has a plurality of fuses to be automatically and sequentially connected into an electrical network on failure of an operatively positioned fuse so that transient current surges can be prevented from damaging equipment in the network and from unnecessarily closing down the network for manual repair, the fuse holder having a carrier biased for relative rotation with respect to contacts in the network and fuses with latching contact mechanisms releasable on rupture of the fuse to permit rotation of the carrier.

Abstract: A current-limiting dropout fuseholder includes multiple current paths through the fuse body. A primary current path includes a high current fusible element. A secondary current path in parallel with the primary path includes a triggering conductor that extends outside the fuse body and is connected to a moveable support. The second current path further includes a first spark gap for severing the triggering conductor upon the occurrence of a fault and the shifting of the fault current from the primary current path to the second current path. A second spark gap formed between the primary and the second current paths ensures that the fault current flows across the first spark gap for a time sufficient to sever the triggering conductor, thereby ensuring that dropout will occur.

Abstract: A resettable internal actuating mechanism, used in an electronic sectionalizer having a tube assembly movable between a closed position and an open position, includes a latching element of an electro-mechanical component mounted in the tube assembly and biased to move to an extended position and movable to a retracted position in response to receipt of an electrical signal, an actuating member spaced from the latching element and mounted in the tube assembly and being biased to move from a non-actuated position to an actuated position, and a linking lever mounted in the tube assembly between the latching element and the actuating member and biased to pivotably move from a latched position to an unlatched position. The linking lever has opposite ends latched respectively to the latching element and actuating member when the linking lever is at the latched position and the latching element is at the extended position to thereby hold the actuating member at the non-actuated position.

Abstract: A fuse cutout assembly (21) including a containment housing (22), a fuse (23), a mounting assembly (24) mounting the fuse (23) in the housing (22) for electrical connection to an electrical circuit. A plunger assembly (29) is movably mounted at least partially inside the housing (22) and preferably surrounding the fuse (23). An electrical conductor (28) is electrically connected to the fuse (23) and mechanically connected to the plunger assembly (29). The plunger assembly (29) is supported in the housing (22) in a first position and is formed to be propelled inside the housing (22) away from the first position to a second position by the hot gases generated upon rapid melting of the fuse (23). Movement of the plunger assembly (29) is preferably yieldably resisted by the air trapped between the plunger assembly (29) and the housing (22), which may be vented during plunger movement.

Abstract: This sectionalizer comprises a movable current-carrying member carrying a first contact that is engageable with a second contact when the sectionalizer is closed. Overcenter toggle means holds the current-carrying member in its closed position when the toggle means is in an overcenter condition but is ineffective to hold the current-carrying member in said closed position when the toggle means is driven out of its overcenter condition. Electronic control means develops a pulse of electrical energy when predetermined conditions have occurred in the circuit through the sectionalizer.

Abstract: An in-line cutout comprises an elongated insulator having high tensile strength to support a length of cable between poles. Electrically conductive caps are secured to the ends of the insulator, and a fusible link is connected between the caps. One cap is electrically connected to the main line and the other cap is secured physically and electrically to the end of a branch line.

Abstract: A horizontally mounted electrical cut-out device is provided. The device includes an insulator electrically isolating a pair of terminals and a fuse assembly comprising a fuse carrier housing a fuse element removably connected between the terminals. The fuse assembly is pivotally connected at one end to one of the terminals to allow the other end of the fuse assembly to engage the other terminal when the fuse assembly is pivoted. The pivotal connection is such so as to permit the fuse assembly to drop automatically to an open position following an interruption resulting from an overload or fault thereby establishing an open circuit condition. This increases safety and provides a visible indication of the open circuit condition. A latch is provided on the other terminal to engage releasably the other end of the fuse assembly to maintain the electrical connection between the two terminals.

Abstract: An electronic sectionalizer includes mounting structure including first and second electrical contacts spaced from one another and electrically conductive structure having an external surface and provided with first and second electrical terminals adapted to engage the first and second electrical contacts of the mounting structure in a closed condition of thesectionalizer. The sectionalizer provides for the release of the electrically conductive structure from engagement with at least the first electrical contact to permit the electrically conductive structure to move from the closed position to an open position, and an actuator is provided for actuating the release. A detector is provided to detect a predetermined condition in the sectionalizier and the actuator is controlled in response to the detection by an electronic control circuit mounted to the external surface of the conductor.

Abstract: An electronic sectionalizer for a branch line of a high voltage power distribution system has a resettable actuator for unlatching a trunnion member and release of a sectionalizer tube toward a disabled or drop-out orientation. The actuator includes an elongated, spring-loaded plunger normally held by a latch in loaded position, and a solenoid or the like is provided to shift the latch and enable movement of the plunger toward a released position for simultaneous swinging movement of the trunnion member. In certain forms of the invention, the plunger is directly engageable with a wall of the trunnion member, while in other embodiments of the invention mechanical advantage is provided by use of an elongated lever which is disposed in the path of the plunger and which bears against the trunnion member for initiating rotational movement of the latter.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for drop-out of an electronic sectionalizer tube from an upper contact of mounting structure is arranged so that substantially the entire force released by an actuator fired by a sectionalizer logic circuit immediately causes the tube to drop away and disengage the upper contact. The actuator is mounted on a lower portion of the tube and has a pin that strikes a trunnion pivotally interconnecting a lower contact of the mounting structure and a lower portion of the tube, and the pin of the actuator strikes the trunnion at a location between the pivotal connections of the trunnion so that immediate, downwardly directed motion of the sectionalizer tube away from the upper contact is assured. The pivot mechanism reliably ensures successful drop-out of the tube regardless of adverse environmental conditions and with minimal reliance upon a spring or the effects of gravity.

Abstract: An automatic sectionalizer for a power transmission line in which the actuator (8) operatively engages the tube (1) directly to cause it to move towards an isolating position.

Abstract: An improved cutout which accepts a fuse tube of standard length, which is less costly to manufacture and which exhibits improved performance, has an offset, rather than a straight, recoil bar. The offset positions the end of the recoil bar closer to the short leg of a J Spring, and positions a hole in the end of the recoil bar, through which freely passes a pin interconnecting the legs of the J, closer to a convexity in the short leg. Operation of the cutout causes a fuse tube, one end of which is in the concavity, to experience random longitudinal and transverse thrust forces. The offset limits the transverse motion the short J leg and the fuse tube can experience to (a) limit bending forces on the tube and breakage thereof, and (b) prevent the fuse tube from disengaging the concavity before the longitudinal thrust thereof subsides.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device is disclosed. A stationary contact is mounted within a stationary hollow insulator and connected to one side of an electrical circuit. A movable contact normally engages the stationary contact and is mounted for movement within the stationary hollow insulator. The movable contact is connected by a contact rod that extends through an opening in the insulator to a set of spring detent fingers. The spring detent fingers electrically and mechanically engage the end of a movable conductive element, such as a power fuse or disconnect switchblade, which is connected to the other side of the electrical circuit. A spring biases the movable contact toward engagement with the stationary contact. When the movable conductive element is moved away from the device, the spring detent fingers grip the element and cause the movable contact to move to disengage the stationary contact.

Abstract: A combination dropout assembly adapted for use with protective cutouts in an electrical distribution system comprises a current limiting fuse electrically connected in series with an explusion-type fuse, and mechanically coupled in skewed relation to the latter, whereby the assembly provides reliable full range fault current protection yet is sufficiently compact in length to matingly span the gate between conductive terminals of conventional 15 KV class opengate cutouts found in many existing electrical distributioon systems. Overload and low to medium fault current protection is provided by the expulsion fuse, while high range fault currents are cleared by operation of the current limiting fuse.