Abstract An indicator rod is secured to the movable contact structure of a high-voltage circuit interrupter, and extends upwardly within an interrupting column structure. For indicating the open and closed-circuit positions of the interrupter, a semaphore is secured to the upper end of the indicator rod, and is visible through a transparent cover. A manually operable hand-jack may, at times, be threadedly secured to the aforesaid indicator rod, and will permit a slow opening and closing operation of the interrupter for maintenance purposes. In addition, the aforesaid indicator rod may serve as a travel indicator by the utilization of a solar cell attached to the inside of the transparent cover, and by utilizing a light source attached to the cover flange. The semaphore indicator casts a shadow on the solar cell as it moves to the open position thereby reducing the light striking the solar cell. Consequently, the aforesaid indicator rod may be used for three functions, namely as a semaphore, hand-jack maintenance device, and also as a travel indicator for determining the velocity of opening and closing travel.
Inventors
👤 R Kane
👤 W Fischer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-29 12:41
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H9/00; H01H9/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A circuit breaker comprising, in combination: a. a movable contact cooperable with a stationary contact to establish an arc and open the connected circuit; b. an indicator-rod responsive to movement of the movable contact in its opening and closing movements; c. a semaphore secured to the indicator-rod to indicate visibly the open and closed-circuit positions of the circuit breaker; d. said indicator-rod including thread means whereby a manually operable hand-jack threadedly related to said indicator-rod may be substituted for the semaphore indicator, said manually operable hand-jack causing the relatively slow opening and closing movement of said circuit breaker.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A circuit breaker comprising, in combination: a. a movable contact cooperable with a stationary contact to establish an arc and open the connected circuit; b. an indicator-rod responsive to movement of the movable contact in its opening and closing movements; c. a semaphore secured to the indicator-rod to indicate visibly the open and closed-circuit positions of the circuit breaker; d. said indicator-rod including thread means whereby a manually operable hand-jack threadedly related to said indicator-rod may be substituted for the semaphore indicator, said manually operable hand-jack causing the relatively slow opening and closing movement of said circuit breaker.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein a shade is attached to the indicator-rod, a light source and solar cell are provided, whereby variable light illumination striking the solar cell by virtue of movement of the movable shade affixed to the indicator-rod will, through oscillographic means, give an indication of contact opening and closing velocity travel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein the hand-jack has a flange portion, and stationary thrust bearings guide the rotative motive of the flange portion of the rotatable hand-jack.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein a transparent cover protects the movable semaphore and permits it to be observed visually.