Patent ID: 7672108
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A fault interrupter and disconnect device comprising: a vacuum interrupter coupled in series with a disconnect assembly, the vacuum interrupter having an open state and a closed state, the disconnect assembly having an open state and a closed state; an actuator coupled to the vacuum interrupter to place the vacuum interrupter in either the open state or the closed state; a disconnect operating mechanism coupled to the disconnect assembly to place the disconnect assembly in either the open state or the closed state; and a vacuum interrupter trip mechanism including a member coupled to the disconnect operating mechanism and moveable with the disconnect operating mechanism, the member further being coupled to the vacuum interrupter such that upon operation of the disconnect operating mechanism to place the disconnect assembly in the open state or to place the disconnect assembly in the closed state, the member engages the vacuum interrupter to place the vacuum interrupter in the open state before a change of state of the disconnect assembly.