Abstract:
A fuse cutout switch ( 12 ) attached to electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of electrical distribution systems operable with hooksticks ( 16 ) in which a connection assembly ( 28 ) detachably engages a first distal end of a fuse body ( 20 ) that is pivotably and detachably engaged at a second distal end to a hinge ( 22 ). A grab member ( 32 ) attached to the fuse body ( 20 ) near the first distal end includes a receptacle ( 36 ) for selectively receiving the hookstick ( 16 ) for disengaging the fuse body ( 20 ) from the connection assembly ( 28 ). A restoring member ( 40 ) attached to the fuse body ( 20 ) near a second distal end has a receptacle ( 42 ) for selectively receiving the hookstick ( 16 ) for pivoting the fuse body ( 20 ) about the hinge ( 22 ) and engaging the fuse body ( 20 ) to the connection assembly ( 28 ). Various embodiments of the grab member and the restoring member are disclosed, together with methods of modifying existing fuse cutout switches and of operating a fuse cutout switch.

Description:
The present application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/153,933, filed Sep. 15, 1999. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to manually-operated overhead mounted devices such as pole-mounted fuses, cutout switches, and the like used by electric utilities in overhead electrical power distribution. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved switch arrangement that provides actuators for more efficient operational control of a removable switch or fuse body on such overhead mounted devices by handling tools 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Commercial and residential electrical power is distributed through electric cables which are supported along a series of power poles. Many of the poles are strategically mounted with interrupt assemblies or vertically mounted cutout assemblies. The cutout switch can be used to interrupt a connection to the transmission line, and may be connected to a transformer or another portion of the power distribution network. 
     Vertical cutouts include a combined switch and fuse element, which is pivotally mounted at one end in a hinge bracket usually located at the lower end of the cutout. The fuse element is typically a cylindrical fuse body that encases a fuse that connects electrically at distal ends with the electrical power lines. At its other end, the switch has a rounded cap that can be engaged in a recess of a contact plate, which is under spring pressure. The switch pivots with respect to the lower hinge bracket mounting, and the combined switch and fuse element constitutes a pivotal switch lever. Many cutout switches move to dropout position after a fuse blows. Thus, the fuse that needs replacement is readily identified, such as by a linesman driving along a roadway. Also, many of the devices may be operated manually by a lineman to interrupt the electrical circuit. 
     The switch and fuse body combination are typically fitted with a structural feature designed for cooperation with a handling tool, commonly referred to as hookstick. These hand-held hook sticks are typically 30 to 40 feet in length. The hookstick is operated by utility worker either on a pole, in a bucket truck, or on the ground. The typical structural feature that the hookstick cooperates with to operate the lever is a pull ring that extends from the end of the lever, The utility lineman inserts the hookstick into the pull ring and using the hookstick to actuate the lever by pressing against the pull ring with the hookstick. 
     The prior art hookstick-operated levers are difficult and cumbersome to operate because of the inadequate structural features provided for actuating the switch levers. Inserting the hookstick into the typical ring requires skill and patience. The difficulty of inserting the hookstick into the ring is further complicated by the conditions in which electrical system faults generally occur. High winds and lightning are leading causes of system faults. Therefore, a need to operate a cutout switch often arises during poor weather and at nighttime. Placing the hookstick into a small ring at the top of a utility pole is even more arduous a task in wet, windy, and dark conditions which may cause numerous failed attempts and become time consuming. Time is of the essence in restoration of electrical power. Moreover, safety of utility personnel is a significant concern. Failed attempts to insert a hookstick into a pull ring increase the personnel&#39;s exposure to weather conditions or electrical hazards. The prior art fails to address these problems associated with the hookstick operated cutout switches. 
     Accordingly, it is seen that a need remains for improved operational controllers of removable switches or fuse bodies on overhead mounted electrical distribution devices. It is to the provision of such therefore that the present invention is directed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention solves the deficiencies in prior art overhead mounted switches, fuse bodies, and cutout devices operated by hooksticks, by providing an improved operating actuators for fuse cutout switches attached to electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of electrical distribution systems. The fuse cutout switch comprises a connection assembly for detachably engaging a first distal end of a fuse body and a hinge for pivotably and detachably receiving a second distal end of the fuse body. The actuators are a grab member and a restoring member. The grab member attached to the fuse body near the first distal end has an arm extending at an angle laterally therefrom and defines a receptacle at a distal end for selectively receiving a hookstick for disengaging the fuse body from the connection assembly. The restoring member attaches to the fuse body near the second distal end and has an arm extending at an angle laterally therefrom and defining a receptacle at a distal end for selectively receiving a hookstick for engaging the fuse body to the connection assembly. The grab member is engaged to move the fuse body from engagement with the switch while the opposing restoring member is engaged to remove and replace the fuse body from the hinge of the switch and to restore the fuse body into engagement with the switch. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of modifying existing fused cutout switches by attaching at the distal ends actuators comprising opposing arms that define receptacles for receiving hooksticks, for operation of the cutout switch. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating fused cutout switches attached to electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of electrical distribution systems, comprising the steps of: 
     (a) engaging a hookstick in a receptacle of a grab member attached to a first end of a fuse body that is detachably engaged to a connection assembly of a fuse cutout switch; and 
     (b) moving the hookstick to cause the first end of the fuse body to move outwardly from engagment with the connection assembly. 
     In a further aspect of this method, the fuse body is readily removed from the cutout switch by the steps of: 
     (c) pivoting the fuse body about a hinge engaged to a second end of the fuse body; 
     (d) engaging the hookstick in a receptacle of a restoring member attached at the second end of the fuse body; and 
     (e) operating the hookstick to remove the fuse body from the hinge, whereby the fuse body is accessible for replacement of a fuse within the fuse body. 
     The fused cutout switch is restored to service by the steps of: 
     (f) engaging the hookstick in the receptacle of the restoring member; 
     (g) pivotally engaging the second end of the fuse body with the hinge; and 
     (g) pivoting the fuse body about the hinge to engage the first end of the fuse body in the connection assembly. 
     Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings and the claims hereto. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fused cutout assembly with a prior art pull ring feature and hookstick. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fused cutout assembly shown with the fuse switch in the closed position and depicting the present invention as a structural improvement to the assembly replacing the prior art pull ring for operating the switch with a hookstick. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention being used after opening the fuse switch to the open position to remove the fuse body from the supporting bracket. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of a further embodiment of the grab member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of a further embodiment of the restoring member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fuse body with an alternate embodiment of a grabbing member and a restoring member according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective partial view of a fuse body with an alternate embodiment of a member that is used for either grabbing or restoring the fuse in an electrical switch. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member that is used for either grabbing or restoring the fuse body in an electrical switch. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member that is used for either grabbing or restoring the fuse body in an electrical switch. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member that is used for either grabbing or restoring the fuse body in an electrical switch. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member that is used for either grabbing or restoring the fuse body in an electrical switch. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a mounted electrical distribution control device  12 , which in the illustrated ebodiment is a vertical cutout and arrester combination that mounts conventionally on utility poles. These vertical cutout assemblies are also known as lockout devices or fused cutouts. As shown in FIG. 1, the fused cutout  12  is generally operated by manually placing a limb  14  that extends from a hookstick  16  into a pull ring  18  attached to a fuse body  20  in the cutout  12 . The fuse body  20  contains a fuse for protecting the electrical distribution system from high voltage surges. Force is applied through the hookstick  16  against the ring  18  to operate the switch on the electrical distribution device. For example, a fuse body  20  is pivotally hinged by a hinge  22  generally at lower end bottom end  24  of the vertically mounted device  12 . The pull ring  18  is attached to the top end of the fuse body  20 . A top end  26  of the fuse body  20  is detachably connected to a connection assembly  28  that is generally at the top end of the cutout device  12 . 
     The fuse body arrangement is typically referred to as a cutout switch  20 , and the arrangement resembles a lever which is pivotable between a closed first position and a drop-down or open second position. The hookstick  16  is applied to the pull ring  18  to pivot the fuse body  20  about the hinge  22  in order to open or close the cutout switch  30 . The pull ring  18  is pulled generally outwardly and downwardly towards the ground to open the cutout switch  30 . The pull ring  18  is pulled in opposing directions, generally upwardly and inwardly, to engage the top end of the fuse body  20  to the connection assembly  28  and thereby close the cutout switch  30 . Further, when the cutout switch  30  is open (or in a drop down position with the fuse body  20  hanging from the hinge  22 ), the hookstick  16  is inserted into the pull ring  18  to remove and replace the fuse body  20 . This is accomplished by using the hookstick  16  in the pull ring  18  to lift the fuse body  20  from the hinge  22 , so that the fuse body can be brought to the ground (or to a bucket on a boom-type service truck) for replacing the fuse within the fuse body  20 . The fuse body  20  moves to a “drop-down” position as a result of the fuse becoming “blown” during an high voltage electrical surge through the fuse. 
     Referring further to FIG. 2, the actuator apparatus of the present invention is provided in a preferred embodiment adapted for use in the application of the mounted electrical distribution device  12 , such as the fused cutout  30 . In FIG. 2, the fused cutout switch  30  is in the closed position with the upper end of the switch being engaged with the connection assembly  28 . As shown, the pull ring  18  of FIG. 1 is eliminated from the fuse body  20 . In contrast, the present invention provides a grab member  32  that includes the features described herein for manipulation by a handling tool, such as the hookstick  16 . The grab member  32  includes an extended portion  34  that is attached to the fuse body  20  preferably toward the top of the fuse body when the switch  30  is closed. The extended portion  34  of the grab member terminates in a receptacle  36  for receiving the limb  14  at the top of the hookstick  16 . The receptacle  36  may be curved to provide a hook-shaped design. The receptacle  36  includes a receiving slot  38  sized such that the hookstick limb  14  fits into the receptacle. The receptacle  36  is positioned with sufficient space between an interior surface  37  and proximate features  39  of the switch  30  (such as the side of the fuse body  20 ) to permit the hookstick limb  14  to pass between the receptacle outer edges and the proximate features. Further, the receptacle  36  is oriented with the receiving slot  38  facing upwardly when the switch  30  is in the closed position shown in FIG.  2 . 
     A restoring member  40  is provided for allowing further manipulation of the mounted device  12  using the hookstick  16  or other handling tool. As shown in the fused cutout device  12  of FIG. 2, the restoring member  40  is attached to the hinged end of the fuse body  20 . The restoring member consists of an U-shaped receptacle  42  that provides an opening or slot  44  for receiving the limb  14  at the top of the hookstick  16 . The restoring member  40  is provided for removing and replacing a fuse body  20  or other removable switch. When the switch  30  is in the closed position of FIG. 2, the receptacle of the restoring member  40  is oriented with the slot  44  facing upwardly. Thus, when the switch  30  drops down or is pivoted downwardly about the hinge  22 , the receptacle  42  of the restoring member  40  becomes oriented with the slot  44  facing downwardly. Accordingly, the grab member  32  and the restoring member  40  are disposed at opposing ends of the fuse body  20 , with the open slots in opposing facing relation. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the mounted device  12  having a fused cutout switch  30  in the drop-down position, referred to as the open position. The open position will occur when a fuse in the fuse body  20  blows and the fuse body drops down out of the position of engagement with the connection assembly  28 . Also, the open position could be caused by the manual operation of the switch  30  utilizing a handling tool  16 . For example, the open position shown in FIG. 3 could be obtained by placing a hookstick  16  into the grab member  32  as depicted in FIG.  2 . The hookstick  16  is placed in the grab member  32  by a utility worker lifting the limb  14  of the hookstick  16  above the receiving slot  38 , and then moving the limb against the receptacle  36  and pulling the hookstick down to engage the grab member  32 . Thereby, the receptacle  36  provided by the invention eliminates the fumbling caused by utility workers trying to place the limb  14  into the pull ring  18  at a remote distance, typically from about  30  to  50  feet away from the worker. After engaging the receptacle  36  with the hookstick  16 , the utility worker pulls the switch  30  open by applying outward and downward force to the grab member  32 . 
     When the fused cutout switch  30  is in the open position, the fuse body  20  may be removed and replaced by engaging the restoring member  40  with the hookstick  16 . Again the inconvenience of the pull ring  18  is eliminated by the present invention. The utility worker engages the restoring member  40  by moving the hookstick limb  14  upwardly against the edges of the fuse body  20  and the restoring member  40  and into the open slot  44  of the downwardly facing receptacle  42 . (This differs from the difficult actions necessary to place the limb  14  of the hookstick  16  into the small closed orifice of the pull ring  18  using horizontal motions of the limb controlled from the remote distance of 30 to 50 feet away by a utility worker.) 
     Once the hookstick  16  engages the restoring member  40 , the utility worker lifts the fuse body  20  up out of the hinge  22 . The barrel of the fuse body is opened (typically by unscrewing a cap), and the fuse contained therein is replaced. 
     To return the fuse body  20  to the switch  30 , the utility worker places the fuse body on the end of the hookstick  16  by placing the limb  4  into the receptacle  32  of the restoring member  30 . The hookstick  16  is then raised to lifting the fuse body  20  up above the hinge  22  and dropping the hinged end  24  of the fuse body  20  into the hinge  22 . The hookstick  16  is then disengaged from the restoring member  40 . The switch  30  is then closed. This is accomplished by engaging the hookstick  16  with the restoring member  32 . The hookstick  16  is manipulated upwardly and inwardly to pivot the fuse body  20  about the hinge  22  to swing the fuse body into engaging contact with the connecting assembly  28  and thereby move the switch  30  into the closed position. 
     Both the grab member  32  and the restoring member  40  may be provided with means to enhance the secure engagement of the hookstick  16  with the receptacles  36  and  42 . For instance, the terminal ends of the receptacles may include a lip  46  on one or both sides of the receiving slots  38  and  44  to hinder the hookstick limb  14  from slipping out of the receptacles while the mounted device  12  is manipulated. 
     Other embodiments of the invention are shown in FIG.  4  and FIG.  5 . First, FIG. 4 illustrates that the grab member  32  or restoring member  40  of the invention may be provided with a spring loaded latch  48  that will be moved downward by the hookstick  16  and returned to its position to encircle the hookstick once the hookstick is engaged within the slot  38  or  44 . Further, FIG. 5 illustrates that the grab member  32  or restoring member  40  of the invention may be spiraled or provided with additional flange members  50  to provide additional means for engaging the hookstick  16  such that the limb  14  may be encircled by the receptacles  36  and  42 . Thereby, the receptacles  36  and  42  may encircle the limb  14  without the disadvantages of the prior art pull ring  18  that did not have an open body or slot  38  or  44  for receiving the limb  14  in both opening an overhead mounted switch  30  and in removing and replacing a fuse in the fuse body  20 . 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of the fuse body  20  with the prior art ring  18  attached at an upper end and a threaded cap  61  exploded from the threaded end  63  of the fuse body. FIG. 6 illustrates alternate embodiments of a grabbing member  60  and a restoring member  62  according to the present invention, particularly suited for retrofit installation to an existing fuse body  20 . The grabbing member  60  includes a mounting plate  64  that defines an opening  65  for the fuse body. An arm  66  extends at an angle from an outward edge of the mounting plate  64  and terminates in a hook-like receptacle  68  that defines a slot  69 . The arm  66  defines an open, elongate slot  70 . The slot  70  is sized for receiving therein the ring  18 . 
     The restoring member  62  includes an annular mounting ring  72  that defines an opening  73  through which the thread end  63  of the fuse body  20  extends. An elongate arm  74  extends parallel to the fuse body  20 . The arm  74  terminates in a hook-like receptacle  76 . The receptacle  76  defines a slot  77  open generally upwardly and opposed to the receptacle  68  of the grabbing member  60 . 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective partial view of the fuse body  20  and the ring  18 , with an alternate embodiment of a member  80  that is used for either grabbing or restoring the fuse body  20  in an electrical switch. This embodiment of the member  80  is suited for retrofit applications. The member  80  comprises a hook-like body having a supporting portion  82  and an extending hook portion  84 . A pair of spaced-apart notches  86  are defined in the supporting portion  82 , which receive bands  88  for securing the member  80  to the fuse body  20 . 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member  90  particularly adapted for installation by an original manufacturer of fuse bodies  20 . The member  90  includes a cylindrical body  92  from which an arm  94  extends. The arm  94  terminates in a hook-like receptacle  96  which defines a slot  98  between the arm  94  and a distal end  99  of the arm. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member  100  that is preferably installed as a retrofit application to existing fuse bodies. The member  100  includes a clevis or U-shaped yoke  102  with opposing sides  104 ,  106 . The sides  104 ,  106  define aligned openings  108 ,  110  for receiving a fastener  112 . The opening  108  in the side  104  may be tapped for threadingly engaging the fastener  112 , or alternatively, a nut is provided (not illustrated) outwardly of the side, for securing the member  100  to the fuse body  20 . An arm  114  extends at an angle from the yoke  102  and terminates in a hook-like receptacle  116 . This defines a slot  118  between the arm  114  and a distal end  119  of the arm. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member  120  that is used for either grabbing or restoring the fuse body  20  in an electrical switch, and is adapted for retrofit application. The member  120  includes a yoke body  122  having opposing sides  124 ,  126  that cooperatively define an open slot  128  therebetween. The sides  124 ,  126  each define at least one aligned opening  127  for receiving a fastener  130 . An arm  132  extends at an angle from the yoke  122  and defines a receptacle portion  134  on an interior face in cooperation with the yoke body  122 . A distal portion  136  of the arm  132  terminates in an angled surface  138 . An extended lip  139  defines a guard at a side portion of the receptacle  134 . The opposing sides of the arm  132  includes a raised ridge  140 , for rigidity of the arm. A tapered portion  142  is defined in the yoke opposing the arm  132 . 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a member  150  adapted for retrofit application to a switch  12  for use as a grabbing member. The member  150  comprises a plate with an attaching portion  152  and an extending arm portion  154 . A threaded member  156  extends from the attaching portion  152  for extending through the ring  18  of the fuse body  20 . A pair of pins  158  are spaced from the threaded member  156  for bearing against an exterior side of the ring  18 , to secure the member in position and restrict rotation afer installation. A fastener  160  defines a threaded bore  162  for engaging the member  156 . In a preferred ebodiment, the fastener  160  includes a boss  163 , or raised portion, sized for being received within the ring  18 . 
     The alternate embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6,  7 ,  9 ,  10 , and  11  are adapted for retrofit application to existing fuse bodies  20 . However, these may be gainfully provided, as is the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, by manufacturers of fuse bodies. In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the angled arms that define the receptacles of the grab member and the restoring member are integral with the fuse body  20 . In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the arm with the receptacle extends from the threaded cap that is used to close the fuse body  20 . 
     With reference to FIG. 6, the threaded end  63  of the fuse body  20  passes through the respective openings  65 ,  73  in the grabbing member  60  and the restoring member  62 . The threaded cap  61  secures the members  60 ,  62  to the fuse body  20 . The slot  70  receives the ring  18 . The arm  74  of the restoring member  62  is secured to the fuse body  20  by bands (not illustrated). 
     The operation of the switch  30  is provided by the hookstick  16  engaging the receptacle  68  and pulling outwardly and downwardly. The slot  69  provides an opening into the receptacle  68 . This is accomplished readily by sliding the tip portion  14  of the hookstick  16  along the side of the fuse body  20  and the surface of the ring  18  to guide the hookstick  16  into the receptacle  68 . After the fuse body  20  is moved to the drop-down position, the receptacle  76  is then engaged by the hookstick  16 , to remove the fuse body  20  from the switch  30 , as discussed above. The receptacle  76  is thereafter engaged by the hookstick to replace the fuse body  20  on the hanger  22  and to pivot the fuse body to the closed position. 
     The member  80  illustrated in FIG. 7 is employed gainfully as the grabbing member or the restoring member, with a pair of the members attached in opposing relation to the opposing distal end portions of the fuse body  20 . As illustrated, the member  80  for a grabbing member is installed in contact with the existing ring  18 . The bands  88  are preferably nylon straps, or other suitable fastener. The operation of the switch  30  using the members  80  as the grab member and the restore member is as discussed above relative to the other embodiments of the present invention. 
     The member  90  illustrated in FIG. 8 is particularly adapted for installation by an original manufacturer of fuse bodies. The cylindrical body  92  preferably force-fits or is otherwise secured to fuse body  20 . The tip  14  of the hookstick  16  slides longitudinally along the side of the fuse body and returns along a lower surface of the arm  94  to enter the receptacle  96  through the slot  98 , for grabbing and disengaging the fuse body  20  from the switch  30 , in a manner like that discussed above. 
     The members  100  and  120  illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 are preferably installed as retrofit applications to existing fuse bodies. The fuse body  20  extends through the yokes, which are secured with the fasteners extending through the aligned openings in the sides. The operation of the switch by the hookstick entering the respective receptacle is in a manner like that discussed above. It is noted that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 includes the tapered surface  142 , for facilitating the guiding travel of the tip  14  along the fuse body and onto the surface of the yoke body  122  during operation of the switch. 
     The member  150  is preferably attached to the ring  18  in a retrofit application. The member  156  extends through the ring  18  while the pins  158  bear against the exterior of the ring. The fastener  160  threadably engages the member  156 , while the boss  161  on the opposing face is received within the ring. The operation of the member  150  for grabbing the fuse body  20  in a switch is like that discussed above. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved and effective structure that makes the operation of cutout switches with hooksticks easier and faster while reducing the level of skill and patience necessary to place hooksticks into pull ring actuators. The present invention as disclosed herein results in an improved switch arrangement that provides operational control of cutout switches or fuse bodies by hookstick handling tools. The novel structural features of the apparatus include a grab member and a restoring member attached in opposing relation to the fuse body of the switch member of the mounted cutout device. The grab member and the restore member are readily manufactured by molding or fabricating from a plastics and other nonconductive electrically appropriate materials. Further, the present invention is readily installed as a retrofit application to existing installed cutout switches. Once the manipulating apparatus of the present invention is installed, the cutout switch may be operated without finding and placing the hookstick into a pull ring. Instead, the improved manipulating apparatus allows a lineman to engage the hookstick to the switch of the cutout device by sliding the hookstick into the slotted receptacle of the grab member or the restoring member, and moving the hookstick in the desired direction, to open or close the switch in order to remove or replace a blown fuse in the cutout device. Thus, the switch may be operated with less difficulty and engagement attempts with hooksticks with less precision than that needed for inserting hooksticks into prior art pull rings. 
     While the present invention has been described in detail with particular references to embodiments of apparatus for assisting the manipulation of overhead mounted electrical distribution devices by handling tools, it should be understood that many modifications, additions and deletions, in addition to those expressly recited, may be made thereto without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.