Sealed solenoid magnetically operated high voltage electric power switch

US8957342B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SOUTHERN STATES, LLC · US

Inventors

• Neil McCord · Lawrenceville, US
• Joseph R. Rostron · Hampton, US
• Frank Clay Blalock · Hampton, US
• Donald Fletcher Swing, III · Hampton, US
• Roy P. Alexander · Killingworth, US
• Kent Davey · Edgewater Junction, US
• William C. Horn · Long Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 12, 2013
• Grant date: Feb 17, 2015
• Expiry date: Dec 12, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E30/30
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A sealed solenoid, magnetically operated electric power switch is suitable for use as capacitor, line and load switch operating at transmission and distribution voltages that includes no dynamically moving seals through the sealed container housing the contactor portion of the switch. The sealed solenoid switch includes a magnetically operated drive system with an actuator that magnetically couples across the container wall to avoid the use of a moving or sliding seal as part of the drive system. The sealed solenoid switch may also include a ballast resistor and resistor contact located inside the sealed container to avoid another seal as part of the ballast system. A magnetic latch holds the switch in a closed position, and a spring holds the switch in the closed position, to avoid the need for an energizing current to maintain the switch in either position.