US3879833A

US3879833A - Fuse extractor for use with fuse links having a flexible lead extending therefrom

Info

Publication number: US3879833A
Application number: US436648A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Lynn Cooper
Original assignee: Deutsche ITT Industries GmbH
Current assignee: Thomas and Betts Holdings Inc
Priority date: 1974-01-25
Filing date: 1974-01-25
Publication date: 1975-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 1992-04-29
Also published as: JPS50104353A; JPS5436728B2; CA1022973A

Abstract

A fuse extractor assembly for use with a fuse link having a flexible lead extending therefrom and wherein the fuse link is mounted within a fuse tube. The assembly includes a base member fixedly secured to one end of the fuse tube and having an opening therein so that the flexible lead extends from the fuse tube through the opening. An extension rod slidably engages the base member in a first bore therein, and extends longitudinally of the fuse tube. A flat spring is fastened at one of its ends to a spring drum and wound thereabout. The other end of the spring is fastened to the extended end of the extension rod. The flexible lead is fed through an aperture in the spring drum and second bore there, whereby the spring urges the flexible lead longitudinally away from the fuse tube.

Description

United States Patent 1 Cooper Apr. 29, 1975 [75] Inventor: Robert Lynn Cooper, Creve Coeur,

[73] Assignee: International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation, New York, NY.

221 Filed: Jan. 25, 1974 211 Appl.No.:436,648

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Lindell 337/l77 Primary Examiner-Thomas H. Eager Allorney, Agent, or Firm-J B. Raden; W. J. Michals [57] ABSTRACT A fuse extractor assembly for use with a fuse link having a flexible lead extending therefrom and wherein the fuse link is mounted within a fuse tube. The assembly includes a base member fixedly secured to one end of the fuse tube and having an opening therein so that the flexible lead extends from the fuse tube through the opening. An extension rod slidably engages the base member in a first bore therein, and extends longitudinally of the fuse tube. A flat spring is fastened at one of its ends to a spring drum and wound thereabout. The other end of the spring is fastened to the extended end of the extension rod. The flexible lead is fed through an aperture in the spring drum and second bore there, whereby the spring urges the flexible lead longitudinally away from the fuse tube.

10 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures mgrngmmzsmzs 3.879.833 sum 5 of FIG. 11

.FIGJZ FIG. 13

1 FUSE EXTRACTOR FOR USE WITH FUSE LINKS HAVING A FLEXIBLE LEAD EXTENDING THEREFROM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an enclosed, non-vented expulsion fuse structure and, more particularly, to a fuse structure suitable for use with universal fuse links.

In the prior art, expulsion fuses such as overhead fuse cutouts are well known. In its simplest form, the overhead fuse cutout can be considered as a meltable, weaklink fuse installed in a relatively long tube lined with an organic material such as horn fiber. Upon sensing an abnormal condition in current, such as an overload or high-current fault, the link melts or blows, and an are forms in the resulting gap. The normal energy loss from the arc is sufficient to decompose a portion of the organic liner into a high-pressure, highly turbulent gas which acts on the core of the arc to sufficiently cool and de-ionize the arc gas, and, thusly, effect circuit interruption at a current zero. The resulting highenergy, high-pressure gas is expulsed into the atmosphere in a loud, explosive and luminous cloud.

The violent operating characteristics of expulsiontype distribution fuses and cutouts are not only environmentally objectionable for many overhead applications, but also effectively preclude the use of an expulsion-type fuse in underground power distribution systems. That is, for underground distribution applications, the fuse must generally be insulated during operation for safety considerations as well as hermetically sealed to protect it from its environment. However, presently known underground such as, for example, current-limiting fuses and oil-filled fuses fail to provide the standardized time-current characteristics afforded by overhead cutout fuses. Accordingly, the present practice in the art of underground distribution systems is to provide pole-mounted overhead cutout fuses at periodic locations along the underground distribution system. This practice obviously does not provide a completely underground distribution system.

The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages of prior art fuses by providing an enclosed, non-vented expulsion fuse suitable for use with universal fuse links having, for example, standard NEMA K and T time-current characteristics. Accordingly, the expulsion fuse, in accordance with the present invention, is suitable for use in underground distribution systems, sub-surface and submersed applications, and those applications where a non-violent operating fuse is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention provides a fuse extractor for use with a fuse link of the type having a flexible lead extending therefrom, wherein the fuse link is mounted within a fuse tube and where the extractor removes the flexible lead from the fuse tube when the flexible lead separates from the fuse link. The extractor comprises a base member adapted to engage one end of the fuse tube and having an opening through which the flexible lead is extended from the fuse tube. An extension member engages the base member and extends longitudinally of the fuse tube. A spring is fastened at one of its ends to the extended end of the extension member, and slidably engages the flexible lead at its other end. Means are provided for fastening the free end of the flexible lead to the base member so that the spring urges the flexible lead away from the fuse tube. In a preferred embodiment, the extension member comprises an extension rod which slidably engages the base member in one of two bores provided therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. I is a top view of an outdoor tank which serves as a housing for the fuse structure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the tank of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tank cover showing the relative mounting position of the stationary element and loadside universal bushing well;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the load-side universal bushing well of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a preferred fuse module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section of the fuse module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-section of the removable fuse cartridge and fuse holder assembly of the fuse structure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the stationary element of the fuse module which is mounted to the tank cover;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7 and illustrating the means by which the torque tube of FIG. 7 is removably mounted to the fuse holder assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. I0 is a partial cross-section view of the fuse holder of the removable fuse bushing well of the present invention;

FIGS. II and 12 provide top and cross-section views of the fuse tube cap of the fuse holder of FIG. 10;

FIG. I3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a universal fuse link adapted with a link extension assembly;

FIG. I4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of the fuse holder assembly of FIG. 10 and illustrating particularly the flexible lead connection and extractor spring features of the present invention;

FIG. 15 provides a bottom view of the latch of FIG. I4; and,

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure container portion of the stationary element of the fuse module as taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown generally at 10 a hermetically sealed tank having a drum l2 and a top cover 14. Tank I0 provides a housing for the enclosed, non-vented expulsion fuse structure in accordance with the present invention. Mounted on cover 14 and projecting within drum 12 are a load-side universal bushing well 16 and a fuse module shown generally at 18. The portion of fuse module 18 which projects externally of tank 10 provides a universal bushing well having a recess essentially identical to that of the universal bushing well recess of bushing, well 16. Bushing well 16 is provided with a threaded projecting stud 16a, and fuse module 18 is similarly provided with a threaded projecting stud 18a. Threaded studs 16a and 18a provide means for attaching external bushing terminals for use with terminators such as an elbow as is well-known in the art. Top cover 14 is provided with conventional lifting eyes 20, threaded grounding pads 22, and parking stand brackets 24. Pads 22 provide connectors for securing the concentric ground leads of the associated power distribution lines, and brackets 24 provide means for conveniently storing the associated elbow connectors, etc., when the fuse structure is being serviced. Top cover 14 is provided with a name plate 26, and drum 12 is provided with mounting handles 28.

The upper bushing well portion of fuse module 18 includes a bushing well cap 30 having an interlocking handle 32 pivotally mounted thereon about

pins

340 and 34b. As discussed more fully hereinafter, handle 32 serves to latch cap 30 into its sealed position with respect to tank and the cooperating structure of fuse module I8. Handle 32 also serves as a safety interlock feature in that the associated line terminal connections must be removed from

bushing wells

16 and 18 before handle 32 may be raised in such a position so as to permit withdrawal of fuse module 18 from tank 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of tank cover 14 showing the relative mounting position of loadside bushing well 16 and fuse module 18. FIG. 3 also illustrates the construction of a stationary element 34 of fuse module 18. The upper portion 36 of stationary element 34 is suitably mounted and hermetically sealed to top cover I4 at a flatened portion thereon. Upper portion 36 preferably takes the form of filament wound fiberglass or any other suitable insulating material having adequate strength to support the internal assembly of fuse module 18. The lower portion of stationary element 34 comprises a pressure container 38. Pressure container 38 is preferably formed or cast from a suitable material such as aluminum. As will be discussed more fully hereinafter, pressure container 38 conductively engages the lower terminal of the associated fuse link and thereby provides means for completing the fuse circuit within drum I2 of tank 10 as by way of strap 40. Strap 40 is coupled to pressure container 38 by way of a suitable fastening means 42, and coupled to the lower projection of bushing well [6 as by way of a suitable fastening means shown generally at 44. Bushing well 16 also includes a cylinder shield 46 which is suitably bonded or secured to top cover 14 and encloses the insulator portion of bushing well 16. Shield 46 comprises rubber or any other suitable insulating material and serves to increase the dielectric or withstand voltage strength between top cover 14 and strap 40.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of bushing well 16 and illustrating particularly the conductive feedthrough member 160' and recessed well 1612. It can be seen that bushing well 16 provides a conductive path from the outer surface of tank 10 to strap 40 by way of stud 16a and member 160'.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a side view of fuse module 18 illustrating particularly the structural features of interlocking handle 32 and stationary element 34. Handle 32 further includes

roller shafts

48a and 48b upon which rollers 50a and 50b are disposed. Rollers 50a and 50b slidably engage

tongues

52a and 52b respectively. As handle 32 is pushed downwardly into the position shown in FIG. 5, bushing well cap 30 is forced downwardly onto the uppermost portion of stationary element 34. An O-ring (not shown in FIG. 5)

provides a gas-tight seal between stationary element 34 and bushing well cap 30 when handle 32 is in its position as depicted in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a partial cross-sections view of fuse module cross-section and illustrating particularly the removable fuse bushing well 60 mounted therein. The removable fuse cartridge 60 is independently illustrated in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 7, fuse cartridge 60 comprises handle 32, bushing well cap 30, a torque tube 62, a latch 64, and a strainer assembly 66. Fuse cartridge 60 further includes a conductive garter spring 68 and a rubber O -ring 70. Torque tube 62 is fixedly secured to bushing well 60, and removably secured to latch 64 by way of a spring clip 72. That is, the upper portion of torque tube 62 is positioned via four equally spaced grooves 74 which engage corresponding tongues of bushing well cap 30 and is suitably bonded thereat; and, the inwardly projecting portions of spring clip 72 engage the lower portion of torque tube 62 and a corresponding opening in the upper portion of latch 64. As described more fully hereinafter, latch 64 includes latch lugs 64a and 64b (not shown in FIG. 7).

One function of torque tube 62 is to transfer the torque or torsion provided by handle 32 to latch 64. Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a cross-section view of fuse cartridge 60 as taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7. It can be seen that spring clip 72 is provided with two inwardly projecting end portions which function to removably secure torque tube 62 to latch 64. Once spring clip 72 is removed from torque tube 62, latch 64 is free to be removed from fuse cartridge 60.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, latch 64 forms part of a fuse holder assembly 80. It can be seen that latch '64 is provided with a central bore having threads which engage and are suitably bonded to one end of a fuse tube 82. The other end of fuse tube 82 threadedly engages and is similarly bonded to end fitting 84, which in turn, threadedly engages fuse tube cap 86. A fuse tube cap 86 is provided with a conductive garter spring 88. The uppermost portion of fuse tube cap is provided with torque means such as a hexagonal nut head 86'.

Fuse holder further includes a fuse link extender 90 having a threaded portion which engages extension link top 92. The lower portion of link extender 90 includes a threaded bore which engages a corresponding threaded member of a universal fuse link as described more fully hereinafter.

Fuse tube 82 preferably takes the form of filament wound fiberglass or any other suitable insulating material having sufficient strength to support the associated members of fuse holder 80. Fuse tube 82 includes a tube liner 94 of arc-responsive material such as vulcanized fiber or horn fiber. Tube liner 94 is areresponsive in that energy loss from an associated arc drawn within fuse tube 82 decomposes a portion of tube liner 94 into a turbulent, high-pressure, hightemperature gas.

Still referring to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the lower portion of latch 64 is provided with a suitable threaded portion which engages corresponding threads on the inner portion of strainer assembly 66. Latch 64 also includes an Allen setscrew 64' disposed in a suitable bore of latch 64 as best shown in FIG. 15. This bore communicates with a second longitudinal bore 65 provided in latch 64 which receives the flexible lead of the associated fuse link. Setscrew 64' is provided with a suitable surface such as a half-dog point to thereby secure the flexible lead of the associated fuse link in bore 65 of latch 64, and to provide good electrical contacts between the flexible lead and latch 64.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and I2, there are shown top and cross-sectional side views of fuse tube cap 86, of FIG. 10. It can be seen by reference to FIG. 12 that fuse tube cap 86 is provided with a threaded portion 86a and an unthreaded portion 86b. In FIG. 13 there is shown a universal fuse link I00 assembled with fuse link extender 90 and extension link top 92. In currently preferred practice, link top 92 is securedly fastened to link extender 90 as by staking the male threads of link extender 90 as shown in FIG. 13. The outer threads of link top 92 correspond to the inner threads 86a of fuse tube cap 86. The assembly comprising link top 92 and link extender 90 is advanced into fuse tube cap by rotating the assembly in the usual manner. Once link top 92 clears thread 860, the assembly is free to swivel within fuse tube cap 86. This swivel feature permits fuse tube cap 86 to be tightened onto fuse tube 82 without imposing shear stresses or torsional forces on fuse link 100. In currently preferred practice, the threads of link top 92 are deformed, such as by staking, after link top 92 has been advanced into portion 866 of fuse tube cap 86. This provision serves to prevent removal of fuse link extender 90. Hence. the possibility of installing a fuse link without extender 90 is avoided. The function of a fuse link extender is known to the art as exemplitied in U.S. Pat. No. 2,816,979.

Referring again to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the assembled fuse holder, as depicted in FIG. 10, is united with bushing well cap 30 by way of torque tube 62 and fastened therewith by way of spring clip 72. Further, the assembly depicted in FIG. 7 is united with stationary element 34 of FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 by inserting fuse cartridge 60 through the upper opening of stationary element 34 and sealingly engaging it therewith by rotat ing safety interlock handle 32 until latch 64 locks into place with pressure container 38.

It can be seen by reference to FIG. 8 that the upper portion of stationary element 34 is provided with an outer annular groove 102 which carries an O-ring I04. Accordingly, when bushing well cap 30 of fuse cartridge 60 engages stationary element 34, a relatively gas-tight seal is provided between stationary element 34 and bushing well cap 30 at the annular groove provided in the uppermost portion of stationary element 34. FIG. 8 also illustrates an electrical stress relief surface I06 provided on that portion of stationary element 34 which engages the surface of tank cover 14. Stress relief surface I06 increases the dielectric or withstand voltage rating of the fuse structure in accordance with the present invention.

Referring again to FIG. 6, it can be seen that when fuse module I8 is completely assembled, garter spring 88 of fuse holder 80 engages a bushing contact insert 108 of bushing well cap 30. Projection stud 18a and bushing contact insert I08 are preferably provided as an integral unit. Accordingly, a conductive path is provided between threaded projection stud 18a and fuse tube cap 86. Since fuse tube cap 86 conductively engages the upper terminal of fuse link 100 by way of link extender top 92 and link extender 90, a first line terminal connection to fuse link 100 is thusly provided. It can also be seen that latch 64 conductively engages pressure container 38 by way of garter spring 68. Since the flexible lead of fuse link 100 is fastened to latch 64 by way of Allen screw 64, it can be seen that a second line terminal connection to fuse link 100 is provided by way of fastener means 42, strap 40, and bushing I6.

Still referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that O-ring provides a seal between the lower portion of fuse holder and pressure container 38. Accordingly, fuse holder 80 is substantially enclosed except at a lower opening thereof, and the lower opening is closed into a substantially enclosed chamber defined by pressure container 38. As discussed more fully hereinafter, pressure container 38 is provided with a pressure relief fitting IIO having an aperture I12 which communicates with the enclosed volume of pressure container 38.

Disposed within pressure container 38 is a thermal quenching medium 114 which rests upon vertical members 116. As discussed more fully in the co-pending application of G. L. Schurter, Ser. No. 436,644, filed Jan. 25, I974, quenching medium I14 may comprise any one of a number of suitable media or materials. For example, quenching medium 114 may comprise copper, steel or other suitable metal, screen rolled in cylindrical form, without a plating or with a nickel or paladium plating thereon. Members 116 function to raise quenching medium 114 from the lower-most portion of pressure container 38. That is, in the operation of the fuse structure in accordance with the present invention, it has been found that the greatest heat is experienced in the lower-most portion. Accordingly, to avoid the possibility of unnecessary damage or melting of quenching medium II4, members 116 effectively raise medium 114 from the concentrated heat portion of pressure container 38.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of latch 64 of fuse holder 80, and illustrating particularly the flexible lead connection and extractor spring features of the present invention. In FIG. 14, strainer assembly 66 has been removed in order to expose extractor spring assembly I20. Spring assembly 120 includes a spring extension rod 122 and a constant force spring 124 which is secured at one end to rod 122 by way of a suitable fastening means 126 such as a rivet. The other end of constant force spring 124 is confined to spring drum 128 as by winding spring 124 about a recessed groove of spring drum 128. Spring extension rod I22 slidably engages latch 64 at one of two bores A and B, provided therein. Bores A and B are illustrated more fully in FIG. 15.

Once the combination of fuse link I00, link extender and link extender 92, as illustrated in FIG. 13, is installed in the uppermost portion of fuse holder 80 at fuse tube cap 86, the flexible lead 101 of fuse link projects from the lower most portion of fuse tube 82. At this point the operator or installer cuts the flexible lead 100 to the desired length and feeds the shortened flexible lead 101 through spring drum 128 and fastens same under screw 64'. The length of the shortened flexible lead I01 is selected so as to extend constant spring force 124 to its full length as illustrated in FIG. 14. In currently preferred practice, the spring constant of constant force spring 124 is selected so as to provide approximately 8 lbs. of downward pressure on flexible lead 101. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 8 lbs. of pressure thusly provided is less than the maximum allowable stress on a typical universal fuse link.

The alternate bores provided in latch 64 permit the operator to select alternate mounting positions for extension rod 122. Accordingly, regardless of which position extractor spring assembly 120 is installed in with respect to latch 64 and flexible lead 10], the operator is permitted to install spring extension rod 122 at the nearest or most convenient bore in latch 64. Thus, spring drum 128 of extractor spring assembly 120, when installed either as depicted in FIG. 14 or in a reversed position, is effectively always conveniently located in relative axial alignment with the central axis of fuse holder 80.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown a crosssectional view of pressure container 38 of fuse module 18 as taken along the line l6l6 of FIG. 6. It can be seen by reference to FIG. 6 that pressure container 38 is provided with

projections

140 and 142 along its in side diameter, Projections I40 and 142 cooperate with

latch pads

64a and 64b to secure fuse cartridge 60 into stationary element 34. That is, once fuse cartridge 60 is inserted into stationary element 34, fuse cartridge 60 is rotated approximately 90 until latch lugs 64a and 64b are aligned beneath

projections

140 and 142. This feature provides a mechanically secure but removable means of fastening fuse cartridge 60 into stationary element 34. Whereas, however, the hermetic sealing function is accomplished by way of O-ring 102 at the uppermost portion of stationary element 34.

The operation of the fuse structure in accordance with the present invention is described as follows. It is assumed that the fuse structure is suitably connected between the line and load sides ofa power distribution system (not shown) by way of the universal bushing well connections at the surface of tank 10. Upon sensing an abnormal condition in current, such as an overload or high current fault, the fusible member of fuse link 100 melts or is vaporized and an are forms in the resulting gap. The thermal energy loss from the are decomposes a portion of fuse tube liner 94 into a highpressure, high-temperature turbulent gas which, in turn, acts on the core of the arc to sufficiently cool and de-ionize the gap and thus effect circuit interruption at a current zero. At this time, flexible lead 101 of fuse link 100 drops out from fuse holder 80 either due to the resulting gas pressure, or as assisted by extractor spring assembly 120.

The expulsion of the gases from fuse holder 80 continues and, in accordance with the present invention, impinges upon quenching medium 114 in pressure container 38. As is explained in greater detail in the co pending application of G. L. Schurter, Ser. No. 436,644, filed Jan. 25, I974, quenching medium 114 functions to extract thermal energy from the discharging gases at a rate sufficient to stop the thermal reaction. Once the reaction has been stopped and the circuit is totally cleared, a resulting residual pressure is present in pressure container 38.

In order to relieve this residual gas pressure and thereby avoid endangering an operator or installer in those cases where it is desired to replace the fuse almost immediately after a fault occurs, pressure relief assembly 110 is provided on a suitable surface of pressure container 38. Accordingly, the residual gas pressure is gradually relieved until the gas pressure within the total enclosed volume of tank 10 is reduced to a level which is determined by the relative volumes of tank 10 and pressure container 38.

Since the initial, residual high-pressure gas in pressure container 38 can leak through fuse tube 82 of fuse holder into stationary element 34, stationary element 34 is provided with a pinhole 150 as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5. Pinhole 150 also functions as a pressure relief opening so as to equalize any residual pressure in the upper portion of stationary element 34. Thus, within minutes after a fuse clears, an operator or installer can safely remove fuse cartridge 60 from stationary assembly 34. At this time, the pressure within tank 10 in accordance with currently preferred practice, will be typically equal to or less than 5 psig which is a manageable pressure level.

It should be noted, however, that when the resulting residual pressure in pressure container 38 is of the order of 30 psig, or greater, latch lugs 64a and 64b will be so tightly engaged with

projections

140 and 142 of pressure container 38, that rotation of fuse cartridge 60 is effectively prevented. Accordingly, this feature affords operatorsafety as the other-dangerous pressure must be relieved before fuse cartridge 60 can be readily removed.

In a typical high-current fault operation, the gases discharged from fuse tube 82 generally melt or destroy extraction spring assembly I20 as well as flexible lead 101. Accordingly, strainer assembly 66, as depicted in FIG. 7, is provided to collect the resulting debris. Any residual debris which does escape the screen material of strainer assembly 66 is prevented from blasting up into the upper portion of stationary element 34 by way of rubber O-ring 70.

It should now be appreciated that once fuse link [00 does clear, it can be conveniently replaced with a new fuse link by removing and disassembling fuse cartridge 60. Once fuse cartridge 60 is removed from stationary element 34, fuse holder 80 is removed from fuse cartridge 60 by simply removing spring clip 72 at which time fuse holder 80 is free to be removed from fuse bushing well cap 30. Once fuse holder 80 is removed, strainer assembly 66 and fuse tube cap 86 are respectively removed from their threaded engagement with fuse holder 80. At this time, a new fuse link is installed onto link extension 90. In currently preferred practice, the button head cap of the universal fuse link is removed and discarded, and the remaining threaded member is advanced into link extender 90. The extended fuse link assembly is then reassembled onto the upper portion of fuse holder 80. At this time, a new extractor spring assembly is also installed at the lower portion of fuse holder 80 as described hereinbefore. The strainer assembly 66 is then advanced onto the lower portion of latch 64, and fuse holder 80 is now ready to be reassembled with the corresponding parts of fuse cartridge 60. The assembled fuse cartridge 60 is then inserted into stationary element 34 and secured therein with a 90 rotation of handle 32 as described hereinbefore.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that fuse cartridge 60, in accordance with the present invention, serves a plurality of functions. For example, the assembly provided by fuse cartridge 60 functions to transfer torque or torsion from handle 32 to the latch mechanism comprising latch 64 of fuse holder 80, and projections and 142 of pressure container 38. Fuse cartridge 60 also functions to provide, at the bushing well cap 30, a hermetic seal between the outside environmnet of the fuse structure and the fuse structure itself. Additionally. fuse cartridge 60 provides a current transfer terminal or connection for the line-side of the fuse as at the recess in bushing well cap 30.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated herein incorporates a generally cylindrical fuse cartridge, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other geometric forms and variations may be indulged in within the scope of the appended claims. What has been taught. then, is a totally enclosed. nonvented expulsion fuse particularly suitable for use with universal fuse links and providing non-violent expulsion fuse operation.

What is claimed is:

1. A fuse extractor for use with a fuse link having a flexible lead extending therefrom wherein said fuse link is mounted within a fuse tube, and wherein said extractor removes said flexible lead from said fuse tube when said flexible lead separates from said fuse link said extractor comprising, in combination:

a base member adapted to engage one end of said fuse tube and wherein said flexible lead extends from said fuse tube at said base member;

an extension member having a first end engaging said base member and said extension member extending longitudinally of said fuse tube;

a spring having first and second end portions, said first end portion being fixedly mounted to the other end of said extension member and said second end portion receiving said flexible lead; and,

means for fastening the free end of said flexible lead to said base member wherein said spring urges said flexible lead longitudinally away from said fuse tube.

2. The extractor according to claim I, wherein said spring includes a spring drum at said second portion thereof for receiving said flexible lead, said spring drum having an aperture therein wherein said flexible lead is fed through said aperture.

3. The extractor according to claim 2, wherein said base member includes at least two spaced-apart bores therein and extending longitudinally of said fuse tube, and wherein said extension member comprises a rod which engages said base member at one of said bores.

4. The extractor according to claim 3, wherein said means for fastening said free end of said flexible lead includes a first bore in said base member for receiving said flexible lead.

5. The extractor according to claim 4, wherein said base member includes second and third spaced-apart bores therein and extending longitudinally of said fuse tube, and wherein said rod engages said base member at one of said second and third bores.

6. The extractor according to claim 5 wherein said extension rod slidably engages said base member.

7. The extractor according to claim 3, wherein said extension rod slidably engages said base member.

8. The extractor according to claim I. including means for swivel mounting said fuse link at the other end of said fuse tube wherein said fuse link is free to totate about a longitudinal axis of said fuse tube.

9. The extractor according to claim 1, further including a strainer housing removably mounted to said base member and enclosing said extractor at said one end of said fuse tube.

10. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein said base member includes latch means for removably mounting said extractor and said fuse tube to an external cooperating housing.

Claims

1. A fuse extractor for use with a fuse link having a flexible lead extending therefrom wherein said fuse link is mounted within a fuse tube, and wherein said extractor removes said flexible lead from said fuse tube when said flexible lead separates from said fuse link said extractor comprising, in combination: a base member adapted to engage one end of said fuse tube and wherein said flexible lead extends from said fuse tube at said base member; an extension member having a first end engaging said base member and said extension member extending longitudinally of said fuse tube; a spring having first and second end portions, said first end portion being fixedly mounted to the other end of said extension member and said second end portion receiving said flexible lead; and, means for fastening the free end of said flexible lead to said base member wherein said spring urges said flexible lead longitudinally away from said fuse tube.

2. The extractor according to claim 1, wherein said spring includes a spring drum at said second portion thereof for receiving said flexible lead, said spring drum having an aperture therein wherein said flexible lead is fed through said aperture.

8. The extractor according to claim 1, including means for swivel mounting said fuse link at the other end of said fuse tube wherein said fuse link is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of said fuse tube.