Appeal 2007-3126
Application 10/359,275
where high voltage is present across the switch, i.e., power is on, but no current is
flowing” (col. 7, ll. 60-62). The preferred voltage-sensing circuit takes the form of
a “graded-shield voltage-sensing circuit 101” that includes (a) voltage-sensing
components in the form of input (primary) and output (secondary) resistors 112
and 114 (col. 5, ll. 47-61) connected in series between side electrode 52 and one of
the two leads of output connector 118 and (b) shield components in the form of
shield resistors 128, shield loops 130, and an insulating support bar 132 (col. 6, ll.
29-38). The other lead of output connector 118 is connected to the junction of
resistors 112 and 114. The purpose of the shield components is to grade the
electrical field from the high-voltage end of the sensor (at the input to the primary
resistor) and the low-voltage end of the sensor (at the output of the secondary
resistor) (col. 6, ll. 39-42). However, Abdelgawad explains that “the voltage
sensor need not have graded shielding” (col. 14, ll. 62-63).
In the Figure 5 embodiment, all of the above voltage-sensing components
and shield components are contained in the base portion 48 of an insulating body
that is preferably formed of Polysil material 180 (col. 8, ll. 64-65).
Figure 6 shows that these components alternatively can be included in the
pull-rod (135) (col. 7, ll. 28-30) and that the output connector 118 can be located
on the side surface so as not to interfere with coupling of the pull-rod to the
operating mechanism (not shown) (col. 7, ll. 38-42).
ANALYSIS
A. Independent claims 1 and 21
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