Delay mechanism for retarding relative movement between two members

Abstract

A delay mechanism for retarding relative movement between two members has particular application in a hinge assembly for a dropout fuseholder. In one embodiment, a pin member rotatably connecting two adjacent members is disposed through a sleeve which has a cavity filled with viscous material, such as silicon putty. Protrusions extending from the shaft of the pin engage the putty and retard the relative rotational movement of the two members. In another embodiment, a friction member, such as a washer or annular seal, is disposed between the adjacent rotatable members. The friction member has facing surfaces contacting the opposing surfaces of the rotatable members such that the frictional forces between the friction member and the rotatable members retard rotation. In still another embodiment, the hinge assembly of a dropout fuseholder includes a latch member which rotates away from the fuseholder once dropout is initiated. As this occurs, the latch member draws a plug member through a putty-filled chamber in the fuseholder. The plug member includes extending projections which engage the viscous putty to retard rotation of the latch member. Additionally, dashpot devices may be employed between the various members of the hinge assembly to retard relative movement.