US3700842A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vacuum interrupter contacts and method for making the same
Assignee: Allis Chalmers Corp
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Filing: 1971-11-23
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Granted: 1972-10-24
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Expires: 1991-11-23
Abstract
Abstract A vacuum type electric circuit interrupter comprises a glass envelope, stainless steel end plates, a pair of relatively movable studs with a contact on each within the envelope, and shielding means within the envelope. Each stud and its associated contact are integrally formed of an alloy comprising by weight 0.4 to 0.6 percent tellurium, 0.007 to 0.012 percent phosphorus and the balance O.F.H.C. copper (oxygen free high conductivity copper which is 99.95 percent pure copper). The integrally formed stud and contact are subjected to a treatment wherein it is: raised slowly to 500*C. and held there for approximately 1/2 hour; exposed to ultra-pure hydrogen and raised slowly to about 900*C.; exposed to a vacuum and raised to about 975*C. to effect brazing of components thereto; lowered to about 500*C. in the vacuum and held there to cause effusion of certain gases; and cooled in the vacuum prior to final assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward A Attia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:53
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/02; H01H1/0203; H01H33/00; H01H33/60; H01H33/66; H01H33/662; H01H33/66207; H01H2033/66215; H01H33/66261; H01H2033/66276
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
41 words
In a vacuum interrupter, an envelope wherein a high vacuum is maintained, and a pair of relatively movable current carrying members within said envelope, a stud of at least one of the current carrying members being made of a copper-telluriumphosphorous alloy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
41 words
In a vacuum interrupter, an envelope wherein a high vacuum is maintained, and a pair of relatively movable current carrying members within said envelope, a stud of at least one of the current carrying members being made of a copper-telluriumphosphorous alloy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A vacuum interrupter according to claim 1 whErein said alloy comprises about 0.4 to 0.6 percent tellurium, about 0.007 to 0.012 percent phosphorous and the balance O.F.H.C. copper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A vacuum interrupter according to claim 2 wherein said current carrying member is heat treated as follows: raised to about 500* C. in a vacuum; exposed to hydrogen and raised to about 900* C.; exposed to a vacuum and raised to about 975* C.; lowered to about 500* C.; and cooled in a vacuum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A vacuum interrupter according to claim 1 wherein said current carrying member comprises a contact making portion and an integrally formed stud portion.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of making a vacuum interrupter comprising an envelope wherein a high vacuum is maintained and a pair of relatively movable current carrying members, at least one current carrying member having a contact portion and an integrally formed stud portion, said current carrying member being fabricated from a commercially available alloy comprising copper-tellurium and phosphorous, comprising the steps of: heating said member to deoxidize it by means of the phosphorous therein; further heating said member to transfer nonsoluble phosphorous oxides to positions in the matrix wherein they are reducible; reducing said oxides and eliminating their by-products; and suppressing the concentration of soluble gases.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of making a vacuum interrupter comprising an envelope wherein a high vacuum is maintained and a pair of relatively movable current carrying members, at least one current carrying member having a contact portion and an integrally formed stud portion, said current carrying member being fabricated from a commercially available alloy comprising copper-tellurium and phosphorous, comprising the steps of: heating said member to deoxidize it by means of the phosphorous therein; further heating said member to transfer nonsoluble phosphorous oxides to positions in the matrix wherein they are reducible; reducing said oxides and eliminating their by-products; and suppressing the concentration of soluble gases.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein said steps include the steps of: heating said member slowly to about 500* C. in vacuum; exposing said member to hydrogen and further heating it to about 900* C.; exposing said member to a vacuum and further heating it to about 975* C.; lowering the temperature of said member in a vacuum to about 500* C.; and cooling said member in a vacuum to ambient temperature.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-24 | 1976-04-24 | 1976-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-24 | 1980-04-24 | 1980-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-24 | 1984-04-24 | 1984-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |