US4717798A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low voltage vacuum circuit interrupter
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1987-03-02
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Granted: 1988-01-05
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Expires: 2007-03-02
Abstract
Abstract A solid state switch connected across a pair of separable contacts for eliminating arcing across the contacts allows the contacts and the contact driver to be enclosed within an evacuated envelope. The vacuum environment allows the use of an inexpensive, highly conductive contact material, such as copper, without fear of chemical reaction.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward K. Howell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:13
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/64; H01H1/66; H01H3/00; H01H3/22; H01H3/222; H01H57/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A single break vacuum interrupter comprising: closure means including a first apertured metal bar having first means for connection with an external electric circuit and forming a top half of said closure means; a flexible metal diaphragm having a contact attached to a bottom surface for interrupting current through said external circuit and for hermetically sealing said first metal bar aperture from the atmosphere; and a dielectric disc having a first surface arranged on a second metal bar having second means for connection with said external circuit said second metal bar forming a bottom half of said closure means; said first apertured metal bar being arranged on said metal diaphragm and said metal diaphragm being arranged on an opposite surface of said dielectric disc for defining an enclosed space which surrounds said contact and an underlying surface on said second metal bar whereby electrical connection is made with said first and second metal bars and said electric circuit when said contact abuts said underlying surface and electrical connection is interrupted between said first and second metal bars and said electric circuit when said contact is away from said underlying surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
A single break vacuum interrupter comprising: closure means including a first apertured metal bar having first means for connection with an external electric circuit and forming a top half of said closure means; a flexible metal diaphragm having a contact attached to a bottom surface for interrupting current through said external circuit and for hermetically sealing said first metal bar aperture from the atmosphere; and a dielectric disc having a first surface arranged on a second metal bar having second means for connection with said external circuit said second metal bar forming a bottom half of said closure means; said first apertured metal bar being arranged on said metal diaphragm and said metal diaphragm being arranged on an opposite surface of said dielectric disc for defining an enclosed space which surrounds said contact and an underlying surface on said second metal bar whereby electrical connection is made with said first and second metal bars and said electric circuit when said contact abuts said underlying surface and electrical connection is interrupted between said first and second metal bars and said electric circuit when said contact is away from said underlying surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 1 further including control means connected with a top surface of said metal diaphragm for moving said metal aperture and said contact to first and second positions, said contact being in contact with said underlying surface in said first position to pass said circuit current through said external circuit and said contact being out of contact with said underlying surface to interupt said circuit current in said second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 2 wherein said control means comprises a pair of spaced wires attached to said top surface at one end for becoming electrodynamically repulsed upon application of an electric control signal to said spaced wires at an opposite end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 3 wherein said enclosed space is at least partially evacuated for returning said metal diaphragm and said contact to said first position by difference in pressure between atmospheric atmosphere and reduced pressure within said enclosed space when said control signal is removed from said spaced wires.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 1 wherein said enclosed space contains a non-oxidizing gas fill.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The vaccum circuit interrupter of claim 1 further including a solid state switch across said first and second metal bars for transferring said circuit current away from said contact and said underlying surface prior to or during movement of said contact away from said underlying surface to interrupt said circuit current.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-01-04 | 1991-07-06 | 1992-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-04 | 1995-07-06 | 1996-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-04 | 1999-07-06 | 2000-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |