US4725701A
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: 1988-02-16
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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
2026-10-27 09:28
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/64; H01H1/66; H01H3/00; H01H3/22; H01H3/222; H01H57/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
A double break vacuum circuit interrupter comprising: a first apertured metal bar having a first contact surface extending in a first plane at one end and means for connection with an external electric circuit proximate an opposite end; a first dielectric disc seated on said first apertured metal bar encompassing said first contact surface and said first metal bar aperture; a second metal bar having a second contact surface extending in said first plane at one end and means for connection with said electric circuit proximate an opposite end; a second dielectric disc seated on said second metal bar and encompassing said second contact surface, said second contact surface extending through said first metal bar aperture coextensive with said first contact surface; and a flexible diaphragm seated on said first dielelectric disc and carrying a bridging contact on a bottom surface, said bridging contact abuting said first and second contact surfaces for interrupting current through said external current upon command.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
A double break vacuum circuit interrupter comprising: a first apertured metal bar having a first contact surface extending in a first plane at one end and means for connection with an external electric circuit proximate an opposite end; a first dielectric disc seated on said first apertured metal bar encompassing said first contact surface and said first metal bar aperture; a second metal bar having a second contact surface extending in said first plane at one end and means for connection with said electric circuit proximate an opposite end; a second dielectric disc seated on said second metal bar and encompassing said second contact surface, said second contact surface extending through said first metal bar aperture coextensive with said first contact surface; and a flexible diaphragm seated on said first dielelectric disc and carrying a bridging contact on a bottom surface, said bridging contact abuting said first and second contact surfaces for interrupting current through said external current upon command.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 1 including external means on a top surface of said flexible diaphragm for lifting said flexible diaphragm and moving said bridging contact out of abutment with said first and second contact surfaces to interrupt electrical connection between said first and second metal bars and said external electric circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 1 wherein said external means comprises a pair of spaced wires attached to said top surface of said flexible diaphragm at one end for becoming electrodynamically repulsed by application of an electric control signal to said spaced wires at an opposite end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 1 wherein said first metal bar, said first dielectric disc, said second metal bar, said second metal disc and said flexible diaphragm are sealed together to provide an enclosed space surrounding said first and second contact surfaces and said bridging contact.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 4 wherein said enclosed space is partially evacuated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 4 wherein said enclosed space contains a non-oxidizing gas fill.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 1 including a solid state switch connected across said first and second contact surfaces for transferring said circuit current away from said first and second contact surfaces prior to or during separation of said bridging contact from said first and contact cathode surfaces to interrupt said circuit current.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vacuum circuit interrupter of claim 1 wherein said first and second metal bars comprise copper or aluminum.
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) | 1991-02-15 | 1991-08-17 | 1992-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-02-15 | 1995-08-17 | 1996-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-02-15 | 1999-08-17 | 2000-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |