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US 4,893,048 AGranted
Multi-gap switch
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorGeorge A. Farrall
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A power switch which comprises a plurality of contact pairs connected in series provides substantial operational advantages. Included in these advantages are fast operating speed and direct imposition of circuit opening. The individual contact pairs are preferably controlled by piezoelectric benders to provide a compact, lightweight switch.
Claims21
A switch comprising:
- a first and second main terminals;
- more than two contact pairs connected in series between said first and second main terminals, each of said contact pairs including a movable contact and having an open position and a closed position, said first main terminal being connected to said second main terminal by said switch if only if all of said contact pairs in said series connection are in their closed position, said contact pairs comprising a contact material which develops a contact voltage X in the presence of an arc, said series connection of contact pairs including at least V.sub.P /2X contact pairs where V.sub.P is the peak voltage said switch is rated to turn off;
- and
- means for actuating said contact pairs between their respective open and closed positions.
1 more element
A switch comprising:
- first and second main terminals;
- more than two contact pairs connected in series between said first and second main terminals, each of said contact pairs including a movable contact and having an open position and a closed position, said first main terminal being connected to said second main terminal by said switch when all of said contact pairs in said series connection are in their closed position and being disconnected from said second main terminal when any of said contact pairs in said series connection is in its open position;
- means for actuating said contact pairs between their respective open and closed positions;
- said switch being rated to handle a peak voltage of v.sub.P volts;
- each of said contact pairs comprising a contact material which develops a contact voltage of X volts when said contacts arc upon opening;
- and
- said series connection of said contact pairs including at least N contact pairs wherein N is the largest even integer in V.sub.P /2X.
4 more elements
A switch comprising:
- a support member;
- first and second main terminals;
- piezoelectric bender means having fixed and free ends, said fixed end being mounted on said support member;
- more than two contact pairs connected in series between said first and second main terminals, each of said contact pairs having a movable contact and an open position and a closed position;
- said movable contact of each contact pair being mounted on said bender means adjacent said free end thereof for movement therewith;
- the other contact of each contact pair being mounted on said support member in alignment with said movable contact of that pair for closure therewith when said bender is in a first position;
- said switch being rated to handle a peak voltage of V.sub.P volts;
- each of said contact pairs comprising a contact material which develops a contact voltage of X volts when said contacts arc upon opening;
- and
- said series connection of said contact pairs including at least N contact pairs wherein N is the largest even integer in v.sub.P /2X.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.