Abstract: An apparatus for magnetic annealing of amorphous metal alloy cores. The apparatus includes a fluidized bed for heating the core, a conveyor for transporting the core and immersing the core in the fluidized bed and at least one winding for applying a magnetic field to the core. The apparatus can include a chill bath and/or a second fluidized bed for cooling the core. A chamber can be provided between the two fluidized beds for slow cooling the core by convection and radiation prior to cooling the core at a faster rate in the second fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method of heat treating an amorphous metal alloy by immersing the alloy in a fluidized bed to heat the alloy to a temperature below its recrystallization temperature. The alloy is maintained in the fluidized bed for a time sufficient to reduce internal stresses While minimizing crystal growth and nucleation of crystallites in the alloy. Then, the alloy is removed from the fluidized bed and cooled. A magnetic field can be applied to the alloy before, during or after heating the alloy in the fluidized bed. The magnetic field is applied for a time sufficient to achieve substantial magnetic domain alignment while minimizing crystal growth and nucleation of crystallites in the alloy. The cooling step is effective to maintain the magnetic domain alignment in the alloy. The cooling step can be performed with a chill bath or a fluidized bed which is cooled by a circulating gas such as nitrogen or air. The alloy can be slowly cooled by convection and radiation after it is removed from the first fluidized bed.

Abstract: A transformer core of non-circular cross-section, preferably rectilinear, is formed by successively wrapping individual packets of core strips around a stationary mandrel of non-circular cross-section. Each packet is wrapped by a pair of yieldably biased rollers which follow the contour of the mandrel. As the packet is being wrapped, pressure pads are extended to hold the packet against the mandrel. The pressure pads are momentarily retracted to accommodate return movement of the roller wipers to receive a subsequent packet. The ends of the packet form a joint at the top of the mandrel. The positions of successive packets can be changed to vary the location of the joint in order to form a desired joint pattern.

Abstract: A method of heat treating an amorphous metal alloy by immersing the alloy in a fluidized bed to heat the alloy to a temperature below its recrystallization temperature. The alloy is maintained in the fluidized bed for a time sufficient to reduce internal stresses while minimizing crystal growth and nucleation of crystallites in the alloy. Then, the alloy is removed from the fluidized bed and cooled. A magnetic field can be applied to the alloy before, during or after heating the alloy in the fluidized bed. The magnetic field is applied for a time sufficient to achieve substantial magnetic domain alignment while minimizing crystal growth and nucleation of crystallites in the alloy. The cooling step is effective to maintain the magnetic domain alignment in the alloy. The cooling step can be performed with a chill bath or a fluidized bed which is cooled by a circulating gas such as nitrogen or air. The alloy can be slowly cooled by convection and radiation after it is removed from the first fluidized bed.

Abstract: A flipper is described for a fuse of the type having a generally cylindrical fuse tube, a fusible element within the tube and a fuse leader, the fuse leader having two ends with one of the ends connected to the fusible element disposed within the tube and with the other end of the leader adapted to be connected to a fixed terminal such as one of the two terminals of a power factor capacitor. In one embodiment, the flipper has two elongated arms disposed adjacent one another, a helical torsion spring at one end of each arm, an eyelet connecting together the other end of the arms and adapted to pass through the fuse leader, and a hook or similar connection carried by the springs to mount the flipper assembly to the associated terminal to which the free end of the fuse leader is joined. The flipper assists in the extraction of the leader from the fuse tube and provides positive restraint of the leader after the fuse has blown.

Abstract: A high voltage feed-through bushing has a conductive gasket to connect a conductive coating to a metal enclosure. A central conductor rod of the bushing is surrounded by an insulating tube which is surrounded by a tubular conductor to establish a floating equipotential surface. The central conductor rod is located within a bushing shell by sealing means at the outer and inner ends of the bushing.

Abstract: A unique design and method of construction is presented for a tank-like structure which houses an electrical component immersed within a dielectric fluid. The tank is formed by a generally cup-shaped enclosure and a cover. In one embodiment the cover carries a means for electrically connecting the interior of the tank with its exterior. The cover and the enclosure are joined by an overlapping edge means. By overlapping the marginal portions of the cover and the enclosure, such that the leading edges are disposed in the opposite direction, a joint is formed which is less likely to rupture than one formed by overlapping the marginal portions with the leading edges disposed in the same direction.

Abstract: Compact bodies for use as contacts in vacuum current interrupters, plasma devices and the like are formed by a vacuum hot press fabrication of suitable powder material. The contacts which may be formed as a button or ring, are operable under high current arcing conditions. The powder material is mixed and placed between a pair of rams in a floating die cavity maintained in an inert atmosphere and is placed in a vacuum chamber. A vacuum is created without pressurizing the powder material. The powder material is heated to below its melting temperature for degassing. The die cavity preferably includes special outgassing ports. The rams are pressurized and the powder material reaches a sintering temperature and a vacuum of 3.times.10.sup.-6 torr. A uniform composition compact body essentially devoid of trapped gas and particularly suitable for use as a high current interrupting contact in an arcing environment results.

Abstract: A brazed slip joint is formed between housing portions, the portions forming an envelope to enclose an evacuated area. The ends of the housing portions overlap, one within the other, and each has a slight outward flare. The edge of the inner end makes line contact with the inner surface of the outer end. This arrangement defines an area between the overlapping ends which comes substantially to a point at that line contact and which is generally triangular in transverse cross section. That area is filled with a brazing alloy and a brazed joint is formed by exposure of the parts to the proper elevated temperature.