Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a high pressure condition within an interrupter includes introducing high intensity ultrasonic sound into the outer wall of a vacuum interrupter through a sonic wave guide, then listening for the reflected and retransmitted response signals. The characteristics of the response signals are utilized to determine the pressure within the interrupter, and to determine when an unwanted high pressure condition exists.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption of a light beam reflected by a hemispherically shaped reflector. The hemispherical reflector allows the source light fiber to oriented parallel to the detection light fiber, providing a more compact and efficient fiber routing.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows or flexible diaphragm. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption or reflection of light beams, or electrically by sensing contact closure or deflection via strain gauges. Electrical sensing is provided by microcircuits that are operated at high voltage device potentials, transmitting pressure information via RF or optical signals.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within an interrupter includes measuring the intensity of light emitted from an arc created by contacts within the interrupter, comparing the measured intensity with a predetermined value, and providing an indication when the measured intensity exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A vacuum variable capacitor includes a vacuum bellows for allowing a pressure differential between two volumes inside the capacitor, wherein one of the volumes may be a vacuum volume. The vacuum variable capacitor further includes a conductive bellows disposed within the vacuum volume. In such an arrangement, the materials selected for the vacuum bellows and the conductive bellows may be selected to optimize the function of each bellows.

Abstract: A tuning head for use with a variable capacitor includes a coupler having a gap, a first optical fiber operatively coupled to the coupler, and a second optical fiber operatively coupled to the coupler. The first and second optical fibers are optically coupled across the gap when the gap is not obstructed. The tuning head further includes an obstruction member that is movable with respect to the coupler and is adapted to fit within the gap to selectively obstruct said optical coupling of said first and second optical fibers. A movement mechanism is also provided to create relative motion between said obstruction member and said coupler.