Patents Examined by Than-Truc Nguyen
  • Binary and ternary gas mixtures for use in glow discharge closing switches
    Patent number: 4896076
    Abstract: Highly efficient binary and ternary gas mixtures for use in diffuse glow discharge closing switches are disclosed. The binary mixtures are combinations of helium or neon and selected perfluorides. The ternary mixtures are combinations of helium, neon, or argon, a selected perfluoride, and a small amount of gas that exhibits enhanced ionization characteristics. These mixtures are shown to be the optimum choices for use in diffuse glow discharge closing switches by virtue of the combined physio-electric properties of the mixture components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Scott R. Hunter, Loucas G. Christophorou