Abstract: An electronic circuit, and corresponding method, for controlling the closing velocity of electrical switchgear, includes an actuator and a current detection circuit that detects whether an optimum amount of current is flowing through the actuator. When the optimum amount of current is detected, a current optimizing resistor is inserted into the path of the current flowing through the actuator, thus limiting the current flowing through the actuator to the optimum amount. This, in turn, limits the closing velocity of the electrical switchgear and minimizes contact bounce.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a vacuum interrupter which includes a spring driven multi-linked system moving the interrupter contacts open or closed with precise, controlled movement to minimize opening rebound, closing rebound and contact opening overtravel. Such a multi-linked system provides high contact separation forces and movement to a specific contact gap while simultaneously loading a closing spring to it's fully charged and latched state. This mechanism provides and maintains full contact pressure from the instant of contact make to the instant of contact separation.