Abstract: An electrode element for plasma torches and a production method for such electrode elements. The electrode element for plasma torches includes at least one core which is made of a metal or a metal alloy having a smaller work function, and forms the actual electrode connected as a cathode. This core is enclosed by a shell part which is made of a metal or a metal alloy having a greater work function and thermal conductivity. Between the core surface and the shell part there are provided a boundary layer in a graded form, which is made up of solid solutions of the two metals or metal alloys, or an intermediate layer toward the core surface and toward the shell part, which is made of another metal or a metal alloy having a work function being greater than that of the core material wherein the boundary layers of the intermediate layer form a graded transition.

Abstract: A plug-in type contact arrangement for high power electrical apparatus such as switch gear, wherein a fixed contact member carries a plurality of contact fingers having roller contacts mounted at one end thereof for reliably contacting a movable contact member when such movable contact member is forced into a contacting relationship with the fixed contact member and entering the cage-like receptacle formed by the circularly arranged contact fingers, and wherein the contact fingers are crimped at a predetermined point forming a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion arranged in different axial planes and connected by the crimping region, thereby transforming the contact pressure formed between the movable contact member and the roller contacts into a torsional load exerted on the contact fingers.