Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a plurality of components, at least one of which is a heat-generating electrical device such as a power semiconductor device, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a first surface on one side of the structure configured for interfacing a first of the plurality of components and a second surface on another side of the structure, and also includes a second structure capable of receiving the first structure, where one of the second surface and an additional surface of the second structure includes a tip that is in contact with the other of those surfaces. The apparatus further includes at least one component configured to assist in retaining the first and second structures relative to one another, where notwithstanding the at least one component the first structure is capable of pivoting relative to the second structure about the tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a plurality of components, at least one of which is a heat-generating electrical device such as a power semiconductor device, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a first surface on one side of the structure configured for interfacing a first of the plurality of components and a second surface on another side of the structure, and also includes a second structure capable of receiving the first structure, where one of the second surface and an additional surface of the second structure includes a tip that is in contact with the other of those surfaces. The apparatus further includes at least one component configured to assist in retaining the first and second structures relative to one another, where notwithstanding the at least one component the first structure is capable of pivoting relative to the second structure about the tip.

Abstract: A multi-phase vacuum contactor occupying a minimal space envelope. The contactor features a housing; a carriage; an electromagnetic actuator fixed to the housing and having a reciprocating armature connected to the carriage; and a plurality of vacuum interrupters each having a reciprocating stem for the actuation thereof, wherein the vacuum interrupters are fixed to the housing and circumferencially arranged about the electromagnetic actuating mechanism such that longitudinal axes of the vacuum interrupters are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic actuating mechanism, and wherein the stem of each vacuum interrupter is connected to the carriage.