Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for failure mode detection in a contactor are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method for failure mode detection in a contactor includes maintaining the contactor command signal in the open state; connecting the contactor to a voltage supply that supplies a first predetermined voltage amount to the contactor; measuring a first amount of time for a magnitude of a coil current of the coil to exceed a first predetermined current threshold; determining whether the first amount of time exceeds a first predetermined time threshold; responsive to determining that the first amount of time does not exceed the first predetermined time threshold, determining that the contactor is in the open state; and responsive to determining that the first amount of time exceeds the first predetermined time threshold, determining that the contactor is in the closed state.

Abstract: Switching devices comprising a hermitically sealed switching modules with a core or housing structure that allow for the coil assembly to be mounted outside the hermitically sealed housing. This helps avoid some of the complex manufacturing and testing requirements necessary for conventional coil assemblies arranged inside the sealed housing. The present inventions also provides for improved and more reliable auxiliary switch arrangements, with some embodiments comprising an improved auxiliary arm and auxiliary carrier. The present invention also provides for an improved lunger or shaft structure that allows for operation at high voltage, with some embodiments comprising heat resistance and isolation components particularly arranged to accommodate high voltage operation.

Abstract: Fuse devices and electrical systems using the fuse devices are disclosed, with the fuse devices having internal components to cause a fuse blown event when the pre-determined current level is reached through the contacts. The internal components can comprise a levitation actuator that causes separation between one or more of the contacts as the current level approaches the predetermined level. This causes contact levitation and arcing, which increases the resistance at the contact being separated. This in turn causes the current through the contacts to seek another path that in the embodiments herein is a path to a pyro feature. The current activates the pyro feature, which causes the contacts to separate and puts the fuse device in “fuse blown” condition where currents can no longer flow through the contacts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for failure mode detection in a contactor are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method for failure mode detection in a contactor includes maintaining the contactor command signal in the open state; connecting the contactor to a voltage supply that supplies a first predetermined voltage amount to the contactor; measuring a first amount of time for a magnitude of a coil current of the coil to exceed a first predetermined current threshold; determining whether the first amount of time exceeds a first predetermined time threshold; responsive to determining that the first amount of time does not exceed the first predetermined time threshold, determining that the contactor is in the open state; and responsive to determining that the first amount of time exceeds the first predetermined time threshold, determining that the contactor is in the closed state.

Abstract: Electrical switching devices, such contactor and fuse devices, are disclosed that have improved reliability particularly through thermal cycling. One electrical switching device according to the present invention comprises an outer housing and internal operational components within the outer housing. An internal housing in included in that outer housing that surrounds at least some of the internal operational components. A sealing material is also included within the outer housing that is capable of forming a hermetic seal within the outer housing, wherein the sealing material contacts the internal housing. The internal housing has a CTE that substantially matches the CTE of the sealing material. Electrical system according to the present invention comprises an electrical circuit and an improved electrical switching device electrically connected to the electrical circuit to reliably open or close the circuit.

Abstract: Electrical switching devices that can have a housing cup having an opening and a header covering and making a seal with said cup. Internal components are included within the housing, with the internal components configured to change the state of the switching device from a closed state and an open state in response to input. The closed state allows current flow through said device and the open state interrupts current flow through said device. A plurality of fixed contact are included that are electrically connected to said internal components for connection to external circuitry, wherein the the fixed contact pass though the header with a portion exposed above the header. A plurality of glass/ceramic eyelets are included, each of which is mounted to a respective one of the fixed contacts on the exposed portion of its one of the fixed contacts. Each of the eyelets can be radially symmetric about its one of the fixed contacts, with the eyelets covering less than all of the header.

Abstract: Electrical switching devices, such contactor and fuse devices, are disclosed that have improved reliability particularly through thermal cycling. One electrical switching device according to the present invention comprises an outer housing and internal operational components within the outer housing. An internal housing in included in that outer housing that surrounds at least some of the internal operational components. A sealing material is also included within the outer housing that is capable of forming a hermetic seal within the outer housing, wherein the sealing material contacts the internal housing. The internal housing has a CTE that substantially matches the CTE of the sealing material. Electrical system according to the present invention comprises an electrical circuit and an improved electrical switching device electrically connected to the electrical circuit to reliably open or close the circuit.

Abstract: Fuse devices and electrical systems using the fuse devices are disclosed, with the fuse devices having internal components to cause a fuse blown event when the pre-determined current level is reached through the contacts. The internal components can comprise a levitation actuator that causes separation between one or more of the contacts as the current level approaches the predetermined level. This causes contact levitation and arcing, which increases the resistance at the contact being separated. This in turn causes the current through the contacts to seek another path that in the embodiments herein is a path to a pyro feature. The current activates the pyro feature, which causes the contacts to separate and puts the fuse device in “fuse blown” condition where currents can no longer flow through the contacts.