Abstract: A metal alloy which when oxidized forms a highly conductive surface oxide layer. Alloy compositions such as, but not limited to, Ti—Nb, Ti—Ta, La—Sr—Cr, and La—Sr—Co are known to form oxide passivation layers which are highly conductive. Such alloys are useful in electrical contact apparatus. An electrical contact element formed of the alloy has a contact surface which when oxidized forms a highly conductive surface layer, thus maintaining electrical conductivity and continuity through the element. The oxide layer may be formed in situ after assembly of the electrical contact or may be provided in an oxidative step during manufacture. The electrical contact may be formed entirely of one or more of such alloys; or may be formed of an inexpensive substrate base metal, such as steel, having one or more of the alloys coated thereupon; or may be formed of a mixture of the base metal and the alloy.

Abstract: An electrical contact comprises a conductive surface of nickel, tin, or a precious metal having a surface of formed grains and particles of a low friction polymer deposited on a portion of the grains wherein the resistance of the contact is about 1 ohm or less, measured at about 100 mA, and wherein the polymer particles are deposited on the grains from a dispersion of the particles in a liquid.

Abstract: Described is a method of reducing corrosion of a silver-containing surface comprising electro-depositing a layer of an iodine-containing material on said silver surface at a charge density of about 80 mA*s (milliamps second)/cm2) or less. Also described is an electrical contact also produced by the method.

Abstract: Described is an electrical contact comprising a conductive surface of nickel, tin, or a precious metal having a surface of formed grains and particles of a low friction polymer deposited on a portion of the grains wherein the resistance of the contact is about 1 ohm or less, measured at about 100 mA, and wherein the polymer particles are deposited on the grains from a dispersion of the particles in a liquid.

Abstract: A contact structure for a sliding switch includes a conductive stationary contact disposed on a base and a conductive movable contact for electrically contacting the stationary contact. The movable contact is movable along a path between a non-contact position and a make-contact position with respect to the stationary contact, and at least one of the contacts has a protruding portion that provides an electrical interface for discharge of arcing as the movable contact breaks from the stationary contact. As a result, the invention prevents or substantially reduces degradation in switch performance which might otherwise be caused by debris accumulation associated with arcing.

Abstract: Described is a metal alloy comprising at least two metal elements which are not precious metals, said alloy being capable of forming a surface metal oxide layer that is conductive having a contact resistivity of 100 ?cm or less after the alloy has been subjected to 125° C. for 1008 hours. Also described is a process of preparing a metal alloy providing two metal elements which are not precious metals and oxidizing the metal alloy to produce a surface metal oxide layer that is conductive having a contact resistivity of 100 ?-cm or less after the alloy has been subjected to 125° C. for 1008 hours.