Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter is taught which utilizes the vapor deposition shields thereof and the existing high voltage electrical source or network which is controlled by the circuit interrupter to produce a cold cathode detector for determining the quality or amount of vacuum within the vacuum circuit interrupter. The central shield support ring which protrudes through the insulating casing of the circuit interrupter is utilized to supply electrical current to a current measuring device and to return one of the shields of the cold cathode detector to the common terminal of the aforementioned voltage source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the charge energy available from electrochemical cells (batteries) of the type that exhibits a substantially constant discharge voltage characteristic over its charge life, such as zinc-silver oxide cells. Within several seconds following a brief period of shorting out for reactivation, two to four seconds in the case of zinc-silver oxide cells, short circuit current from the test cell flowing for a period of time just sufficient for complete charging of the internal capacitance of such test cell is sensed, integrated over such period, and used to control display of information as to the charge level of the cell under test.

Abstract: Each of an array of holes for accepting insertion of push-pins, as in pinboards, connectors, etc. for multistrand electrical and/or optical assemblies, is covered with a pin-penetrative membrane area having a hole-identifying marking thereon. Each such hole-covering membrane area preferably has either a see-through characteristic or suitable marking to enable locating and/or determining the size and shape of the respective membrane-covered hole. The respective push-pins with wires or light pipes attached, as the case may be, are punched through the numbered areas of the membrane into the holes for assembly of the pinboard, connector, or other push-pin-utilizing component.