Abstract: A high power pseudospark switch (40) utilizes a coaxial cylindrical electrode geometry to provide a large number of pseudospark discharge channels (60) in a compact space. The coaxial cylindrical electrode geometry includes a hollow cylindrical anode (52) inside of a larger hollow cylindrical cathode (54). A plurality of radially aligned holes (57, 59) are equally spaced around the perimeter of both the hollow anode and cathode, thereby forming an annular pseudospark discharge (PSD) channel about the coaxial center axis. A plurality of such PSD channels (56, 58) are then stacked along the length of the coaxial cylindrical electrode geometry. A single trigger pulser (48) aligned with the center axis of the cylindrical electrodes provides a way for simultaneously triggering a discharge in each PSD channel.

Abstract: An electrodynamic operating mechanism is connected to a vacuum interrupter to produce an interrupter with a switching time of about one millisecond. Magnetic latch means are provided to hold the contacts open after interrupter operation.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit breaker consisting of a vacuum interrupter connected in series with an SF.sub.6 interrupter has a zinc oxide varistor connected in parallel with the vacuum interrupter. The capacitance to ground of the SF.sub.6 interrupter is higher than the capacitance to ground of the vacuum interrupter.

Abstract: An explosively activated current interrupter is provided for use in a fault current limiting system employing a plurality of such interrupters. Each interrupter includes an automatic switching system for sequentially installing each of a plurality of the interrupters on a power line. A conductive member in the interrupter housing conducts current carried by the power line. An explosive charge in the housing breaks the conductive member into a plurality of separated portions upon detonation, thereby interrupting the power line current. A switch opened and closed by means of explosive gas pressure alternately installs and removes the interrupter from the power line. Each interrupter is connected by a gas conduit to the next sequential interrupter to be detonated. Upon detonation of one interrupter, a portion of the explosion gases are transferred by the conduit to the next interrupter, operating the switch to install the next interrupter on the power line after an appropriate delay.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter which can be used as a high voltage d-c breaker or fault current limiter transfer switch or the like contains a pair of cooperable contacts disposed in an evacuated container. One of the contacts also serves as the cathode of a magnetically modulated vacuum arc discharge device. This cathode is spaced from an anode disposed in the wall of the evacuated housing. The anode is surrounded by a winding which is capable of producing a magnetic field which can increase the impedance of the arc plasma between the cathode and anode in order to decrease the arc current and extinguish the arc. The cooperable contacts within the interrupter serve to carry load current and also serve to create the inital arc which is transferred between the anode and cathode structures.

Abstract: A high voltage interrupter consists of a cathode disposed centrally along the axis of an annular anode ring. The anode ring is a part of the wall of an evacuated container and is enclosed by a magnetic coil. Current flows through an arc plasma struck between the cathode and anode and this arc current is controlled by a magnetic field produced by the external coil which varies the impedance of the arc and causes the arc to extinguish. The anode contains a plurality of parallel metal vanes which extend into the interior of the evacuated housing to increase the current capability of the device and to control the rate of change of the current during switching operation.