Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring discrete velocities of exhaust flows coming out of individual circumferential rotor body vent holes while a rotor is running at operating speed. The apparatus and method employs a hot film anemometer to measure flow distributions around the rotor shaft, i.e., circumferential flow distributions.

Abstract: A particular gas mixture (90% N.sub.2 +10% Xe) in a triggerable spark gap discharger is disclosed which allows the spark gap to be triggered with a low main-gap voltage over a much wider range of trigger voltages (e.g., 16-30 or more kV), than with nitrogen (e.g., 19-22 kV) or other commonly used gases and mixtures. The improvement is important where triggerable spark gaps are used in protective circuits.

Abstract: A sub-nanosecond rise time megavolt pulse generator is disclosed. The generator utilizes an induction energy store together with electron beams for generating a sub-nanosecond high voltage pulse wave-front. The electron beams are deflected to establish the wave-front. In a preferred form multiple electron beams together with a waveguide of particular shape provide simultaneous converging wave-fronts that are directed to a local area.

Abstract: A triggered spark gap discharger having a small auxiliary gap in the trigger pulse path. The auxiliary gap provides ultraviolet radiation to liberate electrons at the trigger probe and allow prompt firing of the trigger gap and primary gap, particularly in aged discharger units.

Abstract: A gas insulated transmission line includes a hollow outer conductor having an inner conductor and a support framework disposed therein. A tensioned insulating member is utilized to support the inner conductor within the outer conductor and the support framework. The insulating member is made of flexible insulating filaments which are tensioned to a predetermined amount which is greater than the tension caused by suspending the weight of the inner conductor alone.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter including axial magnetic field generating means, and arc contact structure comprising means for spacially modulating the axial magnetic field over the area of the contact. This contact structure produces adjacent regions of different magnetic field strength over the contact area, whereby a plurality of spaced apart low arc voltage, stable parallel arc current paths are established over the contact area.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus including an enclosure, an electrode disposed within the enclosure, and supports for insulatably supporting the electrode within the enclosure has a permanently sticky adhesive material which is disposed on the interior surface of the outer enclosure. A high-vapor-pressure sublimable material is disposed on the permanently sticky adhesive material, with the sublimable material capable of subliming away in the presence of a vacuum. The presence of the sublimable material enables the apparatus to be non-sticky during assembly and handling operations, while being rendered sticky upon commissioning of the apparatus.

Abstract: Dielectric gas mixture including a binary pair of gases with electric strengths in uniform or quasi-uniform fields which are higher than that for either component of the gases alone. Such binary pairs include (a) SF.sub.6 and CF.sub.3 CFCF.sub.2, (b) SO.sub.2 and CF.sub.3 CFCF.sub.2, and (c) SO.sub.2 and SF.sub.6.

Abstract: A relatively low-cost dielectric gas mixture including a halogenated hydrocarbon such as CC1.sub.2 F.sub.2, subject to carbonization in the presence of an electrical discharge, and a minor portion of CF.sub.3 NO.sub.2 or CF.sub.3 SO.sub.2 F which suppresses carbonization of the halogenated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: High-voltage electrical apparatus includes an outer housing at low potential, an inner electrode disposed within the outer housing at high potential with respect thereto, and support means for insulatably supporting the inner electrode within the outer housing. Conducting particles contaminate the interior of the outer housing, and an insulating gas electrically insulates the inner electrode from the outer housing even in the presence of the conducting particles. The insulating gas is comprised of sulfur hexafluoride at a partial pressure of from about 2.9 to about 3.4 atmospheres absolute, and helium at a partial pressure from about 1.1 to about 11.4 atmospheres absolute. The sulfur hexafluoride comprises between 20 and 65 volume percent of the insulating gas.

Abstract: A method of testing a gas insulated system for the presence of conducting particles. The method includes inserting a gaseous mixture comprising about 98 volume percent nitrogen and about 2 volume percent sulfur hexafluoride into the gas insulated system at a pressure greater than 60 lb./sq. in. gauge, and then applying a test voltage to the system. If particles are present within the system, the gaseous mixture will break down, providing an indicator of the presence of the particles.