Abstract: The disclosed concept pertains to alloy compositions, methods and arc-resistant shields composed of the alloy compositions. The arc-resistant shields are positioned in vacuum interrupter chambers and demonstrate resistance to arc damage and ability to hold off high voltages after arcing, while providing a lower cost alternative to traditional alloy compositions used for producing arc-resistant shields. In certain embodiments, the alloy compositions include copper and/or an element chemically compatible to copper and another component, such as but not limited to, iron, stainless steel, niobium, molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten carbide, chromium carbide, vanadium carbide and chromium, and alloys and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed concept pertains to alloy compositions, methods and arc-resistant shields composed of the alloy compositions. The arc-resistant shields are positioned in vacuum interrupter chambers and demonstrate resistance to arc damage and ability to hold off high voltages after arcing, while providing a lower cost alternative to traditional alloy compositions used for producing arc-resistant shields. In certain embodiments, the alloy compositions include copper and/or an element chemically compatible to copper and another component, such as but not limited to, iron, stainless steel, niobium, molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten carbide, chromium carbide, vanadium carbide and chromium, and alloys and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid switch assembly is provided for a vacuum switch, such as for example a vacuum interrupter. The vacuum interrupter includes a vacuum envelope, a fixed contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope, and a movable contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope and movable between a closed position in electrical contact with the fixed contact assembly and an open position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly. The hybrid switch assembly includes at least one radial magnetic field generating mechanism, such as for example a spiral contact or cup member, and a number of axial magnetic field generating mechanisms each comprising a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member, such as for example, a horseshoe plate assembly. Each axial magnetic field generating mechanism is disposed within the vacuum envelope proximate a corresponding radial magnetic field generating mechanism.

Abstract: A hybrid switch assembly is provided for a vacuum switch, such as for example a vacuum interrupter. The vacuum interrupter includes a vacuum envelope, a fixed contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope, and a movable contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope and movable between a closed position in electrical contact with the fixed contact assembly and an open position spaced apart from the fixed contact assembly. The hybrid switch assembly includes at least one radial magnetic field generating mechanism, such as for example a spiral contact or cup member, and a number of axial magnetic field generating mechanisms each comprising a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member, such as for example, a horseshoe plate assembly. Each axial magnetic field generating mechanism is disposed within the vacuum envelope proximate a corresponding radial magnetic field generating mechanism.

Abstract: The tubular vapor shield of a vacuum interrupter is secured to the ceramic by a shield mount which includes a split ring seated in a circumferential groove formed in the inner surface of the ceramic. The tubular vapor shield is secured to the split ring by a connection which includes a circumferential flange brazed to the shield and a braze ring which is wedged in an annular gap between the flange and the vapor shield and which melts when heated in a vacuum oven to braze the split ring to the vapor shield and the flange. In another embodiment, the flange has a radial outward rim which seats on the split ring. In an additional embodiment, the connection between the split ring and the vapor shield includes a circumferential shield groove in the outer surface of the vapor shield in which the split ring is also seated and optionally secured by a braze.

Abstract: An assembly and associated method are provided for use with the stationary and moveable contact sub-assembly portions of a vacuum interrupter. This assembly employs a groove machined circumferentially into an electrode of the sub-assembly in conjunction with a retaining ring apparatus having a first portion inserted into the groove. A second portion of the retaining ring provides stable structural support to components stacked onto the retaining ring apparatus. The components are clamped together and brazing material is placed across junctions between and among the individual vacuum interrupter components. Methods for constructing a vacuum interrupter sub-assembly in conjunction with brazing processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter has a coil for generating an axially oriented magnetic field to maintain an electric arc in a diffuse rather than columnar mode upon opening of the interrupter. At least one of two electrodes having abuttable disc shaped contacts is movable along an axis relative to the other and can be forced by an external mechanism to open. The electrodes are carried in a housing with an electrical insulator between opposite end mountings that support the electrodes with the contacts in an evacuated enclosure. One of the electrodes is an assembly including a rigid supporting member attached to one of the contacts and extending a length along the axis. A coil is wrapped circumferentially around the supporting member along this length, providing a conductive path to generate the axial magnetic field. The supporting member comprises a less-conductive path (e.g., a stainless steel sleeve) and the coil is more conductive (e.g., copper), providing a durable and inexpensive structure.