Method and apparatus for interrupting current through deionization of arc plasma
US6667863B1 · kind B1 · utility
3Cited by
4References
28Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H9/38
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A technique is provided for enhancing performance of a circuit interrupter by deionizing arc plasma developed during an interruption event. A source material is disposed in a secondary current carrying path parallel to a primary current carrying path through the device. Upon movement of a movable contact in the primary current carrying path, current begins to flow through the source material, causing surface ablation of a material which deionizes arc plasma, resulting in greater voltage investment in the arc and more rapid extinction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.