Abstract:
The high voltage DC circuit breaker must generate a variable impedance which increases gradually from negligibly small, when the breaker is closed, to infinitely large, after it has been opened. This invention describes a novel impedance-increasing method comprising serially connected resistance and switch means and a capacitor which shunts both. The switch means, which must be capable of opening and closing a high voltage, is programmed to rapidly switch on and off with increasing offtime so that the time averaged impedance of the DC circuit is increased to an offswitched condition.
Abstract:
Rotating shaft carries contact arms which are stressed into the switch closed position where they are in contact with two stationary contact fingers by the torque of a stressed torsion bar. An electrodynamic drive motor additionally stressed the torsion bar to rotate the contacts on the contact shaft away from the stationary contact fingers. The contacts are held in the open position by a one-way clutch and disc brake. Release of the disc brake permits the torsion bar to return the rotating contact shaft bar to the switch closed position.
Abstract:
The circuit breaker interrupts current against a high voltage source by opening an in-line switch and causing termination of conduction therethrough by discharging a parallel capacitor to produce a current zero. The parallel capacitor has a crossedfield switch in series therewith to control the rate of voltage application to the parallel in-line switch, and, furthermore, to limit the voltage applied to the capacitor to a small fraction of the full circuit voltage.
Abstract:
The apparatus of the present invention provides an ultralightweight collapsible reflecting structure for electromagnetic wave energy that is primarily intended for space applications. The vast distances over which space systems must operate frequently dictate the use of antennas which are highly directional, which generally requires large reflecting structures of relatively close dimensional tolerances for focusing the electromagnetic radiation. The collapsible reflectors of the present case are provided by a precontoured flexible lightweight foil or screen which is deployed by the use of magnetic pressures generated by current loops or permanent magnets.
Abstract:
Crossed-field switch tube has two electrodes to define an annular interelectrode gap. An annular magnetic field is produced in the gap with the field uniform along the length of the gap. Circuit connects electrodes so that, with alternating polarity, the gap alternately conducts with about the same voltage drop.