Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corporation

Michael B Bykowski

Leo G Evans

In a high amperage switching apparatus comprising multiple, spaced apart, stationary first terminals, each in interruptable circuit communication with corresponding multiple, spaced apart, stationary second terminals, said communication being by movable knife type circuit interrupting means pivotably attached to each second terminal such that it will contact the corresponding first terminal at some point in the pivot arc, the improvement comprising removably and conductively attaching to at least one stationary first terminal, at least one primary sacrificial, bimetallic contact, having highly conductive lower attachment section and highly resistant contact tip and removably and conductively attaching to at least one corresponding movable circuit interrupting means at least one secondary sacrificial bimetallic contact, being comprised of multiple laminate highly conductive metal fingers backed by a spring, compression laminate, having a high resistant metal tip, said primary and secondary sacrificial bimetallic contacts being so attached to said first terminal and interrupting means that under high amperage current, when closing said switch, contact is made between the resistant tips of said primary and secondary sacrificial contacts prior to the initiation of arcing between the first terminal and the movable interrupting means, contact between the sacrificial contacts being maintained throughout the closing of the switch and when opening said switch, contact is maintained between the primary and secondary sacrificial contacts until the interrupting means is so far removed fro the first terminal that arcing therebetween may not occur.

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Eggertsville, NY, United States of America

Michael B Bykowski