Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Robert L Thomas

Natraj C Iyer

Allan J Bamford, Deceased

Copper-chromium contacts and copper-ferrous material shields are used in vacuum circuit interrupters. The copper chromium contacts include a specific copper-iron non-abutting section, and an abutting layer preferably of copper-chromium with a layer thickness that constitutes about 50% of the total thickness of the contact which constitutes the abutting section of the contact structure. The shield for the contacts, are preferably formed of copper-ferrous material and 'X' in which 1%-50% is ferrous material, and 'X'=chromium 0% to 30% and ferrous material plus 'X' is less than 60% of the total shield. The contacts and shields are formed by a powder metallurgical procedure.

Vacuum circuit interrupter contacts and shields

An electrical contact member and method of fabrication which facilitates braze connection of the electrical contact member to the conductive support stem of a vacuum interrupter structure. A high density slug of the contact material is performed. The high density slug is disposed in a powder mass of the contact material which is sintered to form the contact member. A high conductivity component is then infiltrated in the electrical contact member to produce the desired conductivity for the contact member, with the high density portion being easily brazed to a conductive support stem.

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Horseheads, NY, United States of America

Robert L Thomas