The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 22, 2013
Filed:
May. 04, 2011
Adrian Shipley, Cheltenham, GB;
Adrian Shipley, Cheltenham, GB;
GE Aviation Systems Limited, , GB;
Abstract
In one aspect, the present invention provides an electromagnetic circuit interrupter for use in a high voltage direct current (DC) aircraft power distribution system. The electromagnetic circuit interrupter comprises a contact mechanism operable to separate first and second electrical contacts by a first predetermined distance dfor a predetermined time τ so as to sustain an arc when the contact mechanism is opened. The contact mechanism is further operable to separate the first and second electrical contacts by a second predetermined distance dafter the predetermined time τ so as to extinguish the arc. The first predetermined distance dis less than said second predetermined distance d. By deliberately sustaining the arc for a relatively long period of time, this aspect of the present invention is particularly useful for extending the operational lifetime of the contacts and thereby of the electromagnetic circuit interrupter itself.