Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – Arc suppression at switching point
Reexamination Certificate
2009-12-16
2011-11-08
Barnie, Rexford (Department: 2836)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
Arc suppression at switching point
C361S008000, C361S011000, C361S013000, C338S061000
Reexamination Certificate
active
08054589
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus, such as a switch module, is provided. The apparatus can include an electromechanical switch structure configured to move between an open configuration and a fully-closed configuration (associated with a minimum characteristic resistance) over a characteristic time. A commutation circuit can be connected in parallel with the electromechanical switch structure, and can include a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the electromechanical switch structure and a pulse circuit including a pulse capacitor configured to form a pulse signal (in connection with a switching event of the electromechanical switch structure) for causing flow of a pulse current through the balanced diode bridge. The electromechanical switch structure and the balanced diode bridge can be disposed such that a total inductance associated with the commutation circuit is less than or equal to a product of the characteristic time and the minimum characteristic resistance.
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European Search Report dated Mar. 24, 2011 and Written Opinion.
Gowda Arun Virupaksha
O'Brien Kathleen Ann
Park John Norton
Premerlani William James
Schelenz Owen Jannis Samuel
Barnie Rexford
Emery Richard D.
General Electric Company
Kitov Zeev V
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