High current shorting switching for rapid fire electromagnetic launchers

Patent · Tue Jun 12 04:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:6650386

Kemeny, G A

This patent describes a switching system for switching large electric currents. It comprises: controllable switching devices electrically connected in parallel with each other; means for turning on the controllable switching devices; a current actuated mechanical switch having a pair of contacts electrically connected in parallel with the parallel connection of the switching devices. The mechanical switch includes means for shorting the mechanical contacts in response to current flow through the controllable switching devices, thereby limiting the energy dissipated in the controllable switching devices during each current switching operation; wherein the means for shorting includes a fixed conductor, a movable conductor positioned adjacent to the fixed conductor and electrically connected in series with the fixed conductor, such that current flows in opposite directions in the fixed and movable conductors, and a shorting member attached to the movable conductor; and the fixed and movable conductors lying in parallel planes and being electrically connected in series with the parallel connection of the controllable switching devices such that initial current flow through the controllable switching devices also flows through the fixed and movable conductors.

• Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4932305
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-638328A
• OSTI ID: 6650386
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
426000* -- Engineering-- Components
Electron Devices & Circuits-- (1990-)
CURRENTS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
SWITCHING CIRCUITS