Importance

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Abstract

An encapsulated high voltage switch has an elastomeric housing made of a first high dielectric strength resilient material such as EPDM. A generally tubular reinforcing element is formed or press fitted in intimate contact with the first elastomeric material. A vacuum contact assembly having a fragile ceramic vacuum bottle is disposed inside the reinforcing element, and a filler material different from the first material is disposed between the outer wall of the sub-atmospheric bottle for the coacting contacts in the switch assembly and the inner wall of the reinforcing element. A trip mechanism extends from the exterior into the elastomeric housing and is connected through a lost motion linking mechanism with the coacting contacts to move the contacts from closed to open position and vice versa. Additionally, a method is described for encapsulating the high voltage switch and to safeguard the sub-atmospheric switch assembly in assembled position.

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First Claim