Patent ID: 7772943
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A contact assembly having a closed position to allow current flow through the contact assembly and an open position to prevent current flow through the contact assembly, the assembly comprising: a moveable conductor including a moveable contact and a moveable conducting surface; a fixed contact; the moveable conductor being moveable between the closed position with the moveable contact contacting the fixed contact, and the open position with the moveable contact spaced apart from the fixed contact; a fixed conductor having a fixed conducting surface proximate the moveable conducting surface when the contact assembly is in the closed position, the moveable and fixed conductors being electrically connected to conduct the current flow through the conductors in directions such that electromagnetic forces generated between the conducting surfaces resist movement of the moveable contact toward the open position; a magnetic armature fixed to the moveable conductor; a magnetic yoke proximate the fixed conductor, whereby current through the fixed conductor causes the yoke to exert a magnetic force on the armature, and thereby resist movement of the moveable contact toward the open position; and a braided wire electrically connecting the moveable and fixed conductors; wherein the fixed conductor further comprises a first leg and a second leg disposed in a U-shape within a plane, and a tab extending from the fixed conductor in a direction away from the plane of the first and second legs, the braided wire being connected to the tab, whereby parasitic loss in the magnetic field of the moveable and fixed conducting surfaces due to a secondary magnetic field is reduced.