Interrupter for High Currents.

(W. Kasperowicz. Galvanischer Unterbrecher, Phys. Ztsch. XIX p. 187, 1918.)

The interrupter proposed by the author has, in its simplest form, the shape of a U-shaped tube, the knees of which are connected by a narrow channel. The tube is filled with mercury, and electrodes are introduced into the knees. With a sufficient current strength and with suitable diameter and length of the connecting channel, the mercury in the latter passes into a vaporous state, an arc arises, and the current is either interrupted completely or is weakened. After the interruption, the mercury vapors quickly condense, and the phenomenon is repeated again. Thanks to

owing to its negligible resistance, the interrupter is especially suitable for strong currents. The frequency of interruptions depends, of course, on the diameter and length of the channel, the shape of the tube, the cooling system, and other circumstances. The communication is of a preliminary nature, and the details are lacking.

S. Vavilov.