Abstract: Electrical circuit protection devices containing PTC elements comprised of conductive polymers which exhibit PTC behavior and are used to protect a load in an electrical circuit, in which the PTC conductive polymers are based on highly crystalline and highly ordered liquid crystal polymers and particulate conductive fillers dispersed therein, which are cross-linked by radiation. These circuit protection devices operate as automatically resettable current limiters and are particularly useful for protecting motors, solenoids, telephone lines and batteries, and for enhancing circuit interruption capability when used in conjunction with breakers and contactors. The liquid crystal polymers include aromatic polyesters, e.g., poly(p-phenylene terephthalate) and poly(p-hydroxybenzoate); aromatic copolyesters, e.g., poly(p-hydroxybenzoate-co-2,6-hydroxynaphthoate), poly(deca-methyleneterephthaloyl di-p-hydroxybenzoate, and poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-oxybenzoate); aromatic copolyester amides, e.g.

Abstract: Filamentary material having a core of elemental carbon covered with a coating of silicon carbide material with a thin outer layer of elemental carbon is heated in air to cause the outer layer to oxidize. The filament is then cut to segments of a desired length, bundled and the ends metallized. A tubular metal connector is crimped over each of the metallized ends of the bundle with a conductive lead extending therefrom. The bundle assembly is then mounted onto a refractory holder.

Abstract: A moisture sensor (100) is provided that utilizes a sulfonated fluorocarbon film (10) having a thickness of less than about one micron and capable of providing accurate measurements of humidity and extremely fast response to change in humidity. A preferred embodiment of an electrical system (150) is disclosed for use with sensor (100) and a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroether copolymer form of the film is especially preferred.

Abstract: A vehicle component such as a transmission blocker ring (81) having an improved friction material (56) is provided. Friction material (56) comprises a composite of from about 25% to about 75% by weight of a flurocarbon polymer and from about 75% to about 25% by weight of substantially uniformly dispersed ceramic fiber and which is provided with controlled crystallinity by reason of having been cooled at a rate of less than about 20.degree. C. per minute after having been sintered at a predetermined sintering or annealing temperature and time for the friction material.

Abstract: A miniature sealed toggle switch having a housing (2,4) that is sealed by a gasket (16) sealed to the toggle lever by a groove (12b) and RTV (18) and to the housing by a ridge (16d) and a tapered edge (2e) on the base, and by two grooves (6d, 6e, FIG. 3) on the terminals that prevent leaks under different expansion of the metal terminals (6) and the molded base (2a, 2b, FIG. 3). Contactor erosion is reduced by a drop (26d) on the contactor causing arc movement on opening. Grooves (2g, 2h) and arc shields (2f) in the base prevent formation of conductive paths. A stepped taper (12d) on the toggle lever and a tapered hole (28a) reduce wear. Nickel plating of the brass lever (12) and aluminum bushing (4a) insure ground of the lever. The contactor configuration (32c, 32d, FIG. 5), clearance between the toggle lever and actuator, and energy storage in conical spring (30) provide non-stall, non-tease operation. The radius of the actuator tips (28c) are maintained by the radius (32a, 32b, FIG.