Patents Assigned to Ferraz Shawmut S.A.
  • Patent number: 7965485
    Abstract: A circuit protection device for protecting a photovoltaic (PV) system from an overcurrent condition. The circuit protection device includes a first electrode electrically connectable to a first line of an electrical circuit, a second electrode electrically connectable to a second line of the electrical circuit. A first thermal element, second thermal element and an overload assembly define a first conductive path between the first and second electrodes. A bypass shunt defines a second conductive path between the first and second electrodes. The overload assembly electrically connects the first thermal element to the second thermal element, and is moveable between a closed position and an open position (i.e., overload condition). A low melt temperature solder electrically connects the overload assembly to the second thermal element. The low melt temperature solder softens and melts as the temperature increases in response to an overcurrent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Ferraz Shawmut S.A.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Mosesian, Jean-Francois de Palma
  • Patent number: 7483252
    Abstract: A voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in an electrical circuit, comprised of a voltage sensitive element having a predetermined voltage rating, the voltage sensitive element increasing in temperature as voltage applied across the voltage sensitive element exceeds the voltage rating. Terminals are provided for electrically connecting the voltage sensitive element between a power line of an electrical circuit and a ground or neutral line of the electrical circuit. A normally closed, thermal switch is electrically connected in series with the voltage sensitive element between one line of the electrical circuit and the voltage sensitive element, the thermal switch being thermally coupled to the voltage sensitive element wherein the thermal switch moves from a normally closed position to an open position to form a gap between the thermal switch and the voltage sensitive element when the temperature of the voltage sensitive element reaches a level indicating an over-voltage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ferraz Shawmut S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois de Palma, Jerry L. Mosesian