Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" the PTC element. The second component is for example a voltage-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage. Alternatively, the second component is a thick film resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element.

Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" PTC element. The second component is for example a voltage-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage. Alternatively, the second component is a thick film resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element.

Abstract: A method of making a conductive polymer sheet in which a hollow conductive polymer extrudate is slit and flattened. The resulting sheet may have improved resistivity uniformity over conventionally extruded sheet. The sheet is useful in producing electrical devices such as heaters and circuit protection devices.

Abstract: Electrical devices containing PTC conductive polymers which have been cross-linked in two steps, preferably by radiation. The conductive polymer is heat-treated above the temperature at which it begins to melt between the two cross-linking steps, and/or the cross-linking steps are such that a center section of the conductive polymer, intermediate the electrodes, is substantially more cross-linked than the conductive polymer adjacent the electrodes. The process is particularly useful for the preparation of circuit protection devices which are subject to high voltage faults.

Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" the PTC element. The second component is for example a voltage-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage.

Abstract: Electrical devices containing PTC conductive polymers which have been cross-linked in two steps, preferably by radiation. The conductive polymer is heat-treated above the temperature at which it begins to melt between the two cross-linking steps, and/or the cross-linking steps are such that a center section of the conductive polymer, intermediate the electrodes, is substantially more cross-linked than the conductive polymer adjacent the electrodes. The process is particularly useful for the preparation of circuit protection devices which are subject to high voltage faults.