Abstract: Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.

Abstract: Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, the reed switch responds to elevated current flow and can then use the signal with the elevated current flow to activate the pyrotechnic feature. In other embodiments, the reed switch uses a power signal from a secondary power source to activate the pyrotechnic feature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components. In some embodiments, the fuse devices can comprise pyrotechnic features.

Abstract: Contact assemblies are described herein having certain components, or portions thereof, that are formed integral to one another to reduce the complexity of manufacturing, improve the operation characteristics, and increase operational reliability of devices using the contact assemblies. New shapes to features and components of the contact assemblies are also disclosed, with the shapes providing the desired operational characteristics. Embodiments of the invention are also directed contactors or fuses (i.e., electrical switching devices) utilizing the contactor assemblies according to the present invention, and to electrical circuits and systems utilizing the electrical switching devices according to the present invention.

Abstract: Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, the reed switch responds to elevated current flow and can then use the signal with the elevated current flow to activate the pyrotechnic feature. In other embodiments, the reed switch uses a power signal from a secondary power source to activate the pyrotechnic feature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are contactor devices, for example, devices that can be utilized as switching elements, comprising fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from one another and one or more moveable contacts that are configured to electrically contact the fixed contacts to provide an electrical connection between them. Movement of the fixed contacts into and out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts controls flow of electricity through the devices. The contactor devices also include pyrotechnic disconnect elements, which function as a circuit break or fuse-like element to protect against overcurrent. When the electrical current through the contactor device reaches a threshold level, a pyrotechnic charge activates, permanently forcing the moveable contacts out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are contactor devices, for example, devices that can be utilized as switching elements, comprising fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from one another and one or more moveable contacts that are configured to electrically contact the fixed contacts to provide an electrical connection between them. Movement of the fixed contacts into and out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts controls flow of electricity through the devices. The contactor devices also include pyrotechnic disconnect elements, which function as a circuit break or fuse-like element to protect against overcurrent. When the electrical current through the contactor device reaches a threshold level, a pyrotechnic charge activates, permanently forcing the moveable contacts out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components. In some embodiments, the fuse devices can comprise pyrotechnic features.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components.