Abstract: A power source and method for providing an activating current a power source comprises an input terminal, a charging circuit having an input coupled to the input terminal of the power source, a capacitor having a first electrode coupled to an output of the charging circuit, an electronic switching circuit, a discharge protection circuit, a control switch and a disconnecting device. An input of the electronic switching circuit is coupled to the first electrode of the capacitor. The control switch includes a first terminal which is coupled via the discharge protection circuit to the input terminal of the power source and is coupled to an output of the electronic switching circuit. The disconnecting device comprises a first terminal coupled to a second terminal of the control switch.

Abstract: A switch includes: an ignition chamber; a pyrotechnic actuator for releasing gas into the ignition chamber upon ignition; a first conductor and a second conductor, the first and second conductors including connection contacts; a third conductor moveable in a direction from a first position towards a second position upon actuation by the pyrotechnic actuator; and a breakable retaining member for retaining the third conductor in the first position prior to actuation by the pyrotechnic actuator, the retaining member breaking upon actuation of the pyrotechnic actuator to allow movement of the third conductor. In the first position, the third conductor is arranged between, and in electrical and physical contact with, the first and second conductors to define a current conduction path. In the second position, the third conductor is electrically and physically separate from the first and second conductors.

Abstract: A switch includes: an actuator; a conductor having a length extending between two ends and a width extending between two sides, the conductor having a connection contact at either end and at least one switching region disposed between the connection contacts, each switching region extending between two sides of the conductor and including: a hole through the conductor, at least one shearable portion bounded by the hole and a nearest of the two sides of the conductor, and an insert conductor inserted into the hole and in electrical contact with the conductor, via the hole, such that a current conduction path is defined along the length of the conductor via the insert conductor and the at least one shearable portion of each switching region; and a moveable member aligned with the at least one switching region and arranged to move in a first direction.

Abstract: A disconnector includes: a switch having: a first, fixed contact terminal of a first conductor, a second, fixed contact terminal of a second conductor, and a moveable bridge contact moveable between a first position and a second position; and an actuating mechanism having: a cam follower coupled to the moveable bridge contact and including a following surface, a cam having a cam surface, the cam surface engaging with the following surface, the cam being rotatable around an axial direction relative to the cam follower. At least one of the following surface and the cam surface includes an angled portion, the angled portion angled with respect to the axial direction such that rotation of the cam urges the cam follower in the axial direction, the cam follower moving the moveable bridge contact in the axial direction from the first position to the second position in response to the urging.

Abstract: A switch includes: an ignition chamber; a pyrotechnic actuator for releasing gas into the ignition chamber upon ignition; a first conductor and a second conductor, the first and second conductors including connection contacts; a third conductor moveable in a direction from a first position towards a second position upon actuation by the pyrotechnic actuator; and a breakable retaining member for retaining the third conductor in the first position prior to actuation by the pyrotechnic actuator, the retaining member breaking upon actuation of the pyrotechnic actuator to allow movement of the third conductor. In the first position, the third conductor is arranged between, and in electrical and physical contact with, the first and second conductors to define a current conduction path. In the second position, the third conductor is electrically and physically separate from the first and second conductors.