Abstract: An electric field electron discharge surge absorbing element includes a first substrate member having an electron discharge portion on which a plurality of emitters are formed, and a second substrate member having a surface on which no emitters are formed. The surface and the electron emitter portion face each other, separated at a prescribed distance by a frame member. A vacuum is formed in the envelope between the substrate members and the frame member. External electrode layers are formed on the outer surfaces of each substrate member. The emitter cones may be etched from a semiconductor material, or may be diamond crystals deposited in place.

Abstract: A discharge-type surge absorbing element that absorbs a surge by using the discharge that occurs between a discharge interval arranged within a sealed container filled with a discharge gas. The discharge-type absorbing element is characterized by a plurality of discharge electrodes connected to lead wires and disposed within a sealed container filled with a discharge gas. The discharge electrodes are disposed within the container so that they face each other and so that a discharge gap is formed between the discharge electrodes. The lead wire from each of the discharge electrodes passes through the sealed container and extends externally. A layer is disposed on the inside surface of the sealed container, at least between the lead wires. The layer has good creeping discharge properties and is made from the material in the discharge electrodes. A very small gap is formed between the lead wires and the end of the layer.

Abstract: An insulating substrate has a heat generating resistor and an electrical conductor on its surface. A pair of conductors, such as power or communication leads, are connected to a protected circuit. A rated voltage element and the heat generating resistor is connected in series between the lines. The electrical conductor is connected in series between one of the lines and the protected circuit. When a continuous overvoltage greater than a rated voltage of the rated voltage element develops in the lines, the rated voltage element acts to draw excess current through it and the heat generating resistor. When this current reaches a certain point, heat from the overcurrent in the heat generating resistor ruptures the substrate and the electrical conductor so that both the rated voltage element and the circuit are isolated from the conductors. This protects the protected circuit from destruction of, and consequent loss of protection by, the rated voltage element.

Abstract: A fuse resistor protects a circuit from a surge, an overcurrent from an unexpected connection, or the like. When a continuous overvoltage higher than a predetermined value is applied to the circuit, the heat from a heat-generating resistant film fractures an insulating substrate of the fuse resistor to open the circuit. Changing the minimum current to which the fuse resistor responds, by modifying a cutout or notch on the substrate, makes it possible to use the fuse resistor anywhere in the circuit. A discharging-type surge absorbing element with a security mechanism that includes the fuse resistor can thus provide protection against a surge or a continuous overcurrent that is more than the rated value of the fuse resistor.