Abstract: An electric circuit breaker apparatus is used in a vehicle including an electric circuit having a converter and a storage battery. The electric circuit breaker apparatus interrupts power supply from the storage battery to the converter when a collision of the vehicle is detected. The electric circuit breaker apparatus includes a power supply circuit breaker driven by a low explosive type actuator, which is actuated when a collision of the vehicle is detected. Actuation of the power supply circuit breaker interrupts a power supply path connecting a positive terminal of the storage battery to the converter and grounds a portion of the power supply path closer to the converter than the interrupted portion.

Abstract: In the case of a safety device for an accumulator cell, which has an electrode assembly disposed in an elastic cell sheath and at least one electrical connector, a blocking element is provided which blocks at least a first electrical contact associated with the electrical connector with at least a second electrical contact in a releasable electrical connection, the blocking element being configured for the purpose of releasing the releasable electrical connection when the cell sheath expands as a result of a change in volume of the accumulator cell during operation. A separation of the second contact from the first contact is thereby made possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosive device comprising an explosive material, and at least one igniting stimulus configured to ignite the explosive material when activated. The explosive device further comprises a sheet of material provided with at least one hole at least partially filled with the explosive material, each hole forms an opening in a first side of said sheet material and said at least one igniting stimuli is arranged on said first side. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an explosive device.

Abstract: A low-, medium-, or high-voltage switching device includes a chemical charge unit for actuate closing and/or opening of electric contacts, and a fuze- or ignition cable with chemical charge material to ignite the chemical charge. In order to reach an effective galvanic separation, the chemical charge material of the fuze-cable is electrically insulating, at least in the status before ignition, and at least along a part of its length, in order to cause or effectuate a voltage potential separation between a definite low, medium or high-voltage level and an earth level.

Abstract: A surge arrester is connected in an output current path from an electrical power supply system. A cut-off arrangement is also provided in the output current path and has a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode has a recess in which at least part of a gas generator is arranged. The recess is covered by a cover. When the cut-off arrangement responds, an additional volume for accommodation of expanded gas is provided upon demand, in addition to an arcing area provided in the interior of the cut-off arrangement.

Abstract: A rotating operation type electronic component has a rotation shaft and a signal generating section. The rotation shaft has a rod-shaped intermediate section, a cylindrical operation section, and a coupling section coupling the upper end of the intermediate section with the operation section. The rotatable operation section covers the upper part of the intermediate section, and has an operation knob mounted thereon. The signal generating section generates an electric signal in response to the rotation of the operation section. The coupling section has strength at which it breaks when a load of a predetermined level or higher is applied to the operation section from an axial direction of the rotation shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to oxidative opening switches and related methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a switch assembly including a first terminal, a second terminal, and an oxidative switch element in electrical communication with the first terminal and the second terminal, the switch element comprising a conductive material and an oxidizer, the switch element configured to interrupt electrical communication between the first terminal and the second terminal as a result of an oxidation reaction between the conductive material and the oxidizer. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fast opening switch for pulse power applications. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus and a protection method of a secondary battery, which can prevent explosion and fire of the secondary battery using a switch or a rupture switch attached on the outside of the secondary battery if a swelling degree of the secondary battery reaches a predetermined value when the secondary battery is swelled due to abnormal usage such as overcharge, short-circuit, reverse-connection and heat-exposure of large-capacity lithium polymer battery.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a first contact sleeve (3, 14), a second contact sleeve (4, 16), an insulating sleeve (5, 18) disposed between the first contact sleeve (3, 14) and the second contact sleeve (4, 16) has a switching piston (6, 20) with at least one contact section (8) and an isolating section (7, 19), which is disposed at the side of the contact section (8), whereby the switching piston (6, 20) is movable between a closed position in which the contact section (8) of switching piston (6, 20) connects the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16) so as to be electrically conductive, and an open position in which the contact section (8) of the switching piston (6, 20) does not connect the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16), in which the first contact sleeve (3, 14), second contact sleeve (4, 16) and insulating sleeve (5, 18) is movable.

Abstract: A pyromechanical disconnecting device, in particular for battery shutoff in a motor vehicle include a housing (1) in which there is arranged a conductor bus (11) that is designed to be severable by a cutting chisel (12) at a predetermined cut point, the cutting chisel being capable of being accelerated by the propellant gases of an ignition element (2). In order to facilitate assembly it is proposed that the housing (1) be extruded around the ignition element (2), which in this way forms one structural unit with the housing (1).

Abstract: An apparatus, when in use, is connected to standby electrical power through a power cord. The apparatus controls the electrical power source to a transportation vehicle with an electrical control device. The electrical control device is energized by a switch. The switch is operated by attaching the transportation vehicle power cord by means of compression via two nylon ties. When tension is present on the transportation vehicle power cord the nylon ties will break. When the nylon ties break, the switch immediately de-energizes the electrical control device and the transportation vehicle power cord. If the transportation vehicle continues to pull on the transportation vehicle power cord, it will be in the de-energized mode. The transportation vehicle power cord will be pulled away from the apparatus and away from the electrical connections through a water tight grip.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a label configured to be coupled to a medicament delivery device. The label includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the medicament delivery device. The second surface includes a textual indicia. The label further includes an electronic circuit system configured to output an electronic signal.

Abstract: Displacement occurring by external force between a first member (a case, for example) and a second member (an LCD holder, for example) facing the first member is applied to a detection body (an external force detector), and a loading history of the external force (fracture surfaces) is detected by deformation of the detection body occurring when the force exceeds an allowable limit. Provided are a body section and a force receiving section (a head, arms) projected from the body section. The body section is provided between the first member and the second member facing the first member and is supported by either first or second members. The force receiving section deforms when external force acting in the direction crossing a gap between the first and second members or in the direction along the gap exceeds the allowable limit.

Abstract: A pyromechanical disconnecting device that includes a housing having a receiving space for an ignition element and a supporting floor. A disconnecting tool is disposed in the housing and movable along a path toward a disconnecting point of a current conductor rail. Also disposed in the housing is an ignition element adapted to propel the disconnecting tool along the path to sever the current conductor rail. The ignition element includes an end having a conical flank facing the supporting floor of the housing. An elastic sealing element is arranged about the conical flank and the supporting floor to act as an axial tolerance compensator between the ignition element and the supporting floor of the housing.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus includes an electric conductor disposed at a window pane, a voltage supply device that supplies a voltage to the electric conductor, a voltage detection device that detects the voltage of the electric conductor, a disconnection determination device that makes a determination regarding a disconnected state of the electric conductor based on the detected voltage of the electric conductor, an alarm determination device that determines whether or not to perform alarming based on a result of determination of the disconnection determination device; and an alarm device that performs the alarming based on the determination by the alarm determination device. The alarm determination device has an alert mode of performing if the electric conductor is in the disconnected state, and a pre-alert mode of refraining from performing the alarming if the electric conductor is in the disconnected state.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting of an electrical conductor has an electrical conductor arranged in a housing, a pyrotechnic drive and a cutting device. After the triggering of the drive, the cutting device enters into engagement with the conductor to cut it.

Abstract: A pyromechanical disconnecting device having an improved electric current conductor rail. The electric current conductor rail includes a center section perpendicular to the path of a disconnecting tool, and a first and second side section extending perpendicular from the center section. The electric current conductor rail further includes a first and second end piece connected respectively to the first and second side sections apart from the center section. Each of the end pieces is connected along a fold perpendicular to the center section and includes a bore for receiving a fastener to attach the electric current conductor rail to a housing.

Abstract: A transfer switch comprising a housing and a strip of metal enclosed in the housing, each end extending through the housing as a first connection. At least one first contact is integral to the metal strip. At least one second contact within the housing extends through the housing wall for a second electrical connection. At least one first section of the metal strip for severing and at least one second section of the metal strip having the properties of a hinge for pivoting. At least one exothermic source in the proximity of the first section that upon ignition severs the metal strip at the first section, and causes at least one segment of the severed metal strip to be propelled about the second section comprising the hinge, whereupon the first electrical contact is propelled to join the second electrical contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pyromechanical separation comprising a housing (4) and a conducting rail (2) which is arranged therein and embodied in such a way that it is separable at a separation point (13) by a separating tool (6) which is actuated by a propulsion pyrotechnical charge (12). In order to protect said conducting rail against manipulations and ensure an unequivocal positioning, the conducting rail (2), the propulsion charge (12) and the separating tool (6) are fixed in the housing (4) in an irremovable manner by a latch (5) which is inserted into the housing (4) and are nondetachably fixed thereto. Said latch (5) is also used as a support for the separating tool (6), i.e. it comprises a cutting edge (7) along which said separating tool (7) cuts.

Abstract: A MEMS apparatus having a substrate layer, a device layer and an intermediate oxide layer joining them. A slider is formed in the device layer and includes an enlarged end portion. A walled chamber having a hollow interior in which is positioned a microdetonator is formed in the substrate layer beneath the enlarged end portion and is secured to it by the oxide layer. A drive is operable to move the slider, and with it, the walled chamber, from an initial position to a final position. When in the final position an initiator is operable to initiate the microdetonator.

Abstract: An electrical switch which includes an insulative housing having a wall defining an axial bore therein, a first electrical contact disposed in the housing bore and a second electrical contact movably disposed in the housing bore between an open position and a closed position. When the contacts are in their open position, the second electrical contact is spaced apart from the first electrical contact and when the contacts are in their closed position, the second electrical contact is in electrical contact with the first electrical contact. The switch includes features to enhance safety and operation by reducing the possibility of arcing or flashover before and during the switching operation and to provide of visual indication of the state of the switch.

Abstract: A low-cost breakable inertial threshold sensor using mainly micro-machining silicon technology constructed on a silicon-wafer or on some other brittle material according to the MEMS process. The sensor comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, and detecting means for giving an indication if the second body portion has damaged the detecting means. The status of the sensor can be read in various ways. In one embodiment the status is remotely readable.

Abstract: A mechanical power breaker for a vehicle has a casing, a power input, a master power output, and a breaker positioned in the casing and electrically connected between the power input and master power output. The breaker has a seat, a conductive connector, a moving element, and a first and second resilient supports. The conductive connector is held in seat by the first resilient support and formed by multiple conductive blocks stacked together. The conductive connector and first resilient support are electrically connected between the power input and the master power output. The hollow moving element is held in the seat by the second resilient supports to surround the conductive connector. If the casing is shaken, the moving element is moved to hit the conductive connector. The conductive connector is separated into the multiple conductive blocks to disconnect the electronic connection between the power input and master power output.

Abstract: A pyromechanical cutting element has a housing (2) in which an electrical conductor (3) is arranged, a cutting plunger (5) with a cutting tool (8) to cut through the electrical conductor (3), and pyrotechnic charge (13) to drive the cutting plunger (5), with the cutting tool (8) bending over the electrical conductor (3) after cutting through it and forming a bending tongue (18) that sticks out from the conductor (3) in a way that interrupts the conductor (3). The electrical conductor (3) has a cross-sectional area reduction in the longitudinal direction (4) consisting of two transverse sides and two longitudinal sides. The cutting tool (8) first cuts through the cross-sectional area reduction (4) just on one transverse side and upon further advancement bends over the longitudinal sides at least in part, and, upon further advancement, the cutting tool (8) clamps the bending tongue (18) thus created.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pyrotechnic element configured to ablate or cut a portion of the circuit so as to break the circuit, thereby breaking the circuit. The portion of the circuit to be broken may be specially formed to be readily ablated or cut, and/or may be a current load-based fuse.

Abstract: A pyromechanical disconnecting apparatus, in particular for battery shutoff in a motor vehicle, includes a housing (4) in which there is arranged an electrically conductive conductor bus (2), which is fashioned so as to be severable at a predetermined cut position (1) by a cutting chisel (6) driven by a pyrotechnic propellant charge. The conductor bus (2) is clamped in on its side facing away from the cutting chisel (6) by a locking bolt (5) inserted into the housing (4), and a receiving space (15) is arranged in the locking bolt (5) in the region of the predetermined cut position (1), into which receiving space the cutting chisel (6) bends the region of the conductor bus (2) severed by it, and the locking bolt (5) forms an external surface of the housing (4).

Abstract: A breaking detector for a shear pin having a central bore, comprises an electrically conductive element forming an elongated loop extending on a length of the bore of the shear pin and having upper ends defining contact surfaces adjacent to each other. An electrically insulating element extends in the loop, to prevent the conductive element from short-circuiting. Power supply cables are connected respectively to the contact surfaces and are provided with connectors facilitating connection of the breaking detector to other breaking detectors or to an alarm panel. An electrically insulating body removably supports the elements of the detector in the bore of the shear pin. An identification circuit having a light indicator connected between the contact surfaces and projecting at an upper end of the body allows to locate a defective shear pin having broken the conductive element.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater is provided with a combustion shutoff system which precludes further combustion within the water heater's combustion chamber in response to a combustion temperature therein reaching a predetermined level correlated to and indicative of a predetermined, undesirably high concentration of carbon monoxide present in the combustion chamber. In various illustrated embodiments thereof, the combustion shutoff system is operative to terminate further combustion air inflow to the combustion chamber, or terminate further fuel flow to the burner portion of the water heater.

Abstract: A pyromechanical battery pole disconnect element, includes a housing (1) in which an electrical conductor is located, a pyrotechnic active element (14) including a breaking piston with a disconnect element (7) to sever the electrical conductor at an isolating point (11), and a pyrotechnic charge to drive the disconnect element (7). All of the current-conducting components except the active element (14) are combined to form a one-piece battery terminal clamp element (5).

Abstract: An inertial sensor with failure threshold includes a first body and a second body, which can move relative to one another and are constrained by a plurality of elastic elements, and a sample element connected between the first body and the second body and shaped so as to be subjected to a stress when the second body is outside of a relative resting position with respect to the first body. The sample element has at least one weakened region. The sensor may also include additional sample elements connected between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to delay closure of an electrical circuit of a battery-powered electrical device, intended to operate remotely in an environment in which the pH value changes from one value to another. Two electrical contacts of an electrical circuit are separated by an insulator that holds the circuit open until the device is exposed to an environment having a predetermined pH value. Exposure of the insulator to an environment having that pH value causes the insulator to dissolve and the circuit to close, energizing the device. Alternatively, A Hall effect transistor or a reed switch may be used as the switch. It is held open by the presence of a magnetic field held in place by material that is dissolvable at a predetermined pH level. When a region having that pH level is reached, the material dissolves and the circuit closes.

Abstract: A severing apparatus for use with a battery cable is provided. The severing apparatus includes a housing that holds an initiator and a severing element. The battery cable is located through a lateral bore formed in the housing. The severing element is disposed on one side of the battery cable. A deformable blocker can be disposed on the opposite side of the battery cable. When it is desired to sever the battery cable and thereby discontinue the supplying of electrical power by the battery, such as when a predetermined vehicle collision occurs, the initiator is triggered and causes the severing element to move. Movement of the severing element removes a severed battery cable segment. Movement of the severing element and the severed battery cable segment is stopped using the blocker when present. The blocker can be part of a shell that surrounds the housing. Alternatively, the blocker can be held in the housing.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to delay closure of an electrical circuit of a battery-powered electrical device, intended to operate remotely in an environment in which the pH value changes from one value to another. More specifically, two electrical contacts, at least one being movable, of a normally closed electrical circuit, connecting a battery in series with a battery-powered electrical device, are separated by a material that holds the circuit open until the device is exposed to an environment having a specified pH value. Exposure of the material to an environment having that specified pH value causes the material to dissolve. The dissolving of the material causes the circuit to close, energizing the device.

Abstract: A shorting switch eliminates arcing faults in low voltage power distribution equipment. The switch includes a base supporting a first side and an opposite second side. A first end of a spring engages the first side of the base. A first end of a release bolt engages the first side of the base. An electrically activated, chemical charge is disposed in an opening of the release bolt to fracture that bolt. A bridging contact is biased by a second end of the spring toward the second side of the base. A second end of the release bolt normally holds the bridging contact and maintains the spring in a compressed state. Two contacts are supported by the second side of the base for electrical engagement by the bridging contact after fracture of the release bolt. Two terminals are respectively electrically connected to the two contacts.

Abstract: A crush type pressure detecting device less in occurrence of malfunction, simple in structure, and inexpensive to manufacture is presented. On a crush plate 120 made of ceramics or the like, a conductor path 130 is formed, for example, in linear or U-shape, and electrodes 131 are provided at both ends. Both ends of the crush plate 120 are inserted into a holder 110 made of plastic or printed board so as to support at both sides. An opening 111 is provided in the holder 110 to expose the electrode 131, thereby obtaining a crush type pressure detecting device 100 of the invention. Terminal plates 140 are connected to the electrodes 131 of this detecting device 100, and the terminal plates 140 are used as mounting members, and are disposed in contact with the object to be detected, for example, the outer wall of a housing 210 of a rechargeable battery 200.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for isolating an electric circuit, especially for high current intensities, with a housing (1) in which is provided at least one electrical conductor element (3) which presents an isolating area (9) and which can be wired in such manner into the severable electric circuit that the isolating current path passes over the conductor element (3) and with activatable means(13, 7; 3, 9, 7), provided in or at housing (1) for generating a trigger pressure which acts directly upon the isolating area (9) and/or via a driving surface (17, 23, 39, 41), in its original position, impinging upon the isolating area (9), wherein the isolating area (9) and/or the driving surface (17, 23, 39, 41) is designed in such manner that after activation of the means (13, 7; 3, 9, 7) the isolating area (9) is totally isolated or broken out, or the cross-section of the isolating area (9) is reduced.

Abstract: An electric conductor, in particular for connecting the starter relay and starter motor of a motor vehicle, includes an ignition device (5), which is in thermal contact with the conductor (1) and is intended, if a limit temperature is exceeded, for igniting and destroying the conductor (1). The conductor (1) includes one or more strands extending continuously between the ends (3) of the conductor. The ignition device is disposed on the conductor (1) so as to split apart these strands in the event of ignition.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting impermissibly high forces acting on a supporting structure of a vehicle is disclosed. Impermissibly high forces acting on the supporting structure of a vehicle which indicates possible damage to the supporting structure are detected within a predefined impact or deformation range only in the case of impermissibly high forces, by the disclosed an arrangement.

Abstract: A reset knob 20 is mounted to a tip end of a shaft. A front cover 24 having a resilient locking arm 23 is mounted to the reset knob 20. The base body 15 is formed with an engaging projection 25. The resilient locking arm 23 and the engaging projection 25 are engaged with each other at an initial position of the shaft, thereby forming an engaging portion B between the base body 15 and the front cover 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shaft from sliding by factor such as impact and vibration other than sublimation of the gas-starting agent, and to prevent the power circuit from being interrupted.

Abstract: A rotary switch or controller is structured to have a so-called impact criteria or characteristic by having members with predetermined yield, or breaking, points (5, 6) which are integrated into the rotary switch (1) so that when a high force acts on the rotary switch (1), a top part (2) of a rotary switch or rotary controller (1) is allowed to be collapsed into a front panel (4) of a passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle on which the rotary switch is used. These yield elements (5, 6) may be structured as ribs (6) that have intended breaking points (6.1) therebetween, or may be structured as spring elements (5).

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes: a heating portion charged with heating agent and having a conductivity which is arranged between a first connecting terminal connected to a power source side and a second connecting terminal connected to a load side; an ignition portion for causing the heating agent charged in the heating portion to generate heat by igniting an ignition agent; an expandable/contractable elastic member arranged near the heating portion or in contact with the heating portion and pressing the heating portion; an outer container receiving the elastic member, the ignition portion and the heating portion; a pressing operation restricting member preventing the elastic member from being pressed to the heating portion which is melted due to heat of the heating agent; and a heat conduction member bringing any one of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal into contact with the ignition portion.

Abstract: A power circuit breaker has a housing, a fuse element placed in the housing, and a temperature sensitive fuse attached to the fuse element. The fuse element has tab terminals extending from both ends, which are received by trunk terminals connected to an external circuit. The temperature sensitive fuse has a blowout temperature lower than that of the fuse element. The power circuit breaker also has transistors connected to the temperature sensitive fuse. An igniter is placed below the fuse element in the housing, and one of the transistors is connected to the igniter. The temperature sensitive fuse blows out when an excessive current flows through the fuse element, and one of the transistors connected to the igniter is turned on upon the blowout of the temperature sensitive fuse. A gas is jet from the igniter upon turning on the transistor, whereby the tab terminals of the fuse element are disconnected from the trunk terminals.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting impermissibly high forces acting on a supporting structure of a vehicle is disclosed. Impermissibly high forces acting on the supporting structure of a vehicle which indicates possible damage to the supporting structure are detected within a predefined impact or deformation range only in the case of impermissibly high forces, by the disclosed an arrangement.

Abstract: A current sensor 73 detects a current flowing through a first buss bar 11. When a current value detected by the current sensor 73 became equal to or greater than a threshold current value, a CPU 74 outputs a driving control signal to a driving circuit 77, and the driving circuit 77 operates an, ignitor 29 through a second substrate 65 and a terminal 50. Therefore, the ignitor 29 ignites, a second projection 41 is melted by heat of a heating agent 27, a compression spring 34 is expanded and a thermite case 26 jumps up. Thus, electrical connection between the thermite case 26 and the first and second buss bars 11, 19 is interrupted.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-performance pressure sensitive current breaker for a cell that securely cuts off the current path inside the cell even when the pressure increase inside the cell is low, and suppresses the pressure increase inside. The pressure sensitive current breaker for a cell of this invention is configured such that an insulator to swell out toward a diaphragm portion is formed by the insert molding with part of a lead part exposed from an opening of a retaining member, a notching part is formed on part of the lead part to make the lead part easily ruptured, a current path between a generating element inside the cell and an external electrode is made through the lead part, and when a pressure inside the cell case rises over a specific value to displace the diaphragm upward, the diaphragm presses the insulator upward to rupture the lead part at the notching part, thereby cutting off the current path.

Abstract: In a pressure-sensitive breaker for a battery, a recess is formed at a position on the inner surface of a battery pack opposing a side face of a battery case of a battery. A first terminal is provided to be connected to an external electrode of the battery pack, and a second terminal is provided to be connected to the battery case serving as one electrode of the battery. An electric path is formed of a conductive portion on the surface of an element, and both ends of the conductive portion are connected to the first and second terminals. Due to bending of the side face of the battery case toward the recess caused when the internal pressure in the battery rises above a predetermined value, the element is deformed toward the recess and broken, and the electric path is cut off.

Abstract: A switch for use in various applications, including downhole applications, includes a first conductor and a second conductor and an insulator electrically isolating the first and second conductors. A device responsive to an applied voltage generates a plasma to perforate through the insulator to create an electrically conductive path between the first and second conductors. In another arrangement, a switch includes conductors and at least one element separating the conductors. The at least one element is adapted to electrically isolate the conductors in one state and to change characteristics in response to an applied voltage to provide an electrically conductive path between the conductors. Other types of switches may include electromechanical or mechanical elements.

Abstract: A safety device having a thin plate of a brittle material adapted to be ruptured by a difference between pressures exerted on opposite sides thereof; and a conductive path provided on the thin plate and adapted to be cut off by the rupture of the thin plate. One surface of the thin plate is present in a reference pressure chamber. The safety device with its reference pressure chamber being sealed is incorporated in a secondary battery. When the secondary battery is overcharged, the pressure difference between the opposite sides of the thin plate is increased, so that the thin plate is ruptured to cut off the conductive path.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for a sealed system is provided. The device includes a negative pressure support that is engageable with the system. A seal is disposed between the support and the system such that a negative pressure differential created in the system acts on the seal to move the seal away from the negative pressure support. A wire connects the seal to the support. The wire is configured to break, thereby releasing the seal, when the seal is exposed to a negative pressure differential having a predetermined level. The device may also include a positive pressure support disposed between the seal and the negative pressure support. The positive pressure support prevents the seal from releasing until the system experiences a positive pressure differential of a predetermined level. The device may also include a sensor that indicates when the seal has released.

Abstract: A protection device for preventing swelling or breakage of a battery cell in response to over-charging and/or an over-current condition. The protection device is connected between an internal electrode and an external electrode within the battery cell and includes an electrically insulating casing and an electrically insulating and flexing lid member for sealing an inner portion of the casing. A breakable electrically conductive member is positioned within the sealed inner portion that electrically connects wiring members. The lid member includes a projection which abuts against a central portion of the electrical conductive member. In an over-charge or over-current condition, increased pressure within the battery cell causes the projection of the lid member to press against the electrically conductive member, thereby causing the electrically conductive member to break such that the electrical connection between wiring members is broken.