Abstract: A fuse assembly for interrupting fault current in an external DC circuit. The fuse assembly includes 2n fusible conductor elements, where n is an integer, wherein the fusible conductor elements extend along, and are circumferentially around, a longitudinal axis of the fuse assembly. The fusible conductor elements are connected together in series to define fuse elements and the fusible conductor elements are orientated within the fuse assembly such that current flowing along each fusible conductor element is in the opposite direction to current flowing along the fusible conductor element or fusible conductor elements adjacent to it. The fuse assembly further includes a supply terminal connected to an end of the fuse element and connectible to a DC supply, and a load terminal connected to an opposite end of the first fuse element and connectible to an electrical load.

Abstract: A fuse assembly for an electrical cutout is provided with capability for rapid arc extinction by a capsule of pressurized insulating gas being located within a fuse tube above the fusible element so that when the fusible element melts and an arc is produced, gas is released from the gas cylinder that quenches and cools the arc and also assists a spring loaded flipper mechanism in expelling a lower conductor from the fuse tube.

Abstract: A high current under oil expulsion fuse having a pair of contacts mounted on a dielectric sleeve, a nontracking, nonconducting pressure tube within the sleeve which extends beyond the dielectric housing into a portion of each of the contacts, a fuse link in the pressure tube, a clamp having a metering orifice mounted on one of the contacts to secure the link in the contact and a gas retention chamber mounted on the other contact to secure the link to the other contact, the gas retention chamber being operative to blow high pressure gas through the bore of the pressure tube to assist in clearing arc products and ionized gases from the fuse.

Abstract: A current-reducing device (fuse or switch) is described comprising a foil mber of Al or Mg which is immersed in a fluid with which it will chemically react (such as H.sub.2 O or H.sub.2 O.sub.2) above a certain temperature. The foil member is an electrical conductor but becomes an electrical insulator as a result of the chemical reaction.

Abstract: An improved circuit interrupting device includes a pair of contacts which are relatively movable and between which an arc is established. Following melting of a fusible element, a stored energy source relatively moves the contacts apart to elongate the arc, and a container of pressurized dielectric fluid simultaneously directs fluid from a port at the arc. The fluid and the arc elongation ultimately extinguish the arc. A fusible diaphragm normally closes the port to prevent the escape of fluid, and also, due to its mechanical attachment to the contacts, restrains relative movement therebetween. The fusible element is so connected as to normally shunt current through the device away from the diaphragm. When the fusible element melts, all of the current through the device flows through and melts the diaphragm. As the diaphragm melts, two results are effected: fluid is permitted to escape from the port, and relative movement between the contacts occurs.

Abstract: A temperature anticipator and night light apparatus which may be conveniently utilized with existing heating systems by mounting the apparatus within an air-flow influencing distance from a conventional thermostat which controls the heating system. When operating, the apparatus provides a convection flow of heated air during prescribed time intervals in order to cause the thermostat to turn off the heating system prior to reaching the setting thereon.

Abstract: A vacuum fuse is mounted in an insulating oil filled tank containing electrical apparatus and is directly immersed in the insulating oil. A fuse ferrule contact block is suspended in the insulating oil. The suspension for the contact block permits insulating oil to contact the contact block over its entire surface. An opening in the tank top large enough to accommodate the fuse is located adjacent the contact block. One ferrule of the fuse is provided with a cylindrical extension to contact the contact block. The other ferrule is provided with an extension on which is mounted a bushing well and a cover plate.

Abstract: An improved circuit interrupting device extinguishes an arc by directing a dielectric fluid at the arc as it is elongated. Elongation is effected by relative movement apart of a pair of contacts between which the arc is established. A reservoir contains a piston which defines a first volume and a second volume. The fluid is held under pressure in the second volume. The reservoir directs the fluid in the second volume at the arc from a port normally closed by a diaphragm. One contact is normally mechanically attached to the diaphragm and is adjacent the other contact which is on the reservoir. Sudden expansion of the first volume, such as by the ignition of a power cartridge, forcefully moves the reservoir relative to the piston and away from the one contact. The seal is torn or cut open to permit the pressurized fluid to flow from the port simultaneously with the piston forcing the fluid from the second volume and the movement apart of the contacts.

Abstract: A current limiting fuse is disclosed wherein at least one fuse element is positioned within and extends from a sealed electrically insulating glass member substantially filled with dielectric liquid. The glass member is positioned within an outer casing having electrical terminals and filled with granular material. The fuse element extends to the electrical terminals. The narrow space filled substantially with dielectric liquid defines the arc constrictor while the outer casing defines the plasma cooler space.

Abstract: A current limiting fuse is disclosed wherein at least one fuse element is employed and each such fuse element is positioned in a narrow space filled with dielectric fluid adjacent a rigid electrically insulating member with a plurality of rupturable vents and a chamber on the opposite side of the member. The narrow space filled with dielectric fluid defines the arc constrictor while the chamber on the side of the member defines the plasma cooler space.