Abstract: The invention relates to a lightning protection spark gap assembly.

Abstract: A lightning protection spark gap assembly comprises: a lighting protection spark gap having a first main connection and a second main connection, wherein a first voltage line of a supply network is connectable to the first main connection and a second voltage line of the supply network is connectable to the second main connection; a safety fuse device which is triggerable and which is connectable between the first or second voltage line and the corresponding main connection of the lightning protection spark gap, wherein at least one current path leading via the lighting protection spark gap is formable between the first voltage line and the second voltage line during operation; an indicator device for detecting a current flow in the current path or a corresponding portion of the current flow in the current path and for mechanically or electrically delayed triggering of the safety fuse device.

Abstract: An actuator includes an actuator body, an output piston portion, an ignition device and a sealing member formed of a metal plate-like member. The sealing member separates a space in the actuator body into a first space where the ignition device is disposed and a second space where the output piston portion is disposed, and seals a combustion product generated by the ignition device in the first space. A peripheral edge portion of the sealing member is fixed to an inner wall that defines the space. The sealing member is deformed by the gunpowder combustion such that its central portion is displaced to a side of the output piston portion, to thereby press the output piston portion using the central portion and cause the output piston portion to slide in the through hole. With this, energy for driving an output piston portion is suitably transmitted to the output piston portion.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a disconnector device for a surge arrester. The disconnector device comprises a housing encompassing a cavity and a disconnector unit provided inside the cavity. The disconnector device is connectable to the surge arrester and to ground potential. The housing forms an inner housing of a housing unit. The housing unit comprising an inner housing and an outer housing. The at least one ventilation opening of the inner housing is fluidly connected to the at least one further ventilation opening of the outer housing such that a labyrinth with a gas escape path for the gases from the operating disconnector cartridge is formed.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes at least a measuring element and a sealing fitting having a two-part design that provides structural improvements with regard to permanent tightness and in service conditions under vibration and temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric switch having a hollow body defining a cavity, an actuator, and a slide mounted in said cavity. Under the action of the actuator, the slide is suitable for passing from a first position, in which at least one conductive portion of the slide is electrically connected via permanent breakable electrical junctions to at least two primary electrically-conductive studs that lead laterally into said cavity to a second position in which at least one of said primary electrically-conductive studs is no longer electrically connected to said conductive portion of the slide.

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: 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: 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 housing encapsulating first and second terminals of a surge arrester disconnector becomes structurally weakened before activation of a disconnect device in the disconnector when the disconnector is exposed to heat, thereby preventing the disconnector from producing a projectile with a force sufficient to classify the disconnector as a hazardous material under Department of Transportation regulations.

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: 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 disconnector assembly for an arrester includes a housing having first and second opposite ends. A cavity is disposed within the housing. A first electrical terminal is disposed at the first end of the housing, and a second electrical terminal is disposed at the second end of the housing. A cartridge with an explosive charge disposed in the cavity between the first and second electrical terminals. The cartridge has a powder load greater than 0 grams and not greater than approximately 0.15 grams. The powder load is sufficient to separate said second electrical terminal from said first electrical terminal upon cartridge detonation while minimizing the intensity of the explosive separation upon unintended cartridge detonation.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pyrotechnic element configured to ablate, tear, or cut a portion of the circuit. The portion of the circuit to be broken may be formed to be readily broken and/or may be a current load-based fuse. Also, the circuit breaker may be configured to ensure predictable progressive lateral tearing of the portion of the circuit to be broken; the circuit breaker may optionally be configured so that substantially all of the pyrotechnic element's output is focused on breaking the circuit; and the circuit breaker may optionally include a positive displacement mechanism that, after actuation of the pyrotechnic igniter, prevents the circuit breaker from inadvertently re-closing.

Abstract: A disconnector assembly is provided for an arrester. A non-conductive housing has first and second opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. A first electrical terminal is connected at the first end. A second electrical terminal is connected at the second end. A capacitor engages and extends between the first and second terminals in the internal chamber. A sparkgap is electrically parallel the capacitor between the first and second terminals. A cartridge with an explosive charge is positioned in the internal chamber, and the cartridge is electrically parallel the capacitor and electrically in series with the sparkgap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic fuse element having a closed housing consisting of an electrically conductive material, in which an explosive is provided, the housing containing two terminal zones for electric contacting, which are electrically connected by means of the electrically conductive material of the housing, the electric connection of the terminal zones being separable by activating the explosive, and the explosive material being embodied as a deflagrating pyrotechnic substance which is provided in such an amount and is configured such that the electric connection of the terminal zones of the housing is separated in a predetermined time after the deflagrating pyrotechnic substance has been activated.

Abstract: A disconnector assembly is provided for an arrester. A non-conductive housing has first and second opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. A first electrical terminal is connected at the first end. A second electrical terminal is connected at the second end. A capacitor engages and extends between the first and second terminals in the internal chamber. A sparkgap is electrically parallel the capacitor between the first and second terminals. A cartridge with an explosive charge is positioned in the internal chamber, and the cartridge is electrically parallel the capacitor and electrically in series with the sparkgap.

Abstract: A disconnector assembly is provided for an arrester. A non-conductive housing has first and second opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. A first electrical terminal is connected at the first end. A second electrical terminal is connected at the second end. A capacitor assembly engages and extends between the first and second terminals in the internal chamber. The capacitor assembly includes a capacitor and a resistor electrically connected in series. A sparkgap is electrically parallel the capacitor assembly between the first and second terminals. A cartridge with an explosive charge is positioned in the internal chamber, and the cartridge is electrically parallel to the capacitor assembly and electrically in series with the spark gap.

Abstract: A disconnector assembly is provided for an arrester. A non-conductive housing has first and second opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. A first electrical terminal is connected at the first end. A second electrical terminal is connected at the second end. A capacitor engages and extends between the first and second terminals in the internal chamber. A sparkgap is electrically parallel the capacitor between the first and second terminals. A cartridge with an explosive charge is positioned in the internal chamber, and the cartridge is electrically parallel the capacitor and electrically in series with the sparkgap.

Abstract: A disconnector assembly is provided for an arrester. A non-conductive housing has first and second opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. A first electrical terminal is connected at the first end. A second electrical terminal is connected at the second end. A capacitor assembly engages and extends between the first and second terminals in the internal chamber. The capacitor assembly includes a capacitor and a resistor electrically connected in series. A sparkgap is electrically parallel the capacitor assembly between the first and second terminals. A cartridge with an explosive charge is positioned in the internal chamber, and the cartridge is electrically parallel to the capacitor assembly and electrically in series with the spark gap.

Abstract: A high voltage, current limiting device is connected in series with a high voltage power source and a protected load to interrupt current for an over-current condition [Typically 50 kA]. The current limiting device includes a current sensor/isolator and a switch connected in series. A current limiter, which may include a fuse or polymer current limiting material, is connected in parallel to the current sensor/isolator. The current sensor/isolator includes a pair of electrically insulated supports secured to a plurality of support rods to maintain the insulated supports at a predetermined fixed spacing to support an expulsion fuse. The expulsion fuse link includes a pair of copper conductors of adequate current carrying capability that are attached to ends of a main weak link fuse. A pair of coil springs hold the weak link fuse under tension to repel the conductors apart when the weak link fuse melts open during an over-current condition.

Abstract: A device for connecting, and then isolating and disconnecting an arrester includes a non-conductive housing with two electrical terminals. The housing has opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. The terminals are mounted at the housing ends. A resistor engages and extends between the terminals in the housing internal chamber. A cartridge with an explosive charge is mounted in the internal chamber adjacent the resistor. A gap spacer surrounds the cartridge, is adjacent one of the terminals and is spaced from the other terminal.

Abstract: An electric system of an electric vehicle including a main battery as a power supply, and a semiconductor power converter for driving a wheel driving motor. Impact destroying switches are inserted into connecting lines which connect a main battery to the semiconductor power converter, and into a connecting line connecting main battery block. Each impact destroying switch breaks its conduction by blasting an explosive in the switch in response to the impact due to a collision of the vehicle body. In case of an emergency such as a collision, since the main battery is instantaneously disconnected from the connecting lines by the switches, the connecting lines become free from the voltage. This makes it possible to prevent fire, and to cut off the vehicle body to save passengers.

Abstract: A gas-tube arrester includes an arrester body in which an inert gas is contained, and first and second electrodes face each other separated by an insulator. An insulating, heat-resistant film is in contact with the first electrode and has a plurality of small holes. A low-melting point metal plate layered on the insulating film has a melting point lower than a decomposition or softening temperature of the insulating film. A conductive leaf spring electrically connected to the second electrode presses the low-melting point metal plate toward the insulating film, so that, when a high voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, an electrical discharge occurs between the first and second electrodes through the small holes of the insulating films.

Abstract: A device for connecting and then isolating and disconnecting an arrester can be mounted in an insulating bracket. The device includes first and second electrical terminals and first and second electrically conductive washers. The first washer abuts the first terminal. The second washer is spaced from the first washer and from the first terminal. A non-conductive gap spacer is disposed between the two washers and between the second washer and the first terminal. A cartridge with an explosive charge is mounted within the second terminal in its end facing the first terminal. A fuse-link spring extends through aligned openings in the two washers and connects the first terminal to the cartridge.

Abstract: An overvoltage protector for protection of telecommunication equipment having a pair of line terminals, and a respective pair of levers forming part of the ground circuit, with an overvoltage protective device bonded under tension between each line terminal and each respective lever. When an overvoltage destroys one or other device, or the bond between the line terminal and the respective lever disappears, that lever pivots about a single fulcrum under a force applied by a spring and the end of that lever contacts the line terminal. This ensures an electrically conductive relation between the line terminal and the ground circuit. As a result, the equipment to which the overvoltage protector is applied is protected from lightning and successive overvoltage occurrence.

Abstract: A device for isolating an arrester has first and second electrical terminals mechanically and electrically coupled together. The electrical connection includes a mechanism for automatically interrupting the electrical connection and creating a spark gap. A gas generating device is provided for physically and electrically separating the first and second terminals subsequent to creation of a spark.

Abstract: A device for connecting and then isolating and disconnecting an arrester has a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and first and second circuits for electrically connecting the first and second terminals. The first circuit includes a conductive casing mechanically coupled to the first and second terminals and a spark gap located between the outside of the casing and second terminal. The second circuit includes an interrupting mechanism for automatically interrupting connection between the first and second terminals.

Abstract: A current interrupter wherein current is normally carried by a bus bar, and a portion of the bus bar is segmented by a pyrotechnic charge under excess current conditions. The charge is detonated by a detonator which is triggered by voltage across a resistive element in series with the bus bar. At the time the detonator is triggered, the resistive element provides sufficient resistance to trigger the detonator while operating at a temperature below its melting point. A control device may be employed to control current flow through the detonator.

Abstract: An arrester support and disconnector structure enclosed, in one embodiment, a cylindrical housing having a lower wall with a weakened zone. Electrically conductive members extend through the upper and lower walls of the housing and make electrical connection with the arrester and a ground wire, respectively. Between the conductive members is an explosive charge which is detonated by the passage of excess current, thereby removing the lower member. The cylindrical body has an exterior recess to receive a supporting strap. In another embodiment, the support structure includes an elongated nonconductive body mounted at one end to a conventional support bracket. At the other end an upper surface supports an arrester and a housing below that surface contains the disconnector, again containing upper and lower conductive members with an explosive charge therebetween. The housing surrounding the conductive members has a weakened zone which is separated when the charge is detonated by excessive current.

Abstract: An explosively-assisted fuse is passively triggered (without electronics) by means of an auxiliary fuse in series with the main conductor. The auxiliary fuse provides a detonating voltage across a gap formed therein on melting in response to a fault current. The auxiliary fuse is configured to facilitate sizing for a variety of current loads with a standard fuse configuration.

Abstract: An improved switch for a high-voltage device in which ignition of a power cartridge generates pressure at one end of an insulative piston to move the piston, located in a conductive member, into a passageway in an insulative liner, said piston moving a contact through the passageway and away from the conductive member to break an electrical interconnection between the conductive member and the movable contact,an insulative lip seal located in the bore between the power cartridge and the one end of the piston, the lip seal being movable with the piston and being conformally force-fit into the bore, andmeans limiting movement of the lip seal through the bore so that the lip seal remains in the bore after the switch is open restricting the flow of the ignition products of the power cartridge.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatically interrupting current in an electrical circuit before the first current peak which occurs after an excess current condition develops. The apparatus includes a main conductor in the current path which passes the current under normal operating conditions, and pyrotechnic charge means associated with the conductor at several spaced locations which segments the conductor when it is ignited. The charge means is ignited by a fuse link which senses the current and provides a rapid thermal response to excess current conditions, generating sufficient heat to ignite the charge means within a short period of time. A current limiting fuse element may be connected in parallel with the conductor for operation at higher voltages, if needed, and the entire apparatus, including the resistive sensing means, may be contained in a single housing.

Abstract: An improved switch for a high-voltage device in which ignition of a power cartridge moves an insulative piston located in a conductive member, into a passageway formed in an insulative liner, said piston moving a contact through the passageway and away from the conductive member to break an electrical interconnection between the conductive member and the movable contact and to form a gap therebetween, thereby opening the switch; the bore and the passageway being aligned,the piston being made of a material which is more rigid and less easy to deform than the material of the liner upon the application, at a given rate, of a given load, andthe size of the piston being greater than the size of the passageway.