Abstract: A thermal switch device for automatically opening a circuit when the ambient temperature is increased to a predetermined level. A pair of conductor wires arranged in side by side fashion are spring loaded into contact with one another by inserting the contact regions into a cup-shaped pellet of heat-fusible material. The cup is structurally secured within a nonconductive tubular casing with a layer of insulative cement. The lead regions of the wires are also securely anchored within the casing with an insulative cement.

Abstract: An electric switch for thermal overload protection includes a meltable pellet containing a pool of mercury which establishes electrical contact between two lead-in wires. When the pellet is heated to its melting point, the mercury becomes unconfined and the circuit is opened.

Abstract: A small expendable rocket engine is attached to an electrical switching element and ignited to provide propelling force to open or close the switching element into or out of a circuit. An electrical ignition system attached to the rocket engine can be actuated remotely to ignite the rocket engine either by a relay switch or by the lineman using an insulative cord so that the lineman is remotely positioned when the switching element is closed into the circuit. The rocket engine is expendable and can either be removed from the switching element after operation by dislodging it by pulling on the cord, or a releasable connector can be used to connect the rocket engine to the switching element so that the rocket engine automatically disengages the switching element after operation. The rocket engine may be left in place after switching operation on the switching element if its presence will not adversely affect normal operation of the switching element.

Abstract: Improved pollutant emission control system and a combined electric switch and temperature responsive valve therefor as utilized in an internal combustion engine wherein a specially arranged electric switch and valve of the combined switch and valve is respectively connected to a catalytic converter of the engine exhaust system and to certain engine portions such as the engine spark device in order that the thermo-responsive power element of the combined switch and valve controls the operation of both the specially arranged electric switch and valve to minimize noxious pollutant emission from the engine exhaust system.

Abstract: A conventional fusible element is combined with exothermic reactive material such as PETN or a ribbon of aluminum-palladium to supply quickly released chemical energy for fast circuit interruption where the circuit-derived electrical energy available for interruption is low. An arc quenching substance preferably surrounds the fusible element. The exothermic reaction is initiated thermally or by supplementary electrical energy from a trigger circuit.

Abstract: An electropyrotechnic link having one or more connectors crimped or bonded into longitudinal indentations in a closed end tubular member containing a pyrotechnic pressure generator. When the pyrotechnic charge within the tubular member is activated the tubular member is expanded into cylindrical form opening the crimp, peeling any bonding material and releasing the connector or connectors. If the bonding material is of low melting point the release can be made to function upon reaching the melting point of the bonding material or upon command by an electrical signal.