Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a touch sensor, a display, and a control module. The housing has a body defining a volume to accommodate a process control device and is adapted to withstand a threshold internal pressure greater than an external pressure. The housing further has a transparent portion having first and second surfaces. The touch sensor is disposed adjacent to the second surface of the transparent portion and senses an input received within a minimum distance from the first surface of the transparent portion. The display is disposed adjacent to the touch sensor and displays at least one adjustable variable corresponding to the process control device.

Abstract: Overvoltage protection equipment may include: a first connection; a second connection; a first discharge path disposed between the first and the second connections, wherein the first discharge path comprises a spark gap; a second discharge path disposed between the first and the second connections, wherein the second discharge path comprises a triggerable circuit breaker and a thermistor connected in series; and a control device that induces the triggerable circuit breaker to switch on, based on at least one of a state or a state path of the first discharge path as a result of a discharge event.

Abstract: A deactivation device for disconnecting an electrical energy source from a load includes at least two one-time switches. The one-time switches become inoperative upon switching in response to the presence of a load exceeding a critical value, thereby disconnecting an electrical connection. The one time switches are connected in parallel, and the deactivation device is configured in such a way that, except for a one-time switch, which is provided for disconnecting the energy source from the load and for connecting the energy source to the load, the at least one other one-time switch remains open. In the case of an inoperativeness of the one one-time switch, the at least one other one-time switch is used for disconnecting the energy source from the load and for connecting the energy source to the load.

Abstract: An arrester for preventing an insulator supporting a power line from experiencing an electrical flashover comprises an electrode, a varistor, and a separating device. The electrode is spaced apart from the power line or a conductor that is electrically tied to the power line so as to define an external gap therebetween. The separating device, in turn, comprises two portions operative to separate from one another when the varistor experiences an electrical condition sufficient to cause the varistor to fail. The electrode, the external gap, the separating device, and the varistor are arranged in electrical series with one another and in electrical parallel with the insulator.

Abstract: A safety circuit includes a thermal fuse electrically connected in a main current path so that an electric current flowing in the main current path flows, through the thermal fuse; a switching element electrically connected to the thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open and interrupt the electric current flowing in the main current path when the switching element is turned on; a microcontroller electrically connected to the switching element and the main current path to turn on the switching element when an overcurrent flows in the main current path; and a noise removing unit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the switching element.

Abstract: A system for monitoring batteries comprises a current control element coupled in parallel to a diode and across a battery. The current control element measures current on the cathode end of the diode. Once the voltage potential reaches a threshold, the current control element routes the current from the cathode end of the diode to the anode end of the diode thereby reducing the voltage potential across the battery terminal. Accordingly, a battery sensing element is prevented from falsely sensing a presence of an operable battery due to leakage current of the diode.

Abstract: An electrical protection component with a short-circuiting device includes a gas-filled surge arrester that includes at least two electrodes. Preferably, one electrode in each case is arranged at the ends of the surge arrester. The electrical protection component has a thermal short-circuiting device, wherein the thermal short-circuiting device includes a clip having at least two sections. At least a first section of the clip is attached to the surge arrester by snap action. At least a second section of the clip at least partly surrounds the first section and is spaced apart from the first section by means of a fusible element. The second section has a short-circuiting link at an end. The short-circuiting link electrically connects the electrodes of the surge arrester to one another in the case where the fusible element melts.

Abstract: A safety circuit includes a thermal fuse electrically connected in a main current path so that an electric current flowing in the main current path flows through the thermal fuse; a switching element electrically connected to the thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open and interrupt the electric current flowing in the main current path when the switching element is turned on; a microcontroller electrically connected to the switching element and the main current path to turn on the switching element when an overcurrent flows in the main current path; and a noise removing unit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the switching element.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: A structure for installing a lightning arrester between the cross arm mounted to the upper end of an electric pole and a power line is disclosed. A dead end clamp, the lightning arrester and an insulation reinforcing insulator are connected in series, an end of the insulation reinforcing insulator is connected to the cross arm by a shackle, a disconnector is connected to the voltage outlet portion of the lightning arrester, a grounding wire for diverting abnormal voltage to the ground is connected to the disconnector, and an insulation cover surrounds the dead end clamp and the voltage inlet portion of the lightning arrester.

Abstract: The voltage surge protection device comprises at least one protection module designed to be connected to an electric switchgear apparatus. The protection module comprises at least one protective element for protection against voltage surges and separating means connected to at least one protective element to cause an electrical and/or mechanical separation representative of a fault of a protective element following an increase of temperature and/or electric current. The protection module comprises means for mechanical actuation connected to said separating means and comprising a mechanical control link. The electrical control link is placed in a tripped state representative of a fault of at least one protective element when said separating means have caused a separation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that detects changes in power-supply current within an integrated circuit (IC) chip. During operation, the system monitors an induced current through a detection loop. This detection loop is situated at least partially within the IC chip in close proximity to a power-supply current for the IC chip, so that a change in the power-supply current changes a magnetic field passing through the detection loop, thereby inducing a corresponding current through the detection loop. The system then generates a control signal based on the induced current, so that changes in the power-supply current cause the control signal to change. In addition, the system uses the control signal to control circuits within the IC chip.

Abstract: A fuse system has both a non-serviceable fuse and a fuse terminal system for selectively installing a serviceable fuse. When installed, the serviceable fuse provides a current flow path parallel to the non-serviceable fuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surge voltage protector (1) which comprises a discharge current path with at least one varistor block (4a, 4b, 4c). In order to prevent the varistor blocks (4a, 4b, 4c) from bursting when an inner error is produced and an electric arc connected thereto is created, a coating (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) is applied in the region of the outer covering area of at least one varistor block (4a, 4b, 4c), said coating being made of a substance which triggers an electric flashover when a critical temperature of the varistor blocks (4a, 4b, 4c) is exceeded.

Abstract: A fault current limiting system includes switching means for providing a fast switching operation; a parallel current path comprising a limiting fuse; and a switching system to automatically replace a blown set of fuses with an unblown set of fuses after a fault current limiting operation has occurred. A method of limiting fault current includes providing a fast switching operation; providing a parallel current path comprising a limiting fuse; and automatically replacing a blown set of fuses with an unblown set of fuses after a fault current limiting operation has occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed is a module (10) having pins (16-24) connected to respective conductor tower strips (46, 48, 50, 52). Pairs (46, 50 and 48, 52) of the conductor tower strips are spring biased toward each other to capture therebetween respective PTC current limiting elements (64, 70). A spring member 60 is connected to a ground pin (24) at one end, and to an overvoltage sensitive assembly at the other end, via a soldered heat transfer member (92). The overvoltage sensitive assembly includes overvoltage semiconductor devices (76, 77, 79) soldered thereto. When an overvoltage condition is sensed, the heat generated by the devices melts the solder between the heat transfer member (92) and the spring member (60), whereby lateral arms (90) of the spring member (60) move and engage the conductor tower strips (50, 52). The tip and ring pins (16, 18) of the module (10) are not only shorted together, but are shorted to ground.

Abstract: The gas insulated electrical gear includes at least one tank which is filled with a dielectric, gas and which is provided with a rupture disk which ruptures in the event of the dielectric gas in the tank reaching an excessive pressure so as to allow the gas to be exhausted from the tank. The rupture disk is protected against attack from the environment outside the tank by being placed inside the enclosed cabinet having an atmosphere in which temperature and humidity are controlled. The cabinet can be the low voltage and/or mechanical control supporting cabinet fitted to the electrical gear.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch assembly includes a pull out fuse assembly and a switch housing assembly. The fuse assembly includes a line side conducting portion, a load side conducting portion, and a fuse element therebetween. The switch housing assembly includes a fuse receptacle for receiving the fuse, a first contact assembly coupled to the line side conducting portion of the fuse and a second contact assembly coupled to the load side conducting portion of the fuse when the fuse is inserted into the receptacle. An open fuse indication device is in communication with conducting portions of the fuse, and an alarm terminal output extends from the switch assembly housing and is in communication with the open fuse indication device. The open fuse indication device provides local fuse state indication and the alarm terminal output facilitates remote fuse state indication when coupled to external circuitry.

Abstract: A protective element contains a heat-generating member and a low melting metal member on a substrate. The low melting metal member is caused to blow out by the heat generated by the heat-generating member. The number of locations on the low melting metal member which are able to blow out is larger than the number of locations which are supposed to blow out so that the protective element is endowed with a “fail-safe” function.

Abstract: A redundant electric fuse circuit is provided that includes a plurality of fuses coupled in series and each having a fuse control device operable for generating a current through each fuse sufficient to blow the fuse. A first fuse control signal is activated to generate a sufficient current through one of the fuses to blow the fuse. A second fuse control signal is activated to generate a sufficient current through the other fuse to blow that fuse. The electric fuse circuit provides redundancy thereby increasing the yield of integrated circuits by reducing the probability that a defective fuse (i.e., a fuse that reforms after blowing) will cause a fatal defect in the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A metal oxide varistor module, and variations thereof for use in surge protectors and the like combining internally a thermally activated disconnect means and an excessive current disconnect means, such that when the module is subject to excessive overvoltage or overcurrent conditions, the connection is interrupted from the phase to neutral, phase to ground and any other combination of voltage or current before the metal oxide varistor device is physically damaged, ruptured or cracked.

Abstract: A surge arrester designed for use with lines of 2 kV or less has a housing (10) which, in combination with a cup-shaped gasket (25), an O-ring gasket (45) and a lid (20), seals a varistor element (30) inside against environmental contaminants such as water or pollutants.

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: 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: A surge arrester disconnecting device which includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode, and a latch device for holding the two electrodes in engagement. A trigger device, associated with a first spring and a fusible wire stretched between the movable electrode and the trigger device, releases the latch when the fusible wire is melted by continuation current therethrough. Upon trigger actuation and latch release, a second spring assists in the non-explosive disconnection of the movable electrode.

Abstract: An impulse rocket propellant is comprised of highly hydrated minearl salts such as boric acid hydrate HBO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O and a plaster forming agent comprising calcium oxide hydrate CaO.H.sub.2 O and sodium sulfate hydrate Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2 O, all of which are compounded and intimately commingled with a heat conducting inorganic fiber such as glass wool. When these compounds are allowed to dry, loaded into suitable rocket devices, and instantaneously heated, the water of hydration of the hydrated mineral instantaneously vaporizes into steam which can be used to propel the rocket. The resulting unhydrated mineral salts are entrained within the steam. Upon coming into contact with the atmosphere, the steam condenses into fine water droplets into which the entrained salts dissolve and ionize.

Abstract: In a metal-encapsulated gas-insulated high-voltage installation with an overvoltage arrester which is arranged in a separate encapsulation and is connected via a gastight feedthrough to the conductor of the high-voltage installation, fault arcs can lead to heavy stresses of the overvoltage arrester by dynamic forces due to overloading. In order to prevent this, there are provided in the connection between the feedthrough and the overvoltage arrester two electrode-shaped support bodies, between which a flexible current-carrying ribbon is arranged. The cross section of the current-carrying ribbon is designed so that it melts at currents of a magnitude which is equal to or larger than that required for the pressure relief of the overvoltage arrester after the arc has been blown out of the arresting housing. Thereby, the overvoltage arrester and the feedthrough are mechanically decoupled.

Abstract: A fault current interrupting disconnector, or fault disconnector, for a surge arrester operates to separate an electrical lead or ground lead wire from a damaged arrester and to interrupt the current flowing through the damaged arrester. The new fault disconnector includes an explosive charge, a tube of ablative material in a surrounding housing which co-acts with the tube to form a venting chamber, and a conductor extending through a portion of the chamber and through the tube. Excessive current heats and explodes the charge. The explosion pulls the conductor from an elongate connection, through the chamber portion and on through the tube; whereby arcing is first delayed, then is initiated in the chamber and then is drawn into and extinguished within the tube.

Abstract: A protective device for use with a surge arrester to prevent fracturing of the porcelain body of a failed arrester includes a fast-operating switch which shunts a current-limiting fuse. The switch is operated by ignition of a chemical propellant charge, thereby rapidly diverting fault current to the fuse and additionally isolating the arrester from ground. The switch has a moving contact in the form of a gas-driven piston which strikes a separable terminal connected to a ground lead.

Abstract: An improved dynamic current interruption-type flashover indicator responsive to lightning strikes for releasing from the tip of arc horns located on power transmission towers and for interrupting the resulting dynamic current. The present invention utilizes a uniquely designed propellant having a formed center hole extending the longitudinal length of the propellant and containing therein a fuse wire extending from a separation plate at one end and engaging an inserted pin at the other end. When lightning strikes, the resulting arc is lead into and throughout the formed center hole by the fuse wire, the fuse wire melts and the temperature of the arc causes the propellant to vaporize uniformly into steam and the resulting gaseous force causes the indicator to become rocket-like and to suddenly leave the tip of the arc horn.

Abstract: A device for connection to lightning arresters isolates the grounded lead and contains the resulting spark or arcing flame, including any hot particles generated when ground disconnection is made due to excessive current flow through the arrester. A central spacer member is screwed onto the existing ground lead terminal of the lightning arrester and contains an arc extinguishing channel with an internal fusible link adapted to melt in an overload condition. A shielding cup surrounds the central spacer member for containment of sparks and arcing, and a ground lead connector wire extends from the internal fusible link to a new ground lead terminal at the exterior of the shielding cup, for connection to a grounded lead.

Abstract: A disconnector for a surge arrester explosively separates an electrical lead wire, normally a ground lead wire, from the arrester to prevent a permanent fault and to provide an indication of a failed arrester. The disconnector includes an elongated, frangible insulating housing having an elongated opening disposed along and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insulating housing; a first electrically conductive terminal disposed at a first end of the opening; a second electrically conductive terminal disposed at a second end of the opening; means for forming an arc gap disposed between the first and second terminals, including an arc gap spacer and an arc electrode being either generally flat or including a raised portion; and an explosive cartridge disposed between the first and second terminals and in contact with the arc electrode.

Abstract: A picket or zig-zag type heater for use in high temperature furnaces, such as are used for crystal growing for example, is constructed from a plurality of like graphite cylindrical shell segments assembled into a cylindrical shell having uniform resistance heating characteristics by graphite connector elements which also function to couple the electric current source to the heater.

Abstract: A lightning arrester device for power transmission line comprises a lightning arrester comprising a sintered product made of a main component such as zinc oxide; a serial connection of a reactor and a fusible wire connected to the lightning arrester in series and a gap connected in parallel with the serial connection. The lightning arrester is disconnected from a power transmission line when the lightning arrester is broken.

Abstract: Surge voltage arresters are provided with a frangible housing to cause the housing to break at a predetermined section into a relatively few pieces upon varistor failure. The breaking of the housing deters excessive pressure buildup within the arrester.

Abstract: A surge voltage lightning arrester ground lead disconnector utilizes a refractory metal coating on the explosive cartridge to provide a thermal delay to the arcing that occurs during disconnector operation. The thermal delay insures the explosion of the cartridge and promotes venting the arrester housing.