Current Limiting Material In Discharge Path Patents (Class 361/126)
  • Patent number: 11855449
    Abstract: A lightning protection apparatus disposed in a photovoltaic power generation system includes first lightning protection units in a one-to-one correspondence with phase lines at a to-be-protected location in the photovoltaic power generation system and a second lightning protection unit connected in series to the first lightning protection units. A first terminal of each first lightning protection unit is connected to a corresponding to-be-protected phase line, and a second terminal of each first lightning protection unit is connected to a first terminal of the second lightning protection unit. A second terminal of the second lightning protection unit is connected to an earth wire. The second lightning protection unit includes at least one gas discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun Wang, Tiansan Lin
  • Patent number: 11564332
    Abstract: A utility meter includes an electrical conductor portion, a service switch, and a heat sink. The electrical conductor portion provides electrical communication between a supply line terminal and a load line terminal, and the supply line terminal electrical communication an electrical source. The service switch is selectively operable to interrupt electrical communication between the supply line terminal and the load line terminal. The heat sink is in thermal communication with the electrical conductor portion to dissipate heat generated by a current passing through the electrical conductor portion between the supply line terminal and the load line terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Aclara Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Crittenden, Wayne Therrien, Thomas McDougall
  • Patent number: 10291018
    Abstract: A surge protection system provides surge protection to a load. The load is connected to a breaker panel through the surge protection system and a surge protection module bridges the hot/neutral/ground such that the surge protection module absorbs surges from the breaker panel and beyond. Being that, after exposure to certain amounts of surges, the surge protection modules lose effectiveness for surge protection, the surge protection module is removable and replaceable by a user without risk of personal injury from shock caused by making personal contact with electrical power. During removal and replacement, the load remains in electrical connection to the breaker panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Diversified Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael David Gattis
  • Patent number: 9728362
    Abstract: Surge arrester structure is provided for a dead tank circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a pole assembly with a first electrical terminal in a first bushing, and a second electrical terminal in a second bushing. The first terminal is electrically connected to a stationary contact and the second terminal is electrically connected to a movable contact. The surge arrester structure includes a surge arrester having first and second opposing ends. A first conductor structure electrically and mechanically connects the first end of the surge arrester with an end of the first terminal. A second conductor structure electrically and mechanically connects the second end of the surge arrester with an end of the second terminal. The surge arrester is electrically connected parallel with respect to the stationary and movable contacts so that the surge arrester can limit transient over voltages occurring across the contacts when the contacts are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Sushil A. Shinde, Arnold P. Vitols, Gary Hammack, Corey J. Stanko, Willie Freeman
  • Patent number: 9685262
    Abstract: A surge arrester module including: first and second end electrodes; and a stack of cylindrical elements including at least one varistor block. The first end electrode includes a first part and a second part. A connecting element is provided between the first end electrode parts in order to keep them electrically connected to each other if a gap is formed between them. At least one clamping member is connected to the second end electrode and to the first part of the first end electrode in order to press them towards each other in the axial direction. The clamping member or at least one other clamping member is connected to the second end electrode and to the second part of the first end electrode in order to press them towards each other in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Daniel Johansson
  • Patent number: 8982526
    Abstract: A plurality of insulating rods are placed at peripheries of the nonlinear resistor and the metal plates, and each having an upper end portion and a lower end portion inserted into holes formed in the electrodes. A spacer is placed between an inner peripheral surface of the hole and an outer peripheral surface of the insulating rod inside the hole of the electrode, and a fixing screw is attached to the hole of the electrode. A double-ended bolt couples the metal plate and the electrode together. The double-ended bolt has a first screw part and a second screw part opposite in a fastening direction to the first screw part which are provided on a same axis. The first screw part is attached to the metal plate, and the second screw part is attached to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomikazu Anjiki, Katsuaki Komatsu, Yoshiaki Aka, Jun Kobayashi, Takamichi Tsukui
  • Patent number: 8786994
    Abstract: A configuration includes a surge arrester. The surge arrester includes first and second connecting terminals. At least one connecting terminal is connected to an electrically conductive connecting path to contact the surge arrester. The connecting path is mounted in a universally jointed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gundolf Barenthin, Erhard Pippert, Dirk Springborn, Markus Sulitze
  • Patent number: 8780521
    Abstract: An electronic protection component incorporates both a varistor and an alloy-type thermal fuse. In one embodiment, a melting promoting agent or flux contacts and surrounds both the varistor and the fuse in common in a shared cavity of a case. In another embodiment, the fuse and the flux are disposed in an inner case, which is disposed in contact with the varistor in an outer case. Thus, the varistor and the thermal fuse are incorporated so that the speed of heat transfer is fast, the response time is fast, and the installation for use is convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Zhonghou Xu
  • Patent number: 8749942
    Abstract: Dielectric protective cover for a lightning arrester with an early streamer emission device, wherein the lightening arrester includes an active portion for connection to the early streamer emission device for promoting a triggering of an upward leader from the active portion, a down conductor for connection to ground, and a dielectric portion for mounting the active portion on the down conductor, the active portion being separated from the down conductor by an air space formed as a spark gap through which lightning current will pass from the active portion to the down conductor, the protective cover comprising: a first portion for fastening to the active portion; and a second portion for fastening to the down conductor, wherein the protective cover protects dielectric properties of the spark gap against degradation in an environment of the spark gap, while leaving the active portion exposed to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventors: Malvina Claverie, Bruno Roland
  • Patent number: 8625248
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic discharge protector capable of protecting electronic circuit boards having various designs from electrostatic discharge freely, simply and easily. The electrostatic discharge protector of the present invention comprises at least three conductive members containing one pair of electrodes and the conductive members other than the electrodes, the conductive members are each disposed in such a way that the gap between one conductive member and the other conductive member has a width of 0.1 to 10 ?m, an insulating member is disposed and embedded in at least one of gaps having a width of 0.1 to 10 ?m which are adjacent to each conductive member and one electrode is connected to the other electrode paired with the one electrode through the insulating member and the conductive members other than electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Mina Onishi, Yoshimitsu Ishihara, Hirofumi Inoue, Yukihiko Azuma
  • Patent number: 8503147
    Abstract: An ESD protection device includes a ceramic multilayer substrate including a plurality of laminated insulating layers, an external electrode, at least one of an in-plane connecting conductor and an interlayer connecting conductor, and a mixture portion. The mixture portion is provided along a principal surface of one of the insulating layers and includes a dispersed material including at least one of metal and semiconductor; metal and ceramic; metal, semiconductor, and ceramic; semiconductor and ceramic; semiconductor; metal coated with an inorganic material; metal coated with an inorganic material and semiconductor; metal coated with an inorganic material and ceramic; and metal coated with an inorganic material, semiconductor, and ceramic. The mixture portion is connected to the external electrode and at least one of the in-plane connecting conductor and the interlayer connecting conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Tsukizawa, Tetsuya Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8488291
    Abstract: A ZnO surge arrester for high-temperature operation is characterized in that a grain boundary layer between ZnO grains thereof contains a BaTiO3-based positive temperature coefficient thermistor material, which takes 10-85 mol % in the overall grain boundary layer, and when operating temperature raises, the positive temperature coefficient thermistor material in the grain boundary layer has its resistance sharply increasing with the raising temperature, so as to compensate or partially compensate decrease in resistance of components in the grain boundary layer caused by the raising temperature, thereby making the resistance of the grain boundary layer in the ZnO surge arrester more independent of temperature. The ZnO surge arrester thus is suitable for operation where a maximum operating temperature is higher than 125° C., or even higher than 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: SFI Electronics Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Hohn Lien, Jie-An Zhu, Zhi-Xian Xu, Xing-Xiang Huang, Ting-Yi Fang
  • Patent number: 8477469
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection element having at least one overvoltage limiting component in a housing, terminal contacts for electrical connection of the overvoltage protection element to a path to be protected, an electrically conductive connecting element and with a spring system acting on the connecting element, a first terminal contact being directly connected with the first pole of the overvoltage limiting component, the connecting element being in electrically conductive contact with the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component via a thermally separating connection. With the thermal connection separated, the connecting element moves out of electrically conductive contact with the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component by the force of the spring system an insulating disconnecting element connected to the connecting element is moved between the second terminal contact and the second pole of the overvoltage limiting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Depping, Michael Tegt, Joachim Wosgien, Markus Philipp
  • Patent number: 8446703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surge arrester having at least one varistor block 1, one end fitting 3, one reinforcing element 9 which holds the varistor block 1 firmly on the end fitting 3 with a tensile load, and at least one anchoring element 27 which holds the reinforcing element 9 firmly on the end fitting 3 with a tensile load wherein the anchoring element 27 has at least one edge 29 which cuts into the reinforcing element 9. The anchoring element 27 is preferably a cutting-ring screw union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Tridelta Uberspannungsableiter GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Klaube, Hubert Lauritsch
  • Patent number: 8437114
    Abstract: An ESD protection device is constructed such that its ESD characteristics are easily adjusted and stabilized and degradation of discharge characteristics caused by repetitive discharges is reliably prevented. The ESD protection device includes an insulating substrate, a cavity provided in the insulating substrate, at least a pair of discharge electrodes including exposed portions arranged to face each other and to be exposed in the cavity, external electrodes provided on a surface of the insulating substrate and connected to the discharge electrodes, and a conductive material dispersed along at least a portion of an inner circumferential surface which defines the cavity between the exposed portions of the discharge electrodes, the conductive material including an anchor portion embedded in the insulating substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Issei Yamamoto, Jun Adachi, Akihiko Kamada
  • Patent number: 8428878
    Abstract: A lightning strike simulation apparatus includes a storage device for storing lightning strike data, a setting unit for setting a simulation target in a simulation space, a downward leader advancing unit for advancing a downward leader from a lightning strike start position set by the setting unit, an upward leader advancing unit for advancing upward leaders from lightning strike-receiving candidate points set in the simulation space when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a reference point is within a first threshold value, and a lightning strike point determination unit for, when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a leading edge of any one of the upward leaders is within a second threshold value, determining that the lightning strike-receiving candidate point corresponding to the any one of the upward leaders is a lightning strike point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Naka, Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Shinji Arinaga
  • Publication number: 20130033796
    Abstract: An arc flash arrester includes a fixed contact; a movable contact; an actuator mechanism structured to close the movable and fixed contacts; and insulation disposed between the fixed and movable contacts in an open position of the arc flash arrester. The insulation is selected from the group consisting of liquid insulation; SF6; a gas, other than SF6 or air, at a pressure of at least about one atmospheric pressure; and solid insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: JOHN J. SHEA
  • Patent number: 8335069
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection element with a housing, with at least one overvoltage limiting component which is located in the housing, especially a varistor, with two terminal lugs which are each connected to a respective pole of the overvoltage limiting component in an electrically conductive manner, especially soldered or welded, and with two connecting elements for electrical connection of the overvoltage protection element to the current path or signal path to be protected. In the normal state of the overvoltage protection element, the connecting elements are each in electrically conductive contact with a respective terminal lug. The overvoltage protection element can be produced especially easily and economically by the first terminal lug and the first connecting element being integrally connected to one another and by the free end of the first connecting element which faces away from the overvoltage limiting component being made as a plug-in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Tegt, Rainer Durth, Christian Depping, Joachim Wosgien
  • Patent number: 8310799
    Abstract: A transient voltage suppression device includes a dielectric layer defining a receptacle for a variable impedance material proximate a gapped electrode. Methods for manufacturing the device and for formulating a variable voltage material at lower cost and with higher manufacturing yields is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Kyle Yun-Su Kim, Hundi Panduranga Kamath, Daniel Minas Manoukian
  • Patent number: 8107206
    Abstract: A surge arrester for medium and high voltages includes a length adjustment device and pivot unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Johansson
  • Patent number: 8089745
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection element (1) includes a housing (2), two terminals (3, 4) for electrical connection of the overvoltage protection element (1) to current or signal paths to be protected, and an arrester (5, 6), including a varistor, located within the housing (2). In addition to providing a simple structure and installation, the overvoltage protection element (1) is especially well adapted to thermal and dynamic loads, so that no damage to the overvoltage protection element (1) occurs to the outside, wherein the housing (2) includes two metal shells (7, 8) electrically connected to a terminal region (9, 10) of the arrester (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joachim Wosgien
  • Patent number: 8059380
    Abstract: A semiconductor package includes an electrostatic discharge rail capable of being coupled to a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact, a first portion of a voltage triggerable material between the electrostatic discharge rail and the first conductive contact; and a second portion of the voltage triggerable material between the electrostatic discharge rail and the second conductive contact. The first and second conductive contacts may be coupled to the same semiconductor device or different semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio A. Ajuria, Melanie Etherton, Marc A. Mangrum
  • Publication number: 20110267733
    Abstract: Dielectric protective cover for a lightning arrester with an early streamer emission device, wherein the lightening arrester includes an active portion for connection to the early streamer emission device for promoting a triggering of an upward leader from the active portion, a down conductor for connection to ground, and a dielectric portion for mounting the active portion on the down conductor, the active portion being separated from the down conductor by an air space formed as a spark gap through which lightning current will pass from the active portion to the down conductor, the protective cover comprising: a first portion for fastening to the active portion; and a second portion for fastening to the down conductor, wherein the protective cover protects dielectric properties of the spark gap against degradation in an environment of the spark gap, while leaving the active portion exposed to the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: ABB FRANCE
    Inventors: Malvina Claverie, Bruno Roland
  • Patent number: 8045314
    Abstract: A method of converting atmospheric electrical discharge to a useable form of energy by arresting, storage and retransmission of lightning induced electrical discharge is disclosed. The invention discloses methods of deploying this technology even in isolated locations where no electricity infrastructure exists. Additionally, the potential for achieving in excess of 1 GWe of electrical power supply at costs orders of magnitude lower than fossil fuel or solar is also disclosed. Isolated collection units are disclosed. A method of deployment of these devices on individual cars and recharge stations is disclosed which in effect unplugs these automotive and recharge stations from the grid. This capability significantly decreases their dependence on the electricity grid infrastructure, enabling a much more enhanced rollout capability for the industry. The concept of Energy Dams is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Travis Business Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Effiong Etukudo Ibok
  • Patent number: 8045312
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a printed circuit board including a first rigid circuit board layer having a first signal trace arrayed on it, a second rigid circuit board layer having a second signal trace arrayed on it, a first signal path coupled between the first signal trace and the second signal trace, an electrostatic discharge device located between the first rigid circuit board layer and the second rigid circuit board layer, the electrostatic discharge device having a first electrode coupled to the first signal path, an electrostatic discharge reactance layer coupled to the first electrode, and a second electrode coupled to the electrostatic discharge layer but not coupled to the first signal path. The circuit board also having a ground plane, where the ground plane is coupled to the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Electronic Polymers, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen P. Shrier
  • Patent number: 7967601
    Abstract: A device for creating an electrical potential, such as a piezoelectric igniter, is connected to a conductor that conducts current to a burn tube to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the burn tube. In one embodiment a gap is formed in the conductor. An insulator is located in the gap such that is can be selectively moved between an insulating position where the flow of electricity over the gap is prevented such that no spark is created in the burn tube and a non-insulating position where electricity is allowed to flow over the gap such that a spark is created in the burn tube. In another embodiment the piezoelectric igniter forms part of the electrical circuit and is in electrical conductive contact or proximity to an electrical conductor that forms part of the ignition circuit. An insulator may selectively located between the igniter and the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Michael R Johnston, Thomas A. Burdsall
  • Publication number: 20100265623
    Abstract: An arrester includes at least one elongate outer first housing made of an electrically insulating material, a pair of electrical terminals at opposite ends of the first housing, an array of electrical components arranged in the first housing that form a series path between the terminals, and a voltage grading arrangement for providing a substantially uniform voltage gradient along the arrester, wherein the voltage grading arrangement includes (i) an elongated outer second housing, and (ii) capacitor circuitry arranged in the outer second housing, and wherein the outer second housing is arranged external to the outer first housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Lennart Stenström, Pär Barkensjö
  • Patent number: 7755873
    Abstract: A device for protection against voltage surges, comprising: a first spark gap (E1); a first pre-triggering system (2), electrically connected to the first spark gap (E1), so as to enable its being primed; a control device (4) electrically connected to the first pre-triggering system (2) so as to activate same. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least a second spark gap (E2) mounted parallel to the first spark gap (E1), and electrically connected to a second pre-triggering system (3), such that the control device simultaneously activates the first and the second pre-triggering systems (2, 3), so as to trigger simultaneously the first and second spark gaps (E1, E2). The invention also concerns devices against voltage surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventors: Vincent André Lucien Crevenat, Boris Gautier
  • Patent number: 7675728
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Jay Woodworth, James A. Strong, David R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100053837
    Abstract: A surge arrester for medium and high voltages includes a length adjustment device and pivot unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Johansson
  • Patent number: 7652865
    Abstract: An earthing device which needs not be buried under the ground is provided. The earthing device includes an earthing panel and a discharging device mounted inside the earthing panel. The discharging device includes at least one electrode plate, multiple discharging electrodes coupled to the electrode plate, and catalyst filled between the discharging electrodes. Since an earth electrode needs not be buried under the ground, it requires less construction costs, time and area, and environmental pollution (especially, soil pollution) does not happen. Further, the earthing device can be simply and economically installed regardless of place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ground Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jea Wook Woo, Jin Seok Huh, Seungjoon Ahn, Seong Joon Ahn, Chul Geun Park, Ho Sub Son, Jin Seok Jin, Hyung Gu Jeon
  • Publication number: 20090257166
    Abstract: A transient voltage suppression device includes a dielectric layer defining a receptacle for a variable impedance material proximate a gapped electrode. Methods for manufacturing the device and for formulating a variable voltage material at lower cost and with higher manufacturing yields is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle Yun-Su Kim, Hundi Panduranga Kamath, Daniel Minas Manoukian
  • Publication number: 20090251841
    Abstract: Electrostatic discharge protection, also known as ESD protection, is provided in the form of a discrete array with a voltage variable material (VVM) or a VVM device. The array is fabricated with a common electrode for connection to ground, and one or more electrodes configured for connection to an electrical component. The electrical component is a connector attached to an electrical circuit containing devices subject to damage by ESD events. The array is placed into a pocket or space on the connector and is held in place mechanically by spring force or by soldering to leads or electrodes of the connector. The array may be soldered to a ground connection or held in place by pressure, such as from a spring or from an outer housing or shell. In some embodiments, the array is removable from the component without affecting component circuits other than removal of ESD protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whalin, Maxwill Bassler, Ramon Leon, Timothy E. Pachla, Stephen J. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20090237855
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a printed circuit board including a first rigid circuit board layer having a first signal trace arrayed on it, a second rigid circuit board layer having a second signal trace arrayed on it, a first signal path coupled between the first signal trace and the second signal trace, an electrostatic discharge device located between the first rigid circuit board layer and the second rigid circuit board layer, the electrostatic discharge device having a first electrode coupled to the first signal path, an electrostatic discharge reactance layer coupled to the first electrode, and a second electrode coupled to the electrostatic discharge layer but not coupled to the first signal path. The circuit board also having a ground plane, where the ground plane is coupled to the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Electronic Polymers, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen P. Shrier
  • Patent number: 7567416
    Abstract: A transient voltage suppression device includes a dielectric layer defining a receptacle for a variable impedance material proximate a gapped electrode. Methods for manufacturing the device and for formulating a variable voltage material at lower cost and with higher manufacturing yields is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Kyle Yun-Su Kim, Hundi Panduranga Kamath, Daniel Minas Manoukian
  • Patent number: 7558042
    Abstract: A electrostatic discharge suppression device including an electrostatic discharge reactance layer having a first side and a second side, a first electrode coupled to the first side and comprising a first extension projecting towards a first distal end of the device, and a second electrode coupled to the second side and including a second extension projecting towards a second end of the device, such that the first extension and the second extension overlap to form an electrode overlap area, wherein during an electrostatic discharge event, an electric current is passed between the first and second extensions through the electrostatic discharge layer in the electrode overlap area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Electonic Polymers, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen Pamelia Shrier
  • Patent number: 7522399
    Abstract: A surge arrester including a stack of a plurality of cylindrical varistor blocks that are arranged one after the other in the axial direction of the varistor blocks between an upper end electrode and a lower end electrode. Arranged around the stack are clamping members of an insulating material including at least three loops of continuously wound fiber that connect the upper end electrode to the lower end electrode as well as a bursting-protective bandage in the form of a plurality of rings wound of fiber, and a surrounding, electrically insulating, outer casing of rubber or other polymeric material. The loops are wound from glass fiber and exhibit an asymmetrical cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Roger Siljeholm, Kerstin Ekeroth Reijm
  • Patent number: 7505241
    Abstract: An integrated fuse device (1) includes a varistor stack (11), a thermal fuse (12), and a current fuse (13) within an enclosure (2) having device terminals (3). The varistor stack (11) is connected to the thermal fuse (12) by a Cu terminal (20) and is connected to the device terminal (3) by steel terminal (10) of smaller cross-sectional area. Being of Cu material and having a greater cross-sectional area, the terminal (20) connected to the thermal fuse (12) has greater thermal conductivity than the steel terminal (10) to the end cap (3). The thermal fuse (12) comprises a plurality of links having a melting point to melt with sustained overvoltage, the links having a diameter in the range of about 2 mm to about 3 mm. The links pass through an elastomer plug (15), which exerts physical pressure on them to assist with opening during sustained overvoltage. Hot melt (18) around solder (17) of the thermal fuse limits heat conduction to back-fill sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Neil McLoughlin, Michael O'Donovan, Thomas Novak, Nathan Siegwald, Brian Walaszczyk, John Kennedy, John Foster
  • Patent number: 7483248
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Ho, Robert J. Drost, Arthur R. Zingher
  • Publication number: 20090002912
    Abstract: A lightning protection circuit for electric fence energizers used with electric fencing systems is provided. The circuit includes a protective combination having at least two electrical components connected in series. The protective combination allows induced voltage from lightning strikes to be effectively spread across a first of the electrical components and a switch of the fence energizer, so as to limit peak levels of current drawn to a second of the electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Kirk Wolfgram
  • Publication number: 20080136578
    Abstract: A method for coating a varistor block with an electrically insulating coating and a varistor block for a surge arrester. A varistor block is formed from several varistor elements. An electrically insulating coating is disposed around the varistor elements. The electrically insulating coating rests directly on a surface of the varistor block. Unwanted gas molecules are removed from the joining area between a surface of the varistor block and the coating before or while the electrically insulating coating is being applied to the varistor block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Bernd Kruska, Rolf-Gunter Rautmann
  • Patent number: 7375943
    Abstract: A tri-phase surge protector comprises a first zinc oxide ceramic body; a first electrode layer on a surface of the first zinc oxide ceramic body and having a first electrode, and the first electrode includes a first terminal; a second electrode layer on another surface of the first zinc oxide ceramic body; a second zinc oxide ceramic body on the second electrode layer; a third electrode layer on another surface of the second zinc oxide ceramic body and having a second electrode, and the second electrode includes a second terminal; a third zinc oxide ceramic body on the second electrode layer and at the second zinc oxide ceramic body; and a fourth electrode layer on another surface of the third zinc oxide ceramic body and having a third electrode, and the third electrode includes a third terminal. The invention also discloses a method for manufacturing a tri-phase surge protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Yung-Hao Lu
  • Patent number: 7323854
    Abstract: Control loops in a voltage regulator can be stabilized using minimal silicon area. A current limit signal, generated by a current limit control loop in the voltage regulator, can be divided to minimize a zero provided in a compensation set associated with a voltage control loop, thereby stabilizing both loops. The compensation set can include a resistor (the zero) and a capacitor (a pole) connected in series between output and input terminals of an amplifier. Dividing the current limit signal can include injecting a first portion of the current limit signal on a first side of the resistor and injecting a second portion of the current limit signal on a second side of the resistor. The ratio of the first and second portions can be based on a gain of the amplifier, thereby minimizing an effect of the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Micrel, Incorporated
    Inventor: David W. Ritter
  • Patent number: 7312690
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a probe section for insertion into a hot zone. The probe section includes a thermistor, a first lengthy pin terminating at the thermistor, and a second lengthy pin also terminating at the thermistor. A housing section is on one end of the probe section and outside of the hot zone. The housing section includes a first spring which biases the first pin into contact with the thermistor, a second spring which biases the second pin into contact with the thermistor, a first electrical contact engaged with the first spring, and a second electrical contact engaged with the second spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Geer
  • Patent number: 7272885
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing surge arrestors, the method including stacking varistors; and forming a coating of composite material on the stack. Between these steps, also included is placing a bead of flexible, adhesive, and dielectric material on the previously formed stack in register with the various interfaces between each pair of adjacent varistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Mehrdad Hassanzadeh, Frédéric Malpiece, Dominique Mercier
  • Patent number: 7120001
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Kruska, Kai Steinfeld
  • Patent number: 6950295
    Abstract: Metal oxide varistors (MOVs) are employed in surge protection devices, such as overvoltage protection devices, between a pair of signal lines and ground to reduce the capacitive imbalance introduced by the overvoltage protector, thereby improving higher frequency transmissions over twisted-pair telephone lines. The MOVs are sorted into subgroups having a capacitive tolerance of no more than about 1.0 picofarad. MOVs with asymmetrical electrodes can also be sorted to reduce both the capacitance and the capacitive tolerance of the MOVs. The sorted MOVs can then be electrically connected in parallel with a gas discharge tube on each signal line to produce an overvoltage protection device, for example a station protector for use at a customer premises, having a capacitive imbalance that does not exceed about 1.3 picofarads. The use of asymmetrical electrodes reduces the capacitance of the sorted MOVs to less than about 30 picofarads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Chanh C. Vo, John J. Napiorkowski, Barry G. Slotnick
  • Patent number: 6912112
    Abstract: Metal oxide varistors (MOVs) are employed in surge protection devices, such as overvoltage protection devices, between signal lines and ground to reduce the capacitance and the capacitive imbalance introduced by the overvoltage protector, thereby improving higher frequency transmissions, such as xDSL communications, over a twisted-pair telecommunications network. The MOVs can be stacked electrically in series to reduce the capacitance of each MOV and to reduce the variability, tolerance or spread of the capacitance between MOVs. Asymmetrical MOVs with electrodes having different surface areas can also be used to reduce capacitance and to reduce capacitive imbalance between MOVs. Furthermore, Asymmetrical MOVs, as well as MOVs with electrodes having the same surface area, can be stacked electrically in series. Such series stacked, asymmetrical, and series stacked asymmetrical MOVs can be used in parallel with a gas discharge tube to form, for example, a station protector for use at a customer premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Chanh C. Vo
  • Patent number: 6836956
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head in which a top pole is divided into a pole tip and a tope pole layer, and the pole tip is formed on the flat surface of a bottom pole with a write gap layer in between. An insulating layer is formed in a region adjacent to the pole tip. A first layer of thin film coil is formed in a region wherein the insulating layer is formed. The thin film coil is covered by the insulating layer whose surface is flattened. A surface of the top pole layer facing the recording medium can be formed recessed from a surface of the pole tip facing the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6754057
    Abstract: A method for mounting a component on an assembly is provided, such as to prevent shorting between a voltage plane and a ground plane that may be caused when the component fails and generates temperature rises that result in insulation failure. The method includes removing a section of one or more of the group including a ground plane and a voltage plane in an area of the component, where the area of the section is selected to prevent damage to the component that can be caused by shorting between the ground plane and the voltage plane if insulation failure occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert A. Pereira, D. Joseph Stoddard