Abstract: An assembly for defining a sealed back-up air gap, for use with a line protector comprising an over-voltage arrester housed within a canister and defining a back-up air gap therebetween, comprises an electrical contact and a sealing member. A mounting arrangement is disposed on the electrical contact for positively positioning and retaining the sealing member on the electrical contact. The sealing member is engagable with the canister to form a seal for the back-up air gap, and with the contact while also mounting the contact for electrically conductive engagement with one electrode of the arrester. In one embodiment, the sealing member is an elastomeric O-ring. In another embodiment, the O-ring mount is formed by deformation of the electrical contact. In yet another embodiment, the O-ring is replaced by a flat, annular washer-shaped insulator, which is positively retained on the electrical contact.

Abstract: A miniature station protector module for communication systems includes a hollow housing into which is disposed a pair of line terminals with a ground terminal therebetween. The line terminals extend into the hollow housing and include thereon a back-up surge arrester in axial alignment with each of the terminals, either a three terminal surge arrester or a pair of two terminal arresters may be utilized having one electrode connected to the ground terminal with the other electrodes being connected to the line terminals.

Abstract: A system and device are disclosed for protecting the primary windings of a distribution transformer from surge current which exceed a predetermined level including a tank for accommodating the distribution transformer, a first expanding arc gap extending between a first terminal and a second terminal on the secondary side of the distribution transformer, and a second expanding arc gap extending between a third terminal and the second terminal on the secondary side of the distribution transformer. The arc gap being mounted within the gas space of the tank which accommodates the distribution transformer such that a surge current which exceeds the predetermined level is directed through the arc gaps and dissipated by the expanding arc gaps thereby bypassing the secondary windings in order to protect the primary windings of the distribution transformer. The internally mounted arc gaps being effective when applied to either interlaced or non-interlaced distribution transformers.

Abstract: The surge protector includes a device for connecting a transmission line to ground in the event of excess voltage or current, to protect communications equipment. A thermal sensitive element, located proximate the device, provides an independent, permanent path to ground, before the device can heat to a level where it may fail in the open circuit state. The element is a grounded conductive rod of nickel-titanium alloy which has a configuration memory. The rod normally has an arcuate configuration with a portion spaced from the transmission line contact associated with the device. It will assume a straight configuration, connecting the transmission line contact to ground, if the device overheats. Thermal failsafe protection for protective devices associated with ring and tip conductors, respectively, can be provided with a single thermal sensitive element.

Abstract: A system and device are disclosed for protecting the primary windings of a distribution transformer from surge current which exceed a predetermined level including a tank for accommodating the distribution transformer, a first arc gap extending between a first terminal and a second terminal on the secondary side of the distribution transformer, and a second arc gap extending between a third terminal and the second terminal on the secondary side of the distribution transformer. The arc gap being mounted within the gas space of the tank which accommodates the distribution transformer such that a surge current which exceeds the predetermined level is directed through the arc gaps and bypasses the secondary windings in order to protect the primary windings of the distribution transformer. The internally mounted arc gaps being effective when applied to either interlaced or non-interlaced distribution transformers.

Abstract: A gas-discharge surge arrester that can be manufactured at a low cost and suitable for automatic bulk processing. The surge arrester includes an insulator which comprises a small ceramic tube. A tin coating is applied to the electrodes, and an annular protective coating is applied to the ceramic insulator having a thickness of at least 1 mm. This protective coating is formed from an acid-resistant and heat-resistant colorant or varnish which is continuous in the axial direction of the surge arrester. The protective coating may form part of the identification of the surge arrester. For example, the identification may be in the form of a reverse imprint in the protective coating. In addition, tin-coated leads can be coupled to the electrodes.

Abstract: A back-up surge arrester is combined with a conventional gas filled surge arrester in axial alignment. The size of the air gap is held to a predetermined distance by aid of the mechanical configuration specified herein and further includes a heat sensitive material in a parallel breakdown path.

Abstract: A gas tube fail safe device for use in individual subscriber circuit telephone mmodules and related equipment, in which a fusible element is adapted to by-pass the conductive function of the gas tube in the event of gas tube failure. In one embodiment the construction provides for the fusing of the fusible element upon the occurrence of a sustained current overload. In another embodiment, this operation is supplemented by provision of secondary air gap means operative upon the occurrence of momentary excess voltage surges in the presence of a defective gas tube.

Abstract: Overvoltage protector module having a modular jack mounted upon the module housing in a position remote from a base of the module which carries line and ground terminals. Conveniently, the modular jack has a body which is integrally molded with the module housing. In a construction in which the base, modular jack and an overvoltage protection unit are all in line, the housing and modular jack provide a columnar unit with the housing lying within the confines of the boundary of the housing which is of similar size and shape to the jack when taken in cross-section.

Abstract: An electric fence controller (20) interconnected to electric fence terminals (136, 138) by a three terminal spark gap arrangement (140) one terminal (142) being interconnected to the fence hot terminal (136), a second terminal (144) being interconnected to the fence ground terminal (138) and a third terminal (146) being interconnected to utility ground (48). High voltage surges on the electric fence will thus be diverted either to the local fence ground terminal (138) or to the utility ground (48) whichever ground has the least resistance to ground thereby assuring an effective ground so as to prevent damage due to lightning strikes.

Abstract: A gas filled surge arestor has at least one external air back-up gap comprising two spaced electrodes(7a,2 or 7a,3), one (7a) of which has at least one sharp edge or corner (9) adjacent the other electrode (2 or 3). The said one electrode (7a) is resiliently urged towards the other electrode and is coated with an insulating material (8) which prevents the two electrodes from being in direct contact and hence short circuiting. The arrangement is such that, although the sharp edge or corner (9) on said one electrode has a covering of insulating material, it is also separated from the other electrode by an air gap.

Abstract: A monolithic microwave integrated circuit is enclosed within an ionizable gas filled housing having a terminal protection device integral with the circuit's substrate. A photon generating region extends within the substrate and along a portion of the surface area of the substrate for facilitating the ionizing of the gas. First and second electrodes, in contact with the substrate surface area and disposed on opposite sides of the photon generating region, have a plurality of cantilevered protrusions extending over the surface of the substrate and equally spaced from one another forming spark-gaps therebetween. One electrode is connected to an input to the device while the other is connected to ground.

Abstract: An improved telephone subscriber circuit protector module particularly suited for use in interconnecting with protector blocks having exposed quick clip terminals on an exposed surface thereof. The module features a relatively few number of metallic parts, and can be assembled with a series of simple hand operations. A three-element gas tube is employed in which the contacts are formed with elongated extensions, the extensions providing interconnections with contacts in such manner as to maintain the contacts in operative position when the module is assembled.

Abstract: A self-contained air gap spark arrester assembly is disclosed which may be constructed and tested prior to its incorporation into a fail-safe surge arrester assembly. The air gap spark arrester assembly comprises a rivet shaped electrode, on which are concentrically mounted an insulating ring, a ring electrode, and an insulating spacer ring. These elements are arranged so as to provide an air gap between the two electrodes, aproximately equal to the thickness of the spacer ring and shielded from particulate contamination. Due to the placement of the assembly's electrodes, it is particularly well suited for combination with gas tube arresters in metal canisters. In one embodiment the canister is of cylindrical form and houses a fusible alloy spacer, a cylindrical gas discharge tube, and the air gap spark arrester assembly.

Abstract: A transient suppressor device assembly having at least two electrical components and a fail-safe clip. The fail-safe clip has means for simultaneously providing the necessary electrical conductive paths, providing fail-safe operation if an electrical component becomes overheated and holding together the electrical components.

Abstract: A trigger circuit for a spark gap chain with at least two series-connected spark gaps, of which at least one is provided with at least one trigger electrode, includes a resistor chain which is connected in parallel with the spark gap chain and comprises at least two series-connected resistor groups. That of the resistor groups which is connected in parallel with the spark gap provided with a trigger electrode comprises a voltage-dependent resistor, built up of zinc oxide varistors, which is connected in series with a linear resistor. The voltage across the linear resistor is supplied to the trigger electrode of the spark gap for ignition of the spark gap when this voltage amounts to a pre-determined value. The spark gaps are primarily intended to be utilized for overvoltage protection of series capacitors.

Abstract: When the lightning device is overheated because of its long-time discharge, a conductive member having a low melting point is softened and melted by the overheated tube to short-circuit an air gap between main discharge electrodes. The main discharge electrodes are thus short-circuited to protect the lightning arrester from being overheated and damaged. When discharge function is lost between the main discharge electrodes, air discharge is carried out in the air gap. Electric appliances and machine connected to the lightning arrester can be thus protected from high voltage surge.

Abstract: For switching high voltages, high frequencies and at high numbers of switching actuations, a gas discharge structure is provided which is composed of a series circuit of two or more individual arresters which comprise electrodes of copper and which are filled with gas which is at least partially composed of hydrogen. The gas discharge path is suitable for switching frequencies in the kHz range.

Abstract: A surge arrester which has activating compound applied in recesses outside of an ignition gap. The distance between the recesses of two electrodes in the surge arrester is distinctly greater than the width of the ignition gap form by the electrodes. The ignition gap is not effected by deforming of the activating compound and therefore an associated change in the ignition voltage does not occur. These surge arresters are particularly suited for very small electrode spacing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a voltage surge arrestor for use with an electric device having a component to be protected from a voltage surge. The arrestor comprises at least first and second electrodes, and a spacer connected to the electrodes and mounting the first and second electrodes in spaced relation. The electrodes have portions which are spaced relatively close to each other and form a gap therebetween, and a gravity movable member is in the space between the electrodes and movable by gravity into and out of the gap, thereby changing the voltage breakdown level in the gap. The arrestor further includes a voltage and current limiting block connected to one of the electrodes. The movable member may be electrically conductive or a dielectric member, and it may be liquid or solid.

Abstract: A mains electrical plug incorporates a zinc oxide non-linear resistor device (10) in the form of a circular zinc oxide disc having three electrode portions (2) provided on one face and contacting the earth, neutral and live pins (5) of the plug and a single electrode (3) on its other face, the device (10) thereby providing surge protection to the three electrical circuits provided within the plug.

Abstract: A protector for telephone systems and similar systems is in the form of an elongate housing formed by two hollow box-like members, one fitting within the other. In the bottom member, a line terminal is provided at each end, each terminal connected to a line contact member in the housing. A ground terminal is provided at a mid position in the bottom member, connected to a support and ground member. A protector device assembly is mounted in the support and ground member, providing a breakdown gap connected between each line contact member and the ground. The device assembly can be two-electrode gas tube devices, a three-electrode gas tube device, or other devices. Back-up protector devices are positioned between each line contact member and the support and ground member.

Abstract: A three element gas tube type subscriber pair protector module in which the gas tube serves as both a momentary surge protector and a heat responsive means directly operable upon a pair of fusable elements. The number of component parts has been minimized, permitting low manufacturing cost and simplified assembly.

Abstract: Contact pieces are accommodated respectively in contact housings in a main body portion. Each of the contact pieces has an intermediate portion extending between a contact portion and a terminal portion and force-fitted and held as a first discharge electrode portion in first positioning grooves. An arcuate grounding conductor is disposed on the main body portion and has integral second discharge electrode portions and dust-prevention lug portions. The second discharge electrode portions are held in confronting and spaced relation to the first discharge electrode portions via discharge gap holes formed in a side wall portion of the main body and are force-fitted and held in second positioning grooves. The first and second discharge electrode portions define discharge gaps therebetween.

Abstract: A pair of main electrodes are airtightly attached to their corresponding end openings of an insulating cylinder so that their discharge surfaces are opposed to each other with a gap between them in the insulating cylinder. An intermediate electrode is airtightly attached to the central portion of the insulating cylinder so that its discharge surface coaxially surrounds the space between the discharge surfaces of the main electrodes and faces the lateral faces of the main electrodes to define the discharge gaps. Electrode activators are contained in cavities or grooves in or on the main electrodes so as to be isolated from the discharge surfaces thereof, or are arranged on one of the respective discharge surfaces of the main and intermediate electrodes.

Abstract: A heat protection device for overvoltage terminal block arrester magazines having with two-way arresters or with button arresters. According to the present invention, an S-shaped clip spring or an L-shaped clip spring is inserted in a button arrester of the 6.times.6-type or the 6.times.8-type. The clip provides one leg of the protection device having a solder preform and a switch contact to complete the circuit. In case of an overvoltage, the arc developed in the arrester causes the solder preform to melt off during an extended application of heat arising from the arrester, activating the switch contact and short-circuiting the leg of the arrester.

Abstract: A triggerable ceramic gas tube voltage breakdown device, particularly adapted for use in an electrical circuit for controlling the light output of a photoflash lamp, includes means for reducing the attenuation of an electrical trigger pulse in the region of the electrode gap due to the ceramic spacer tube. The electric field intensity in the region of the electrode gap resulting from the trigger pulse may be enhanced by disposing annular conductive material in the region and by connecting that material to a source of the trigger pulses. Alternatively or in conjunction therewith, the configuration of the ceramic spacer tube may be altered by removing material from the ceramic spacer tube in the region of the electrode gap, thereby enhancing the electric field intensity in that region resulting from the trigger pulses.

Abstract: A three electrode gas tube protector has a central electrode and a line electrode positioned on each side, with a gap between each line electrode and the central electrode, the gaps being at a subatmospheric pressure. Connecting to each line electrode, in an axial arrangement, is a ground assembly having two coaxial conductive cups, their bottom ends spaced by a fusible member. A contact member is positioned within the inner cup and has a head and a stem. Around the stem is a compression spring, the stem passing through the bottoms of the cups and the fusible member. The end of the stem extends over the outer surface of the outer cup bottom, as by riveting. The spring is constrained between the bottom of the inner cup and the head of the contact member. On melting of the fusible member, the inner cup moves axially in the outer cup and a radially extending member, such as a flange or other, moves into contact with a ground member in a support structure.

Abstract: A "Jacob's Ladder" type spark gap for use in a television receiver or the like includes an alumina substrate having a pair of divergent wires mounted thereon for extinguishing arcs thereacross. The bottom ends of the wires are formed into plug-in terminals. Both upper and lower portions of the wires are supported in suitable apertures in the substrate and soldered to silver pads formed thereon for rigidity purposes. A flameproof housing encloses the substrate and has air vents at the bottom and is open at the top.

Abstract: A socket assembly for a CRT includes a socket mounted on a printed circuit board having a plurality of spark gaps interposed between an open grounding ring and the terminals of the socket. The spark gaps associated with the cathode and heater socket terminals have larger width dimensions than those associated with the other electrode terminals and are positioned adjacent to the portion of the open grounding ring farthest from the connection to the CRT "dag".

Abstract: A surge voltage arrester wherein a pair of main electrodes are respectively fitted in a gastight fashion to both open ends of a hollow cylindrical body formed of insulating material, wherein the discharge planes of the main electrodes are set opposite to each other in a hollow cylindrical body wherein at least one electrically conductive member extends along the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical body in its circumferential direction and faces one of the main electrodes at a prescribed interval, wherein at least one narrow electrically conductive strip electrically connected to the electrically conductive member extends along the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical body in its axial direction and faces the other of the main electrodes at a prescribed interval, and finally wherein at least one external electrically conductive member extends along the outer wall of the hollow cylindrical body which is capacitively coupled to the electrically conductive member extending along the inner wall of the hollow cyli

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual-gap protector wherein both gaps will break down essentially simultaneously when a pulse of either polarity having a sufficient magnitude appears. An annular electrode is provided in the housing so as to form parallel gaps with respective end electrodes. The electrodes include a surface coating of a photoemissive and/or thermionic material so that light emission or heat resulting from the breakdown of one gap will influence the breakdown of the other gap.

Abstract: A protective device for a plurality of electrical circuits includes a pluity of isolated electrodes forming a gap with a common electrode. An output signal, electrically isolated from the circuits being monitored, is obtained by a photosensor viewing the discharge gap through an optical window. Radioactive stabilization of discharge characteristics is provided for slowly changing voltages and carbon tipped dynamic starters provide desirable discharge characteristics for rapidly varying voltages. A hydrogen permeation barrier is provided on external surfaces of the device.

Abstract: An improved hermetically sealed gas tube surge arrester includes at least a pair of gap electrodes separated by an insulating spacer to form an electrode gap and a separate trigger electrode disposed about the region of the electrode gap for increasing the electrical field intensity in the region of the electrode gap. Preconditioning means is provided to direct an impulse voltage surge to the trigger electrode, prior to being impressed across the gap electrodes, thereby to precondition the electrode gap to breakdown at a relatively low impulse breakdown voltage.

Abstract: An excess voltage arrester of the kind comprising a gas-filled enclosure having an electrode structure (1, 11, 13) within the enclosure which defines at least one discharge gap. A portion of at least one electrode (13) is adapted to melt on overheating of the arrester so as to take up a generally spherical form (19) under the action of surface tension and thereby contact another electrode (1).

Abstract: A surge voltage arrester assembly for protection of communications lines from over voltage and excess current conditions includes a sealed cold cathode gas tube forming a primary arc gap and disposed within a cage member with an insulator member disposed between the gas tube and an electrical conductor forming a secondary arc gap sealed from contaminants, in parallel with the primary arc gap and affixed onto a cylindrical conductor by a retainer means.

Abstract: A surge arrester, includes a gas-filled housing, copper electrodes disposed opposite each other in the housing, the electrodes each including a relatively thin-walled truncated conical part having a flange integral therewith and a solid cylindrical part, the cylindrical parts each having a respective end surface facing each other, the end surfaces being mutually spaced apart by a given distance and each having a trough-shaped axially-symmetrical depression formed therein, a highly active electrode activating compound filling each of the depressions, a tubular ceramic insulator at least partly surrounding the electrodes defining respective annular gaps between the insulator and each of the cylindrical parts having widths being substantially between 0.2 mm and 0.

Abstract: A gas filled surge arrester which has an extremely fast response to rapidly increasing surge voltages. A pair of electrodes define a discharge gap which is held in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.25 mm. A high electron emission ability substance partially fills a cavity in each electrode. At least a pair of conductors are associated with each electrode. The conductors define a discharge gap with the opposite electrode. The gap is held in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.30 mm. A gas made up of one or more of the noble gases and hydrogen fills the arrester. The hydrogen is held in the range of 0.1% to 20% of the total volume of the gas in the arrester.

Abstract: Surge voltage arrester with a gas-tight housing wherein two truncated cone-shaped electrodes are disposed respectively opposite one another and form a gap therebetween, the electrodes being received in opposite ends of a tubular insulating body and being formed with a bottom surface facing into the tubular insulating body and a lateral conical surface, including at least one strip of electrically conductive material serving as an ignition strip, said strip extending within the tubular body over part of the length thereof in direction from one to the other electrode, at least a part of the ignition strip terminating at a first distance opposite the lateral surface of the one electrode and at a second distance short of the bottom surface of the one electrode, at least one of the distances being shorter than the length of the gap.

Abstract: An improved spark gap device and configuration for coupling the device in circuit with equipment such as television receivers are disclosed. The spark gap device includes three conductive pads, the first and second of which are separated by a first gap. The third pad is separated from the other pads by a second gap which intersects the first gap. By coupling the first and second pads across A.C. power lines in the equipment, and by coupling the third pad to earth ground, the energy associated with a high voltage transient on the power lines causes the air in one of the gaps to ionize. Hence, a spark jumps the gap to shunt the transient energy to ground. The intersection of the gaps causes ionization to spread to the second gap and thereby provide an additional path to ground for the energy associated with the transient, thereby protecting components within the equipment.

Abstract: Gas-discharge surge arrester having two axially opposing main electrodes defining a discharge gap therebetween and a middle electrode coaxially and annularly surrounding the discharge gap and connected to the main electrodes, respectively, by a tubular insulating housing, at least one strip of electrically conductive material disposed on the inner surface of the tubular housing and extending over a part of the length thereof, including respective transition members disposed at the ends of the tubular insulating housing, the transition members respectively forming a part of the main electrodes, the main electrodes being double-cylindrically formed into steps inwardly and forming a discharge path, the middle electrode being formed as a hollow cylinder having a conically profiled outlet and forming a respective main discharge path with both of the main electrodes, the main electrodes and the middle electrode being mutually overlapping at a region whereat they are provided with an electrode activating material.

Abstract: A spark arrestor for protecting a high intensity, gaseous discharge lamp, ballast and other circuit components against being damaged or destroyed by a large build up of voltage. The arrestor includes a multi-sided low dielectric disc with star-like conductive material on each side, the points of the star being opposite the mid-points of the sides. Terminals for connecting the spark arrestor across the secondary of the ballast, or other similar location, are connected to each of the star-like conductive materials. There is a non-conductive tubular shield around the disc to protect againt spreading of the spark, but the terminals extend from the ends of the shield for connection purposes.

Abstract: An overvoltage surge arrester which has a reduced turn on time and is suitable for use at low voltage levels to protect electronic equipment, such as telephone repeaters and the like; this protective device includes a core of semiconductor material provided with a predetermined surface creepage path thereacross and electrically conductive terminals (electrodes) disposed on each end thereof. The conductive terminals or electrodes may extend towards each other to provide a secondary, backup discharge gap. The surge arrester may be used as an integral part of a gas filled device with the conductive electrodes connected between a line electrode and ground electrode thereof.

Abstract: An overvoltage or surge protector, particularly for telephone lines, has two electrodes in opposition in a housing. The gap between the inner ends of the electrodes is set by a layer of dielectric material on the center portion of one or both end surfaces of the electrodes. Breakdown occurs with assistance from dielectric stimulation of the arc, resulting from an electrical field across the dielectric. The center portions are surrounded by annular grooves, which are also covered with a dielectric layer. The end surfaces external to the center portions can be convex, and also roughened.

Abstract: A power connector for providing overload protection for an electrical operating station connected to a power mains, composed of at least one overvoltage arrester of a first type which is capable of quenching the power mains surge current and at least one overvoltage arrester of a second type connected in series with said arrester of the first type, with the insulation of one overvoltage arrester, in its unfired state, meeting the requirements of a basic insulation or of the supplementary insulation for a protective insulation, and both arresters being constructed for dissipating the pulses generated by a direct stroke of lightning or nuclear electromagnetic pulses without adversely affecting the protection afforded thereby.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube socket is provided which provides spark gap protection to terminal pins operating at selected high potentials through a distinct spark gap protection system, including a structure for disrupting the corona discharge track and minimizing the effects of corona discharge.

Abstract: An excess voltage arrester (1 to 21) provided with an overheating protection device comprising a resilient electrically conductive first member (23) in a flexed condition and a second member (25) of heat softenable electrically insulating material associated with the first member such that on over-heating of the arrester the second member softens allowing the first member to move in an attempt to return to its natural shape, and thereby establish an electrically conductive path through itself between the arrester electrodes.

Abstract: A surge arrester with a parallel-connected improved spark gap structure has a flanged ring connected to one of the two electrodes of the surge arrester which forms the first electrode of the spark gap structure, an axially aligned insulator disc having recesses therein seated on the flanged ring, and an annular metal contact seated on the opposite side of the insulator ring forming the second electrode of the spark gap structure through the recesses in the insulating ring has the improvements of the metal contact forming the second electrode of the spark gap being an annular cup having a base seated against the insulator ring and a conical wall connected via contact springs with the other electrode of the surge arrester, and the base of the annular cup has projections in registry with the insulator ring recesses extending a distance therein such that the spark gap is formed between the flanged ring and the highest elevation of the projections.

Abstract: A gas filled surge arrestor is combined with an additional electrode to form a back-up air gap surge arrestor axially aligned therewith. The size of the air gap is held to a predetermined distance by a high dielectric ceramic sandwiched between the additional electrode and an intermediate electrode common to both arrestors. The outside diameter of the ceramic is smaller than that of the electrodes forming the air gap. The presence of the ceramic creates a pre-ionization level of electrons which facilitate the occurance of breakdown at a consistent, repeatable level. The additional electrode also serves as a collar to center the surge arrestor assembly in an electrically conductive casing, forming a unit adapted for insertion into a standard retaining cup. The electrode-ceramic sandwich is held together by a retaining washer which exerts a spring force to keep the elements in proper spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection device for wires, preferably telephone cables, comprises overvoltage arresters (11) of the discharge tube type and connection clamps (7, 8) for the wires, which connection clamps are placed in a terminal block (2). The device is manufactured in such a manner that the overvoltage arresters (11) are enclosed in a detachable cassette (16) and so that the terminal box (2) is pivotal to allow for insertion and removal of the cassette (16). The cassette comprises a number of spaces for the overvoltage arresters (11) and a movable lock (19) to retain and to release the overvoltage arresters (11) respectively.