Circuit protection device
First Claim
1. A device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit, comprisinga temperature responsive electrical regulating means including a conductive polymer means or ceramic means having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature,first switch means arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulating means, the switch means including trip means for opening the circuit and positively terminating current flow in a reliable manner, andmeans for connecting the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and first switch means in the circuit,the trip means of the first switch means comprising and elongated member responsive to temperature for opening the circuit, the conductive polymer or ceramic means of the temperature responsive electrical regulating means being of cylindrical configuration and surrounding the elongated member in spaced apart relation therefrom in order to assure rapid response of the circuit protection device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Multiple embodiments of a device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit are disclosed, the device of each embodiment including a temperature responsive electrical regulating component including a conductive polymer or ceramic material having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature and at least one series connected switch including trip means also responsive to temperature for opening and closing the circuit in a reliable manner, the device being adapted for connection in the circuit to be protected. The various embodiments include different arrangements of the temperature responsive electrical regulating component and the switch. Certain of the embodiments include a second series connected switch of similar construction. The conductive polymer or ceramic material can be of a variety of types for performing different electrical regulating functions within the circuit.
36 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit, comprising
a temperature responsive electrical regulating means including a conductive polymer means or ceramic means having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature, first switch means arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulating means, the switch means including trip means for opening the circuit and positively terminating current flow in a reliable manner, and means for connecting the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and first switch means in the circuit, the trip means of the first switch means comprising and elongated member responsive to temperature for opening the circuit, the conductive polymer or ceramic means of the temperature responsive electrical regulating means being of cylindrical configuration and surrounding the elongated member in spaced apart relation therefrom in order to assure rapid response of the circuit protection device.
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2. A device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit, comprising
a temperature responsive electrical regulating means including a conductive polymer means or ceramic means having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature, first switch means arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulating means, the switch means including trip means for opening the circuit and positively terminating current flow in a reliable manner, and means for connecting the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and first switch means in the circuit, the trip means of the first switch means comprising an elongated member arranged in a conductive housing and responsive to temperature for opening the circuit, the conductive polymer or ceramic means being arranged adjacent to and in conductive relation with the housing in order to assure rapid response of the circuit protection device.
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4. A device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit, comprising
a temperature responsive electrical regulating means including a conductive polymer means or ceramic means having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature, first switch means arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulating means, the switch means including trip means for opening the circuit and positively terminating current flow in a reliable manner, and means for connecting the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and first switch means in the circuit, the trip means of the first switch means comprising a ferrite magnetic switch in order to assure rapid response of the circuit protection device.
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6. A device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit, comprising
a temperature responsive electrical regulating means including a conductive polymer means or ceramic means having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature, first switch means arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulating means, the switch means including trip means for opening the circuit and positively terminating current flow in a reliable manner, means for connecting the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and first switch means in the circuit, a second switch means of similar construction as the first switch means and arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and with the first switch means.
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7. A device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit, comprising
a temperature responsive electrical regulating means including a conductive polymer means or ceramic means having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature, first switch means arranged in series with the temperature responsive electrical regulating means, the switch means including trip means for opening the circuit and positively terminating current flow in a reliable manner, and means for connecting the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and first switch means in the circuit, the trip means of the first switch means comprising an elongated member arranged generally coaxially in a cylindrical housing, the temperature responsive electrical regulating means also being arranged within the housing adjacent one end of the elongated member.
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14. A device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit, comprising
first switch means including an elongated member fixed at one end and arranged generally along the axis of a conductive housing, the housing including a contact point, the elongated member being temperature responsive for moving into and out of engagement with the contact point, a temperature responsive electrical regulating means arranged in series with the first switch means and including a conductive polymer or ceramic means having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature, and means for connecting the temperature responsive electrical regulating means and the first switch means with the circuit whereby the temperature responsive electrical regulating means provides electrical regulation for the circuit and the switch means positively opens and closes the circuit.
Specification