Modular fail-safe telephone station protector

Claim 1

A telephone station protector comprising the combination of an arrester module comprising at least two electrode pairs with the two electrodes in each pair spaced apart by a gas-filled discharge chamber, one electrode of each pair being connected to different ones of a pair of substantially rigid line conductors adapted for connection to a corresponding pair of conductors comprising a telephone line, the other electrode of each pair being connected to a common grounding conductor whereby a voltage surge on either of said line conductors within the discharge capability of the electrode pair connected thereto renders the discharge chamber between that electrode pair temporarily conductive to connect the respective conductor to ground, and fail-safe means within the discharge chamber of each electrode pair shunting the respective line conductors to ground in response to a voltage surge on either of said line conductors in excess of the discharge capability of the electrode pair connected thereto, said electrodes and the end portions of the conductors connected to said electrodes being embedded in a solid unitary mass; an insulating terminal block forming areas for receiving at least two of said arrester modules and having two pairs of electrical terminals adjacent said areas for connecting said pair of line conductors from each module to the corresponding conductors of a telephone service line, and a ground terminal for connecting said grounding conductors from said modules to grounding means, said arrester modules being positioned flush against the terminal block anD the relative height of said arrester modules and the connection of said line conductors to said electrical terminals providing a loop in said line conductors to maintain the arrester modules in position; and a cover adapted to fit over said base member to enclose said terminals and said modules.