Abstract A line voltage surge protection device for telephone systems which normally include means for grounding excessive currents caused by strokes of lightening and the like. The device includes a gaseous discharge element which becomes conductive when the voltage in the line being protected momentarily exceeds a predetermined value to conduct current to a source of ground potential. A temperature sensitive element which operates upon the presence of a prolonged current serves to short the gaseous discharge element whereby the surge is conducted directly to ground potential. The temperature sensitive element includes means resiliently biasing the gaseous element for movement in a direction serving to short the same. A soldered retaining means opposes such movement, and heat developed in a coil in series with the line to be protected melts the solder permitting the shorting action to occur.
In a line voltage surge protective device for telephone systems, of a type adapted to conduct a surge to ground potential, and remain in non-conductive condition with respect to ground during normal operation, the improvement comprises: a housing defining a cavity, means on said housing for electrical interconnection to a line to be protected, and to a source of ground potential, a gaseous discharge device interconnecting said line and said source of Ground potential operative to conduct a voltage substantially above normal operating voltage, and heat sensitive means connected in series with said line to be protected and operative to short said gaseous discharge device to permit excess current to be conducted directly to ground.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
In a line voltage surge protective device for telephone systems, of a type adapted to conduct a surge to ground potential, and remain in non-conductive condition with respect to ground during normal operation, the improvement comprises: a housing defining a cavity, means on said housing for electrical interconnection to a line to be protected, and to a source of ground potential, a gaseous discharge device interconnecting said line and said source of Ground potential operative to conduct a voltage substantially above normal operating voltage, and heat sensitive means connected in series with said line to be protected and operative to short said gaseous discharge device to permit excess current to be conducted directly to ground.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
Structure in accordance with claim 1, said gaseous discharge device being disposed within said housing and supported for potential conduction by said heat sensitive means, resilient means urging said gaseous discharge device to shorting position against said heat sensitive means, said heat sensitive means including a meltable component, the melting of which terminates the support of said gaseous discharge device, and allows said resilient means to move said gaseous discharge device to shorting position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Structure in accordance with claim 2, said heat sensitive means including a coil in series with said line to be protected in the proximity of said meltable component.