US4068277A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Overvoltage protector
Assignee: TII Corp
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Filing: 1976-07-19
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Granted: 1978-01-10
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Expires: 1996-07-19
Abstract
Abstract The disclosed protector comprises a three electrode gas tube overvoltage protector serially connected with a heating element, the combination being connected in shunt across the load to be protected. Between that protecting shunt path and the source, a normally closed switch is provided which is responsive to the heating element and opens in the event of a sustained overvoltage condition. Accordingly, a prolonged surge which might otherwise destroy the gas tube and/or the protected load is isolated from both the shunt protection branch and from the load thus preventing damage to both.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank L. Simokat
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:08
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02H; H02H7/00; H02H7/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A protector circuit for protecting equipment protectors from both short term and long term overvoltage surges comprising: 1. input terminals adapted to be energized from a source of power; 2. output terminals adapted to supply power to the equipment to be protected; 3. a protection branch connected in shunt relationship with said output terminals and including: a. a gas tube overvoltage protector for protection against short term overvoltage surges, and b. actuating means thermally responsive to the current flow in said gas tube;
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A protector circuit for protecting equipment protectors from both short term and long term overvoltage surges comprising: 1. input terminals adapted to be energized from a source of power; 2. output terminals adapted to supply power to the equipment to be protected; 3. a protection branch connected in shunt relationship with said output terminals and including: a. a gas tube overvoltage protector for protection against short term overvoltage surges, and b. actuating means thermally responsive to the current flow in said gas tube;
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
switching means coupled to said actuating means to be directly driven thereby, and connected between one of said input terminals and said protection branch to permit isolation of said protection branch and said output terminals from said input terminals in the event of a sustained overvoltage condition, and to restore operative connections in the event of cessation of said condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
switching means coupled to said actuating means to be directly driven thereby, and connected between one of said input terminals and said protection branch to permit isolation of said protection branch and said output terminals from said input terminals in the event of a sustained overvoltage condition, and to restore operative connections in the event of cessation of said condition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The protector circuit defined in claim 1 wherein said gas tube overvoltage protector and actuating means are connected in series.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A protector circuit as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating means include a heating element thermally coupled to said switching means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A protector circuit as defined in claim 1 in which said gas tube overvoltage protector is of the three electrode type and includes a ground electrode connected to respective ground contacts of said input and output terminals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A protector circuit as defined in claim 4 in which said actuating means comprise heating means thermally coupled to said switching means and serially connected to said overvoltage protector.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A protector circuit as defined in claim 1 in which said switching means is a bimetallic strip.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
138 words
A protector circuit for protecting equipment and equipment protectors from both short term and long term overvoltage surges comprising: 1. input terminals adapted to be energized from a source of power; 2. output terminals adapted to supply power to the equipment to be protected; 3. a series protection branch connected in shunt relationship with said output terminals and including: a. a gas tube overvoltage protector for protection against short term overvoltage surges, and b. actuating means thermally responsive to the current flow in said gas tube; 4. switching means coupled to said actuating means to be directly driven thereby, and connected between one of said input terminals and said protection branch to permit isolation of said protector in the event of a sustained overvoltage condition, and to restore operative connections in the event of cessation of said condition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
138 words
A protector circuit for protecting equipment and equipment protectors from both short term and long term overvoltage surges comprising: 1. input terminals adapted to be energized from a source of power; 2. output terminals adapted to supply power to the equipment to be protected; 3. a series protection branch connected in shunt relationship with said output terminals and including: a. a gas tube overvoltage protector for protection against short term overvoltage surges, and b. actuating means thermally responsive to the current flow in said gas tube; 4. switching means coupled to said actuating means to be directly driven thereby, and connected between one of said input terminals and said protection branch to permit isolation of said protector in the event of a sustained overvoltage condition, and to restore operative connections in the event of cessation of said condition.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
A protector circuit as defined in claim 7 in which said gas tube is of the three electrode type and includes a ground electrode connected to respective ground contacts of said input and output terminals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A protector circuit as defined in claim 7 in which said switching means is a bimetallic strip.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-01-09 | 1981-07-11 | 1982-01-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-09 | 1985-07-11 | 1986-01-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-09 | 1989-07-11 | 1990-01-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |