Current Technology, Inc.

Paul A Jeffries

Fyodor M Shterenberg

Asif Y Jakwani

Qijun Chen

Getzel Gonzalez Garcia

Thomas F Crissler

Improved modular transient voltage surge suppressor apparatus are disclosed that equalize transient current sharing between multiple modules. In general, such apparatus includes first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules, each module having a non-conductive housing with a surge suppression circuit contained therein, and first and second electrically-conductive buses mechanically coupled to the non-conductive housing and electrically coupled to first and second terminals of the surge suppression circuit, respectively. A first bus coupler couples the first electrically-conductive buses of the first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules and a second bus coupler couples the second electrically-conductive buses of the first and second transient voltage surge suppression modules, whereby the surge suppression circuits in each of the first and second modules are electrically coupled in parallel. A first electrical conductor coupler is electrically coupled to, and physically located proximate, the first electrically-conductive bus of the first transient voltage surge suppression module, and a second electrical conductor coupler is electrically coupled to, and physically located proximate, the second electrically-conductive bus of the second transient voltage surge suppression module, whereby the electrical path length from the first electrical conductor coupler to the second electrical conductor coupler and through the surge suppression circuit of the first transient voltage surge suppression module is substantially equal to the electrical path length from the first electrical conductor coupler to the second electrical conductor coupler and through the surge suppression circuit of the second transient voltage surge suppression module.

Modular structures for transient voltage surge suppressors

An apparatus for providing independent over-current protection to a plurality of electrical devices and a transient-voltage suppression system employing the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a non-conductive body having a plurality of bores extending through the body from a first portion to a second portion of the body, a plurality of fusible elements corresponding to and disposed within the plurality of bores, each of the fusible elements having a first terminal proximate to the first portion of the body and a second terminal proximate to the second portion, and a common electrode coupled to the first terminal of each of the plurality of fusible elements. The common electrode is couplable to a source of electrical power and the second terminals of each of the plurality of fusible elements are couplable to an electrical device, such as a metal oxide varistor in a transient-voltage suppression system. Each of the fusible elements are operative to open-circuit when an electrical device coupled thereto causes an electrical current to flow through the fusible element in excess of a current rating of the fusible element.

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Grapevine, TX, United States of America

Paul A Jeffries