Patent ID: 7239225
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A pyrotechnic circuit breaker for use in an electrical circuit comprising: a) a housing; b) an electrically conductive portion secured to said housing and including means for secure incorporation into the electrical circuit; c) a pyrotechnic igniter secured to said housing and including an output end having cruciform petals oriented toward said electrically conductive portion; d) a passage defined in said housing between said electrically conductive portion and said output end of said pyrotechnic igniter; e) a rupture area defined in said housing adjacent said electrically conductive portion and on the side of said electrically conductive portion opposite said output end of said pyrotechnic igniter; and f) an electrically non-conductive mass within said passage between said pyrotechnic igniter and said electrically conductive portion; wherein said pyrotechnic igniter, cruciform petals, passage, electrically non-conductive mass, and electrically conductive portion are positioned and configured such that after actuation of said pyrotechnic igniter and breaking of the circuit, said cruciform petals are blown out into a position that prevents said electrically non-conductive mass from moving to a position in which said electrically conductive portion could reconnect.