Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for interrupting the power to a load, comprising a contact interposed between the source of power and the load, receiving power from the power supply to a circuit on the power supply side of the contact, the circuit comprising a series connection of a resettable fuse device, a bi-metallic switch, and a contact control, the resettable fuse device side of the circuit being electrically connected to the power source and the contact control being the closest of the three series components electrically connected to ground, the contact control having an electrical interface with the contact, the contact remaining in a closed position when power is supplied to the contact control and the contact remaining in an open position when power is interrupted to the contact control, the circuit further comprising a first bypass segment connecting the side of the resettable fuse opposite the power supply to a point between the contact and the load, the first bypass segment having an electrically open portion that is closeable, and the circuit further comprising a second bypass segment around the resettable fuse device, the second bypass segment having an electrically open portion that is closeable. The resettable fuse device is preferably a positive temperature coefficient element whose temperature is responsive to an electrical current passing therethrough.

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First Claim