| abstract |
A MELF (Metal Electrode Face Bonding Device) surge absorbing element which can be connected across a pair of input lines of an electronic device. The surge absorbing element is secured in electrical contact with the input lines by a conductive heat releasable adhering means, e.g., a solder. A spring is positioned in biased relationship against the surge absorbing element. When the surge absorbing element is subjected to overvoltages or overcurrents continuously across the input lines, the surge absorbing element heats up, which, in turn, heats the adhering means. When the temperature reaches a predetermined value, the adhering means releases its securement of the surge absorbing element, e.g., the solder melts, and no longer holds the element. When this occurs, the bias of the spring means positioned against the now unsecured surge absorbing element serves to move the element away from and out of electrical contact with the adhering means and, in turn, the input lines. This prevents further heating of the surge absorbing element. |