Full description here. Datasheet

The NTE7239 is an adjustable 3-terminal positive voltage regulator in a TO-200 type package capable of supplying in excess of 5A over a 1.2V to 32V output range. A unique feature of this device is time-dependent current limiting, which allows peak current up to 12A to be drawn from the regulator for short periods of time. This allows the NTE7239 to be used with heavy transient loads and speeds start-up under full-load conditions. Under sustained loading conditions, the current limit decreases to a safe value protecting the regulator. Also included on the chip are thermal overload protection, and safe area protection for the power transistor. Overload protection remains functional even if the adjustment pin is accidentally disconnected. Normally, no capacitors are needed unless the device is situated more than 6 inches from the input filter capacitors in which case an input bypass is needed. An output capacitor can be added to improve transient response, while bypassing the adjustment pin will increase the regulator's ripple rejection. Besides replacing fixed regulators o discrete designs, the NTE7239 is useful in a wide variety of other applications. Since the regulator is "floating" and sees only the input-to-output differential voltage, supplies of several hundred volts can be regulated as long as the maximum input to output differential is not exceeded, i.e., do not short-circuit output to ground.