Peculiarly Adapted For Plug-type Fuse Carrier (e.g., Fuse Block) Patents (Class 337/216)
  • Patent number: 9627831
    Abstract: A rotating contact device is described. The rotating contact device can include a contact ring and a pair of legs extending from a lower ring surface of the contact ring. Along an upper ring surface of the contact ring can be disposed one or more raised contacts. The rotating contact device can also include an inside contact held within an inside of the contact ring. Application of a downwards force on the upper ring surface of the contact ring causes the pair of legs to deflect and the contact ring and the inside contact to rotate and translate. When mated with opposing contacts, this rotation can function to radially wipe the opposing contacts and the upper ring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Wagman, Michael B. Wittenberg, Eric T. SooHoo
  • Patent number: 7983024
    Abstract: A fuse assembly includes: (i) a junction box including a battery B+ board having a plurality of metallized slots and a distribution board having a plurality of metallized slots; and (ii) a plurality of fuses releasably secured within the metallized slots, the fuses each including a substrate, first and second contacts positioned on the substrate, each contact in electrical communication with one of the metallized slots, and a fuse element in electrical communication with the first and second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin J. Harris, IV
  • Publication number: 20030201867
    Abstract: A fuse holder comprising: a housing defining an enclosed region, the housing comprises a base and a cover, the base and cover adapted to accept differently configured cage holders within the enclosed region; a pair of contacts within the housing at opposite ends of the enclosed region and spaced to engage terminals on ends of a fuse; and a first cage holder and second cage holder configured to fit within in the housing, each cage holder of the first and second cage holders includes either a single pole cage or a plurality of pole cages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Madhu Sudan, Javier Gomez Martin, Jorge Vallejo, Anilkumar Dinker Pandit
  • Patent number: 6531948
    Abstract: A fuse handling device for use with a fuse unit having a pair of contacts between which a fuse terminals which act as switching contacts may extend in use. The handling device comprises an actuating lever operable into a first position and a second position, a charging means operably connected to the actuating lever and a drive means operably connected to the charging means. The handling device in use is mounted on the fuse unit. The drive means attaches to the fuse and operation of the actuating lever into the first position charges the charging means to causes the drive means to extract the fuse from the pair of contacts and operation of the actuating lever into the second position charges the charging means to cause the drive means to insert the fuse into the pair of contacts. The fuse moves in a direction parallel to a plane of its switching contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Limited
    Inventor: Thomas W. Mennell
  • Patent number: 6054915
    Abstract: A fuseblock is compact, and electrically conductive components of the fuseblock do not extend beyond a length of a fuse in the fuseblock. The fuseblock can be assembled easily and quickly without tools, and can be easily configured in different ways using the same components. The fuseblock can be snapped onto a mounting rail using mounting projections that are integral with the fuseblock. The fuseblock can include wire end connectors that each have two or more openings for receiving wire ends. The fuseblock also effectively conceals live electrical contacts from accidental touch when the fuseblock is closed and operational, and also when the fuseblock is opened to replace or inspect the fuse, thereby preventing a person servicing the fuseblock from accidentally receiving an electrical shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Eugene Rowton, David R. Marach, Sean V. Ciesielka
  • Patent number: 5945903
    Abstract: A circuit protection device including a pair of terminals to be electrically connected into an electrical circuit, a pair of spaced current-carrying extensions of the terminals, and an initially low resistance current limiting device extending between the current-carrying extensions. The invention includes the feature that the current-limiting element including flexible conductive current-feeding arms having inner and outer end portions, the inner end portions thereof being electrically connected to the current-carrying extensions of the terminals. The outer end portions of the current-feeding arms are cantilevered and flexible relative to the inner end portions. The device further preferably includes a PTC current-limiting element sandwiched between the flexible outer end portions of the current-feeding arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagi Reddi Kanamatha Reddy, Robert Swensen, Thomas F. Draho, Michael Styrna
  • Patent number: 5929739
    Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse element having a pair of terminal portions interconnected by a fusible portion, pivot pawls provided between the fusible portion and each of the terminal portions, seat surfaces respectively supporting the pivot pawls thereon, thereby holding the fuse element within an insulating housing, and pivotal movement-allowing spaces for allowing two portions of the fuse element, separated from each other when the fusible portion is melted, to be pivotally moved about the pivot pawls inside and outside the insulating housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiko Totsuka
  • Patent number: 5751208
    Abstract: A system for establishing and terminating the flow of electrical current through a circuit which includes a fuse puller which engages and retains a standard plug-in fuse element. The system also includes a housing which supports the fuse puller and associated fuse in a first, raised position which separates the fuse from its corresponding contact terminals, and a second, lowered position in which the fuse contacts the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Ivan V. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5682130
    Abstract: The invention is a circuit protection device comprising a first and a second female terminal. The device further comprises a first fuse clip in electrical contact with the first fuse terminal and a second fuse clip in electrical contact with the second fuse terminal. A positive temperature coefficient element, preferably planar, is positioned between and makes electrical contact with both the first fuse clip and the second fuse clip. In a first embodiment, at least one of the first and second fuse clips is spring-loaded, i.e., has an inherent resiliency. In this same embodiment, portions of the first and second fuse clips overlap, and the positive temperature coefficient element is secured between the overlapping portions of the first and second fuse clips. In the second of the two preferred embodiments, the first fuse clip, the second fuse clip, and the positive temperature coefficient element are generally coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventors: Michael Styrna, Andrew Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 5680088
    Abstract: A disconnection mechanism for a dark current fuse provides a connecting terminal connecting the dark current fuse, a fuse block body receiving the connecting terminal, and a fuse holder slidably engaged with the fuse block body in a direction of connecting the dark current fuse, the fuse holder provides a cutaway opening exposing a head of the dark current fuse being therein, an engaging projection disposed at an opening edge of the cutaway opening for engaging the head, and a supporting wall portion contacting a trunk of the dark current fuse. The disconnection mechanism is not necessary to store the extracted dark current fuse after a dark current fuse circuit is opened, so that there arises no possibility of missing the extracted dark current fuse, the dark current fuse can be extracted by using a puller, and the dark current fuse is surely held with being prevented from slipping off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Seki, Kenichiro Kawaguchi, Gen Oozono, Akio Sugiyama, Ryuetsu Oikawa
  • Patent number: 5670929
    Abstract: A fusible link in which the overlooking of a half-fitted condition of a spacer is positively prevented, and the strength of retaining of the spacer on a housing is increased. Guide walls are formed on an inner surface of the housing (which houses a fuse element), and are disposed respectively in the vicinity of projections for retaining the fuse element-holding spacer. Each of the guide walls forms an insertion space into which a respective one of resilient engagement piece portions of the spacer can be inserted, and the insertion space provides a space which allows elastic displacement of the resilient engagement piece portion when the resilient engagement piece portion is brought into and out of engagement with the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiko Totsuka
  • Patent number: 5668522
    Abstract: A slowly-breaking fuse includes a housing made of a synthetic resin, a fuse element including a pair of terminal members for an electrical connection, and a melting member mounted between the terminal members, the melting member being smaller in thickness than the terminal member, the melting member having a narrow elongated central portion and a pair of base portions between which the narrow elongated central portion is mounted, and a cross-sectional area increased member provided at an opposite end of the melting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Kondo, Mitsuhiko Totsuka, Toshiharu Kudo, Hisashi Hanazaki
  • Patent number: 5629663
    Abstract: A disconnection mechanism for a dark current fuse provides a connecting terminal connecting the dark current fuse, a fuse block body receiving the connecting terminal, and a fuse holder slidably engaged with the fuse block body in a direction of connecting the dark current fuse, the fuse holder provides a cutaway opening exposing a head of the dark current fuse being therein, an engaging projection disposed at an opening edge of the cutaway opening for engaging the head, and a supporting wall portion contacting a trunk of the dark current fuse. The disconnection mechanism is not necessary to store the extracted dark current fuse after a dark current fuse circuit is opened, so that there arises no possibility of missing the extracted dark current fuse, the dark current fuse can be extracted by using a puller, and the dark current fuse is surely held and prevented from slipping off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Seki, Kenichiro Kawaguchi, Gen Oozono, Akio Sugiyama, Ryuetsu Oikawa
  • Patent number: 5608372
    Abstract: A fuse locking construction for a fuse box, in which a fuse having a fuse member insert molded in a base made of synthetic resin and a pair of terminal plates projecting out of the base from the fuse member is inserted into a fuse mounting portion so as to be locked to the fuse mounting portion. The fuse locking construction includes a pair of locking projections which are, respectively, provided at opposite ends of an insertion mouth of the fuse box for the fuse mounting portion and retain opposite upper ends of the base at the time of completion of insertion of the fuse into the fuse mounting portion so as to lock the fuse to the fuse mounting portion; and a guide groove for guiding each of the terminal plates of the fuse in a direction for inserting the fuse into the fuse mounting portion or drawing the fuse out of the fuse mounting portion, which is formed on each of the locking projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5489885
    Abstract: An automotive fuse inserting and attaching apparatus that has an aligning portion for aligning automotive fuses to be inserted and attached into a fuse box. The aligned automotive fuses are aligned in the same arrangement they assume when inserted and attached within the fuse box. The automotive fuse inserting and attaching apparatus includes a feeding portion for feeding predetermined automotive fuses to the aligning portion. The automotive fuse inserting and attaching apparatus further includes a hand-type inserting and attaching portion that is separable from the feeding portion, for inserting and attaching a group of automotive fuses into the fuse box by conveyably clamping with one hand the group of automotive fuses aligned by the aligning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Saga
  • Patent number: 5488346
    Abstract: A connection terminal includes a pair of connection portions interconnected through a fusion portion, and each of the connection portions is defined by a bottom plate, opposite side plates formed respectively on opposite sides of the bottom plate, and a top plate. A spring portion extending from the top plate is folded back from a front side thereof to be disposed within the connection portion so that a mating connection terminal can be held between the spring portion and the bottom plate. The connection terminal is stamped from an electrically-conductive metal sheet in such a manner that the spring portion extending from the top plate is extended along and disposed generally adjacent to the fusion portion before the spring portion is folded back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Kondo, Mitsuhiko Totsuka, Toshiharu Kudo
  • Patent number: 5488345
    Abstract: A disconnection mechanism for a dark current fuse provides a connecting terminal connecting the dark current fuse, a fuse block body receiving the connecting terminal, and a fuse holder slidably engaged with the fuse block body in a direction of connecting the dark current fuse, the fuse holder provides a cutaway opening exposing a head of the dark current fuse being therein, an engaging projection disposed at an opening edge of the cutaway opening for engaging the head, and a supporting wall portion contacting a trunk of the dark current fuse. The disconnection mechanism is not necessary to store the extracted dark current fuse after a dark current fuse circuit is opened, so that there arises no possibility of missing the extracted dark current fuse, the dark current fuse can be extracted by using a puller, and the dark current fuse is surely held and prevented from slipping off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Seki, Kenichiro Kawaguchi, Gen Oozono, Akio Sugiyama, Ryuetsu Oikawa
  • Patent number: 5214565
    Abstract: A bracket for fuse holders includes heat sink fins for cooling the fuse holders. The bracket has a main body conforming to the shape of the fuse holders and mounting members or feet which can be attached, using self-clinching nuts, to a printed circuit board on which the fuse holders are mounted. The heat sink is formed of fins attached to the main body. When space is limited, the fins preferably have a rectangular U-shape to provide increased cooling area. The main body provides structural rigidity to prevent the fuse holders from being dislodged due to torquing of the fuse holder caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Fujitsu Network Transmission Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Flores
  • Patent number: 5113168
    Abstract: A fuse holder for flat mounting on the edge surface of a printed circuit board comprises a compartment for receiving a fuse assembly; coterminous contact pins which are locked in position and which can be inserted in corresponding apertures on the surface of the board and two locating bosses for anchoring the fuse holder on the board when the pins are inserted in said apertures and soldered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: San-O Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Carl E. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 5111176
    Abstract: A dual position, piggyback fuse holder for mounting on the edge of a printed circuit board comprises two fuse holder compartments each adapted to receive a fuse assembly, plurality of coterminous contact pins which are locked in position and which can be inserted in corresponding apertures on the surface of the board and two locating bosses for anchoring the fuse holder on the board when the pins are inserted in said apertures and soldered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: San-O Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Carl E. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 4682139
    Abstract: An electrical plug which has a spring-loaded contact connecting electrically to a first conducting strip acting as an anode and a second conducting strip acting as a cathode. Both the first and second conducting strips have sharp projections which penetrate into conducting wires to contact the conductor therein. The cathode conducting strip has a resilient ridge projecting therefrom to contact the negative polarity of the electricity system of automobiles, thus keeping the plug from dropping out of the socket. If necessary, a fuse is provided between the anode conducting strip and the spring to limit electrical current and protect the plug. The manufacturer has the choice of whether or not to use a fuse in accordance with the different requirements of different electrical appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Jung-Tsan Kuo
  • Patent number: 4628293
    Abstract: A sub-miniature fuse comprises a plastic base, and two conductors passing through the base and being bridged by a fuse wire soldered to the conductors. For obtaining a reliable fixture of the fuse wire to the conductors a fuse wire holder is formed on each of these conductors above the base and the connection between said holder and the fuse wire positioned in the latter is secured by melting on soft solder material. It is particularly advantageous to construct the holder by rolling up or bending over the upper end of each conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Wickmann Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Marx
  • Patent number: 3976967
    Abstract: An electrical connector plug comprising a body containing first electrical connector elements adapted for electrical connection with an electrical device and second electrical connector elements adapted for electrical connection with an electrical power source. Electrical fuses are replacably mounted in a carrier casing which is pivotably moveable between a first operative position in which the fuses electrically connect the first and second connector elements and a second inoperative position in which the first and second connector elements are disconnected and the fuses are accessible for removal and replacement. The carrier casing can carry replacement fuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1976
    Inventor: Dino Magherini