Patents Assigned to Littelfuse, Inc.
  • COIL SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF RETAINING PCBA OF A RELAY
    Publication number: 20220115201
    Abstract: Provided herein are coil support structures and methods of retaining a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of a relay. In some embodiments, a bi-stable relay assembly may include a coil support structure, having a central section extending between a first end section and a second end section, and set of biasable fasteners extending from the first end section and the second end section, wherein each of the set of biasable fasteners includes a sloped engagement surface and a retention slot. The coil support structure may further include a PCBA coupled to the first and second end sections of the coil support structure, wherein the coil support structure extends within the retention slot of each of the set of biasable fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Davide Mantoan
  • RELAY INCLUDING BISTABLE DISCONNECT SWITCH
    Publication number: 20220115199
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for an improved bi-stable relay. In some embodiments, a method may include providing a core assembly within a housing, the core assembly comprising a plunger extending through a coil support structure. The method may further include winding a first coil and a second coil about a central section of the coil support structure, providing a first magnet and a first ferromagnetic plate at a first end of the coil support structure, and providing a second magnet and a second ferromagnetic plate at a second end of the coil support structure. In some embodiments, the method may further include activating the first coil or the second coil to move the plunger between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position a circuit formed by a set of contacts is closed, and wherein in the second position the circuit is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Davide Mantoan
  • Temperature sensing tape, assembly, and method of temperature control
    Patent number: 11300458
    Abstract: A temperature sensing tape including a flexible, electrically insulating substrate, a plurality of temperature sensing elements disposed on the substrate, each temperature sensing element including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged in a confronting, spaced-apart relationship to define a gap therebetween, and a variable resistance material disposed within the gap and connecting the first electrode to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode of at least one of the temperature sensing elements is connected to the second electrode of an adjacent temperature sensing element by a flexible electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Golubovic, Martin G. Pineda, Yuriy Borisovich Matus, Jianhua Chen
  • ULTRA-LOW CLAMPING VOLTAGE SURGE PROTECTION MODULE USING DEPLETION MODE MOSFET
    Publication number: 20220109296
    Abstract: An ultra-low clamping voltage Surge Protection Module (SPM) is disclosed which utilizes a depletion mode MOSFET (D MOSFET). The SPM may be part of a circuit or a device and includes a primary protection stage and a secondary protection stage, with the D MOSFET being connected between the two stages. The SPM may include a single D MOSFET, dual D MOSFETs, or multiple D MOSFETs and the primary and secondary protection stages may be implemented with a number of different components. The SPM using D MOSFET(s) exhibits improved surge protection over circuits using inductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Fang Chin, Teddy To
  • Thin profile power semiconductor device package having face-to-face mounted dice and no internal bond wires
    Patent number: 11296017
    Abstract: A packaged semiconductor device has a thin profile, two face-to-face mounted power semiconductor device dice, and no internal bond wires. A first semiconductor device die is mounted so that a gate pad is bonded to the bottom of a first lead, and so that a source pad is bonded to the bottom of a second lead. A second semiconductor device die identical to the first is mounted so that a gate pad is bonded to the top of the first lead, and so that a source pad is bonded to the top of the second lead. The backside drain electrodes of both dice are electrically coupled to a third lead. The third lead in one example has a forked-shape, and the two dice are disposed entirely between the two tines of the fork. After encapsulation, the three leads extend parallel to each other from a body portion of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Zommer
  • WIRELESS SENSOR ARRAY FOR OCCUPANCY DETECTION IN PASSENGER VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20220097637
    Abstract: An occupancy detection system consists of a master controller for a series of joined receivers consisting of reader modules and transponder modules in close proximity to one another. The reader modules are able to both send power to the transponder modules wirelessly and receive signals from the transponder modules, where the transponder modules are sending signals based on information received from buckle sensors, occupancy sensors, or both. The transponder modules, set in each seat of the vehicle, will get the latch/unlatch signals from the buckles, and send this information back through the reader modules to the main controller. The main controller will interface with the vehicle to provide user interface notifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Kruger, Cesar Martinez, Xudong Fang
  • PROTECTION DEVICE INCLUDING RADIAL LEAD FUSE
    Publication number: 20220102098
    Abstract: Disclosed are various protection devices and associated methods. In some embodiments, a protection device may include a fuse assembly having a fusible link extending between a first lead end and a second lead end, and a first lead extending from the first lead end and a second lead extending from the second lead end. The protection device may further include a body including a first section coupleable with a second section, wherein the first and second sections define a central cavity housing the fusible link. The first section may include an interior face operable to engage an opposite interior face of the second section, an engagement member extending away from the interior face towards the second section, and an engagement channel adjacent the engagement member, the engagement channel operable to receive a corresponding engagement member of the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Johler, Arnel Ramos, Conrado Sagun De Leon, Joshua Miles Felicilda
  • Two-piece fuse endbell with pre-cast/pre-molded alignment slots and optional interface crush ribs
    Patent number: 11289297
    Abstract: A novel fuse assembly design utilizes single-piece terminal assemblies and two-piece endbells. The two-piece endbells and terminal assembly feature mating elements that enable fastening of the endbell portions to the terminal assembly without use of adhesives. The mating elements also provide positioning guidance for ease of assembly. Slots in the endbells for receipt of insertion pins enable the endbells to be pre-cast/pre-molded without costly rework of molding tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Burns, Jon Richard, Ganesh Nagaraj Chennakesavelu, Derek Lasini, Scott Faust
  • Low profile integrated fuse module
    Patent number: 11282667
    Abstract: A fuse module including a mounting block formed of an electrically insulating material, the mounting block having a rear wall extending from a base, a fuse plate including an electrically conductive bus bar disposed adjacent a rear surface of the rear wall, a fusible element electrically connected to the bus bar and disposed adjacent a front surface of the rear wall, and a fuse terminal electrically connected to the fusible element and extending onto a top of the base. The fuse module may further include an electrically conductive terminal post extending from the top of the base through the fuse terminal for facilitating connection to an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio Urrea, Gary Bold, Hector Perez, Matt Yurkanin, Alexander Conrad
  • OVERCURRENT PROTECTION BY DEPLETION MODE MOSFET OR JFET AND BI-METALLIC TEMPERATURE SENSING SWITCH IN MINI CIRCUIT BREAKER
    Publication number: 20220085599
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker for providing short circuit and overload protection is disclosed herein. The miniature circuit breaker features a field effect transistor (FET), which may be a depletion mode metal oxide semiconductor FET (D MOSFET), a junction field-effect transistor (JFET), or a silicon carbide JFET, the FET being connected to a bi-metallic switch, where the bi-metallic switch acts as a temperature sensing circuit breaker. In combination, the D MOSFET and bi-metallic switch are able to limit current to downstream circuit components, thus protecting the components from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Fang Chin, Teddy To
  • OVERCURRENT PROTECTION BY DEPLETION MODE MOSFET AND BI-METALLIC TEMPERATURE SENSING SWITCH
    Publication number: 20220085802
    Abstract: Circuits for providing overcurrent and overvoltage protection are disclosed herein. The circuits feature a depletion mode MOSFET (D MOSFET) as a current limiter, the D MOSFET being connected to a bi-metallic switch, where the bi-metallic switch acts as a temperature sensing circuit breaker. In combination, the D MOSFET and bi-metallic switch are able to limit current to downstream circuit components, thus protecting the components from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Fang Chin, Teddy To
  • HIGH BREAKING CAPACITY CHIP FUSE
    Publication number: 20220076913
    Abstract: A high breaking capacity chip fuse including a bottom insulative layer, a first intermediate insulative layer, a second intermediate insulative layer, and a top insulative layer disposed in a stacked arrangement in the aforementioned order, a fusible element disposed between the first and second intermediate insulative layers and extending between electrically conductive first and second terminals at opposing longitudinal ends of the bottom insulative layer, the first intermediate insulative layer, the second intermediate insulative layer, and the top insulative layer, wherein the first and second intermediate insulative layers are formed of porous ceramic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Irma Valeriano Santos, G. Todd Dietsch
  • Protection device including radial lead fuse
    Patent number: 11270861
    Abstract: Disclosed are various protection devices and associated methods. In some embodiments, a protection device may include a fuse assembly having a fusible link extending between a first lead end and a second lead end, and a first lead extending from the first lead end and a second lead extending from the second lead end. The protection device may further include a body including a first section coupleable with a second section, wherein the first and second sections define a central cavity housing the fusible link. The first section may include an interior face operable to engage an opposite interior face of the second section, an engagement member extending away from the interior face towards the second section, and an engagement channel adjacent the engagement member, the engagement channel operable to receive a corresponding engagement member of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Johler, Arnel Ramos, Conrado Sagun De Leon, Joshua Miles Felicilda
  • Fuse housing for safe outgassing
    Patent number: 11251009
    Abstract: A fuse housing for safe outgassing of a fuse is disclosed. The fuse housing features labyrinth walls disposed at opposing sides of the fuse housing. The labyrinth walls feature serpentine paths for the flow of outgassing material. At an end of the serpentine paths which is farthest away from a fuse element are vent channels. The vent channels are narrower in depth than that of the serpentine paths of the labyrinth walls, facilitating a suctioning effect during outgassing. Conductive material deposits along the serpentine paths so that the fuse maintains a high OSR rating. By directing and controlling the outflow of gases, the fuse housing is able to reduce the temperature of the gases produced. The fuse housing is also able to reduce the physical and observable effects of outgassing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Engelbert Hetzmannseder, Robert Gawrylo
  • ARC-MITIGATING FUSE WITH GAS EVOLVING MICROBEADS
    Publication number: 20220044903
    Abstract: An arc-mitigating fuse including a fuse body, a first endcap covering a first end of the fuse body and a second endcap covering a second end of the fuse body, a fusible element disposed within the fuse body and extending between the first endcap and the second endcap to provide an electrically conductive pathway therebetween, and a plurality of gas-evolving microbeads disposed within the fuse body surrounding the fusible element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: IRMA VALERIANO SANTOS, TODD GORDON DIETSCH
  • Temperature sensing tape
    Patent number: 11231331
    Abstract: A temperature sensing tape including a flexible, electrically insulating substrate, a plurality of temperature sensing elements disposed on the substrate, each temperature sensing element including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged in a confronting, spaced-apart relationship to define a gap therebetween, and a variable resistance material disposed within the gap and connecting the first electrode to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode of at least one of the temperature sensing elements is connected to the second electrode of an adjacent temperature sensing element by a flexible electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Golubovic, Martin G. Pineda, Yuriy Borisovich Matus, Jianhua Chen
  • High breaking capacity chip fuse
    Patent number: 11217415
    Abstract: A high breaking capacity chip fuse including a bottom insulative layer, a first intermediate insulative layer, a second intermediate insulative layer, and a top insulative layer disposed in a stacked arrangement in the aforementioned order, a fusible element disposed between the first and second intermediate insulative layers and extending between electrically conductive first and second terminals at opposing longitudinal ends of the bottom insulative layer, the first intermediate insulative layer, the second intermediate insulative layer, and the top insulative layer, wherein the first and second intermediate insulative layers are formed of porous ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Irma Valeriano Santos, G. Todd Dietsch
  • DEPLETION MODE MOSFET FOR OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
    Publication number: 20210408779
    Abstract: Circuits for providing overcurrent protection are disclosed herein. The circuits feature depletion mode MOSFETs connected to resistive elements, preferably, Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) devices, configured in such a way so that the voltage across the PTC device is the same as the gate-to-source voltage of the MOSFET. The circuit may further be configured using a TVS diode, for clamping the drain-to-source voltage of the MOSFET during the overcurrent events. Heat transfer between the MOSFET and the PTC device facilitates overcurrent protection. A two-terminal device including a depletion mode MOSFET, a PTC device, and a TVS diode may provide overcurrent protection to other circuits. A bidirectional circuit c including two MOSFETS disposed on either side of a PTC is also contemplated for AC voltage overcurrent protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Chin, Neil LeJeune, Orware Liu, Teddy To
  • Thin Film Coating Packaging for Device Having Meltable and Wetting Links
    Publication number: 20210388230
    Abstract: A method for creating a dielectric thin-film coating for devices having a fusible element is disclosed. The method comprises mixing insoluble and soluble polymers in solid form and exposing the mixture to heat to create a melt mixture. The melt mixture is then dissolved in a solvent to create a slurry which can then be deposited on the device as a thin-film coating to create an interior insulation layer or an external surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: YURIY BORISOVICH MATUS, MARTIN G. PINEDA, BORIS GOLUBOVIC, DEEPAK NAYAR
  • Single bolt fuse assembly with an electrically isolated bolt
    Patent number: 11195683
    Abstract: A single bolt fuse assembly and method to connect a single bolt fuse to a circuit or device are disclosed. The single bolt fuse assembly enables the single bolt fuse to be used on any electrical device having a hole suitable for receiving a threaded shaft and connectable to a circuit or device that electrically connects to a female battery or power cable. The apparatus includes a separate high-conductive metal terminal that mates with the stud that mechanically attaches the fuse between the electrical devices. The stud is insulated to avoid becoming part of the electrical circuit and to ensure proper operation of the fuse. By mechanically attaching the stud to the metal terminal, the stud is unlikely to get separated from the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiziano Bianchin, Massimiliano Tinto, Andrew J. Jozwiak, Geoffrey Schwartz