Patents Assigned to Littelfuse, Inc.
  • LOW-CURRENT FUSE STAMPING METHOD
    Publication number: 20170154748
    Abstract: A convenient, cost-effective method for manufacturing low-current fuse elements. The method may include the steps of stamping a substrate out of a sheet of material and stamping at least one hole in the substrate. The method may further include the steps of bonding a layer of fuse material to a surface of the substrate with a portion of the fuse material covering the hole, stamping a fuse element out of the portion of fuse material covering the hole, and separating an individual fuse from the fuse material and the substrate. A low-current fuse can thereby be obtained using an easily performed stamping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Beckert, Gregory G. Stumpo, Stephen R. Shierry
  • Method for manufacturing a surface mount device
    Patent number: 9659690
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface mount device includes providing at least one core device and at least one lead frame. The core device is attached to the lead frame. The core device and the lead frame are encapsulated within an encapsulant. The encapsulant comprises a liquid epoxy that when cured has an oxygen permeability of less than approximately 0.4 cm3·mm/m2·atm·day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario G. Sepulveda, Martin G. Pineda, Anthony Vranicar, Kedar V. Bhatawadekar, Minh V. Ngo, Dov Nitzan
  • Resistance change device providing overcurrent protection
    Patent number: 9653913
    Abstract: An overcurrent protection device may include an input terminal to receive an input current; an output terminal coupled to the input terminal; and a current limiter circuit integrated into the silicon substrate and arranged between the input terminal and output terminal. The current limiter circuit may include a series pass element having a pass state characterized by a first electrical resistance and a limit state characterized by a second electrical resistance higher than the first electrical resistance, the series pass element comprising a series current sense element integrated into the silicon substrate and configured to receive the input current and to output a sense voltage based upon the received input current, wherein the series pass element is configured to place the current limiter circuit into the limit state when the sense voltage indicates that the input current exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Mark Bentley
  • THERMAL METAL OXIDE VARISTOR CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170110279
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a circuit protection device, A circuit protection device may comprise a housing defining a cavity and a metal oxide varistor (MOV) disposed within the cavity. The circuit protection device may further comprise a first terminal electrically attached at a first end to the MOV by solder and extending outside of the housing at a second end. An arc shield is disposed within the housing between the first end of the first terminal and at least partially over the solder. The circuit protection device may further comprise a spring configured to bias the arc shield against a micro switch having an indicator portion disposed at least partially outside of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen Yang, Hailang Tang, Hongbing Liu
  • Intelligent high speed automatic transfer switch
    Patent number: 9627924
    Abstract: A transfer system may be provided. The transfer system may comprise a first transfer switch comprising first normally closed contacts and first normally open contacts. In addition, the transfer system may comprise a second transfer switch comprising second normally closed contacts and second normally open contacts. Furthermore, the transfer system may comprise third normally closed contacts with a solid state switch in parallel. A source monitor may be configured to monitor the quality of a primary source and a backup source. And a source control may be configured to operate the first transfer switch, the second transfer switch, the third normally closed contacts, and the solid state switch to transfer a load from the primary source to the backup source in response to the monitored quality of the primary source and the backup source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Kip McArthur Larson
  • Porous inlay for fuse housing
    Patent number: 9607799
    Abstract: A fuse may include a housing having a cavity. The fuse may also include a fuse element disposed within the cavity; a plurality of terminals extending out of the housing and electrically connected to the fuse element; and porous material disposed in the cavity adjacent to the fuse element, the porous material having a plurality of pores, the porous material further comprising an open pore structure wherein at least some of the pores are disposed on an outer surface of the porous material facing the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Florian Schmidt, Michael Hofmann, Pascal Jung
  • Zinc oxide based varistor and fabrication method
    Patent number: 9601244
    Abstract: A varistor may include a varistor ceramic that includes zinc oxide having a molar percent greater than 90 percent and a set of metal oxides, where the set of metal oxides includes Bi2O3 having a molar fraction between 0.2 and 2.5 percent; Co3O4 having a molar fraction between 0.2 and 1.2 percent; Mn3O4 having a molar fraction between 0.05 and 0.5 percent; Cr2O3 having a molar fraction between 0.05 and 0.5 percent; NiO having a molar fraction between 0.5 and 1.5 percent; Sb2O3 oxide having a molar fraction between 0.05 and 1.5 percent; B2O3 having a molar fraction between 0.001 to 0.03 percent; and aluminum in the form of an oxide having a molar fraction between 0.001 and 0.05 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Shuying Liu
  • POWER DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
    Publication number: 20170070041
    Abstract: A power distribution housing including a base, a cover adapted to fit onto the base, a latch member adapted to removably secure the cover to the base, the latch member having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end having a latch detent extending therefrom, the latch detent configured to engage a catch in the cover when the latch member is pivoted to a latched position wherein the cover is secured to the base by the latch member, and a locking member coupled to the latch member, the locking member movable between a locked position, in which a locking member extension of the locking member engages a locking member recess in the cover and prevents the latch member from being moved from the latched position to an unlatched position, and an unlocked position in which the locking member extension does not engage the locking member recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Kaufman, Brent Glad
  • Thermal metal oxide varistor circuit protection device
    Patent number: 9570260
    Abstract: A circuit protection device including a housing, a metal oxide varistor disposed within said housing, a terminal having a contact lead at a first end electrically attached to said metal oxide varistor by solder and having a second end extending outside of said housing, an arc shield disposed within said housing between said contact lead and said metal oxide varistor, a micro switch housed in a pocket portion of the housing, said micro switch having a trigger portion and an indicator portion disposed at least partially outside of said housing, said arc shield positioned against said trigger portion, and a spring configured to bias said arc shield away from said pocket portion and to move said arc shield away from said trigger portion when said solder is melted to provide a barrier between said metal oxide varistor and said contact lead, whereby the indicator portion is retracted into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen Yang, Hailang Tang, Hongbing Liu
  • FUSE WITH INSULATED PLUGS
    Publication number: 20170040134
    Abstract: An improved fuse including a fuse body formed of an electrically insulative material. The fuse body defines a cavity which extends from a first end of the fuse body to a second end of the fuse body. A fusible element is disposed within the cavity and extends from a first end face of the first end of the fuse body to a second end face of the second end of the fuse body. Insulated plugs are disposed within the cavity at the first and second ends of the fuse body wherein the plugs adhere to an interior surface of the fuse body and form seals that close the internal cavity. The fuse may further include end terminations that are applied to the ends of the fuse body in electrical contact with the fusible element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Arce, Simon Burgos, Marlon Daza, Restituto Dumaran, Conrado de Leon, Merjaycel Marquinez, Dan Onken, Janus Pagharion, Roel Retardo, Bienvenido Salonga, Crispin Zulueta
  • Fuse end cap with crimpable terminal
    Patent number: 9564281
    Abstract: A fuse end cap for providing an electrical connection between a fuse and an electrical conductor. The fuse end cap may include a mounting cuff defining a first cavity that is adapted to receive a fuse body. The mounting cuff may be configured to be mounted to the fuse body by friction fit, for example. The fuse end cap may further include a terminal defining a second cavity adapted to receive a conductor. The terminal may be configured to be crimped about the conductor to retain the conductor within the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Gilman, Thomas M. Novak, Nathan C. Siegwald
  • Fuse with insulated plugs
    Patent number: 9558905
    Abstract: An improved fuse including a fuse body formed of an electrically insulative material. The fuse body defines a cavity which extends from a first end of the fuse body to a second end of the fuse body. A fusible element is disposed within the cavity and extends from a first end face of the first end of the fuse body to a second end face of the second end of the fuse body. Insulated plugs are disposed within the cavity at the first and second ends of the fuse body wherein the plugs adhere to an interior surface of the fuse body and form seals that close the internal cavity. The fuse may further include end terminations that are applied to the ends of the fuse body in electrical contact with the fusible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Arce, Simon Jude Burgos, Marlon Daza, Restituto Dumaran, Conrado de Leon, Merjaycel Marquinez, Dan Onken, Janus Pagharion, Roel Retardo, Bienvenido Salonga, Crispin Zulueta
  • SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING BATTERY STATUS
    Publication number: 20160372946
    Abstract: A system for measuring a current from a battery with a Hall Effect sensor, the current powering a primary load and a secondary load. The system to calculate a status of the battery based on the measured current, then compare the status of the battery to a predetermined value. The system to activate a relay when the status of the battery is below a predetermined value, activation of the relay to prevent the current from powering the secondary load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Menzer, Armando Zacarias
  • REED WITH HINGE FOR REED SWITCH
    Publication number: 20160307719
    Abstract: A reed for a reed switch and a reed switch are provided. The reed may include a first portion having a first thickness and a first length, a second portion having a second thickness and a second length, and a hinged portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the hinged portion having a third thickness and a third length, wherein the third length is less than 150% of the first thickness and the third thickness is less than each of the first thickness and the second thickness. The reed switch may include the reed disposed in an insulating housing with a reed deformer to deform the reed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark PICKHARD
  • Reflowable circuit protection device
    Patent number: 9472364
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a base assembly, a spring on top of the base, a conductive terminal that fits over the base and spring, and a cap that first over the base, spring and terminal. The base includes latches on the front side of the base. The conductive terminal includes a first end on the front side of the base and a second end on a rear side of the base that is opposite to the front side. The cap includes a first protrusion extending downward from the cap above one of the latches and a second protrusion extending downward from the cap above the other latch. The circuit protection device also includes a means for activating the circuit protection device after reflow in response to a force applied to the cap in a first direction defined from a top of the cap towards the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Martyn A. Matthiesen, Anthony Vranicar, Jianhua Chen, Dapeng Hou
  • Laminated electrical fuse
    Patent number: 9460882
    Abstract: A compact, high breaking capacity fuse that includes a top insulative layer, at least one intermediate insulative layer, and a bottom insulative layer arranged in a vertically stacked configuration. The at least one intermediate layer may have a hole formed therethrough that defines an air gap within the fuse. A first conductive terminal may be formed on a first end of the fuse and a second conductive terminal may be formed on a second end of the fuse. At least one fusible element may connect the first terminal to the second terminal, thus providing an electrically conductive pathway therebetween. A portion of the at least one fusible element may pass through the air gap defined by the hole in the at least one intermediate insulative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Enriquez, Demetrio Criste, Conrado DeLeon, Crispin Zulueta, Roel Retardo, John Semana, Gordon Todd Dietsch
  • Reflowable circuit protection device
    Patent number: 9431203
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a housing, which includes first and second electrodes. The device includes a conductive slider inside the housing. At a first location within the housing, the slider provides an electrical connection between the first and second electrodes. At a second location within the housing, the slider does not provide the electrical connection. A spring is secured to and stretched between the slider and an inner side of the housing such that the spring is held in tension in an expanded state. The slider is held at the first location by a solder between the slider and the first and second electrodes. After the device is armed, detection of an over-temperature condition causes the solder to begin to melt and the spring to compress and pull the slider to the second location within the housing, thus severing the electrical connection between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelomon Patrick Doblack, Jianhua Chen, Matthew P. Galla
  • Propagation velocity compensated position measurement sensor
    Patent number: 9400179
    Abstract: A position sensing system including a waveguide, a magnet movable relative to the waveguide, and a compensator configured to compensate for a change in propagation velocity of the waveguide in determining a position of the magnet relative to the waveguide. The compensator coupled to the waveguide and configured to receive a pulse, an end of line pulse corresponding to the pulse transmitted through the waveguide, and a reflected pulse corresponding to a reflection of the pulse at a point in the waveguide. The compensator configured to determine the point based at least in part on the pulse, the end of line pulse, and/or the reflected pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Efrem Fesshaie, Brian Johnson
  • Voltage switchable dielectric material containing conductor-on-conductor core shelled particles
    Patent number: 9208931
    Abstract: A composition of voltage switchable dielectric (VSD) material that comprises a concentration of core shelled particles that individually comprise a conductor core and a conductor shell, so as to form a conductor-on-conductor core shell particle constituent for the VSD material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex Kosowsky, Robert Fleming, Junjun Wu, Pragnya Saraf, Thangamani Ranganathan
  • Geometric configuration or alignment of protective material in a gap structure for electrical devices
    Patent number: 9053844
    Abstract: An electrical device that includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are separated from one another so as to form a gap structure. A layer of protective material spans the gap structure to contact the first electrode and the second electrode. A dimension of the gap structure, corresponding to a separation distance between the first electrode and the second electrode, is varied and includes a minimum separation distance that coincides with a critical path of the layer of protective material between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex Kosowsky, Robert Fleming