Patents Assigned to Littelfuse, Inc.
  • Solderless surface mount fuse
    Patent number: 8937524
    Abstract: A surface mount fuse in one embodiment includes an insulative body, first and second conductive and caps attached to the insulative body, each end cap defining an aperture, and a fuse element extending (i) through the insulative body and the apertures and (ii) along outside surfaces of the first and second conductive end caps in such a way that solder used to attach the first and second conductive end caps to an external medium also fastens the fuse element to the first and second end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrado de Leon, Gordon T. Dietsch, Edgardo Olan, John Emannuel Semana, John Song, Stephen J. Whitney
  • LAMINATED ELECTRICAL FUSE
    Publication number: 20150009007
    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 a chamber having arc suppression material disposed therein. 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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: ALBERT ENRIQUEZ, DEMETRIO CRISTE, CONRADO DE LEON, CRISPIN ZULUETA, ROEL RETARDO, JOHN SEMANA, Gordon Todd Dietsch
  • CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140368309
    Abstract: A circuit protection device, including a conductor connected to first and second terminals and a spring exerting force on the conductor to move the conductor away from the first and/or second terminals when an over-voltage or over-temperature condition occurs within a charging circuit. One or more heat generating resistive elements melts material associated with one or more connection points of the conductor thereby releasing the conductor such that the spring moves the conductor to create an open circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: G. Todd Dietsch, Olga Spaldon-Stewart, Stephen J. Whitney
  • AC/DC CURRENT TRANSFORMER
    Publication number: 20140361761
    Abstract: A method for processing output from a current transformer comprising deriving signal data from the output; converting the signal data from analog to digital format; removing a carrier signal from the signal data; squaring the signal data; and performing a recursive RMS algorithm on the signal data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL P. VANGOOL, GEOFFREY J. BAKER
  • PROPAGATION VELOCITY COMPENSATED POSITION MEASUREMENT SENSOR
    Publication number: 20140306721
    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: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Efrem Fesshaie, Brian Johnson
  • LAMINATED ELECTRICAL FUSE
    Publication number: 20140300444
    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 a chamber having arc suppression material disposed therein. 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: ALBERT ENRIQUEZ, DEMETRIO CRISTE, CONRADO DE LEON, CRISPIN ZULUETA, ROEL RETARDO, JOHN SEMANA, Gordon Todd Dietsch
  • LAMINATED ELECTRICAL FUSE
    Publication number: 20140266565
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: ALBERT ENRIQUEZ, DEMETRIO CRISTE, CONRADO DE LEON, CRISPIN ZULUETA, ROEL RETARDO, JOHN SEMANA, Gordon Todd Dietsch
  • LAMINATED ELECTRICAL FUSE
    Publication number: 20140266564
    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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Enriquez, Demetrio Criste, Conrado DeLeon, Crispin Zulueta, Roel Retardo, John Semana, Gordon Todd Dietsch
  • INTELLIGENT FUSE HOLDER AND CIRCUIT PROTECTION METHODS
    Publication number: 20140247057
    Abstract: An intelligent circuit protection system and method for automating component replacement and providing information to a user or operator about a load for circuit protection. The circuit protection method includes sensing current and voltage across a fuse protecting a load; sending at least one signal indicative of the current and voltage; and using the at least one signal to determine if the load is operating normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: William G. Rodseth, Daniel Stanek, Daniel Gilman
  • ADAPTIVE REMOTE BATTERY CHARGING
    Publication number: 20140247005
    Abstract: A battery charger device and controller is provided. The battery charger includes a DC/DC converter operative to convert an input current and an input voltage to an output current and an output voltage. The controller is configured to determine whether the input voltage is between a minimum voltage and a maximum voltage and dynamically adjust the output current based on the determination that the input voltage is between the minimum voltage and the maximum voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: ERIC GRAHAM, CHAD BEAUREGARD, BRADLEY D. SMITHSON
  • COMPOSITE FUSE ELEMENT AND METHOD OF MAKING
    Publication number: 20140240082
    Abstract: An improved fuse element for use in a circuit protection fuse. The fuse element may include an insulating substrate portion and a conductive metallic portion disposed on at least one surface of the insulating substrate portion, wherein the metallic portion extends along, and is in continuous, intimate contact with the substrate portion. When the metallic portion melts and separates upon the occurrence of an overcurrent condition, the substrate portion bridges the resulting gap that is formed in the metallic portion and provides electrical arc suppression therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Ben Zheng, Style Liu, Marko Arciaga, Anthony Minervini
  • THERMAL METAL OXIDE VARISTOR CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140232512
    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: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Wen Yang, Hailang Tang, Hongbing Liu
  • Integrated fuse status indication in an open fuse block
    Patent number: 8810420
    Abstract: An open fuse block is provided having a visual indicator or light assembly connected in parallel with a replaceable fuse mounted in the fuse block. When the fuse is blown, the corresponding visual indicator is illuminated to identify the blown fuse, thereby facilitating quick and easy replacement of the fuse. Since the visual indicator is connected in parallel with the fuse element, when the fuse is blown, the fuse results in an open circuit and the flow of electricity is rerouted through the visual indicator. The visual indicator is thereby illuminated and the corresponding blown fuse can be easily identified. The visual indicator or light assembly can include, for example, a neon bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulb, or any other visual indicator that emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Stanek, Nathan C. Siegwald, Thomas M. Novak, Christopher J. Miller, Daniel R. Gilman, William F. Gonzalez, Jesse D. Rednour
  • DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING ARC FLASHES
    Publication number: 20140192451
    Abstract: A device for preventing arc flashes in electrical systems is provided. The device may include at least one heat sensor for measuring a temperature of an electrical conductor, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one heat sensor and configured to arrest current in the electrical conductor if the measured temperature exceeds a predefined threshold temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony S. Locker, Justin Mahaffey
  • Intelligent fuse holder and circuit protection methods
    Patent number: 8762083
    Abstract: An intelligent circuit protection system and method for automating component replacement and providing information to a user or operator about a load for circuit protection. The circuit protection method includes sensing current and voltage across a fuse protecting a load; sending at least one signal indicative of the current and voltage; and using the at least one signal to determine if the load is operating normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Rodseth, Daniel Stanek, Daniel Gilman
  • THREE-PHASE GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER
    Publication number: 20140168830
    Abstract: A three-phase GFCI device is disclosed. The three-phase GFCI device may include contactors, a contactor control module configured to cause the contactors to close during normal operation of the GFCI device and open based on receiving a fault signal, a current detection module, a transient suppression module, a miswire detection module, a ground-fault test module, a ground load detection module, and a fail-safe module. In some examples, the GFCI device may include the stated modules in accordance with the UL 943C standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL P. VANGOOL, NEHAD EL-SHERIF EL-KHARBAWE, GEORGE J. FENTY
  • FUSE ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20140134881
    Abstract: A circuit protection assembly includes a mounting block, a unitary fuse assembly, a post assembly and a plug connector. The unitary fuse assembly is disposed the mounting block and includes a plurality of fuses each of which is defined by a portion of a bus plate disposed on the lower surface of the mounting block to form a first terminal of the fuse, a second terminal disposed at least partially on the upper surface of the mounting block and a fuse element connecting the first terminal and the second terminal. The post assembly is disposed at least partially within the mounting block and a post extending from the block. The plug connector extends from a portion of the first terminal of at least one of the plurality of fuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Julio Urrea, Gary M. Gold
  • Formulations for voltage switchable dielectric materials having a stepped voltage response and methods for making the same
    Patent number: 8723153
    Abstract: Formulations for voltage switchable dielectric materials include two or more different types of semiconductive materials uniformly dispersed within a dielectric matrix material. The semiconductive materials are selected to have different bandgap energies in order to provide the voltage switchable dielectric material with a stepped voltage response. The semiconductive materials may comprise inorganic particles, organic particles, or an organic material that is soluble in, or miscible with, the dielectric matrix material. Formulations optionally can also include electrically conductive materials. At least one of the conductive or semiconductive materials in a formulation can comprise particles characterized by an aspect ratio of at least 3 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex Kosowsky, Robert Fleming
  • LOW THERMAL STRESS PACKAGE FOR LARGE AREA SEMICONDUCTOR DIES
    Publication number: 20140077378
    Abstract: A low thermal stress package for large area semiconductor dies. The package may include a substrate and at least one pedestal extending from the substrate, wherein the pedestal may have a mounting surface that is smaller than a mounting surface of a semiconductor die that is mounted to the pedestal. The bonded area between the die and the pedestal is therefore reduced relative to conventional semiconductor package substrates, as is the amount of thermal stress sustained by the die during thermal cycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Bono, Neil Solano
  • Moderately hazardous environment fuse
    Patent number: 8674803
    Abstract: A fuse for a moderately hazardous environment comprising: (i) a fuse element; (ii) first and second terminals connected to the fuse element; and (iii) a metal enclosure placed around the fuse element, the enclosure configured to protect the environment from an opening of the fuse element, and wherein the first and second terminals extend from the metal enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Stanek, Daniel Gilman, Nathan Siegwald, William G. Rodseth