Patents Assigned to Littelfuse, Inc.
  • Quick assembly plug connector
    Patent number: 11677186
    Abstract: Provided herein is are quick-assembly plug connectors. In some embodiments, an assembly may include a body, and a contact carrier within the body, the contact carrier including a main body including a plurality of openings each operable to receive a contact, and a plurality of legs extending from the main body, each of the plurality of legs coupled with the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Tiziano Bianchin
  • PPTC actuator heater
    Patent number: 11670440
    Abstract: A novel heater is disclosed for a temperature sensitive actuator. The heater is a polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) device consisting of conductive filler and semi-crystalline polymer. The PPTC heater is strategically designed to have a predetermined self-regulation temperature suited to whatever application utilizes the heater. Physical characteristics of the PPTC heater, such as gap width and thickness, enable the current flow through the heater to be strategically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianhua Chen, Rimantas Radzys
  • Two-piece fuse endbell with pre-cast/pre-molded alignment slots and optional interface crush ribs
    Patent number: 11651923
    Abstract: A novel fuse assembly design utilizes a fuse body, a single-piece terminal assembly and a two-piece endbell. The terminal assembly is disposed within the fuse body and includes first and second opposing surfaces with a fuse element extending between a first terminal and a second terminal. The endbell, to be connected to the fuse body, includes first and second endbell portions. Formed within the first endbell portion is a first receptacle and extending from the first endbell portion is a first protrusion. Formed within the second endbell portion is a second receptacle and extending from the second endbell portion is a second protrusion. When the two endbell portions are fastened to one another with the terminal assembly sandwiched between them, the first protrusion engages the second receptacle and the second protrusion engages the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Burns, Jon Richard, Ganesh Nagaraj Chennakesavelu, Derek Lasini, Scott Faust
  • Semiconductor device having junction termination structure and method of formation
    Patent number: 11652167
    Abstract: A power semiconductor device may include a junction termination region, bounded by a side edge of a semiconductor substrate. The junction termination region may include a substrate layer of a first dopant type, a well layer of a second dopant type, a conductive trench assembly having a first set of conductive trenches, in the junction termination region, and extending from above the substrate layer through the well layer; and a metal layer, electrically connecting the conductive trench assembly to the well layer. The metal layer may include a set of inner metal contacts, electrically connecting a set of inner regions of the well layer to a first set of trenches of the conductive trench assembly; and an outer metal contact, electrically connecting an outer region of the well layer to a second set of conductive trenches of the conductive trench assembly, wherein the outer region borders the side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyoung Wook Seok
  • PPTC heater and material having stable power and self-limiting behavior
    Patent number: 11650391
    Abstract: A resistance heater may include a polymer positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) material, arranged in a ring shape that defines a heater body; and an electrode assembly, comprising two or more electrodes arranged in contact with the heater body at two or more locations, wherein PPTC material comprises: a polymer matrix, the polymer matrix defining a PPTC body; and a conductive filler component, disposed in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianhua Chen
  • MAGNETIC SENSING SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE DOOR APPLIANCES
    Publication number: 20230127677
    Abstract: A magnetic sensing system includes a sensor and three magnets. The sensor is located within an appliance housing, the appliance having three moving components. The first magnet is disposed in a first orientation adjacent the first moving component, with the position of the first magnet changing in concert with movement of the first moving component. The second magnet is disposed in a second orientation adjacent the second moving component, with the position of the second magnet changing in concert with movement of the second moving component. The third magnet is disposed in a third orientation adjacent the third moving component, with the position of the third magnet changing in concert with movement of the third moving component. The sensor detects displacement of the first moving component, the second moving component, or the third moving component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Sabotta, Seong-Jae Lee, Stephen E. Knapp
  • Overcurrent protection by depletion mode MOSFET or JFET and bi-metallic temperature sensing switch in mini circuit breaker
    Patent number: 11637423
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Fang Chin, Teddy To
  • Modular high voltage fuse
    Patent number: 11631566
    Abstract: A fuse including a fuse body having a main body portion formed of a dielectric material, a plurality of arc chambers formed in the main body portion, the arc chambers arranged in a matrix configuration, a conductor extending through the main body portion and intersecting the arc chambers, the conductor having bridge portions disposed within the arc chambers, the bridge portions being mechanically weaker than other portions of the conductor and configured to melt and separate upon the occurrence of an overcurrent condition in the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Engelbert Hetzmannseder
  • Optical rain sensor
    Patent number: 11623613
    Abstract: An optical rain sensor including a plurality of light detecting elements and a plurality of peripheral light emitting elements disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and surrounding a central light emitting element disposed on the PCB, wherein, in a first mode of operation, the central light emitting element is configured to emit light beams toward the plurality of light detecting elements, and wherein, in a second mode of operation, each of the peripheral light emitting elements is configured to emit light beams toward the plurality of light detecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Mindaugas Ketlerius, Mangirdas Rasiulis
  • PPTC tank heater
    Patent number: 11621108
    Abstract: A polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) tank heater features a first conductive region, a heater body, and a second conductive region, forming a sandwich. The first conductive region includes a first conductive surface connected to a first lead and a second conductive surface connected to a second lead. The heater body is a PPTC polymer matrix including a conductive filler and a semi-crystalline polymer. The sandwich includes multiple heating elements connected in series and each heating element supplies a different resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianhua Chen, Davide Faganello
  • Bend web design for reed switches
    Patent number: 11621132
    Abstract: A reed switch including a cylindrical enclosure with two ends, a first blade and a second blade is disclosed. The first blade has a first lead, a first web, and a first contact, and the first web is bent at a first angle as compared to the first lead. The second blade has a second lead, a second web, and a second contact, and the second web is bent at a second angle as compared to the second lead. The first contact is disposed adjacent to the second contact with a gap between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Malabanan Tacla, Jordanuff Cabilan, Edwin Canido Aberin
  • Thermal sensing wire and techniques for thermal sensing
    Patent number: 11614369
    Abstract: A thermal sensor wire. The thermal sensor wire may include a thermal sensing portion extending along a wire axis of the thermal sensor wire; and a carrier portion, the carrier portion extending along the wire axis, adjacent to the thermal sensing portion, the thermal sensing portion comprising a polymer positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) material or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuriy Borisovich Matus, Martin G. Pineda, Sergio Fuentes
  • PPTC HEATER AND MATERIAL HAVING STABLE POWER AND SELF-LIMITING BEHAVIOR
    Publication number: 20230092379
    Abstract: A polymer positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) material may include a polymer matrix, the polymer matrix defining a PPTC body; and a graphene filler component, disposed in the polymer matrix, wherein the graphene filler component comprises a plurality of graphene particles aligned along a predetermined plane of the PPTC body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiyong Zhou, Yingsong FU
  • Busbar design that terminates with sealed connector
    Patent number: 11611172
    Abstract: A novel busbar, suitable for low-power applications, features a u-shaped extension having a male terminal that fits into and establishes electrical connection with a standard female terminal. The housing of an electrical box including the busbar is modified to receive the female terminal in such a way that Ingress Protection ratings of IP67 and IP69K are maintained within the electrical box. The busbar is not riveted to a thicker busbar terminating with a stud and lug nut, as in legacy configurations, thus being simpler and cheaper to manufacture. The female terminal, once connected to the busbar, is removable by inserting a tool into a dedicated opening within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave G. Kotowski, Michael J. Skrzypczak
  • Relay including bistable disconnect switch
    Patent number: 11605517
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Davide Mantoan
  • Power semiconductor device having guard ring structure, and method of formation
    Patent number: 11600693
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a power semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises an active device region and a junction termination region. The power semiconductor device may also include a polysilicon layer, disposed over the semiconductor substrate. The polysilicon layer may include an active device portion, disposed over the active device region, and defining at least one semiconductor device; and a junction termination portion, disposed over the junction termination region, the junction termination portion defining a ring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyoung Wook Seok
  • Fuse housing for safe outgassing
    Patent number: 11594392
    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: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Engelbert Hetzmannseder, Robert Gawrylo
  • QUICK ASSEMBLY PLUG CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20230056598
    Abstract: Provided herein is are quick-assembly plug connectors. In some embodiments, an assembly may include a body, and a contact carrier within the body, the contact carrier including a main body including a plurality of openings each operable to receive a contact, and a plurality of legs extending from the main body, each of the plurality of legs coupled with the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: TIZIANO BIANCHIN
  • Automobile antenna assembly with integrated photo radiation intensity sensor
    Patent number: 11588242
    Abstract: An automobile antenna assembly including a housing adapted for installation on a roof of an automobile, the housing having a base portion and a fin portion extending from the base portion, a radio antenna disposed within the fin portion, and a photo radiation intensity sensor disposed within the base portion, the photo radiation intensity sensor including a first light detecting element located on a first side of the fin portion and a second light detecting element located on a second side of the fin portion opposite the first side, wherein at least a portion of the base portion is translucent for allowing light to be received by the first and second light detecting elements, the fin portion providing a light barrier between the first light detecting element and the second light detecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Juergen Scheele, Darius Belazaras, Mindaugas Ketlerius
  • Coil support structure and method of retaining PCBA of a relay
    Patent number: 11581158
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Davide Mantoan