Abstract: A packaged electronic component includes an insulating body completely enclosing the electronic component except for runner-like blade leads which extend outwardly from the insulating body. The runner-like blade leads are more durable than conventional shaped leads and facilitate the making and breaking of sliding electrical contact with stationary contacts. A method of preparing the novel, packaged electronic component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A varistor has a cylindrical core made of a sintered varistor material which includes a longitudinal opening between the core ends. A pair of terminating layers are applied to the core, each adhering to one of the ends of the core and being in electrical contact with a lead wire inserted into the longitudinal opening. An electrode film is applied to the outer longitudinal surface of the core with each end in communication with one of the terminating layers. The electrode film is divided between the terminating layers into a pair of electrode portions by a gap which is dimensioned to predetermine the electrical properties of the varistor.

Abstract: A thick film varistor comprises a varistor film sandwiched between a pair of electrodes, one of which is in contact with a cylindrical substrate. Alternatively, the electrodes may be positioned on the same surface of the film--either in contact with the substrate or the surface of the film opposite the substrate. The preferred method of manufacture involves applying a terminating layer to each end of the substrate, forming the varistor film and the electrodes on the substrate in the desired configuration, attaching a lead wire to each end of the substrate in electrical contact with an adjacent terminating layer, and enclosing the varistor film within a conformal coating.

Abstract: A composition resistor incorporates a thermal fuse inert preferably positioned at its center. The insert includes a fuse link which under normal conditions provides electrical continuity between lead wires extending from each end of the resistor. If a current overload occurs, the heat generated by the resistance material raises the temperature at the center of the resistor to the melting point of the fuse link and the fuse link opens circuit before the organic constituents of the resistor begin to decompose or ignite.