Abstract: An electronic device is formed of multiple, alternating layers of conductive polymer and metal foil electrodes, in which electrical connections between selected electrodes are provided by cross-conductors formed by plated through-hole vias. More specifically, the device includes a first cross-conductor that electrically connects a first set of electrodes, and a second cross-conductor electrically connects a second set of electrodes. Correspondingly, the first cross-conductor is electrically and physically isolated from the second set of electrodes, while the second cross-conductor is electrically and physically isolated from the first set of electrodes. The electrodes are etched to form an isolation gap that isolates that electrode from either the first or second cross-conductor. The first and second cross-conductors, in turn, are formed by plating the through-hole vias, so as to establish electrically-conductive contact with those electrodes not separated from the via by an isolation gap.

Abstract: A conductive polymer device includes an active element comprising a conductive polymeric layer laminated between a pair of electrodes to which terminal leads are attached. The active element is enclosed in an insulative package. Each of the electrodes may be formed integrally with its associated terminal lead in a single lead frame, with a layer of conductive polymeric material laminated between two such lead frames. Alternatively, a conductive polymeric layer may be laminated between two electrodes, with a terminal lead then being soldered to each electrode. The insulative package for the active element may be either an over-molded housing encasing the active element, or a pre-molded housing having a cavity into which the active element is installed, and which is then hermetically sealed with a suitable sealant material.

Abstract: A laminated, metal-polymer-metal PTC resistor (8) is held in the end cap (2) of an electric motor. Substantially parallel opposed surfaces (9 and 10) of the PTC resistor (8) are engaged by electrically conductive members (11 and 12) which are respectively connected to one of the brushes (5) and one of the motor terminals (6) so that the supply of electricity is interrupted when the PTC resistor (8) is heated above a predetermined temperature as a result of excessive current flow. The PTC resistor (8) is supported against movement perpendicular to the substantially parallel opposed surfaces (9 and 10), at least in one direction, and therefore independently of at least one of the contact members (11 and 12) so that, at most, only one of the contact members (11 and 12) is needed for supporting the PTC resistor (8). Both contact members (11 and 12) can therefore make point contact with the PTC resistor (8) and this improves operation by inhibiting the conduction of heat to or from the PTC resistor (8).