Abstract: A power connector having an observation portion includes a housing, a live wire conductive member, a live wire contact plate and a neutral wire conductive member. The live wire contact plate has an elastic force to move away from the live wire conductive member. The live wire conductive member and the live wire contact plate contact with each other by a first limiting element damaged at a temperature of 80°˜299° C., separating the live wire contact plate from the live wire conductive member by that elastic force. The housing includes a transparent observation portion, allowing a user to see through partial or whole part of the first limiting element, of the live wire conductive member and of the live wire contact plate, enabling the observation of whether the live wire conductive member and the live wire contact plate are limited by the first limiting element to remain contacted.

Abstract: An ergonomic electrical connector and circuit indicator that facilitates the establishment of electrical connections between a motor vehicle and a towed trailer. The connector body has a first end portion configured appropriately for engaging a vehicle connector socket or plug. A second end portion of the connector defines an upwardly curved and expanded cylindrical section that presents an open connector face with an array of electrical connections and an associated array of LED indicators. The upward orientation eliminates the need for the user to work with the horizontal connector face at ground level and provides easy access to each of the terminals to which trailer wires are attached. The aligned LED indicators are each associated with a particular electrical terminal. The LED indicators therefore provide an identification of a particular circuit and the operational functionality of that circuit.

Abstract: A back end of the line (BEOL) fuse structure having a stack of vias. The stacking of vias leads to high aspect ratios making liner and seed coverage inside the vias poorer. The weakness of the liner and seed layers leads to a higher probability of electromigration (EM) failure. The fuse structure addresses failures due to poor liner and seed coverage. Design features permit determining where failures occur, determining the extent of the damaged region after fuse programming and preventing further propagation of the damaged dielectric region.

Abstract: System and method for testing the reliability of a fuse blow condition. The fuse blow detection circuit includes a fuse circuit comprising a fuse having a first end coupled to ground. A common node is coupled to the second end of the fuse. A pre-charge circuit is coupled to the common node for pre-charging the common node to a pre-charged HIGH level. An inverter includes an inverter output and an inverter input, wherein the inverter input is coupled to the common node. A feedback latch is coupled between a voltage source and ground, and includes a latch input that is coupled to the inverter output and a latch output coupled to the common node. A test circuit is included that is coupled to the common node, wherein in a normal mode the test circuit adds strength to the feedback latch for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level, such that in a test mode the feedback latch is weaker than in the normal mode for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level.

Abstract: A back end of the line (BEOL) fuse structure having a stack of vias. The stacking of vias leads to high aspect ratios making liner and seed coverage inside the vias poorer. The weakness of the liner and seed layers leads to a higher probability of electromigration (EM) failure. The fuse structure addresses failures due to poor liner and seed coverage. Design features permit determining where failures occur, determining the extent of the damaged region after fuse programming and preventing further propagation of the damaged dielectric region.

Abstract: Fuse state indicators include temperature responsive elements adapted to visually display a number of different fuse states. The displays may include distinct colors and markings that are made visible or concealed from view based on temperature ranges that the fuse is exposed to in use. Various temperature sensitive elements and various markings are disclosed to convey at least three distinct fuse states to interested persons at the location of the fuse.

Abstract: An electrically alterable circuit (EAC), suitable for use in an integrated circuit, includes a first interconnect, a link element, and a second interconnect. A first set of interconnect vias provides an electrically conductive connection between the first interconnect and a first end of the link element; A second set of interconnect vias provides an electrically conductive connection between the second interconnect and a second end of the link element. The EAC further includes a third interconnect and a one or more fuse vias that provide an electrical connection between the third interconnect and the link element. A conductance of the one or more fuse vias is less than a conductance of the first set of interconnect vias, a conductance of the second set of interconnect vias, or both.

Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse state indicator on the exterior surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator includes an electrically conductive element electrically connected to and extending between the terminal elements. A temperature sensitive element proximate and in thermal contact with the electrically conductive element includes material capable of changing color when heated to a predetermined transition temperature to form a mark on the temperature sensitive element. The fuse state indicator forms a first mark on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a first overcurrent condition, and forms a second mark, distinct from the first mark, on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a second overcurrent condition distinct from the first overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A fuse comprising a fuse body having ferrules at opposing ends, a fuse state indicator located on the surface of the fuse body wherein the fuse state indicator may be temperature sensitive or voltage sensitive and a wire extending from one ferrule to the other ferrule wherein the wire is positioned along the surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator senses heat generated by the wire or voltage flowing through the wire.

Abstract: A handheld device having a lamp for testing and clipping a blade fuse includes a handle having two probes extended therefrom, a clamp formed on one end of the handle, and an indicator for indicating the condition of the fuse. One of the probes is movably disposed on the handle, thereby allowing the adjustment of separation between two probes. Finally, one side of the handle includes a first lamp, which is disposed parallel to the probes and is electrically connected to the circuit board for illuminating the fuse to be tested. The other side of the handle includes a second lamp, which is disposed parallel to the clamp and is electrically connected to the circuit board for illuminating the fuse to be pulled out.

Abstract: A flexible circuit and continuity testing device may include a flexible printed circuit substrate. A battery having a positive and negative terminal may be attached to the substrate. An illumination source, e.g., an LED, may be attached to the substrate. The testing device may include a flexible electrical contact array, a small bulb tester, a fuse tester and a system tester. Each of these may be incorporated into the substrate and coplanar with the substrate. The contact array may include a planar coil shape, a semicircular shape, a pair of parallel contacts, a set of converging contacts or other configurations. The device may be about the size and shape of a credit card. The substrate may include a magnet or a pocket clip.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for adjusting an environmental variable of a fuse blow of an electronic fuse are disclosed. A mimic NFET is coupled to a fuse blow source voltage line, a fuse blow gate voltage line, and a chip ground in the same manner as the electronic fuse, except that the mimic NFET is not attached to a poly fuse link. The on current (ion) and off current (ioff) of the mimic NFET are measured to determine a blow current of the electronic fuse. The environmental variable is adjusted based on the determined blow current.

Abstract: An automobile multi-purpose DC source protection monitor includes of a fuse protection module; multiple units of fuse being arranged on each fuse-carrier, then respectively connected to electric appliance; individual sensor being provided to form individual detection loop; a signal retrieval module connected to each sensor through transmission wire to convert analog signals detected by each fuse into digital signals; and a display module to clearly indicate the location of a failing fuse, immediate display of voltage, amperage and power in numeric values by means of the signal retrieval module and the digital signals of the detection loop from each fuse on the fuse-carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in measuring current drawn across a fuse socket in an electrical circuit. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention is a fuse adapter that includes an outer shell that is specifically molded to fit within a corresponding fuse socket. The shell includes two contacts that electrically contact leads when inserted within the socket. The contacts also protrude through the inner surface of the fuse adapter. First and second electrically conductive paths, or wires, are connected to each contact on the inner surface of the adapter and extend outward from the base of the adapter to contact with leads of an ammeter to test the current across the fuse socket.

Abstract: In one form, tester for an electrical system, such as for a vehicle, develops repetitively applied, short duration, control current pulses for reducing load current pulses through the electrical system. An operator connects a pair of input contacts across a fuse holder. A circuit between the input contacts is closed momentarily and repetitively to produce repetitive current pulses from the electricity source through the system. A perceptible alert is produced when the magnitude of the current pulse exceeds that of a prescribed reference current value. In another form, a tester for an electrical system is designed to plug into the fuse terminals in a fuse box. The tester can include a plurality of interchangeable circuit breaker modules to allow the tester to be used on circuits having differing current ratings.

Abstract: A fuse device includes two prongs secured in a casing, and a fuse member secured between the prongs. An indicating device is electrically coupled to the prongs or to the fuse member for generating a warning or an indicating signal when the fuse member is broken. The indicating device includes a pair of conductor blades electrically coupled to the prongs, and an indicating member, such as a light device or a buzzer, secured between the conductor blades for generating an indicating light or a warning sound when the fuse member is broken.

Abstract: A conventional flashlight is adapted for use as a circuit continuity tester. The flashlight has the usual hollow body containing the batteries, a bulb having one contact in communication with the positive battery terminal and the other contact connected, through an on-off switch, to a conducting, exterior portion of the flashlight, and thence to a conducting spring which completes the circuit to the negative battery terminal. The flashlight is modified by providing a passageway through the end cap which threads to the lower end of the body, passing a wire through the passageway, and soldering one end of the wire to a metal washer having a plastic coating on one side and the other end to a metal pocket clip which detachably connects to the body. The washer is placed in contact with the negative battery terminal with the plastic layer insulating the washer from contact with the spring.

Abstract: A blown fuse indicator cap which is removably attachable to a pre-existing prior art cartridge type fuse housing, with the cap having indicator means thereon which notifies a user that the fuse has blown and needs replacing.

Abstract: A blown fuse commutator strip which is removably attachable to a pre existing plug-in type fuse, with the commutator strip having an indicator thereon which will notify the user that the fuse has blown and needs replacing.

Abstract: Apparatus to illuminate a light source when a fuse has blown and method of use. Apparatus including a circuit having: a power supply source, a switch, a load, a fuse housing containing a fuse and a light housing containing a light source.

Abstract: The present invention is substantially an indicator cap which is removably attachable to a prior art plug-in type fuse, and the cap having an indicator light for signaling that a fuse has blown so as to notify a user of the blown condition of the fuse. Furthermore, we provide unique circuitry which in combination with the existing circuitry provides unusual results, and we also provide a method of use therefore.

Abstract: A plier-type manual tool for removing and testing cartridge-type fuses is constructed of two pivoted elongated members providing jaw portions and handle portions. The handle portions are fabricated of rigid electrically insulative material. One of the handle portions is a testing handle and has an internal cavity which houses batteries and an indicator device such as a buzzer. Contact posts project from the interior surface of the testing handle in a spaced apart linear array along the length of the handle. Conductors within the handle join the batteries, the posts and buzzer in a partial series circuit. The series circuit is completed when a cartridge fuse having electrical continuity bridges two of the posts.

Abstract: An improved testing structure is provided in a flashlight (or lantern) provided with an electrical continuity tester. The flashlight or lantern has an insulated body and a flashlight (or lantern) bulb and batteries in primary series circuit. The testing structure, which is formed in the flashlight (or lantern) body, includes a testing series circuit, which is electrically-coupled to the primary series circuit, and a testing site. The testing site includes a pair of converging, sloping, facing walls, separated by a floor, the floor being provided with a pair of spaced-apart channels. Two electrically-conductive strips of specifically-defined structure and orientation are provided within the testing site to repose within the pair of spaced-apart channels. The strips may be resiliently urged into coincident relationship with the walls of the channels.

Abstract: A fuse checker particularly adapted for use with miniature, plug-in fuses for testing the fuses while the fuses are in operative position in an electrical circuit. The checker includes a housing from which extend a pair of parallel contact points adapted for engagement with terminal tabs that lie within terminal access openings in a fuse housing. A ground lead is provided for completing the circuit, which includes a pair of light emitting diodes that have their lenses positioned to form part of the surface of a checker housing. A separate, current limiting resistor is applied between a respective LED and one of the contact points and the ground lead. The checker housing can be a hollow structure or it can be solid, to fully encapsulate the circuit elements that are positioned within the housing.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a combination flashlight (or lantern)/continuity tester having an insulated body and a (flashlight) bulb and batteries in series circuit. The improved tester, which is formed in the flashlight (or lantern) body, includes an entry site of a particular configuration into the interior of the body. The testing means includes a pair of electrically-conductive strips, each strip having a contact portion, adjacent to the body entry site and penetrating into the interior of the body. Each strip is also in electrical contact with the series circuit. The shape of the entry site is such as to guide terminals of the circuit element being tested into contact with respective ones of the strips. The electrical continuity of a fuse or light bulb is determined by the lighting of the bulb being tested and/or by the lighting of the lamp bulb of the flashlight.