Abstract: A self-recovering current limiting fuse protecting a secondary battery having a high rated voltage thanks to its improved breakdown voltage, expanding the application range, shortening the charging time, and realizing maintenance-free. The self-recovering current limiting fuse is made by fluid-dispersing solid conductive particles into a liquid matrix between electrodes. A current limiting operation through evaporation/spreading of the solid conductive particles and a conducting state brought about through collection of the solid conductive particles between the electrodes by dielectrophoretic force of the solid conductive particles are realized repeatedly, and a current limiting operation through evaporation/spreading of the solid conductive particles by overcurrent is realized.

Abstract: A high voltage fuse which includes at least one fuse terminal located at a distal end of the fuse housing. One face of the fuse terminal includes an elongated groove and an opposite face includes at least two elongated grooves. An aperture extends through the fuse terminal from the first face to the second face. The first face is adapted for use with an eyebolt connector component to attach a single conductor to be in direct contact with the fuse terminal. The second face is adapted for use with a parallel groove connector clamping component to attach a pair of conductors in direct contact with the fuse terminal. Alternatively, the grooves on the first and second faces may be provided on a single face of the fuse terminal. The fuse terminal may also serve the function of a spade connector. Thus, the fuse terminal provides improved versatility to allow a variety of connectors to be used therewith.

Abstract: An application for preventing the reuse of a medical device includes a disposable medical device and a handle for accepting the disposable medical device. The handle physically supports the disposable medical device. A circuit for identifying the disposable medical device is imbedded within the disposable medical device and a circuit for reading a status of the identification is located in the handle. Whether the disposable medical device has been used is determined based upon the status.

Abstract: A fuse includes: a first connecting terminal to be connected to a power source; a second connecting terminal to be connected to a load; a third connecting terminal to be connected to a relay control circuit; a fuse element having one end to be connected to the first connecting terminal; and a semiconductor relay directly mounted on the second connecting terminal. The semiconductor relay is a relay circuit switching between conducting and non-conducting states of a connection between its own drain and source electrodes, according to control signals inputted to the own gate electrode. The drain, source and gate electrodes are electrically connected to the other end of the fuse element, the second connecting terminal and the third connecting terminal, respectively. The first to third connecting terminals, the fuse element and the semiconductor relay are formed in an integral structure with a mold resin sealing portion.

Abstract: An electrical distribution device that includes a terminal for providing a connection to a first conductor, a spring mechanism having a first end that is electrically connected to the terminal, and a second conductor electrically connected to one or more internal components of the device. The spring mechanism has a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, the second end is electrically connected to the second conductor by solder. When the solder melts, the spring mechanism moves from to the second condition in which the second end is no longer electrically connected to the second conductor, thereby protecting the internal components from the fault condition that lead to the overheating. A condition indicator may also be provided for indicating a fault condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuse assembly, which includes a main body, two metal legs, a meltable rod having its both ends being connected by inner ends of the metal legs respectively, and a cover. A thin tin layer is connected tightly between the inner end of the metal leg and the rod without any space. The fuse assembly then obtains a perfect electrical connection. It cab be used on any electrical product with a high effective and stable function.

Abstract: In the thermosensor of the invention, both ends 21, 22 of an elastic member 2 are fixed to a body 1 in a state where the elastic member 2 is compressed in a longitudinal direction, to form the elastic member 2 into a convex curved shape, one end side of the convex curved shape is raised by a predetermined angle ?L? with respect to the body 1, a flexure angle of another end 22 of the convex curved shape is zero, the fixation of one end portion 21 of the elastic member 2 and the body 1 is conducted via a fusible material 3, and a melting point or a softening point of the fusible material 3 is an operating temperature.

Abstract: A multiple fused junction with blown fuse indication which generally includes a main body, a fuse connected to the main body and a switch disposed within the main body. The main body has multiple cable ports extending outwardly therefrom. At least one of the ports is adapted for electrical connection with a feeder cable and another of the ports is adapted to receive a fuse. The fuse is removably connected to the fuse port of the main body and has an indicator rod movably disposed therein, which protrudes from an axial end of the fuse into the main body upon electrical interruption of the fuse. The switch is disposed within the main body adjacent the fuse port and is activated by the indicator rod of the fuse upon protrusion of the rod from the fuse to provide indication of electrical interruption of the fuse.

Abstract: In the thermoprotector of the invention, an elastic movable conductor 3 is placed between stationary electrodes 21, 22 opposed in an insulation housing 1. One end of the elastic movable conductor 3 is fixed to one stationary electrode 21. The elastic movable conductor 3 is compressed in a longitudinal direction and elastically curved to cause a middle of the elastic movable conductor 3 to be contacted with the other stationary electrode 22. Another end portion of the elastic movable conductor 3 is face joined by a fusible material 4 to the one stationary electrode 21 against a reaction force of the longitudinal direction compression. An insulation spacer 5 is disposed in the insulation housing 1. The insulation spacer forms a space for housing the other end portion of the elastic movable conductor 3 when the elastic movable conductor 3 is elastically released by melting of the fusible material 4.

Abstract: A protection device includes a bi-metallic plate electrically connected between the first and second terminals, and the bi-metallic plate is bent upward to separate two contact points when the protection device is overloaded to cut off the circuit. A contact plate has a first end in contact with the second terminal and a second end of the contact plate is forced to be connected to a second end of the carrier by a breakable piece that is made by low melting point metal. When the protection device is overloaded and the bi-metallic plate does not bend as expected, the breakable piece collapses or melts at a pre-set temperature to separate the second end of the contact plate and the carrier.

Abstract: A protection device includes a bi-metallic plate having a first end fixed to a first terminal and a second of the bi-metallic plate has a first contact point so as to contact a second contact point on a first end of a carrier. A contact plate has a first end in contact with a second terminal and a second end of the contact plate is forced to connect to a second end of the carrier by a low melting point metal. When the protection device is overloaded, the bi-metallic plate is bent to separate the first contact point and the second contact point. Besides, if the bi-metallic plate does not bend as expected, the low melting point metal melts to separate the second end of the contact plate and the carrier when a pre-set temperature is reached.

Abstract: Self-shadowed microelectromechanical structures such as self-shadowed bond pads, fuses and compliant members and a method of fabricating self-shadowing microelectromechanical structures that anticipate and accommodate blanket metalization process steps are disclosed. In one embodiment, a self-shadowed bond pad (10) configured for shadowing an exposed end (44A) of a shielded interconnect line (44) connected to the bond pad (10) from undesired metalization during a metalization fabrication process step includes electrically connected overlaying first, second and third bond pad areas (42, 72, 92) patterned from respective first, second and third layers (40, 70, 90) of material deposited on a substrate (20). The exposed end (44A) of the interconnect line (44) abuts an edge of the first bond pad area (42).

Abstract: A fail-safe assembly for an electronic or electrical component, device, system or apparatus with coacting operatively associated contacts has an impact member, normally maintained in a stressed and disengaged portion, and a meltable or fusible member for holding and for actuating the release of the impact member to guard against the danger of fire and damage due to current overload and/or unacceptable increases in the temperature in the current-carrying members for operating the coacting contacts or the ambient temperature for any reason and assures, on melting of the meltable or fusible member, that there are sufficient forces created to open and maintain the coacting contacts in the open position.

Abstract: An isolating circuit breaker (40) for pole mounting (12) in relation to a electrical distribution line, said isolating circuit breaker including: an isolating switch (50) with a pivoting link (52), said isolating switch having respective terminals (45, 44) for electrical coupling to load and supply conductors (54, 53) of the electrical distribution line; a circuit interrupter (55) disposed in series with the isolating switch (50), intermediate said load and supply conductors and preferably incorporated in the pivoting link of the isolating switch; an actuator (58) arranged for selectively opening and closing the circuit interrupter (55); an electronic controller (61) controlling operation of the isolating circuit breaker in response to electrical conditions in the distribution line; and said isolating switch, circuit interrupter, actuator and electronic controller arranged together on a mounting structure (41, 42, 43) adapted for pole mounting.

Abstract: A device is described for latching an actuator to a substrate where the substrate includes a thermally activated material located on the substrate and a heater capable of heating the thermally activated material until it softens. The actuator includes a contact area that is spaced above the thermally activated material in a non-contact position. The actuator is movable from the non-contact position to a contact position where the contact area contacts the thermally activated material of the substrate. A method of latching actuator is also provided including heating the thermally activated material until it softens and moving an actuator into the contact position.

Abstract: A 42V fuse and a fuse support used in an electric circuit of an automobile. The 42V fuse includes first and second terminals, a fuse line connecting the first and second terminals, and a housing. The fuse support has a pair of guide blocks. A groove extends through each block. The grooves enable the 42V fuse to be connected to the fuse support. Further, the grooves restrict the connection of a 14V fuse to the fuse support.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a fuse element for a time delay fuse includes a conductive fuse element member, a fuse link formed within the member, and a heat sink coupled to the member. The heat sink draws heat from the fuse element member and prevents the fuse link from opening for an increased amount of time during high current overload conditions.

Abstract: A fuse assembly which can securely halt an electric power supply to a load after a blowout of a fuse element in the fuse assembly is provided. The fuse assembly 1 has a pair of terminals 2, a housing 4 and a fuse element 5. Ends 3a of the terminals 2 are received into the housing 4. A pair of the terminals 2 and the fuse element 5 are formed integrally with each other. The fuse element 5 has a pair of supporting parts 39 and the central part 40. The supporting part 39 has a first extended part 41 connected to an end surface 8 of the terminal 2. The central part 40 connects a pair of the supporting parts 39 with each other and is situated at the center between a pair of the terminals 2. A thickness T2 of the fuse element 5 at the central part 40 is formed smaller than a thickness T1 of the fuse element 5 at the first extended part 41.

Abstract: A fuse 1 includes a pair of terminals 2, housing 4 and a fusible body 5. The one ends 3a of the terminals are housed in a housing chamber 20 of the housing 4. The housing 4 has a first inner wall 12a, a second inner wall 12b, a first partition wall 21 and second partition walls 22. The end face 8 of the one end 3a of each of the terminals 2 is located apart from the inner face 12a of the first end wall 21. The fusible body 5 couples the terminals with each other. Both ends of the fusible body 5 are mechanically connected to the end faces 8. The first partition wall 21 extends from the inner face 15a of the first end wall 12a toward the inner face 15b of the second inner wall 12b. The second partition walls 22 extend from the inner face 15b of the second inner wall 12b toward the inner face 15a of the first inner wall 12a.

Abstract: A fuse has a fuse element (6), composed of silver, with constrictions (7) which follow one another at regular intervals, and which fuse element makes contact with a combustible element (8), preferably over its entire length. The combustible element (8) is composed of a combustion compound, which is essentially of a fuel such as guanidine or a guanidine derivative and a metal such as Mg or Al and an oxidant such as KNO3, NaNO3, NH4NO3, KClO4, NaClO4, KMnO4, the proportion of which is overstoichiometric by a factor of at least 1.1, and preferably of at least 10. The combustible compound also preferably contains a binding agent such as paraffin, a thermoplastic or an elastomer, so that it can be extruded. It has an ignition temperature of between 160° C. and 260° C. and emits more than 200 J/g of heat, so that it ignites even in the event of small overcurrents and melts the entire length of the fuse element (6).

Abstract: A fuse apparatus (1) is provided for selectively interrupting a load current (Ia) flowing between a pair of associated conductor leads. The fuse apparatus includes at least two spaced apart electrically conductive contact elements (5) operatively connected with the associated conductor leads. A fuse element (7) is connected to the contact elements (5) using an electrically conductive connection material (9) to allow the current (Ia) to flow between the pair of associated conductor leads. The connection material (9) is adapted to electrically disconnect the fuse element (7) from the contact elements (5) when the current (Ia) exceeds a predetermined current intensity. The connection material (9) has an intrinsic electrical transition resistance characteristic whereby the material develops a temperature in proportion to an intensity of the current. The connection material melts as the current increases to separate the fuse element from the contact elements.

Abstract: An electrical socket device includes a base member formed with an open top side for access to a mounting chamber. Two conductive prong engaging members are mounted on the base member inside the mounting chamber, and are formed with prong engaging portions. One of the prong engaging members is further formed with a first fuse contact. A conductive fuse contacting member is mounted on the base member inside the mounting chamber, and has a second fuse contact aligned with and spaced apart from the first fuse contact. A thermal fuse has first and second fuse terminals held removably by the fuse contacts. A cover member is mounted on the base member to cover the top side of the base member, and includes a plug engaging portion formed with prong inserting slots aligned with the prong engaging portions, and a fuse locating portion formed with an access opening for exposing the fuse contacts.

Abstract: A fluorescent discharge lamp including a housing with a base, series electronics, and an overcurrent protection element formed of two connection leads having ones of their ends electrically welded to opposite ends of a fuse wire, with the free ends of the connection leads defining contact positions.

Abstract: A method of adjusting pre-arcing time-current characteristic for a fuse is performed in a manner that a fusible portion I serving in a dead short-circuit area and a fusible portion II serving in a rare short-circuit area are coupled in series to form a fuse element, and entire pre-arcing time-current characteristic for the fuse is adjusted by combining pre-arcing time-current characteristic of the respective fusible portions I and II. A fuse structure is formed by a fusible portion I serving in a dead short-circuit, and a fusible portion II serving in a rare short-circuit area coupled in series with the fusible portion I serving in a dead short-circuit area. The fusible portion II serving in a rare short-circuit area is formed by material which is different in conductivity and melting point from those of material forming the fusible portion I serving in a dead short-circuit area.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises a fuse provided on a substrate, a first insulating layer formed on the substrate and the first insulating layer, a first wiring formed on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on the first wiring, the second insulating layer including a plurality of insulating films including a water absorptive overcoat, a second wiring formed on the second insulating layer, an opening portion formed in a portion of the second insulating layer corresponding to the fuse by selectively removing the portion and having a side face formed by an exposed portion of the second insulating layer and a bottom face formed by the exposed first insulating layer, a side wall film formed of the same material as that of the second wiring and covering the exposed side face of the opening portion and a passivation film formed on the second insulating layer, the second insulating layer and the side wall film.

Abstract: A fusible element is provided that includes cooperating interfitting parts surrounded by fusible material. The cooperating interfitting parts are arranged so as to place compressive force on the fusible material in response to attempted separation of the interfitting parts. Further, the arrangement also reduces the forces on the fusible material. In response to a predetermined time-current condition, the fusible material softens sufficiently to permit the release and separation of the interfitting parts.

Abstract: A system for providing backup power for a communications system is disclosed. The backup power system of the present invention includes a device for supplying capacitively stored power and a device for monitoring a power level in the communications system. When the monitoring device detects that the power level in the telecommunications system has decreased below a predetermined level, the monitoring device directs the device for supplying capacitively stored power to deliver power to the communications system such that no interruption in power is experienced by the system.

Abstract: A fused battery terminal has a stamped and formed terminal member an insulative housing integrally molded over power supply line connection bolts, and a battery post mounting member attached to the terminal member. The terminal member is rigidly attached to the insulative support member thereby providing a safe and rigid support for a fuse link which is integral with the terminal member. Power supply lines can thus be clamped against connection platforms of the terminal member by the bolt and are thus directly connected to the battery post via the fuse link. Safety and reliability of the fuse connection between the battery and power supply line are thus enhanced due to the integral forming of the fuse line onto the battery post connection section.

Abstract: A board fuse includes an insulating board having a through-hole window in the middle of the insulating board and fusible elements laid over the insulating board. Further, the fusible elements are continuous metal wires substantially equal in cross section. The fusible elements are uniform and accurate in cross section and accurate in current capacity. The fusible elements extend across the window in such a manner that, at the window, they are not in contact with the insulating board. Hence, when heat is generated in any one of the fusible elements by electric current, the heat generated at the window is not absorbed by the insulating board and is increased as required, thus blowing the fusible element accurately. Accordingly, the board fuse is free from the difficulties caused by the heat generation, that is, the production of a bad smell, at worst the production of white smoke.

Abstract: A blown fuse indicator, having an insulating element, a current-carrying element overlaying the insulating element, and a substantially transparent window. A chemical composition coats at least a portion of the insulating element. The improvement comprises a meltable link in generally parallel proximity to the insulating element. The meltable link, which can be made of solder, melts to open an indicating circuit of the blown fuse indicator upon predetermined thermal overload conditions.

Abstract: A surge suppressing device includes a voltage-dependent resistor having an opening formed therethrough. A pair of preformed pads formed of an electrically conductive material is located adjacent a first and second side respectively of the voltage-dependent resistor proximate the opening. The electrically conductive material flows through the opening creating an electrical short between the first and second sides when the voltage-dependent resistor is heated in response to excessive leakage current flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A simplified method of manufacturing an electrothermal fuse includes the steps of screening conductive epoxy onto fuse link termination pads, placing a metal alloy fuse link into the conductive epoxy on the termination pads, curing the conductive epoxy, applying deoxidant, applying encapsulant, and curing the encapsulant. The resultant fuse of the preferred embodiment comprises a substrate, termination pads, conductive epoxy interconnects, a solder type fuse link, liquid deoxidant and encapsulant.

Abstract: A resistor with a thermal fuse includes: a substrate consisting of an insulating material; a wire pattern formed on a surface of the substrate; a gap for electrically cutting off the wire pattern; a plate spring consisting of an electrically conductive material arranged across the gap; an electrically conductive member fixed to one end of the plate spring on a side of the wire pattern and having approximately the same linear conduction coefficient as that of the substrate; a first low melting point alloy for welding the electrically conductive material and the wire pattern provided on one side of the gap; a second low melting point alloy for welding the other end of the plate spring and the wire pattern provided on the other side of the gap; wherein, when the first low melting point alloy is melted, the electrically conductive member is released from the first low melting point alloy so that the plate spring is also released from the wire pattern.

Abstract: A fuse structure is described in which a metallic frame is inserted between the insulation layers, through which the fuse window passes, and the final passivation layer. This frame is used as a mask during fuse window formation so alignment is simplified and problems arising from the presence of insulating residues on the surface of the fuse window layer are avoided.

Abstract: A high voltage current limiting fuse has improved low fault current interruption due to an end-sealed sleeve separating a fusible length from pulverulent sand in a casing of the fuse while permitting venting of gas and vaporized metal plasma due to melting and arcing at the fusible length. The fuse can have one or more fusible elements, of which at least one, preferably each one, is surrounded along at least a selected portion along its length by a polytetrafluoroethylene polymer, fluoroethylene polymer, or derivatives thereof, which can be heat shrinkable or not. The sleeve is sealed so as to allow escape of gases upon arcing from the sleeve but to prevent pulverulent materials from penetrating within the sleeve. The sleeve seals are either melted and crimped together with the fusible element, heat shrunk down onto the fusible element, or taped over the fusible element so as to leave a gap small enough to exclude the pulverulent material while venting gas and plasma.

Abstract: A bimetallic reed for a circuit protecting device includes an integral fusible portion as a failsafe interrupting mechanism. The bimetallic reed includes a body of electrical conductive materials and having a first end mountable to a terminal and a second end forming an interruptible contact portion. The body is shaped to deform at a central portion of the body when the body is heated to a predetermined temperature. The body includes a plurality of apertures adjacent to the contact portion defining a plurality of electrical conductive pathways connecting the central portion and the contact portion, wherein the plurality of conductive pathways is fusibly responsive to a predetermine electrical load condition to form a fusible link.

Abstract: Electrical devices with a PTC element including a polymer having conductive particles dispersed therein and at least one metallized ceramic electrode. The devices are made by dispersing conductive particles into a polymer to form a polymer PTC composition. The metallized ceramic electrodes include a ceramic substrate having a conductive layer deposited on its surface. The metallized ceramic electrodes are brought into contact with the PTC element, and heated while applying pressure to form a laminate. The laminate is then diced into a plurality of PTC electrical circuit protection devices.

Abstract: A self-configuring photoelectric control circuit for controlling operation of a load based on ambient light. The photocontrol circuit comprises a photocell responsive to ambient light, a heating resistor connected to the photocell, a bimetallic element in proximity to the heating resistor and movable in response to generation of heat from the heating resistor. A switch is operated by the bimetallic element and is connected between an input connected to a power source and an output connected to the load. A series resistor is connected to the heating resistor and a shunt is connected across the series resistor to provide a current bypass around the series resistor for operation with a low voltage power source, for instance 120 volts. The shunt is maintained in a flexed condition to form the bypass and a connection of the shunt across the series resistor is formed of a meltable material.

Abstract: A fuse arrangement includes a fuse element having a serpentine shape disposed resilient and incombustible or fire-resistant insulating plates and external connection terminals formed at the fuse arrangement. A capacitor has a safety fuse with a fuse element formed between two insulating plates affixed to one end surface of a chip piece of the capacitor so that one end of the safety fuse element is electrically connected to one electrode of the capacitor, and a connection terminal electrode film is formed on the outer surface of the safety fuse body connected to the other end of the safety fuse element.

Abstract: A fuse is disclosed for protecting thick film devices. The fuse comprises two blocks of material mounted to the substrate that carries the thick film device. The blocks are mounted in close proximity to one another, in axial alignment, but in a spaced apart relationship. An electrically conductive fusible link (e.g. solder) straddles the two blocks so as to complete an electric circuit.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device responsive to externally generated heat and method of manufacture of such device. The device includes a pair of spaced, coaxially aligned leads each entering a thermally conductive housing from an opposite end. The inserted ends of the coaxially aligned leads are bridged by a conductive member comprising the tail of a conical spring which surrounds one of the leads and is secured at a corresponding end of the housing. The circuit-completing spring tail is secured by fusible material to the inserted ends of each of the spaced-apart leads. In a normal, closed circuit condition, the spring is under tension. Upon heating, the fusible material softens, allowing the spring tail to break away from the inserted ends of the spaced-apart leads, the retracting force of the conical spring, pulling the spring tail from the other one of the leads to open the circuit.

Abstract: An electric switch for thermal overload protection includes a meltable pellet containing a pool of mercury which establishes electrical contact between two lead-in wires. When the pellet is heated to its melting point, the mercury becomes unconfined and the circuit is opened.