Abstract: A high-capacity miniature cartridge fuse is provided. A fuse includes a cylindrical housing, a fusible wire, and first and second deep-drawn ferrules fabricated from aluminum alloy. The aluminum is plated with nickel. The ferrule includes a side wall and an end wall. The side wall surrounds the first or second end of the housing, and has a thickness of approximately 0.50 mm or less. The end wall includes a boss extending toward an interior of the housing, and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the side wall.

Abstract: A temperature sensing tape including a flexible, electrically insulating substrate, a plurality of temperature sensing elements disposed on the substrate, each temperature sensing element including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged in a confronting, spaced-apart relationship to define a gap therebetween, and a variable resistance material disposed within the gap and connecting the first electrode to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode of at least one of the temperature sensing elements is connected to the second electrode of an adjacent temperature sensing element by a flexible electrical conductor.

Abstract: There is provided a power storage system comprising a plurality of battery lines and a connection terminal unit. Each battery line comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction. The connection terminal unit is electrically connected to terminal faces of each battery cell of a group of the battery cells, and the group of the battery cells is disposed in a second direction. At least one cut out is formed in the connection terminal unit. There are also provided a power storage system for a house, a power storage system for a vehicle, an electronic device and an electric vehicle including the power storage device. There is also provided a connection terminal unit for electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells, in which at least one cut out is formed in the connection terminal unit.

Abstract: A fuse element including a pair of terminal sections positioned at opposite ends of the fuse element, a plurality of spaced parallel rows of elements connecting the terminal sections, and a plurality of fused sections formed in substantially central sections of the elements, wherein the terminal sections and the elements or the elements alone are formed by stamping a single metal plate to separate a piece having a predetermined shape therefrom and bending the piece into a predetermined three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a direct current (DC) circuit breaker including a first line in which a first high-speed switch and a power semiconductor switch are connected in series; a second line in which a plurality of second high-speed switches, a plurality of pairs of a first non-linear resistor and a power fuse connected in parallel, and a resistor are connected in series; and a third line including a second non-linear resistor. The first line, the second line, and the third line are connected in parallel.

Abstract: A medium or high voltage switch is provided. The medium or high voltage switch includes a bottle assembly and a bushing. The bottle assembly includes a bottle formed of a first material and defining a chamber. The bottle assembly further includes a plurality of contacts for selectively opening and closing an electrical circuit, the plurality of contacts disposed within the chamber. The bushing is formed of a second material and defines a cavity configured to receive the bottle assembly. The bottle assembly and the bushing have an interference fit.

Abstract: An arc suppressor fixable to a fusible element to suppress electrical arcs and prevent the spread of electric arc “burn-back.” The arc suppressor includes first and second inner members comprised of pre-cured silicone rubber, and first and second outer members comprised of an arc suppressing material (e.g., melamine). The inner and outer members form a sandwich around a portion of the fusible element, wherein the first inner member is located adjacent to a first surface of the fusible element and the second inner member is located adjacent to an opposing second surface of the fusible element. The first outer member is located adjacent to the first inner member and the second outer member is located adjacent to the second inner member. Mechanical fasteners tightly engage together the first and second inner members, the fusible element, and the first and second outer members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-pole switch-fuse arrangement having at least two switch-fuse units into which one fuse link each can be inserted. The switch-fuse arrangement comprises a switching device for closing and breaking the circuits of all switch-fuse units, the switch-fuse arrangement comprising a switching lever, a housing, a drive rod, and a lever mechanism device for actuating a drive rod.

Abstract: A connecting element for a secondary battery is installed along a path of current flowing through a secondary battery to electrically connect components and includes a first metal plate having a first protrusion formed to protrude at one side end thereof from the center portion with respect to a direction along the thickness of the first metal plate, a second metal plate located spaced apart from the first metal plate with a gap being formed therebetween and having a second protrusion formed to protrude at one side end thereof from the center portion with respect to a direction along the thickness of the second metal plate and configured to face the first protrusion, and an alloy bridge made of alloy material having a melting point lower than those of the first metal plate and the second metal plate and formed to fill the gap.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of batteries, a circuit board electrically connected to the batteries, a housing having a battery receiving unit to receive the plurality of batteries, the circuit board being at an end of the housing, and a fuse unit electrically connected between the batteries and the circuit board. The fuse unit is coupled to a fuse fixing unit at a side surface of the housing.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure is provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; a metal fuse in the dielectric layer; a dummy pattern adjacent the metal fuse; and a metal line in the dielectric layer, wherein a thickness of the metal fuse is substantially less than a thickness of the metal line.

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: Fused load interrupters have up to now used claw terminals or screw connections for connecting to horizontal busbars in a switchgear unit. Fused load interrupters have not been suitable until now for connecting to vertical busbars in switchgear units. At least one embodiment of the invention provides a fused load interrupter with plug contacts, such as are known from load interrupters with fuses, thereby allowing fused load interrupters to replace the more expensive load interrupters with fuses in switchgear units with vertical busbars.

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: A fuse includes a fusible element and a body member encased within a heat-resistant housing. The fusible element is configured to open an electrical circuit coupled to a storage battery in response to an over-current in the electrical circuit. The housing is configured to contain an arc generated by the fusible element in response to the over-current and to shield the arc and the fusible element from ambient particles. Thus, the fuse is ignition protected. The body member includes an insulating material configured to interrupt the arc. The housing includes an opening configured to receive a terminal of the storage battery or a terminal of a mounting plate. An insulating material disposed about a first end of the mounting plate terminal is configured to electrically isolate the fuse and a power supply cable in the electrical circuit from the mounting plate terminal.

Abstract: An electrical fuse structure is disclosed. The electrical fuse structure includes: a fuse element disposed on surface of a semiconductor substrate; an anode electrically connected to one end of the fuse element; and a cathode electrically connected to another end of the fuse element, wherein no silicide is formed on at least part of the cathode of the electrical fuse structure.

Abstract: A safe surge absorber module includes a protective member and a surge absorbing unit. The protective member includes a base and an upper lid coupled to the base. The base has two corresponding partitions extending upwards. The surge absorbing unit includes a body, two connecting feet, and a resilient metallic plate. The body has two sides each defining an electrode surface. The electrode surface is connected with one of the connecting feet. The resilient metallic plate has a first end welded to the electrode surface with a hot melt member and a second end curved and striding across an outer side of one of the partitions to penetrate through the bottom of the base. The connecting feet and the resilient metallic plate are connected to a power source and a circuit load, respectively. In case the body is exploded due to a high temperature, the protective member is adapted to prevent any further accidents which are occurred by the broken fragments.

Abstract: A current-limiting device is provided with pressure relief facilities that are responsive to relieve internal pressures during operation of the current limiter. In a specific arrangement, the pressure relief arrangement includes a passage that is opened upon operation of the current limiter to communicate between the interior and the exterior of the current limiter. The passage includes a fusible material therein that is melted by the heating within current limiter under predetermined high-current fault conditions. In a specific arrangement, the passage is formed through a contact terminal of the current limiter. In one arrangement, the current-limiting device includes an adjoining exhaust section and the contact terminal extends into the adjoining exhaust section.

Abstract: A heavy current coupling that includes an electrically conductive elastic fastening and fuse element supported by the housing. The fastening and fuse element is configured to electrically connect first and second contacts, with the first and second contacts being spaced from one another. Wherein the fastening and fuse element burns through when a predetermined maximum current is exceeded, thereby interrupting the electrical connection between the first and second contacts.

Abstract: A fuse for a high voltage/high current application, such as a hydro-electric vehicle (“HEV”) application is provided. The fuse employs a variety of arc quenching features to handle a large amount of arcing energy that is generated when such fuse is opened due to a fuse opening event. In one embodiment, an insulative substrate, such as a melamine substrate, is metallized with a fuse element. The fuse element extends to multiple surfaces of the substrate. A fuse opening portion of the element is located so that the arcing energy is forced to travel along multiple insulative planes, increasing an impedance across the opening of the element and decreasing the likelihood of a sustained arc. Also, the substrate and element are disposed in a sealed housing, which is packed in one embodiment with an arc quenching material, such as sand.

Abstract: A fuse includes a fusible element and a body member encased within a heat-resistant housing. The fusible element is configured to open an electrical circuit coupled to a storage battery in response to an over-current in the electrical circuit. The housing is configured to contain an arc generated by the fusible element in response to the over-current and to shield the arc and the fusible element from ambient particles. Thus, the fuse is ignition protected. The body member includes an insulating material configured to interrupt the arc. The housing includes an opening configured to receive a terminal of the storage battery or a terminal of a mounting plate. An insulating material disposed about a first end of the mounting plate terminal is configured to electrically isolate the fuse and a power supply cable in the electrical circuit from the mounting plate terminal.

Abstract: An insertion type fuse with breakage indication comprises a seat having a long receiving chamber for receiving a metal fuse; an rectangular bi-directional SMD form LED set being located on the buckle portions; the LED set being a coating device and being high temperature tolerant; the LED set being connected to a circuit; the LED including two LEDs and being serially connected with a voltage divided resistor; a fuse wire being connected between the LED set and a load; the LED set being buckled to the buckle portions; when the fuse wire breaks, light will emit out so as to show that the fuse wire breaks; thereby a break fuse can be fined rapidly. In assembly, the seat and the cover are integrally formed. The LED set is adhered to the metal fuse and then the metal fuse is assembled into the long receiving chamber.

Abstract: A fuse component (1) includes a hollow body (2) which is formed from a tubular wall that encloses an inner area (5) and which has two open faces that are situated opposite one another. The fuse component also includes a fuse-element (4) which extends inside the inner area (5) between both faces of the hollow body (2) and two contact caps (3) each provided with a bottom (7) and lateral walls (8) connected thereto. Two end section (10) of a conductor of the fuse-element (4) are led out of the inner area (5) through the faces and around the wall of the hollow body (2). The end sections (10) of the conductor of the fuse element (4) are fastened by an adhesive bond (11) so that the surfaces abutting the inner area (5) are essentially free from organic materials. The end sections (10) of the conductor are preferably fastened to a conductive plastic that, in turn, fastens the contact caps (3) to the outer wall (9) of the hollow body (2).

Abstract: A pyromechanical cutting element has a housing (2) in which an electrical conductor (3) is arranged, a cutting plunger (5) with a cutting tool (8) to cut through the electrical conductor (3), and pyrotechnic charge (13) to drive the cutting plunger (5), with the cutting tool (8) bending over the electrical conductor (3) after cutting through it and forming a bending tongue (18) that sticks out from the conductor (3) in a way that interrupts the conductor (3). The electrical conductor (3) has a cross-sectional area reduction in the longitudinal direction (4) consisting of two transverse sides and two longitudinal sides. The cutting tool (8) first cuts through the cross-sectional area reduction (4) just on one transverse side and upon further advancement bends over the longitudinal sides at least in part, and, upon further advancement, the cutting tool (8) clamps the bending tongue (18) thus created.

Abstract: A fault condition monitoring apparatus for use with a fuse cutout includes a housing operable to be supported by the fuse cutout. The housing has first and second contacts operable to make electrical contact with fuse contacts on the fuse cutout when the housing is supported by the fuse cutout. A current sensor is mounted inside the housing and is connected to the first and second contacts. A signaling device is coupled to the current sensor and is operable to cause a signal to be produced when current sensed by the current sensor meets a criterion.

Abstract: A fuse and filter arrangement having a polymer fuse apparatus that provides bypass fuse protection. A polymer bypass fuse includes of an electrical conductor wherein a portion of the conductor is surrounded by an internal electrode, which is then surrounded by a layer of polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, which is then surrounded by a conductive material similar to that of the internal electrode. The fuse and filter arrangement includes a plurality of in-line and bypass fuses combined with a differential and common mode filter, which itself consists of a plurality of common ground conductive plates maintaining first and second electrode plates between the various conductive plates, all of which are surrounded by a material having predetermined electrical characteristics to provide fail safe filter and circuit protection.

Abstract: The protective element 20A includes a first PTC element 1, as well as a low-melting-point metal member 2, a heat-generating member 3 and a second PTC element. A the PTC material 1′ constituting the first PTC element 1 serves as a substrate for the low-melting-point metal member 2, the heat-generating member 3 or the second PTC element. This protective element using the PTC element can be manufactured easily, with fewer components, and at lower costs. Moreover, the protective element can be made thinner.

Abstract: A fuse circuit includes electrical fuse elements which are commonly connected at one-side ends, a voltage generating section and a readout section. The voltage generating section is configured to selectively apply program voltage for destroying the electrical fuse element and read voltage for reading out the destructive/nondestructive states of the electrical fuse elements to a common connection node of the one-side ends of the electrical fuse elements. The readout section is configured to read out the destructive/nondestructive states of the electrical fuse elements from the other ends of the electrical fuse elements when the read voltage is applied to the common connection node from the voltage generating section.

Abstract: A fuse and filter arrangement having a polymer fuse apparatus that provides bypass fuse protection. A polymer bypass fuse includes of an electrical conductor wherein a portion of the conductor is surrounded by an internal electrode, which is then surrounded by a layer of polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, which is then surrounded by a conductive material similar to that of the internal electrode.

Abstract: A fuse element partially encapsulated in an arc-suppression material which can, in turn, be integrated along with a semiconductor device into a semiconductor package to provide overcurrent protection, as well as a method of integrating such a fuse along with a semiconductor device into a semiconductor package wherein the semiconductor package has a standard form factor based on the semiconductor device integrated within.

Abstract: A high-voltage current-limiting fuse comprises an elongated housing, an auto-centering connector centrally located about the elongated axis of the housing, and an elongated fusible element attached to the connector and secured along the elongated axis of the housing by the connector. The auto-centering connector is located about the elongated axis of the housing by a surface near one end of the housing, and the elongated conductive fusible 1 is connected to the connector and contained within the housing. The auto-centering connector is connected to an end of the fusible element, and mechanically located but electrically insulated relative to the housing.

Abstract: A fuse circuit includes electrical fuse elements which are commonly connected at one-side ends, a voltage generating section and a readout section. The voltage generating section is configured to selectively apply program voltage for destroying the electrical fuse element and read voltage for reading out the destructive/nondestructive states of the electrical fuse elements to a common connection node of the one-side ends of the electrical fuse elements. The readout section is configured to read out the destructive/nondestructive states of the electrical fuse elements from the other ends of the electrical fuse elements when the read voltage is applied to the common connection node from the voltage generating section.

Abstract: A high electrical power current limiter comprising a high temperature superconducting sacrificial fuse in series with superconductive or normalconductive equipment to be protected, wherein the high temperature superconducting fuse has a critical current density being lower than a fault current.

Abstract: A protective device for excess current utilizes a fuse that incorporates a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a trace on one side which is of a desired width, length, and thickness of material for opening if excess current for a selected duration of time is reached. The printed circuit board is mounted in an insulated housing. The lower side of the substrate may also have a conductive layer connected to the housing or ground. The printed circuit board and overvoltage protector may be tailored for impedance matching. An excess voltage protector may be incorporated with the printed circuit board for conducting to ground if excessive voltage is encountered. The housing has two terminals which are connected to the printed circuit board and voltage protector. These terminals may be conventional coaxial cable connectors.

Abstract: A fuse includes a casing (2) made of an insulating resin, and a conductor having one input terminal (3), plural output terminals (4A, 4B) and fusible portions (5A, 5B) each interconnecting the input terminal (3) and the corresponding output terminal (4A, 4B), the conductor being mounted within the casing (2). Distal end surfaces (3a, 4Aaand 4Ba) of the terminals (3, 4a and 4B) and one end surface of the casing (2) are disposed on a common plane. Plural pairs of notches (6A to 6C) are formed in both surfaces of the casing (2), and each pair of notches extend a predetermined distance from the distal end surface of the corresponding terminal (3, 4A, 4B) so that each of the terminals (3, 4A and 4B) is partially exposed. The exposed portion of each of the terminals (3, 4A and 4B) serves as an electrical contact portion with a mating terminal.

Abstract: A protective element contains a heat-generating member and a low melting metal member on a substrate, in which the low melting metal member is molten by the heat generated by the heat-generating member and flows onto electrodes, which causes the low melting metal member to blow out, Formula (1) below is satisfied:

Abstract: A fuse circuit configuration is described wherein a compensation capacitor counteracts a parasitic capacitor. The parasitic capacitor occurs between a connection point of a switching transistor and a fuse and ground. The compensation capacitor is connected to an evaluation circuit. In this manner, the negative effects caused by the parasitic capacitor are compensated for.

Abstract: A generally rectangular, planar electrical overcurrent sensing device having a top major surface and a bottom major surface includes a patterned metal foil conductor defined along the top major surface. The metal foil conductor has a first electrode region at one end region, a second electrode region at an opposite end region, and a current-concentrating region extending between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion. The device further includes a planar sheet of a composition which exhibits PTC behavior and which comprises an organic polymer having a particulate conductive filler dispersed therewithin. The planar sheet has a first major surface in thermal contact with the bridging portion and has an opposite second major surface.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus comprising first and second PTC elements composed of a polymer composition with conductive particles dispersed therein, an insulating body, and first and second conductive terminals. Flexible conductive members having a first end that can be electrically connected to a source of electrical power and a second end that is adapted to receive and make electrical contact with the apparatus are provided. The PTC element and the insulating body are positioned between the first and second conductive terminals so that when the apparatus is inserted between the flexible conductive members, the members exert a pressure on the insulating body.

Abstract: A delay mechanism for retarding relative movement between two members has particular application in a hinge assembly for a dropout fuseholder. In one embodiment, a pin member rotatably connecting two adjacent members is disposed through a sleeve which has a cavity filled with viscous material, such as silicon putty. Protrusions extending from the shaft of the pin engage the putty and retard the relative rotational movement of the two members. In another embodiment, a friction member, such as a washer or annular seal, is disposed between the adjacent rotatable members. The friction member has facing surfaces contacting the opposing surfaces of the rotatable members such that the frictional forces between the friction member and the rotatable members retard rotation. In still another embodiment, the hinge assembly of a dropout fuseholder includes a latch member which rotates away from the fuseholder once dropout is initiated.

Abstract: A fuse includes a solid silicone rod that has a fuse element stitched repeatedly through the rod so that the stitches extend longitudinally along the length of the rod. The stitched silicone rod is secured within a fiberglass tube, and a silica sand pulverant is provided around the stitched silicone rod so as to provide further arc quenching capability.

Abstract: A quick-break fuse including at least one fuse link formed as a fusible eent, a mechanical actuator operatively connected with the fuse link for disconnecting the same, an energy accumulator for actuating the mechanical actuator, a tripping wire for actuating the energy accumulator and which melts through as a result of transfer of current thereto caused by a voltage drop at a first melting within the fuse link-forming fusible element, and a meltable element connected with the energy accumulator for actuating the same upon being melted by heat generated in response to an excessive current which flows therethrough.

Abstract: A current responsive latching apparatus may be employed in a dropout fuseholder or other electrical component for retaining the component in a current-carrying position and disconnecting and isolating the electrical component upon the occurrence of an overcurrent of a predetermined magnitude. The apparatus includes a current path through the component, including a current-carrying stud or conductor, a portion of which extends outside the component for releasably engaging a support member. A latching apparatus, which may include an actuating member of memory allow or a bimetallic material, engages the conductor to retain the support member in a supporting position beneath the electrical component. The apparatus may further include a heater element in the current path to ensure that the actuation member is heated to the temperature necessary to cause it to change shape and release the conductor upon the presence of an overcurrent.

Abstract: In known methods heretofore, one could generally distinguish with respect to design and tripping characteristic between the LVHBC fuse (low-voltage high-breaking-capacity fuse), which protects against overload currents, and the semiconductor protection fuse which is quick-acting in the event of a short-circuit to protect, for example, thyristors. The general-purpose converter fuse according to the present invention combines the advantages of both fuses in one unit. This is achieved by the application of fusible elements, which besides having rows of narrow sites as is customary under known methods heretofore, in addition have a row of narrow sites with comparatively long narrow sites, in whose vicinity a solder deposit is arranged. The general-purpose converter fuse simultaneously assumes the function of an LVHBC fuse and of a semiconductor protection fuse.

Abstract: This high-voltage fuse comprises a tubular housing and a fuse subassembly within the housing with a core in the form of an elongated, cylindrical body primarily of silica sand particles bound together in a rigid, porous mass, a fusible element wound about the core, and connector assemblies at opposite ends of the core electrically connected to opposite ends of the fusible element. The fuse subassembly is closely surrounded by silica sand in the space between the housing and the subassembly.

Abstract: An improved high voltage, full range, current limiting fuse with enhanced ability to dear high and low fault currents, even after the fuse has been subjected to a potentially damaging current surge, includes a sand-filled tubular housing with conductive terminals at either end and a dielectric support member supported therein about which a fusible structure is spirally wound. The fusible structure is electrically connected to the terminals and includes one or more high fault current interrupting elements for clearing high fault currents to which is mounted a low fault current interrupting assembly. The low fault current interrupting assembly includes a plurality of conductive components one of which is a damage sensor portion having a melting time-current characteristic which results in the damage sensor portion melting before the one or more high fault current interrupting elements. This enables the fuse to interrupt a low current which might exist after an element-damaging surge has occurred.

Abstract: The fuseholder includes a current limiting fuse mounted within a fuse body and a lower contact and hinge assembly. The fuse body has contact assemblies mounted on each end thereof. The lower contact assembly on the fuse body is mounted on a hinge which is rotatably supported on an interchangeable cutout mounting. The current limiting fuse includes a fuse element spirally wound around a spider which extends the length of the fuse body. The fuse element includes a high current fusible element and a low current fuse element. The fusible element includes a plurality of spaced reduced areas and is supported on the spider by support surfaces which are located between adjacent reduced areas of the fusible element. An auxiliary wire also extends the length of the fuse body about the spider.

Abstract: A load interrupter device is provided for live front padmounted high voltage switchgear unit wherein circuit interruption is independent of the speed at which a lineman opens the switch of the switchgear. The interrupter includes an insulating body having a fixed terminal and a moveable terminal spaced therefrom which forms a part of manually operable switch structure. A conductive element within the body connected to the moveable terminal normally engages the fixed terminal. A pair of moveable conductive members are also provided in the body, with one of the conductive members normally engaging a contact electrically connected to the first terminal, while the second member is joined to the second terminal for movement therewith.

Abstract: A fuse that includes a tubular member made from insulative material, end block portions made from insulative material, a spanner joining together the end block portions, terminals extending through openings in the end block portions, and a fusible element having ends connected to both of the terminals. Each of the terminals has an internal portion inside the tubular member to which a fusible element is attached, an external portion outside of the tubular member, and a middle portion between the internal and external portions and located within one of the openings of the end block portions.

Abstract: A fuse that includes an insulative housing, terminals extending through gaps in the bottom of the housing, and a fusible element having ends connected to both of the terminals. The housing includes a four-sided box that is closed at the top and open on the bottom, and a lid for closing the open bottom of the box that is smaller than the open bottom of the box so that, when the lid is in place, two gaps are formed in the bottom and at opposite ends of the housing.