Comprising Significant Fuse Link Or Element Structure Or Arrangement Patents (Class 337/159)
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Patent number: 6163244Abstract: A method for producing a fuse element having a fusible portion and any other portion which are made of different kinds of metal. The method comprises the steps of boring through-hole in a substrate made of first metal, forming an element plate by fusion-bonding a second metal to the through-hole and integrally stamping a pair of substrate portion made of the first metal and a low-melting-point portion made of the second metal. The second metal is made of a metal whose melting point is lower than that of the first metal. Further, the pair of substrate portion is connected together by the low-melting-point portion so that the fuse element is formed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Takayoshi Endo, Takashi Ishii
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Patent number: 6157287Abstract: A fuse system includes a fuse holder having an outer surface; a pair of fuse clips mounted inside the fuse holder, the pair of fuse clips being recessed from the outer surface of the fuse holder a predetermined distance; an insulative fuse housing; a fuse element mounted within the insulative fuse housing; blade terminals electrically connected to the fuse element and extending from the fuse housing; and an insulative sleeve on each of the blade terminals, the insulative sleeves extending from the fuse housing and covering a portion of each of the respective blade terminals and leaving a remaining portion of the blade terminals exposed; wherein the exposed portions of the blade terminals are less than the predetermined distance so that when the blade terminals make an electrical contact with the fuse clips, the exposed portions of the blade terminals are within the fuse holder and only the insulative sleeves are exposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Rain Darr, Daniel Eugene Rowton
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Patent number: 6150916Abstract: An architecture of poly fuses includes a number of fuses, a dielectric layer, a sheet-like etching stop layer, and a passivation layer, wherein the sheet-like etching stop layer further includes a number of slices, and wherein each of the slices corresponds to one of the fuses underneath. The architecture of poly fuses according to the invention reduces the energy dispersion during the defective recovering process, and improves the recovery rate for defective memory cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Jy-Hwang Lin, Tsan-Wen Liu
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Patent number: 6075434Abstract: A fusible element for an electrical fuse comprising a generally flat, strip-shaped body having a generally uniform cross-section; a constricted area formed in the body has a cross-section less than the cross-section of the body; an indentation formed in the body at least bordering on the constricted area; a solder coating disposed within the indentation; and a first solder stop coating on a first surface of the body that is disposed adjacent the solder coating to prevent migration of the coating along the surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Ferraz S.A.Inventor: Hans-Werner Rueckling
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Patent number: 6064293Abstract: A thermal fuse, preferably for a high-temperature battery, comprising leads and a body therebetween having a melting point between approximately 400.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. The body is preferably an alloy of Ag--Mg, Ag--Sb, Al--Ge, Au--In, Bi--Te, Cd--Sb, Cu--Mg, In--Sb, Mg--Pb, Pb--Pd, Sb--Zn, Sn--Te, or Mg--Al.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Rudolph G. Jungst, James R. Armijo, Darrel R. Frear
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Patent number: 5949323Abstract: A radiant-energy configurable fuse structure and array are provided in which the fuse body of the fuse is wider than the fuse connection terminals. The fuse body can be circular or polygonal to capture more of the radiant energy from a targeting beam, which reduces the energy required to blow the fuse. As a result, unrelated circuit elements and patterned lines can be placed closer together in a laser fuse array, thereby increasing the packing density of such arrays.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Clear Logic, Inc.Inventors: Alan H. Huggins, Ron Thomas, David E. Schmulian
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Patent number: 5939969Abstract: A preformed thermal fuse comprising two electrodes, first and second layers of solder, and a conductive bridge comprising a non-paste solder material is disclosed. The conductive bridge has a melting temperature which is substantially equivalent to the predetermined actuation temperature of the fuse. The melting temperatures of the first and second layers of solder are selected to allow reflow soldering of the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Microelectronic Modules CorporationInventors: Bernhard E. Doerrwaechter, Keck C. Pathammavong, Kurt M. Krachenfels
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Patent number: 5936509Abstract: The fusible element of an electrical fuse is made from carbon glass. The carbon glass melts and pulls apart safely when the fuse blows, so the fusible element normally does not need an enclosure. The carbon glass glows and emits light when current flowing therethrough approaches the fuse's current-carrying capacity, thereby acting as a current sensor and a warning indicator that the fuse is about to blow.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: David A. Norte, Woong K. Yoon
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Patent number: 5929741Abstract: A current protector comprising an organic resin-made insulating substrate, a pair of terminals formed at both ends of the insulating substrate, and an electrical conductor electrically connecting the terminals and having a thickness of 3-8 .mu.m and formed in or on the insulating substrate, is excellent in suppressing ignition and smoking at the time of blowing, and can be improved in clearing characteristics by various modifications.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1995Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Nishimura, Kouichi Tsuyama, Yorio Iwasaki, Yutaka Taniguchi, Mituo Teppozuka, Wataru Shimizu, Kousuke Takada, Hisaji Kobori
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Patent number: 5923239Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly comprising a printed circuit board having a plurality of conductive traces deposited on a surface thereof to define a plurality of electrical circuit geometries. A plurality of thin film fuses are deposited on the printed circuit board, each fuse providing circuit protection to one of the plurality of conductive traces.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: David J Krueger, Andrew J. Neuhalfen
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Patent number: 5903208Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: Hermann Sorger
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Patent number: 5900798Abstract: In the metal piece 32 which diffuses into the fuse element so that an alloy layer is generated, there is formed an expanding slot 30, which is inserted and pressured in the fusing portion 25b of the fusible body 25 which forms the fuse element. Due to the foregoing, the metallic mass 32 of low fusing point is fixed to the fusible body 25 while it surrounds the circumferential surface of the fusing portion 25b.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Hisashi Hanazaki, Kenji Muramatsu, Mitsuhiko Totsuka, Toshiharu Kudo
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Patent number: 5898357Abstract: A fuse comprising: a fusible portion constituted by a connection portion which is formed of the same metal base material as a pair of terminals so as to connect the pain of terminals to each other, and a low-melting metal having a melting point lower than that of the connection portion and stacked by welding on at least a portion of the connection portion; and at least one protrusion formed on the fusible portion by making the connection portion and the low-melting metal project in a direction parallel to the plane of an interface between the connection portion and the low-melting metal. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing the fuse. The fuse can be manufactured with a simple manufacturing process in comparison with a conventional method, and in the fuse, only the fusing-off time in a layer short-circuit range can be shortened by use of diffusion between the low-melting metal and base material.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Takayoshi Endo, Takashi Ishii, Naoki Matsuoka
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Patent number: 5889458Abstract: A fuse assembly including a housing and a fuse element which fuses open for protection against overcurrent or short-circuit current flows. The fuse assembly also includes reflecting means such as metal polished surfaces for reflecting radiation rays generated from the fuse element back to the fuse element. The reflecting means may be formed from separate parts interposed between the fuse element and the inner wall of the housing. Alternatively, the reflecting means may be formed by applying a metal plating on a surface of an inner wall of the housing to give a mirror-like appearance to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Goro Nakamura
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Patent number: 5883561Abstract: A secondary short preventing mechanism of a fuse is constituted by a pair of female terminal members in which male terminal receiving portions are formed at their longitudinally one ends respectively so that the male terminal receiving portions are to be engaged with and electrically connected to male terminal portions, and a fuse fusing portion is formed between their longitudinally other ends connected to each other; and a housing for housing the female terminal portions, and having a vertically extending insulation partition for horizontally separating the female terminal portions from each other. Each of the male terminal receiving portions has raised pressing contact portions which face each other at different levels, that is, at upper and lower positions in its longitudinal direction, the upper pressing contact portion being projected toward the insulation partition and having elasticity, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Goro Nakamura, Kenji Muramatsu, Naoki Matsuoka
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Patent number: 5880664Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Fritz Driescher KG Spezialfabrik fur Elektrizit atswerksbedarf GmbH & Co.Inventors: Fritz Hollmann, Martin Grote, Ilona Kluth
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Patent number: 5854583Abstract: Automotive-type fuse for large currents, in which a generally rectangular metal strip of tin-plated zinc, with a central portion shaped to form a conductor of smaller conducting cross section, is provided, at each of its opposite ends, with a circular hole for the screw of an electrical terminal clamp, this hole being surrounded by an annular insert caulked into the strip, made of metal, such as copper with tellurium or with beryllium, with a modulus of elasticity and yield-point stress higher than that of zinc, to ensure the stability of the screw clamp, even under vibration, with a clamping pressure greater than the yield-point stress of zinc, by means of the elastic reaction exerted by the ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Meccanotecnica Codognese S.p.A.Inventor: Antonio Falchetti
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Patent number: 5852396Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventor: Glenn R. Borchardt
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Patent number: 5841337Abstract: A safety fuse system includes a safety fuse including a fuse casing having a bottom surface and opposing end surfaces at each end of the bottom surface; a fuse element inside the fuse casing; a pair of electrical contacts connected to the fuse element, the electrical contacts extending through openings in the bottom surface of the fuse casing to an exterior of the fuse casing; the openings being located at a distance from the opposing end surfaces so that the electrical contacts are remote from the opposing ends; a fuse holder including a fuse holder casing having a top surface, the top surface including apertures for receiving the electrical contacts of the safety fuse, the apertures being in alignment with the safety fuse openings when the safety fuse is engaged with the fuse holder; metal contacts within the fuse holder casing for receiving the electrical contacts.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: Robert Stephen Douglass
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Patent number: 5825274Abstract: A fusible link includes a housing which is made of insulating resin, the housing has an opening through which a fuse element is inserted into the housing, a fuse element having a pair of connecting terminal sections and a fusible body connected between the connecting terminal sections, and a lid of insulating resin which covers the opening of the housing while engaging with the housing. In the fusible link, the lid has resilient protruded pieces which are extended downwardly from the inner surface of the lid, and pressed against the fuse element so that the fused ends of the fuse element are away from each other when the fusible body is fused, thereby to positively prevent the occurrence of secondary short-circuiting of the fused ends.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Mitsuhiko Totsuka
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Patent number: 5812046Abstract: A method for manufacturing a subminiature fuse includes the steps of applying metallized coatings to surfaces at axially opposite ends of a hollow fuse body, placing a fuse element in an internal cavity in the fuse body, the fuse element extending from the first end to the second end of the cavity, placing a one of a solder and brazing preform and end termination at each of the first and second ends of the cavity, and heating the assembled fuse body, fuse element, solder preforms and end terminations to a temperature sufficient to cause the solder preforms to bond the fuse element to the end terminations and for the end terminations to bond with the metallized end portions of the fuse body, wherein the end terminations form hermetic seals closing the ends of the cavity. A subminiature fuse according to the invention includes a fuse body with a fuse element diagonally disposed in the body. The fuse body includes metallized end portions to which the end terminations are bonded.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Cooper Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Russell Brown, Farid Ghaderi, Varinder K. Kalra, Keith A. Spalding, Joan L. Winnett, Stephen J. Whitney
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Patent number: 5770994Abstract: A fuse element having a substantially planar strip formed of an electrically conductive metal having a central portion and opposite end portions. The central portion is provided with a plurality of diamond-shaped perforations. The perforations form a plurality of branches that define a plurality of elongated, narrowed electrical pathways across the central portion. The joints where the branches meet form the weak spots for the fuse element. The central portion of the fuse element is encased in a material that is electrically non-conducting and heat conducting. The material, a ceramic, for example, is injection molded in and around the perforations to substantially completely encase the central portion of the fuse element.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1995Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventor: Terence John Evans
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Patent number: 5726851Abstract: A coaxial cable fuse having a central conductor, an outer conductor disposed coaxially with respect to the central conductor, an insulating medium disposed between the central conductor and the fusible outer conductor, and an insulating layer covering the fusible outer conductor. The outer conductor may be composed of fusible conductor for causing an open circuit to be formed in the outer conductor in response to an electrical current passing through the outer conductor. The open circuit is formed prior to any substantial heating of the exterior insulating layer of the coaxial cable to which the fuse is attached to reduce the likelihood of fire hazard due to heating of the insulating layer. The coaxial cable fuse may be used in an electrical interface apparatus adapted to interconnect a coaxial distribution cable and a premise coaxial cable. The electrical interface apparatus has a housing and a coaxial cable protector with a surge protector and a fail-short mechanism disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Joslyn Electronic Systems CorporationInventor: Walter Knapp
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Patent number: 5714923Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John Joseph Shea, William Kingston Hanna, William Ralph Crooks, deceased, Valerie J. Crooks, executrix
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Patent number: 5675308Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration.. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-robe assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Henry W. Scherer, Bruce A. Biller, Hiram S. Jackson, Roy T. Swanson, David W. Zabel
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Patent number: 5604474Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: KHT Fuses, L.L.C.Inventors: John G. Leach, Ronald E. Bennett
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Patent number: 5604475Abstract: A current-limiting device is provided having a low profile configuration (generally flat polyhedron) that defines a cavity of predetermined dimensions and an elongated circuitous path through the cavity. The device also includes provisions for supporting a current-limiting fusible element along the path. The cavity is filled with a pulverulent arc-quenching filler material. In one specific arrangement, the path of the fusible element is defined by one or more U-shaped sections substantially spanning the length or width of the cavity. The fusible element is arranged in a predetermined geometry to include a length of the fusible element that is longer than the overall straight-line path via a configuration of steps or bends along its length.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventor: Hiram S. Jackson
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Patent number: 5502427Abstract: A low-exhaust composite drop-out assembly is provided that is utilizable in a standard cutout mounting in electrical power distribution systems. The composite drop-out assembly includes current-limiting and low-current clearing sections and is easily removable from the mounting for servicing. The sections are efficiently arranged in a side by side configuration. The low-current clearing section includes a fuse-tube assembly having a replaceable fuse cartridge. Accordingly, the low-current clearing section is simply and economically renewable for reuse whether or not the current-limiting section has operated. Further, the current-limiting section need not be replaced if only the low-current clearing section operated in response to overcurrent in a low range. Additionally, the sections are separable so that the low-current clearing section can be reused after simple refusing even when the current-limiting section has operated.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Henry W. Scherer, Bruce A. Biller, Hiram S. Jackson, Roy T. Swanson, David W. Zabel
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Patent number: 5463366Abstract: A current-limiting dropout fuseholder includes multiple current paths through the fuse body. A primary current path includes a high current fusible element. A secondary current path in parallel with the primary path includes a triggering conductor that extends outside the fuse body and is connected to a moveable support. The second current path further includes a first spark gap for severing the triggering conductor upon the occurrence of a fault and the shifting of the fault current from the primary current path to the second current path. A second spark gap formed between the primary and the second current paths ensures that the fault current flows across the first spark gap for a time sufficient to sever the triggering conductor, thereby ensuring that dropout will occur.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Hassler, Stephen P. Johnson, John Lapp
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Patent number: 5252942Abstract: A hollow electrical circuit protector preferably coated with an insulative coating which will maintain its structure and not be conductive when said circuit protector blows. The electrical circuit protector has at least one weak spot cross-sectional area and is generally adapted to be part of a dual element fuse link with ribbon-like fuse links on opposite sides thereof. Also provided are the ribbon like fuse links, one with a guide and the other with an integral washer.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1992Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventor: Leon Gurevich
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Patent number: 5091712Abstract: A fusible element component for use in an electrical fuse, the element including a substrate made of insulative material and having an element supporting surface, a fusible element made of a thin film of conductive material on the element supporting surface, the element having a body portion for conducting electricity therethrough from and to an external electrical circuit, the body portion having back-up sections and a fusible portion that is designed to fuse during electrical overload conditions, and cooling arms that are made of the thin film of conductive material and extend laterally from the back-up sections to conduct and dissipate heat but not conduct electricity.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1991Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Gould Inc.Inventor: David E. Suuronen
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Patent number: 4893106Abstract: The disclosed full-range fuse provides excellent short-circuit and overload protection using various forms of fuse links, made of copper or copper alloys, or silver, including curtain fuse links, the short-circuit performance being enhanced by solidifying the sand or other granular fill with a binder, notably a silicate or boric acid, the overload interruption being enhanced by boric acid that is distributed throughout the fill.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1988Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Brush Fuses Inc.Inventors: Michel Goldstein, Kenneth D. Howton, Larry L. Jones
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Patent number: 4818967Abstract: A current limiting fuse for a transformer bushing including a glass tubing, an elongate ribbon spirally wound in the tubing, the ribbon including a number of tabs formed integral therewith to space the ribbon inwardly of the walls of the tubing, a terminal stud mounted on one end of the tubing and being electrically connected to the ribbon, a conductive rod connected to the other end of the ribbon and sealed in the other end of the tubing, a granular dielectric material completely filling the tubing, a self-sealing, self-bonding, rubber tape wrapped around the outside of the tubing and a glass reinforced tape wrapped around the outside of the rubber tape.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1987Date of Patent: April 4, 1989Assignee: Cooper Power Systems, Inc.Inventor: Harvey W. Mikulecky
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Patent number: 4734670Abstract: In a current limiting fuse, the combination of a plurality of metallic fuse strips and a packing of silica enveloping said strips, said strips being made of cadmium alloyed with a grain size stabilizing minor amount of a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc and silver.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1986Date of Patent: March 29, 1988Assignee: Kearney, National, Inc.Inventors: Arthur C. Westrom, Billy R. Livesay, W. Ralph Crooks
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Patent number: 4731600Abstract: A General-Purpose or Full-Range fuse in which one or more integral fuse elements are provided a first part of the length of each element serving as a current limiting device at high fault currents and a second part of the length of each element serving as an expulsion device at lower fault currents. In a preferred embodiment the first fuse part has a plurality of constrictions such as holes or notches disposed along its length and the second part has a single constriction located in a central region thereof, the length of the constriction in the second part exceeding the length of one of the constrictions in the first part.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1986Date of Patent: March 15, 1988Assignee: Brush Fusegear LimitedInventor: Philip Rosen
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Patent number: 4692734Abstract: An improved current-limiting section is provided for an interrupting device. A main-current-path section of the interrupting device carries substantially all of the normal, load current while only a negligible portion of the current flows through a higher-impedance current-limiting section. Upon operation of the interrupting device, the contacts of a switch in the main-current section are rapidly separated to create one or more gaps. Upon the creation of the one or more gaps, the current is transferred into the current-limiting section. The current-limiting section includes a plurality of fusible elements. The fusible elements are thin, elongated, conductive ribbons.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1986Date of Patent: September 8, 1987Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Roy T. Swanson, Leonard V. Chabala, Hiram S. Jackson
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Patent number: 4689598Abstract: An electrical fuse having an element which includes a strip of conductive metal connectable to the fuse terminals, the strip of conductive material having a plurality of holes through its thickness dimension spaced along the center line of its width, successive ones of the holes through the strip each having a slot joining that hole with an opposite one of the edges from the edge joined by the adjacent hole and its associated slot, the spacing of the holes and their associated slots being such that the current flowing through the fuse element is forced to zig-zag through regions which constrict the current and successive regions which have broad area and volume so that undesired abnormally high temperature rises within the fusing element, which might arise with ordinary over-loads which are not destructive and would cause unnecessary opening of the fuse element, are prevented, while, at the same time, the sensitivity of the fuse element to destructive current surges is retained and, if necessary, fusing timeType: GrantFiled: November 12, 1986Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ishikawa, Kiyohisa Yoshigae
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Patent number: 4689596Abstract: A low fault current interrupting fuse assembly for a full range current limiting fuse of the type having a high fault current interrupting fuse element connected in series with the low fault current interrupting fuse assembly, said assembly including a first fuse element having a high melt temperature characteristic and a second fuse element having a low melt temperature characteristic, the first and second fuse elements being connected in parallel and having different diameters to provide current interruption at different time-current characteristics under low fault current conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1986Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: Combined Technologies, Inc.Inventor: William J. Huber
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Patent number: 4654620Abstract: An asymmetrical fuse link employs a planar conductive member with the top and bottom surfaces manifested by having a series of alternating partial apertures with the alternating apertures in the top surface being of a first larger area followed by a second smaller area followed by a next larger area and so on. The bottom surface of the link also having a plurality of alternating partial apertures with the smaller diameter aperture of the bottom surface aligned with a larger diameter aperture in the top surface and so on. Thus the top and bottom surfaces each have partial apertures, with one of which is of a larger area and the next of a smaller area and arranged along a common axis and separated by a central aperture. Based on the above construction of the link, an arc generated during current interruption of the fuse is caused to zig zag along opposite edges of the planar member from a first to a second end.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1986Date of Patent: March 31, 1987Assignee: Commercial Enclosed Fuse Co. of New JerseyInventors: William J. Rooney, Francis J. Rooney
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Patent number: 4625195Abstract: An electric cartridge fuse having a channel shaped fusible link section which carries a gas evolving core is provided with means for assuring positive axial positioning of the core without requiring deformation of the fuse link. The gas evolving core is provided with a lateral protrusion which extends through and operatively engages one of the perforations in the fuse link thereby positively axially positioning the core with respect to the fuse link.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1984Date of Patent: November 25, 1986Assignee: Gould Inc.Inventor: Richard W. Robbins
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Patent number: 4599543Abstract: A high pressure sodium vapor lamp having a time fuse device effective for predeterminedly establishing the anticipated life of the high pressure lamp is disclosed. Also disclosed are various embodiments of the time fuse device.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1986Date of Patent: July 8, 1986Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jack M. Strok
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Patent number: 4581674Abstract: A protection device for interrupting power to a load connected to a pair of terminals when the temperature of a terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold comprises an alloy having a eutectic at the predetermined threshold and a neon gas-filled glow tube electrically coupled in parallel with the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is electrically serially connected between the terminal and the load and thermally coupled to the terminal so that an excessive temperature rise at the terminal causes the fuse to melt, thereby removing power from the load and causing the glow tube to be lit.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1984Date of Patent: April 8, 1986Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Steven J. Brzozowski
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Patent number: 4547830Abstract: A device for protection of a semiconductor device comprises a metallic wire and means for connecting said wire to the output of said semiconductor device, said metallic wire having a characteristic that when a current a little lower than the current that destroys said semiconductor device flows through said wire, said wire is melted in as short a period of time as possible.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1983Date of Patent: October 15, 1985Assignee: Rohm Company LimitedInventor: Yoshio Yamauchi
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Patent number: 4536735Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a current limiting high voltage fuse, comprising a preferably tubular support body (1), consisting of quartz glass, and fusible conductors (2) attached over their entire length to the support body, which conductors (2) are of a width of minimum 0.5 mm and maximum 1 mm and of a thickness of maximum 50 .mu.m.These fusible conductors are applied in parallel paths, the distance between the paths being at least twice as large as the width of the fusible conductors. Also the fusible conductors are provided with narrow sections (4) separated in longitudinal direction of the fusible conductor over regular distances, and interconnected at both ends by an electrically conducting sleeve (3) applied to the support body (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1984Date of Patent: August 20, 1985Assignee: Hazemeijer B.V.Inventor: Derk van der Scheer
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Patent number: 4528479Abstract: A circuit breaker for a rapid-start fluorescent lamp includes a pair of electrical conductors sealed into a glass bottle, a bimetal switch within the bottle having one end affixed and the other end contacting the pair of electrical conductors and a meltable by-pass element shunting the pair of electrical conductors and formed of a material having a relatively high cold resistivity and a low temperature coefficient of resistance.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1983Date of Patent: July 9, 1985Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Robert P. Bonazoli, John W. Shaffer
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Patent number: 4524344Abstract: An electric fuse includes a tube of insulating material with first and second open ends. Metallic or electrically conducting end caps are placed on each of the first and second ends. A fuse element is mounted with the tube in electrical contact with the end caps. The fuse element includes an elongated body defined by a plurality of heavy portions and a plurality of weak spots. Each weak spot is located between adjacent heavy portions. The weak spots are linear fusible portions integrally connected to adjacent heavy portions and are transverse to an axis extending along the length of the element. Each heavy portion includes first and second ends. A first adjacent heavy portion is connected at a first end of a weak spot and a second adjacent heavy portion is connected to a second end of the weak spot, such that the first ends of adjacent heavy portions are transversely offset from each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1983Date of Patent: June 18, 1985Assignee: McGraw-Edison CompanyInventor: Aldino J. Gaia
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Patent number: 4511874Abstract: An electrical fuse comprises a fusible ribbon having one or more weak spots along its axial length which is highly resistant to mechanical fatigue caused by cyclic heating and cooling of the fusible ribbon. The weak spot comprises a series of apertures arranged in a curvilinear or angular configuration extending transversely to the axis of the fuse ribbon between the opposite sides thereof. Centers of adjacent apertures of the series are offset from each other with respect to the axis of the fusible ribbon by a distance at least equal to the shortest distance between the geometric center and the peripheral edge of any one of the adjacent apertures such that the cross-sectional area of the weak spot is distributed transversely across the fuse ribbon.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1983Date of Patent: April 16, 1985Assignee: McGraw-Edison CompanyInventors: John F. Rasmussen, Aldino J. Gaia
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Patent number: 4491820Abstract: A terminator device for a fusible element ribbon surrounding a switch in an interrupting module. The device is a conductive collar mountable to a terminal of the switch and an integral finger to which an end of the ribbon is attachable. One or more slotted tabs are also integral with the collar to engage and support fins holding the ribbon in a helix around the switch. The tabs may be deformed to lock the fins in place. The device, which may be a simple stamped part, thus mechanically and electrically mounts the ribbon and supports the fins, as well as electrically interconnecting the ribbon to the switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1982Date of Patent: January 1, 1985Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventor: John M. Jarosz
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Patent number: 4481495Abstract: A fusible element for a current-limiting fuse comprises a metal ribbon having groups of holes therethrough and therealong. The distance along the ribbon between adjacent holes in a group is less than the distance along between adjacent groups. The lateral width of the ribbon between the hole groups is greater than its laterial width where the holes are located. The ribbon initially melts at the holes and multiple arcs burn back the ribbon at a first rate until the ribbon containing the holes is consumed, following which merger of the arcs occurs. This merger and the greater width of the ribbon between the groups results in burn-back of the ribbon at a second reduced rate. In this way, both 9 kv and 15 kv fault currents may be interrupted without exceeding the spark-over voltage of phase-to-ground arrestors when 9 kv fault currents are interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1982Date of Patent: November 6, 1984Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: John M. Jarosz, William R. Panas
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Patent number: 4472704Abstract: An improved switch for a high-voltage device in which ignition of a power cartridge moves an insulative piston located in a conductive member, into a passageway in an insulative liner, said piston moving a contact through the passageway and away from the conductive member to break an electrical interconnection between the conductive member and the movable contact, the switch including an insulative housing,an annular groove formed in the outside of the conductive member;an annular groove formed in the inside of the housing; and a split ring partially residing in both of the grooves when axially aligned, preventing relative axial movement between the conductive member and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1983Date of Patent: September 18, 1984Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Hiram S. Jackson, Henry W. Scherer