Resistive Heater Patents (Class 337/183)
  • Patent number: 11501942
    Abstract: A circuit protection device including a PTC device having a PTC element, first and second electrodes disposed on opposing first and second surfaces of the PTC element, respectively, first and second chip fuses disposed on the first and second electrodes, respectively, the second chip fuse electrically connected in series with the PTC device, and the first chip fuse electrically in connected parallel with the PTC device and the second chip fuse, the first chip fuse having a lower electrical resistance than the PTC element when the PTC element is in a non-tripped state, wherein a fusible element of the first chip fuse has a first melting temperature and is configured to carry a current higher than the PTC element can carry without tripping, and wherein a fusible element of the second chip fuse has a second melting temperature that is greater than the first melting temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuriy Borisovich Matus, Martin G. Pineda
  • Patent number: 10923990
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an external unit used by being mounted on a bottom part of a motor body having at least two motor terminals has a holder, a PTC thermistor arranged on the holder, a first terminal connected to the PTC thermistor, a part of the first terminal exposed to an outside of the holder, and a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal through the PTC thermistor and electrically connected to one of the motor terminals. The PTC thermistor is flat-plate shaped, and a surface of the PTC thermistor is directed toward a rotary shaft direction of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventor: Makoto Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150084734
    Abstract: The present invention aims to achieve a Pb-free protection element by using a layered body including a high melting point metal layer and a low melting point metal layer. A protection element includes an insulating substrate, a heating body, an insulating member, two electrodes, a heating body extraction electrode, and a fusible conductor. Furthermore, the fusible conductor includes a layered body including at least a high melting point metal layer and a low melting point metal layer, and the low melting point metal layer is melted by a heat generated by the heating body, whereby, while eroding the high melting point metal layer, the low melting point metal layer is drawn close to the side of the two electrodes and the heating body extraction electrode, and fused, the two electrodes and the heating body extraction electrode each having high wettability for the low melting point metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yoneda
  • Patent number: 8976001
    Abstract: A protective device includes a substrate, two first electrodes, a low-melting point metal layer and an assisting layer. The first electrodes are respectively arranged at two opposite sides of the substrate. The low melting point metal layer is arranged over the two first electrodes. The assisting layer is formed on the low melting point metal layer. The liquidus temperature of the assisting layer is below the liquidus temperature of the low melting point metal layer, and the liquidus temperature of the assisting layer is not below a predetermined temperature which is below the maximum working temperature of reflow soldering process by 25 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cyntec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Shu Chen, Chung-Hsiung Wang
  • Patent number: 8648688
    Abstract: A protection element is provided which is capable of stably retaining a flux on a soluble conductor at a predetermined position and is capable of checking a retention state of the flux, enabling a speedy blowout of the soluble conductor in the event of an abnormality. This protection element includes: a soluble conductor 13 which is disposed on an insulation baseboard 11 and is connected to an electric power supply path of a device targeted to be protected, to cause a blowout by means of a predetermined abnormal electric power; a flux 19 which is coated onto a surface of the soluble conductor 13; and an insulation cover 14 which is mounted on the baseboard 11 with the soluble conductor 13 being covered therewith. The insulation cover 14 is provided with an opening porting 20 made of a through hole which is opposite to the soluble conductor 13. The flux 19 comes into contact with a peripheral edge part of the opening portion 20, retaining the flux 19 at a predetermined position on the soluble conductor 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dexerials Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kimura, Kazuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8614898
    Abstract: A printed wiring board includes an insulating resinous substrate having an aperture unit, a first terminal unit and a second terminal unit consisting of a conductor and formed on top of the resinous substrate, and a fuse unit that electrically couples the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit to each other. At least a part of the fuse unit is disposed over the aperture unit, and in addition, is covered by a porous inorganic covering material having insulating properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuji Hiramatsu, Yuki Terada, Tetsuya Muraki
  • Publication number: 20130335187
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a conductive layer which is connected to first and second terminals. A spring is electrically connected to the first and second terminals. When an over-voltage or over-temperature condition occurs within a charging circuit, one or more heat generating resistive elements melts material associated with one or more of the ends of the spring thereby releasing the spring to create an open circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: G. Todd Dietsch, Olga Spaldon-Stewart, Stephen Whitney
  • Patent number: 8531263
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a conductive layer which is connected to first and second terminals. A spring is electrically connected to the first and second terminals. When an over-voltage or over-temperature condition occurs within a charging circuit, one or more heat generating resistive elements melts material associated with one or more of the ends of the spring thereby releasing the spring to create an open circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Todd Dietsch, Olga Spaldon-Stewart, Stephen Whitney
  • Patent number: 8400252
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuse resistor representing superior manufacturing efficiency and assembling reliability. The fuse resistor includes a resistor, a thermal fuse that is disconnected by heat generated from the resistor, and a case receiving the resistor and the thermal fuse therein and having a space section for transferring radiant heat of the resistor to the thermal fuse. Fillers are not required so that the manufacturing process is simplified. Since the assembling process is completed by covering a body of the case with a cap after the resistor and the thermal fuse have been inserted into the body, the manufacturing efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Il Jung, Doo Won Kang, Gyu Jin Ahn, Sung Kwang Kim, Kyung Mi Lee
  • Patent number: 8400253
    Abstract: Disclosed are a thermal fuse resistor having a case injection-molded by using thermosetting resin having heat resistance less than that of a filler, a manufacturing method of the thermal fuse resistor, and a method of installing the thermal fuse resistor such that a resistor and a thermal fuse are laid down on a printed circuit board. In the thermal fuse resistor, through changing a material of the case, the case has a lighter weight and is not easily broken, so that the thermal fuse resistor is advantageously used for an electronic appliance because of its lightness and slimness. The thickness of the case of the thermal fuse resistor serves as the thickness of the electronic appliance employing the thermal fuse resistor, so that the thermal fuse resistor allows the electronic appliance to have a slim structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong II Jung, Doo Won Kang, Gyu Jin Ahn, Sung Kwang Kim, Kyung Mi Lee
  • Publication number: 20130049679
    Abstract: Heat from a heating resistor is efficiently transmitted to a low-melting-point metal body through a heat transfer path. A protection element, connected onto an electric current path of an electric circuit, is provided with an insulating substrate (60), a heating resistor (64) which is formed on one surface of the insulating substrate (60) with a first insulating layer (62) interposed therebetween, a low-melting-point metal body (67) which is disposed above the heating resistor (64) with a second insulating layer (65) interposed therebetween and constitutes part of the electric current path, and connection portions (611, 612) which are connected to both ends of the low-melting-point metal body (67) and electrically connect the electric current path and the low-melting-point metal body (67), and the connection portions (611, 612) are formed on the surface of the insulating substrate (60) with a first glass layer (70) interposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Chemical & Information Device Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Mukai, Masahiko Ishimaru, Takahiro Asada, Chisato Komori, Shoko Nagaki
  • Publication number: 20130012392
    Abstract: A superconducting switch is provided in which the structural strength of the superconducting switch is kept, and thermal efficiency between a superconducting film and a heater is high when an ON state (superconducting state) and an OFF state (normal conducting state) of the superconducting switch are switched. The superconducting switch includes a substrate, a heater for generating heat by energization, a conductive film, and a MgB2 film evaporated on the conductive film. The heater, the conductive film and the MgB2 film are laminated in this order on one surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Wakuda, Motomune Kodama, Akifumi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7808364
    Abstract: A protection cover used for avoiding the influence brought about by the temperature effect of a varistor is proposed. The protection cover is made of ceramic or refractory material, and is used to bear high temperature generated when a metal oxide varistor breaks down to catch fire and to further cover the fire therein, thereby preventing the fire from burning out application components around the metal oxide varistor. Moreover, accommodation portions and grooves for receiving temperature breakers are disposed on the protection cover to provide a better contact surface between the protection cover and the temperature breakers so that the temperature breakers can more accurately detect the temperature on the protection cover, hence reducing the occurrence of the situation of erroneous actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Hsiung Chou, Yu-Lung Lee
  • Patent number: 7598840
    Abstract: A MOV includes a MOV body, a first lead, a thermal cut-off fuse, a second lead and a silver electrode area. The MOV of the present invention employs the silver electrode area formed on and electrically coupled to the MOV body, thus the MOV has a lower inductance, which accordingly, enables the MOV to have a high and sound thermal conductivity. Hence, the MOV can fleetly and perfectly transfer heat to the thermal cut-off fuse in case of over-voltages, thus enabling the thermal cut-off fuse to cut off the power more quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: CeNtRa Science (holdings) Ltd
    Inventor: Chien-Hsun Lu
  • Patent number: 7535332
    Abstract: A protective element has a heat-generating member and a low-melting metal member on a substrate, in which the low-melting metal member is blown out by the heat generated by the heat-generating member, wherein at least two strips of low-melting metal member are provided as the low-melting metal member, for example, between the pair of electrodes that pass current to the low-melting metal member, so that the lateral cross section of at least part of the low-melting metal member is substantially divided into at least two independent cross sections. This protective element has a shorter and more consistent operating time. It is preferable here to provide at least two strips of low-melting metal member between the pair of electrodes that pass current to the low-melting metal member. It is also preferable to provide one strip of low-melting metal member having a slit in its center, between the pair of electrodes that pass current to the low-melting metal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Furuuchi, Hisaya Tamura, Masahiro Matsuyoshi, Kazutaka Furuta, Masami Kawazu
  • Patent number: 7417526
    Abstract: A component with an internal conductor is so configured that it is ruptured at a predetermined position while forming an arc, if predetermined current/voltage conditions occur at the terminals of the component. The component includes a circuit element which is so arranged that an arc formed at the predetermined position can act on the circuit element such that the circuit element alters its electrical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Wickmann-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Hell
  • Patent number: 7265653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a protective component, for example a fuse component or a fusing resistor, including a fusible element and a heating element, which are attached as stacking components to the surface of a substrate. The fusible element is configured in such a way that a current flow between its connections is interrupted, if the fusible component is heated, at least in one fusible region, for a predetermined time period to above a predetermined temperature. The fusible element and the heating element are arranged on the substrate in such a way, that heat created by the heating element is transported to the fusible element and the current flow through the heating element exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined time period. During production, the heating element is positioned next to the fusible element, at a predetermined distance from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Wickmann-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Rupalla, Stephan Hell, Andreas Baus
  • Patent number: 7088216
    Abstract: Protective devices for preventing overcurrent and overvoltage are disclosed. The devices includes a base substrate, a pair of electrodes formed on the base substrate, and a low-melting metal element connected between the pair of electrodes to interrupt the current flowing between the electrodes by fusion. An insulating cover plate is positioned and fixed in contact with the pair of electrodes serving as a spacer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignees: Sony Chemicals Corp., Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Furuuchi
  • Patent number: 6566995
    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: (cross-sectional area of the low melting metal member)/(surface area of the blowout-effective electrode)≦0.15  (1) Alternatively, Formula (2) below is satisfied: 2.5≦(inter-electrode distance)/(cross-sectional area of the low melting metal member)≦30  (2) wheren the inter-electrode distance is defined as the distance between two electrodes, among the low melting metal member electrodes onto which the molten low melting metal member flows, which are adjacent to each other with the low melting metal member interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Furuuchi, Masami Kawazu
  • Patent number: 6489879
    Abstract: An improved PTC fuse assembly is described. The PTC fuse assembly includes a PTC fuse having a PTC material. To expedite heating of the PTC material, the improved PTC fuse assembly includes a die package in thermal communication with the PTC material. The die package includes a die which is responsible generating heat once a threshold has been reached. To mount the die package to a printed circuit board, the die package includes leads. The leads are sufficiently flexible such that the heat generated by the die does not compromise performance of the PTC protection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Inderjit Singh, Hem Takiar, Geoffrey Cade Murray
  • Patent number: 6445276
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Schön, Dieter Bornhorst, Joachim Korherr, Joachim Jüngst
  • Patent number: 6304166
    Abstract: A low profile mount for a disc varistor. A thermally sensitive switch is provided both for single and multiple electrode embodiments. The switch may be placed in a shorting circuit and include a spring biased conductor prevented from closure by a heat sensitive element which softens in responsive to excessive heat. The varistor may be fused to prevent excessive current from a short circuited but not open circuited varistor. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Harris Ireland Development Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 5907272
    Abstract: Circuit protection device having a PTC element in series with a fusible element. The device includes a PTC element having first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the PTC element. An insulating layer is disposed on the first and second electrodes. Portions of the insulating layer are removed to form first and second contact points. A first conductive layer is in electrical contact with the first electrode and wraps around the PTC element. A portion of the first conductive layer forms a fusible element. A second conductive layer is in electrical contact with the second electrode. The wrap-around configuration of the device allows for an electrical connection to be made to both electrodes from the same side of the electrical device. The wrap-around configuration also permits current to flow in series through the PTC element and the fusible element for added protection from overcurrent conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Katherine M. McGuire
  • Patent number: 5793274
    Abstract: A thermal fuse device for over-current protection includes a fusing element comprising a conductive strip having a fulcrum point between first and second ends. The fuse strip is connected to first and second terminal pads on a substrate by a first solder joint between the first end and the first terminal pad, and a second solder joint between the fulcrum point and the second terminal pad. The second end of the strip is resiliently pressed against the interior surface of a housing that holds the substrate. The inwardly-directed pressure applied to the second end of the fuse strip by the housing is resisted by the first and second solder joints, whereby the fuse strip remains immobile. A resistive element on the substrate generates heat in response to the flow of current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kelly, Chris Herbert
  • Patent number: 5760676
    Abstract: In a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, a terminal holding member is provided between an outer casing and an elastic terminal electrically connected to the semiconductor ceramic element. The terminal holding member is formed of a thermoplastic resin having a low softening point. Consequently, when an abnormally large amount of heat is generated in the semiconductor ceramic element, the terminal holding member melts and deforms, causing the semiconductor ceramic element to be separated and thereby electrically disconnected from the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 5663702
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip C. Shaw, Jr., Paul Charles Stein
  • Patent number: 5287078
    Abstract: A back-up safety device is shown for use with a power controller to prevent damage to circuits with which the controller is used in the event that the controller malfunctions. The safety device has performance characteristics which conforms to selected circuit breaker time-current curves so that it does not interfere with normal operation of the controller. The safety device is surface mountable on the same substrate on which the controller is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric K. Larson
  • Patent number: 5193044
    Abstract: A heat generating means, such a resistive element, is serially connected in a current-carrying conductive line, and a fusible link carrying current from said line is serially mounted between the line and said resistive element and is positioned in proximity to the heat generating means, to be heated by the heat from the generating means and to melt in response thereto, thereby breaking the serial connection in the current-carrying line. A spring means may be provided to urge disconnection of the serial circuit when the fusible link melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Alcatel Network Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Czerwiec
  • Patent number: 4821010
    Abstract: A thermal cutoff includes a housing having a resistive coating bonded thereto, and defining a heater for heating the thermal cutoff to its firing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventor: Emil R. Plasko
  • Patent number: 4593262
    Abstract: A fuse (12) for protecting a circuit and comprising a tube (14) of insulating material having an inner wall surface (16) and an outer wall surface (18) so as to form a fuse housing. The fuse includes two opposite axial ends (20) and (22), and a first (24) and a second conductive fuse terminal (26) are secured to the tube adjacent each of those opposite axial ends, respectively. Serially-located elements (28) are disposed within the fuse housing and provide electrical continuity between the first fuse terminal and the second fuse terminal. The elements comprise stressed spring means (30) and resistor means (32), with the spring means having a proximate end (40) secured to the fuse adjacent the first fuse terminal and a distal end (41) secured through a meltable junction (34) to the resistor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Krueger
  • Patent number: 4328387
    Abstract: A fail-safe thermostatically controlled circuit is disclosed for use in high-throughput thermoplastic material melting and dispensing apparatus including a hopper into which solid thermoplastic material is deposited for feeding the thermoplastic material to a grid melter which melts the thermoplastic material whereupon the molten thermoplastic material flows from the grid melter to a reservoir from which the molten thermoplastic material is pumped to an applicator or dispenser. Both the grid melter and the reservoir are preferably heated by electrical resistance heaters energized by separate fail-safe thermostatically controlled circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Kemble
  • Patent number: 4302662
    Abstract: A control instrument is used for the manually continuously adjustable supply of electric power to electric hot plates in the form of individual power pulses. The control instrument contains a switch, operated by a bimetallic member, whose heater is controlled by an electronic circuit and supplies current to the heating means in individual half-waves. An automatic initial cooking device with an electronic timing member is provided which, during the initial cooking phase, reduces the power supply to heater in a predetermined ratio and consequently correspondingly increases the power supplied to the electric hot plate. The automatic initial cooking device is automatically switched on by the control instrument knob. By rotating the control knob beyond a median power limit the automatic initial cooking device is switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: E.G.O. Regeltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Kicherer, Wilfried Schilling