With External Circuit Connection Means Patents (Class 337/187)
  • Publication number: 20110267168
    Abstract: A fuse includes an upper shell, a lower shell and a cavity formed by the upper shell and the lower shell; first and second conductors which are respectively disposed between the upper shell and the lower shell. The first ends of each conductors are disposed in the cavity and form a clearance. The second ends of the conductors extend out from the cavity. A conductive bar is welded to the first and second conductors to form a first weld line and a second weld line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Zhiwei Tong, Qing Lai, Jianhua Zhu
  • Patent number: 8026786
    Abstract: A fuse module includes a wiring lug. The wiring lug includes a fuse clip member comprising a first pressure plate and a fuse clip, a lug box comprising a second pressure plate, and a securing member operably coupled to the lug box. The securing member operates between a first position and a second position to move the second pressure plate of the lug box with respect to the first pressure plate of the fuse clip member. The first pressure plate and the second pressure plate have a clamping relationship when the securing member is in the first position and have a non-clamping relationship when the securing member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jiehua Su
  • Patent number: 8009010
    Abstract: Embodiments for an in-line fuse holder each include at least one housing and two mating pieces, which can snap-fit together and be held moveably together via a strap. Each embodiment houses at least one fuse, such as an automotive fuse. In one example, the fuse includes a first housing forming a first cavity, which is configured to house a first portion of the fuse. The first housing also includes a projection having sides that taper outwardly as the sides extend away from the first housing. The fuse holder also includes a second housing forming a second cavity, which is configured to house a second portion of the fuse. The second housing includes a channel having sides that taper outwardly as the sides extend into the second housing. The projection and channel snap-fit together in a water resistant relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Littlefuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Pentell, John Adamczyk, Charles E. Klingler
  • Publication number: 20110193675
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A current detecting element, a tripping mechanism, and control circuitry are provided to move the switchable contact to an open position in response to predetermined electrical current conditions in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Hundi Panduranga Kamath
  • Publication number: 20110175699
    Abstract: A fuse box system and method providing for visual and/or remote sensing of interrupted fusing elements is disclosed. The system incorporates LEDs and/or remote sensing apparatus to permit indication of a “blown” fuse and/or circuit protection breaker. This system may be configured for both polarized and/or non-polarized applications and generally provides for indicator illumination when a fuse/breaker is blown. Some preferred embodiments may incorporate current sourcing technologies to permit operation of the system over wide range of system voltages, as well as provisions for wired and/or RF/wireless interrogation of the fuse/breaker status. Alternate embodiments including systems/methods to permit remote sensing of fuse status and/or circuit current monitoring, and may be retrofit within existing fuse/breaker panel systems in some configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Roy Allen Huss, Jerry Anthony Dufour, Kevin Mark Klughart
  • Patent number: 7978046
    Abstract: A fusible link unit includes a fusible link main body that includes a bus bar for connecting to a battery terminal, and a battery that has a battery post for connecting to the battery terminal. The fusible link main body includes an L-shaped housing having a first face and a second face which oppose two side surfaces forming a corner portion of the battery. The bus bar is connected to a fuse portion and is extended from the first face of the housing. Abutment portions for abutting against the side surfaces of the battery are provided on the first and second faces of the housing respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiro Ohashi, Yusuke Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20110163838
    Abstract: A fuse includes an insulating base and a conducting terminal installed in the insulating base, and the insulating base is integrally formed and includes a groove and two concave pits interconnected to the groove. The conducting terminal is accommodated in the groove, and includes two conductive handles, a fuse filament coupled to the two conductive handles, and a forked holding portion formed at an end of each conductive handle and fixed into the concave pit. The forked holding portion is compressed, and a surface of the insulating base is stamped, such that the conducting terminal is passed and fixed securely to the insulating base, and the fuse features a simple structure and an easy installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung CHENG, Wen-Ho CHENG
  • Patent number: 7969275
    Abstract: A fuse assembly includes a main component partially encased in a protective sheath. The main component includes a pair of connectors formed of an electrically conductive material to allow the fuse assembly to be electrically connected into an electric vehicle drive system. A fusible link is electrically connected between the connectors and is preferably encased in the protective sheath. The fusible link reacts to current flowing through the fuse assembly in excess of a predetermined current for a predetermined time, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: EnerDel, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Hartzog
  • Patent number: 7948353
    Abstract: A power-circuit breaking device, which can easily mount a fuse and has a small number of component and a simple structure. The power-circuit breaking device includes a first connector housing having a pair of circuit terminals connected with a power circuit, and a second connector housing closing the power circuit by fitting with the first connector housing. The second connector housing includes a fuse having a pair of terminals to be connected with the pair of circuit terminals, a housing having a lock arm engaged with a cutout provided at the terminal and a cover an entry opening of a receiving section of the housing. The cover includes a limiter limiting the lock arm to move to disengaging the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Deno, Yasukazu Chikamatsu
  • Patent number: 7928827
    Abstract: A blade fuse includes a first terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge includes a first portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the first portion; a second terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge include a second portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the second portion; an element extending from the first portion of the inner edge of the first terminal to the second portion of the inner edge of the second terminal; and a housing covering the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio Urrea, James J. Beckert, Gary M. Bold, Seibang Oh, Juergen Scheele
  • Patent number: 7924137
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Naeem Rahman, Anthony Czyz, Cuong Ha
  • Patent number: 7920044
    Abstract: An appliance assembly includes an appliance and a thermal assembly. The thermal assembly includes a housing attached to the appliance, a temperature sensing device carried by the housing and electrically coupled with the appliance, and a thermal fuse carried by the housing and electrically coupled with the appliance, the thermal assembly being a modular assembly and thereby configured for being, as a single unit, attached to and detached from the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Scheiber, Michael S. Coverstone
  • Publication number: 20110074538
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Kuei-Sheng Wu, Chang-Chien Wong, Tzu-Chuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20110068889
    Abstract: A thermal fuse includes a first insulating film to which a pair of metal terminals are attached, a fusible alloy located above the first insulating film and connected between the leading end portions of the pair of metal terminals, and a second insulating film located above the fusible alloy and attached to the first insulating film so as to define a space with the first insulating film. The fusible alloy includes an Sn—Bi—In—Zn alloy containing 0.5 to 15 weight % of Bi, 45 to 55 weight % of In and 0.5 to 5 weight % of Zn with the balance being Sn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: KENJI SENDA, Takahiro Mukai, Masatoshi Izaki
  • Patent number: 7876193
    Abstract: A fuse circuit assembly having a power distribution bar for distributing power from a power input and an electrical terminal integral with the power distribution bar. The electrical terminal has a fuse element that is configured to open at an over current threshold in order to prevent current flow therethrough. The electrical terminal portion also has a female terminal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Slobadan Pavlovic, David Menzies, Mohamad Zeidan
  • Patent number: 7864023
    Abstract: A fuse incorporates a fusible element assembly and an auxiliary fusible element assembly in a solid arc extinguishing material configuration. The fusible element assembly has a first operating characteristic and the auxiliary fusible element has a second operating characteristic different than the first operating characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Michael G. Ennis, Jorge R. Montante, Martin A. Warszawa
  • Patent number: 7864510
    Abstract: A clothes dryer cabinet has a rear wall with a wire entry opening through which wiring enters into the dryer cabinet. A fuse supporting block is mounted closely adjacent to the wire entry opening and supports fuses which are connected directly to the wiring entering through the wire opening so as to limit or minimize the length of wiring contained in the dryer drum that is not protected by the fuses. This safety feature reduces the chance of fires occurring in the dryer as a result of arcing between wires due to mishandling of the wires, malmanufacturing of the wires or a fire occurring in the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Pasquale Antonio Renzo
  • Publication number: 20100328018
    Abstract: A fusible link unit includes a fuse busbar and a housing. The fuse busbar includes a first busbar having a first input connecting portion; a second busbar having a second input connecting portion; and a fusible element provided between the first busbar and the second busbar. The housing is provided with the fuse busbar. The fusible element is configured to melt down when a current of a predetermined value is conducted therethrough. The first input connecting portion and the second input connecting portion are formed into the same shape. The first and second input connecting portions are passed through inserting holes, which are provided on both end portions of the housing, and are projected outwards. The housing is formed symmetrical transversely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Yusuke MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100289611
    Abstract: There is provided an electric connection box in which even when a housing of a fuse is fusedly damaged by heat radiation or melting of a fusible element of the fuse, the fusedly-damaged housing can be restrained from adhering to an inner bottom portion of a fuse cavity. The inner bottom portion (11a) of the fuse cavity has a projecting portion (16) formed on an inner bottom face thereof and extending upwardly from the inner bottom face, and an upper face (16c, 16d) of the projecting portion (16) abuts against a lower face (21b) of the housing (21) of the fuse (2), and a gap (15e) is formed between the inner bottom face and the lower face (21b) of the housing (21) because of the projecting portion (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiji Okada
  • Patent number: 7825766
    Abstract: A fuse and fuse module that facilitate ampacity rejection based on electrical contact location is disclosed. A configuration of electrical contacts in the fuse and a corresponding configuration of fuse slots in the fuse holder permit fuses within an acceptable range of ampacities to be installed in the fuse holder while at the same time preventing fuses within an unacceptable range of ampacities from being installed in the fuse holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass
  • Publication number: 20100259355
    Abstract: The invention relates to holders for fuses, in particular for cylindrical fuses, with a housing which has an opening to a receiving shaft and in which contacts are provided for at least one fuse, with a cover, preferably in the form of a cover plate, which is adjustably arranged in the receiving shaft and a fuse holding device which is adjustably guided in the receiving shaft, wherein the cover plate has means which are engaged with guides formed on the housing and hold the cover plate at a predetermined position within the housing and set apart from the contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Alex Buettner, Frank Leistner
  • Patent number: 7808362
    Abstract: A fuse for a moderately hazardous environment comprising includes: (i) a fuse element; (ii) first and second terminals connected to the fuse element; and (iii) a metal enclosure placed around the fuse element, the enclosure configured to protect the environment from an opening of the fuse element, and wherein the first and second terminals extend from the metal enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Littlefuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Stanek, Daniel Gilman, Nathan Siegwald, William G. Rodseth
  • Patent number: 7791864
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for regulating the distribution of electricity at events such as trade shows to prevent exhibitors from utilizing electricity not purchased from the convention center or other entity controlling electricity distribution, including lockable electric outlet boxes having a lockable fuse holder containing a fuse that restricts or limits a specific electrical outlet box or group of outlet boxes to a maximum electrical current or amperage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Interface Group - Nevada, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond T. Matyas, Dan Roman, Sergio Corona, Richard Heller
  • Patent number: 7773368
    Abstract: A fuse incorporates a fusible element assembly and an auxiliary fusible element assembly in a solid arc extinguishing material configuration. The fusible element assembly has a first operating characteristic and the auxiliary fusible element has a second operating characteristic different than the first operating characteristic. An installation adapter may be used to adapt a fuse to a non-standard mounting for the fuse. The installation adapter may include first and second adapter members that secure to the fuse to provide contacts having an appropriate spatial relationship to engage the non-standard mounting. A fuse and an installation adapter may be packaged as a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Michael G. Ennis, Jorge R. Montante, Martin A. Warszawa
  • Patent number: 7714693
    Abstract: A fuse element comprising a pair of female terminal portions into which the other pair of terminals is plugged, and which are disposed in parallel, and a blowout portion for coupling the pair of female terminal portions in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the other pair of terminals is plugged. A slow blow fuse comprising the fuse element accommodated in a housing made of an insulating resin and is provided with the insertion ports in which the other pair of terminals is plugged into the pair of the female terminal portions in the opposed surfaces of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7710236
    Abstract: A fuse system has both a non-serviceable fuse and a fuse terminal system for selectively installing a serviceable fuse. When installed, the serviceable fuse provides a current flow path parallel to the non-serviceable fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Jozwiak
  • Patent number: 7683751
    Abstract: A fuse mounting assembly includes an epoxy-bonded glass-fiber core that is surrounded by a resilient sleeve having a number of radially extending members. Attached to an end of the core is a first mounting bracket and attached to another end of the core is another mounting bracket. Each of the mounting brackets is connected to a fuse which is structured to protect a power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James Jeffery Benke, Robert Neville Parry, Collin Christopher Otis
  • Publication number: 20100060406
    Abstract: A small-sized surface-mounted fuse and a method of manufacturing the same. A fusing element, separated from a winding member, is connected to lead wires by arc welding instead of soldering. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of improving fusing characteristics and productivity while reducing the defective rate and manufacturing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: SMART ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Young Sun Kim, Gyu Jin Ahn, Doo Won Kang, Mi Young Kim, Hee Kwon Son, Sang Joon Jin
  • Patent number: 7663465
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fusible link unit which is capable of being directly connected to a battery, and which includes: a band plate portion integrally formed in a bus bar; two fuse circuit-forming members contiguously formed respectively to two sides of the band plate portion; and bodies each including an electrically insulating housing formed onto a corresponding one of the fuse circuit-forming members by insert molding. Flanges as long as the entire width of the band plate portion are formed respectively in two end edges of the band plate portion by bending the flanges from the two end edges in the plate thickness direction. The bodies are arranged side-by-side with a clearance equal to the width of the band plate portion by bending the bodies along the two side edges of the band plate portion in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Matsumoto, Norio Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7663466
    Abstract: A fuse device for fitting over and around a corner of a battery housing has a top wall and two side walls extending downward from the top wall. The side walls are joined at a corner. A battery terminal for mechanical and electrical attachment to a battery post is provided in the top wall. Electrical connectors for connection to terminals on the ends of electrical cables are mounted on the side walls of the fuse device. The electrical connectors are linked through the walls to the battery terminal by fuses. Ribs extending down the side walls from the top wall pass close by each electrical connector to strengthen the structure of the fuse device and prevent rotation of the terminals on the ends of the cables as they are secured to the fuse device. Recessed strengthening ribs in the top wall extend radially outward from the battery terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: James Thomas Jetton
  • Patent number: 7652552
    Abstract: A fuse unit for use in e.g. motor vehicles, includes an electrically conductive busbar and a plurality of connections for individual power consuming components which are connected to the busbar directly or by way of interposed fusible links so as to be electrically conductive. The busbar has a contact blade adapted to plug into a mating connector of a power supply without the interposition of a further connection between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignees: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH, Dr. Ing, h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Peter Fussl, Michael Sessner, Hans Weiner, Oliver Frohlich
  • Patent number: 7646282
    Abstract: An insulator for a cutout switch and fuse assembly used in connection with an electrical power grid, including a body including a first end and a second end, a guide connector, a conductor strip, and a tool structure is located, a pivot connector is located at the second end of the body, and a mounting connector is located on the body between the first end and the second end. In an alternative embodiment, universal connectors are located at the first end and the second end. The body is manufactured by a filament winding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jiri Pazdirek
  • Publication number: 20090309689
    Abstract: A fuse holder for an electrical fuse includes a first housing portion which has first and second electrical terminals disposed therein. A second housing portion is pivotally attached to the first housing portion, and is configured to carry the electrical fuse. Pivoting the first and second housing portions together automatically and sequentially connects the fuse carried by the second housing portion to the terminals disposed within the first housing portion. This provides a convenient mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the fuse, and facilitates the use of a fuse without its own insulating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Slobadan Pavlovic, Mohamad Zeidan, David Menzies
  • Patent number: 7633370
    Abstract: A fuse mounting assembly includes an epoxy-bonded glass-fiber core that is surrounded by a resilient sleeve having a number of radially extending members. Attached to an end of the core is a first mounting bracket and attached to another end of the core is another mounting bracket. Each of the mounting brackets is connected to a fuse which is structured to protect a power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James Jeffery Benke, Robert Neville Parry, Collin Christopher Otis
  • Patent number: 7612646
    Abstract: Fuse cavity structure includes fuses 10, 20 in which each of fusible elements 17, 27 for protecting a circuit from overcurrent is located between terminals 15 or 25, and a housing 59 in which the fuses 10, 20 are mounted; a part of a wall 65 of the housing 59 which partitions the fuse 10, 20 and fuse 10, 20 is removed thereby to form a notch 65H in the wall 65; and space is provided between the fuses 10 or 20. The notch 65H is formed by notching the wall 65 corresponding to at least a part of the fusible portion 17, 27. The fuse 10 has a head portion 13 and jig engagement portions 14a. A groove 80 corresponding to the head portion 13 and the jig engagement portions 14a is provided within the housing 59. A wide-width portion is provided at the groove 80 in correspondence to the width of the head portion 13 of the fuse 10, and a narrow-width portion is provided at the groove 80 in correspondence to the width of the jig engagement portion 14a of the fuse 10 which is narrower than the head portion 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 7612647
    Abstract: A plurality of fuse circuits are layered with a space therebetween in a housing. A fusible portion of one of the layered fuse circuits is offset from a fusible portion of an adjacent one of the layered fuse circuits perpendicularly to a direction in which the fuse circuits are layered. A connection plate of one of the layered fuse circuits is offset from a connection plate of an adjacent one of the layered fuse circuits perpendicularly to a direction in which the fuse circuits are layered. The connection plate has a U-shaped extended portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Onoda, Toshiharu Kudo, Yoshihiko Nakahama, Takanori Kawai
  • Patent number: 7595715
    Abstract: A high power fuse includes a fuse body having a first terminal receptor including a first set of terminal legs and a second terminal receptor in spaced relation to the first terminal receptor. The second terminal receptor includes a second set of terminal legs. A fuse element is disposed between the first terminal receptor and the second terminal receptor. A first clamp-like member is mounted to the fuse body for applying a predetermined compression force against the first set of terminal legs and is configured to secure a first male terminal between the first set of terminal legs. A second clamp-like member is mounted to the fuse body for applying a predetermined compression force against the second set of terminal legs and is configured to secure a second male terminal between the second set of terminal legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Slobadan Pavlovic, Mohamad Zeidan, David Menzies
  • Patent number: 7592892
    Abstract: A fusible link unit includes a bus bar adapted to be connected to a battery without interposing a fuse between the bus bar and the battery, and a heat resistant insulating sheet which covers at least an upper edge portion of the bus bar. The fusible link unit is adapted to be accommodated inside an in-vehicle electrical connection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Pacific Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Katsuya Ito, Akira Hirata, Manabu Ohta
  • Publication number: 20090184797
    Abstract: A fuse assembly includes a main component partially encased in a protective sheath. The main component includes a pair of connectors formed of an electrically conductive material to allow the fuse assembly to be electrically connected into an electric vehicle drive system. A fusible link is electrically connected between the connectors and is preferably encased in the protective sheath. The fusible link reacts to current flowing through the fuse assembly in excess of a predetermined current for a predetermined time, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Chad Hartzog
  • Patent number: 7564337
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, subminiature fuses are soldered to a PCB via clips attached to the fuse end caps. The clips are physically attached to the PCB pads, enabling the fuse to be replaced if needed and providing thermal decoupling between the fuse and the heating sinking solder/PCB pads. The fuse and clips can also be picked and placed in one operation. In another aspect, improved fuse clips are provided that include tabs that separate the housing portions of the clips from the heating sinking solder/PCB pads. Such improved clips further enhance thermal decoupling. In a further aspect, an improved fuse is provided, in which the thermal decoupling tabs just described are provided directly with the fuse. In yet a further aspect, a thermally insultive fuse body is provided to further decouple the fuse element from its surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Whitney, Gordon T. Dietsch, Vincent Minh-Tu Tran
  • Publication number: 20090179727
    Abstract: A blade fuse includes a first terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge includes a first portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the first portion; a second terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge include a second portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the second portion; an element extending from the first portion of the inner edge of the first terminal to the second portion of the inner edge of the second terminal; and a housing covering the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Julio Urrea, James J. Beckert, Gary M. Bold, Seibang Oh, Juergen Scheele
  • Patent number: 7561018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuse strip, comprising a housing, preferably made of plastics material, with at least two means, arranged in the housing, for receiving fuse elements, with clamping feet provided on the underside of the housing, wherein a contact for contacting the associated conductor rail is configured in the region of each clamping foot. Laterally of the housing, in the region of each clamping foot, there is provided a laterally integrally formed terminal block which receives a respective outgoing contact for connecting an outgoing line. In a preferred embodiment, each terminal block contains a guide for receiving a contact pin of an adapter strip in such a way that when the adapter strip is attached, each contact spring is electrically connected to the associated outgoing contact of each terminal block and wherein the adapter strip is provided with an end-face module comprising terminal clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Wöhner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alex Buettner
  • Patent number: 7545253
    Abstract: An electronic fuse for an integrated circuit and a method of fabrication thereof are presented. The electronic fuse has a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion interconnected by a fuse element. The fuse element has a convex upper surface and a lower surface with a radius of curvature at a smallest surface area of curvature less than or equal to 100 nanometers. Fabricating the electronic fuse includes forming an at least partially freestanding dielectric spacer above a supporting structure, and then conformably forming the fuse element of the fuse over at least a portion of the freestanding dielectric spacer, with the fuse element characterized as noted above. The dielectric spacer may remain in place as a thermally insulating layer underneath the fuse element, or may be removed to form a void underneath the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Lu-Chen Hsu, Jack A. Mandelman, William R. Tonti, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Publication number: 20090140832
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device, in particular for ensuring protection of a loom of cables. The safety device comprises a strip fuse comprising at least two connection contacts. According to the invention, at least one connection piece is firmly arranged in an electrically conductive manner on at least one connection contact. The strip fuse and area of placement of the connection contacts and the connection piece are sealed at least in sections with the aid of an electrically insulating material. The protective device is embodied in a simple manner and can thus be produced economically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Heiko Frohlke, Susann Jansen
  • Patent number: 7532103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical fuse cutout comprising: (i) an insulator having a composite body and at least two connectors, wherein a first connector couples the composite body to a fuse assembly and a second connector couples the body to a utility structure; (ii) a housing containing the composite body; and (iii) a fuse assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Victor Almgren, Scott Henricks, Michael J. Schomer
  • Patent number: 7515030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fusible element provided with a flat insulating body and a pair of contacts which are projected therefrom and whose sections receivable in the reception areas of the insulating body are connected to each other by a fusing conductor wherein at least one reception area and the contact section associated thereto comprise form-fitting connectors corresponding to each other. The inventive fusible element makes it possible to simplify assembling of the individual elements forming it without affecting the quality and without additional costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Henning Schulte, Jürgen Scheele
  • Patent number: 7515031
    Abstract: Fuse assemblies, system and kits and methods for assembling fuses include a fuse body that may be universally and interchangeably used with a plurality of different end fittings providing various fuse configurations for connection to electrical circuits. The highly adaptable fuse construction allows fuses to be manufactured and assembled using a reduced number of parts that need to be stocked in order to manufacture a complete line of fuses, and further to more quickly provide replacement fuses to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Tonni Normann Jakobsen, Peder Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20090066469
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Naeem Rahman, Anthony Czyz, Cuong Ha
  • Publication number: 20090033453
    Abstract: For providing a power-circuit breaking device, which can easily mount a fuse and has a small number of component and a simple structure, the power-circuit breaking device includes a first connector housing having a pair of circuit terminals connected with a power circuit, and a second connector housing closing the power circuit by fitting with the first connector housing. The second connector housing includes a fuse having a pair of terminals to be connected with the pair of circuit terminals, a housing having a lock arm engaged with a cutout provided at the terminal and a cover an entry opening of a receiving section of the housing. The cover includes a limiter limiting the lock arm to move to disengaging the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Deno, Yasukazu Chikamatsu
  • Patent number: 7479866
    Abstract: An automotive blade-type fuse and method of manufacturing same are provided. The fuse includes a pair of metallic terminals separated by and in electrical communication with a fuse element. An insulative housing is provided that covers at least a portion of an inner edge of each of the terminals and exposes the outer edges of the terminals and at least a portion of the upper edges of the terminals. The terminals can define grooves that interface with projections extending inwardly from the housing to hold the terminals firmly within the housing. Also, the upper edges of the terminals are bent inward to crimp the housing between an intermediate portion of the terminals and the bent upper end edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Goldsberry, Edwin Jay Harris