With Indicating Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 337/241)
  • Patent number: 12100569
    Abstract: A fuse holder is disclosed. The fuse holder includes a housing having a fuse compartment and termination compartments, each termination compartment having a cable termination aperture for receiving a cable and a lock pin slot; a bus assembly disposed including current bars having a first end and a second end extending from the termination compartment to the termination compartment, the first end having fuse contacts extending from the first end, the second end including a barb extending from the second end; and, push-in clamps disposed within the termination compartment, the push-in clamps normally biased against the barbs; wherein insertion of an electrical cable into the cable termination aperture depresses and elastically deforms the push-in clamp such that a gap is formed between the barb and the push-in clamp, wherein the push-in clamp continuously applies a biasing force against the electrical cable non-removably clamping the cable into the termination aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke D. Schaffner, Joseph A. Brown, Paul S. Buskey, Robert Scheckelhoff
  • Patent number: 11849469
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed herein for orbital angular moment capability in millimeter wave and higher frequency bands. An example method for wireless communication at a first communication device includes transmitting, to a second communication device, OAM capability information indicating a capability to receive an OAM waveform. Additionally, the example method includes receiving one or more OAM transmissions from the second communication device, the one or more OAM transmissions based on the OAM capability information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Idan Michael Horn, Danlu Zhang, Shay Landis, Yehonatan Dallal, Ran Berliner
  • Patent number: 11804353
    Abstract: A fuse including a fuse body having first and second end faces at opposing first and second longitudinal ends thereof, each of the first and second end faces having at least one notch formed therein, a fusible element extending through the fuse body and having a first end bent over the first end face and disposed within the at least one notch in the first end face and a second end bent over the second end face and disposed within the at least one notch in the second end face, and a first endcap disposed on the first longitudinal end of the fuse body and a second endcap disposed on the second longitudinal end of the fuse body, wherein the first and second endcaps flatly abut the first and second end faces without interference from the fusible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Nery Silvederio, Fernando Isip Arce, Jr., Francisco Rivera De Guia, Jr., Mark Joseph Lian
  • Patent number: 11049684
    Abstract: Disclosed are a fuse pad, a printed circuit board having the fuse pad, and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board. The fuse pad includes a first pad provided at one side of a fuse, a second pad provided at an opposite side of the fuse, and a measurement pad electrically connected to the second pad to measure whether the fuse is detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Se Gyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9639341
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for generating hardware and software upgrade recommendations for a managed network of devices are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Freiter, Hasmik Sarkezians, Kumar Adarsh
  • Patent number: 9539449
    Abstract: A fire hose coupling comprises a body having a first end connected to a fire hose and a second end having threads. The fire hose coupling comprises a recessed portion formed in an outer surface of the body. The recessed portion is shaped to define a visuotactile directional indicator such as an arrow. The recessed portion may include a light-reflecting surface to enhance visibility such as a super reflective metal film, a photo luminescent coating, or a phosfluorescent coating. The recessed directional indicator may be formed in either female or male couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Mercedes Textiles Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Richardson
  • Patent number: 8269597
    Abstract: Fuse state indicators include temperature responsive elements adapted to visually display a number of different fuse states. The displays may include distinct colors and markings that are made visible or concealed from view based on temperature ranges that the fuse is exposed to in use. Various temperature sensitive elements and various markings are disclosed to convey at least three distinct fuse states to interested persons at the location of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime Torrez, Anthony C. Ban
  • Patent number: 8164411
    Abstract: A fuse structure includes a casing, a fuse component and a light emitting element having pins. The casing includes a top plate, a containing space disposed below the top plate and two openings formed on the top plate. The fuse component includes two electrically conductive plates and a fuse filament, and each electrically conductive plate has a conducting portion protruded from an upper end of the electrically conductive plate, and the conducting portions are inserted into the two openings respectively. The top plate includes two compressing portions protruded from the bottom of the top plate and arranged alternately with the two conducting portions, such that an interval is formed between an external edge of each compressing portion and an internal edge of each corresponding conducting portion, and the pins of the light emitting element are clamped in the interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 8134445
    Abstract: Electrical fuse indicators, systems and methods for detecting when fuses enter an open state involve a wireless identification element, which alerts a communication unit that the fuse has entered an open state. The wireless identification device may include an antenna. The antenna may be in contact with a fuse element, such that opening of the fuse element renders the antenna inoperable. Alternatively the antenna may be connected to the fuse element in such a manner that opening of the fuse element alters the frequency on which the antenna transmits. A logic port may also be used to detect the operational state of a fuse. Use of such indicators is compatible with existing infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Doljack, Owais M. Mughal, Hundi P. Kamath, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7932805
    Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse state indicator on the exterior surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator includes an electrically conductive element electrically connected to and extending between the terminal elements. A temperature sensitive element proximate and in thermal contact with the electrically conductive element includes material capable of changing color when heated to a predetermined transition temperature to form a mark on the temperature sensitive element. The fuse state indicator forms a first mark on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a first overcurrent condition, and forms a second mark, distinct from the first mark, on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a second overcurrent condition distinct from the first overcurrent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7839258
    Abstract: A fuse assembly capable of indicating whether the fuse is blown or not includes a fuse body formed therein with an accommodating space. The accommodating space is provided with two conductive terminals connected to each other via a metallic fuse. A light-emitting diode is inserted into an accommodating hole of the fuse body, thereby electrically connecting two electrodes of the light-emitting diode to the two conductive terminals. By the above arrangement, the light-emitting diode can be lighted up when the fuse body is blown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 7812704
    Abstract: A fuse comprising a fuse body having ferrules at opposing ends, a fuse state indicator located on the surface of the fuse body wherein the fuse state indicator may be temperature sensitive or voltage sensitive and a wire extending from one ferrule to the other ferrule wherein the wire is positioned along the surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator senses heat generated by the wire or voltage flowing through the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7772959
    Abstract: A fuse seat having light-emitting module includes an insulating body, two electricity-conducting pieces and a light-emitting module. The insulating body is arranged with an accommodating space, in which two electricity-conducting pieces are fixed respectively. A fuse is plugged into the accommodating space and connected conductively to the electricity-conducting pieces. The light-emitting module is hidden in the insulating body and is connected electrically to the electricity-conducting pieces, thus a cost-saving effect is thereby achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 7679484
    Abstract: A fusible link unit includes a housing and two fuse circuit bodies overlapped with each other and received in the housing in a thickness direction of the housing. A coupling plate and terminals connected to each other via fuse elements integrally forms the fuse circuit body. An opening is formed on an outer wall of the housing. The housing includes a cover made of transparent material and having a U-shaped section for covering the opening. The cover integrally includes a projection projecting to an inside of the housing on a sidewall of the cover. The projection includes a reflecting wall sloping on the sidewall in a thickness direction of the housing 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Onoda, Toshiharu Kudo
  • Publication number: 20100060408
    Abstract: A fuse module with an indicating capability allows a plug having pins to be inserted therein. The fuse module includes a casing, an electrical conductive terminal, an insulator and a light-emitting unit. The bottom of the casing is provided with through holes. The electrical conductive terminal is received in the casing. The electrical conductive terminal includes conductive pieces for allowing the pins to be inserted therein and a connecting arm for connecting the conductive pieces. The conductive pieces are arranged to correspond to the through holes. The insulator is fixed to the connecting arm. The light-emitting unit is provided between the insulator and the casing and is electrically connected with the conductive pieces. When the current is overloaded, the connecting arm will be melted to break, so that the light-emitting unit will be lighted up to generate an indicating effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Publication number: 20100033293
    Abstract: A fuse capable of indicating whether the fuse is blown or not includes a fuse body formed therein with an accommodating space. The accommodating space is provided with two electrical-conductive terminals connected to each other via a metallic fuse. A light-emitting diode is inserted into the accommodating hole of the fuse body, thereby electrically connecting two electrodes of the light-emitting diode to the two electrical-conductive terminals. Via the above arrangement, the light-emitting diode can be lighted up when the fuse body is blown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung CHENG, Wen-Ho CHENG
  • Publication number: 20100033292
    Abstract: A fuse seat having light-emitting module of hidden type is to provide a fuse plugged therein conductively. The fuse seat includes an insulating body, two electricity-conducting pieces and a light-emitting module. The insulating body is arranged an accommodating space, in which two electricity-conducting pieces are fixed respectively. The fuse is plugged into the accommodating space and connected conductively to the electricity-conducting pieces. The light-emitting module is hidden in the insulating body and is connected electrically to the electricity-conducting pieces respectively, thus that a cost-saving effect is thereby achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 7636028
    Abstract: Electrical fuse indicators which may be used to diagnose and identify a fault state or failure mode of the electrical fuse include in various exemplary embodiments, indicator materials such as a reactive material, which are incorporated into various fuse indicator devices to cooperate with a visually perceptible indicator portion or layer to indicate the failure mode or fault state if the electrical fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Rodseth, Stephen J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7592893
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuse having opened-fuse indication, which places two or more coils or conductors in parallel and in thermal contact with an indicating material. The multiple conductors allow a lower level of current to produce sufficient heat or sufficient electrical resistance to transform the indicating material. The multiple conductors can also be made of a reduced diameter, resulting in surge protection at a lower device temperature. The multiple conductor indicator in an embodiment includes a base material. First and second conductors contact the base material. An indicating material thermally couples to the first and second conductors. The indicating material can be on the inside or outside of the fuse body. If on the outside, the body can define a recess, wherein the indicator resides within the recess. The indicator can operate with fuses and other types of circuit protection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kennedy, Tom Novak, Mark Klinger, William Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7570147
    Abstract: A fuse component with an optical indicator, which has a first terminal (2) and a second terminal (3) and also a fusible link (4), which connects the terminals (2) and (3) in an electrically conducting manner. Connected in parallel with the fusible link (4) is at least one LED (8), which indicates the failure of the fuse if the fusible link (4) is interrupted. Preferably two LEDs are connected in antiparallel with the fusible link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventor: Rüdiger Müller
  • Patent number: 7535371
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has four components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; 3) an end life sensing circuit coupled to the control circuit; and 4) an end life indicating circuit coupled to the end life sensing circuit and the power supply. The end life sensing circuit includes a light emitting device and a light sensitive device controlled by the light emitting device. The end life indicating circuit includes a visual indicator to indicate that the circuit interrupter reaches the end of its life. Another circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has three components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; and 3) an end life sensing and indicating circuit coupled to the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Wenzhou Sansheng Electrical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 7460004
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a case having a transverse top portion provided with a central receiving opening and two locating holes, and two wall portions downward extended from a middle part of the transverse top portion to define a receiving space therebetween for communicating with the receiving opening and locating holes; a cutout unit having two conducting plates connected via a bridge portion, and being inserted in the receiving space with the conducting plates engaged with the locating holes and partially projected from two longitudinal edges of the wall portions; and a bipolar LED mounted in the receiving opening and having a conducting portion in contact with two pins of the cutout unit, and a light source. In an overcurrent state, the bridge portion is burned out, and current flows through the bipolar LED for the same to emit light as a cutout warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Photo-Top Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Lin Yang
  • Publication number: 20080180208
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for a fuse connection includes an insulative sleeve body having first and second body portions adapted to provide a water-resistant seal at opposite ends of the fuse connection and a substantially transparent window disposed between the first and second body portions. The window permits a visual indicator of the fuse of the fuse connection to be visible therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Larry Siebens
  • Patent number: 7405646
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuse having opened-fuse indication, which places two or more coils or conductors in parallel and in thermal contact with an indicating material. The multiple conductors allow a lower level of current to produce sufficient heat or sufficient electrical resistance to transform the indicating material. The multiple conductors can also be made of a reduced diameter, resulting in surge protection at a lower device temperature. The multiple conductor indicator in an embodiment includes a base material. First and second conductors contact the base material. An indicating material thermally couples to the first and second conductors. The indicating material can be on the inside or outside of the fuse body. If on the outside, the body can define a recess, wherein the indicator resides within the recess. The indicator can operate with fuses and other types of circuit protection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc
    Inventors: John Kennedy, Tom Novak, Mark Klinger, William Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7403372
    Abstract: A multiple fused junction with blown fuse indication which generally includes a main body, a fuse connected to the main body and a switch disposed within the main body. The main body has multiple cable ports extending outwardly therefrom. At least one of the ports is adapted for electrical connection with a feeder cable and another of the ports is adapted to receive a fuse. The fuse is removably connected to the fuse port of the main body and has an indicator rod movably disposed therein, which protrudes from an axial end of the fuse into the main body upon electrical interruption of the fuse. The switch is disposed within the main body adjacent the fuse port and is activated by the indicator rod of the fuse upon protrusion of the rod from the fuse to provide indication of electrical interruption of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Reed, Larry Siebens, Frank M. Stepniak, Timothy Taylor
  • Patent number: 7369029
    Abstract: An electrical fuse and method therefor includes a protective body, terminal elements extending from said protective body, and a primary fuse element extending within said protective body and electrically connected between the terminal elements, and an identification element configured to transmit a wireless signal to a remote device for determining an operational state of said primary fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7358845
    Abstract: A cable limiter includes a main body having a cavity. The cavity of the main body is structured to receive a replaceable fusible element. An annunciator is housed by the main body. The annunciator is structured to annunciate status of the replaceable fusible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Moffat
  • Patent number: 7307507
    Abstract: A fuse state indicator for a fuse including a cylindrical fuse body and a primary fuse element therein, includes an extension member, a transparent lens, a combustible substance adjacent the lens, a secondary fuse link adjacent said combustible substance, and a curved backing layer adjacent said secondary fuse link. Said backing layer is at least partially concealed by said combustible substance when viewed through said transparent lens before the fuse has opened, and said backing layer maintains said secondary fuse link in position with respect to said combustible substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Virgil Hampton
  • Patent number: 7126488
    Abstract: Herein provided is a method and apparatus that allows a pre-existing fuse housing to be easily modified and adapted to include a blown fuse indicator light thereon. Whereby when the fuse housing and light in combination are installed within an electrical circuit and if the fuse is no longer functional, the light will automatically illuminate so as to visually notify a user that the fuse needs to be replaced. Also, any suitable light source may be used, such as an LED, a cartridge type having end contacts, a long lasting reusable incandescent lamp, fiber optics, neon, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Galen J. May
  • Patent number: 6983168
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile phone including a main printed circuit board. A first connector and a second connector are welded respectively onto a first predetermined location and a second predetermined location of the main printed circuit board, wherein a first power supply and a second power supply are provided respectively by the first connector and the second connector. The main printed circuit board includes a first portion corresponding to a keypad module and a second portion corresponding to an LCM module. The mobile phone also provides a holder, wherein a space is included in the holder to accommodate the LCM module. A slit is formed at a predetermined location of the holder. The mobile phone further includes a secondary printed circuit board carrying a plurality of LEDs to provide a back light source. The secondary printed circuit disposed within the aforementioned slit includes a first contact point and a second contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Chih Chen, Chin-Kai Sun
  • Patent number: 6946947
    Abstract: A plug-in fuse 200 comprises a body 201 with side indented portions 203 which allow secure gripping by the thumb and finger of a hand. The side indented portions define upper and lower extended portions 319, 321 allowing insertion and retraction forces to be exerted on the fuse. The improved body shape allows quick and easy insertion of the fuse in high-density fuse holders. A thermally-degradable material 323 in close proximity to the burnout portion of the fuse element provides visual and/or tactile indication of fuse condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Edward G. Sturgill
  • Patent number: 6836206
    Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a tripped fuse is disclosed. The apparatus employs a chemical light installed at an upper portion of the fuse housing. A system for activating the chemical light is installed at the lower end of the housing. The activation system activates the light when an excessive current melts a soft iron element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byung Cheon Lee
  • Patent number: 6831546
    Abstract: The impact signaling system (9) is used in a high-voltage protective device and has a housing (13), a spring (16) which is arranged in the housing (13) and has a moveable end, an actuator (17) which can be passed out of the housing (13) and interacts with the moveable end of the spring (16), a high-resistance resistor wire (12) which is connected in parallel with a fusible wire of the protective device, and a holder which absorbs the prestress of the spring (16). The holder contains a section of the high-resistance resistor wire (12) which is in the form of a winding (18) and is passed at least once around the moveable end of the spring (16) in order to form the prestress, and which is at least partially in thermally conductive contact with the material of the activator (20). Above a limit temperature, the activator (20) lifts, for example by destruction of the winding (18) or by melting through, the holder and activates the impact signaling system (9) by reducing the load on the spring (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Research LTD
    Inventors: Uwe Kaltenborn, Guido Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6809627
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes an electrically conductive material that extends between conductive ends of a fuse and undergoes a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator also includes a layer of indicator material that becomes exposed beneath the electrically conductive material when the fuse indicator is subjected to electrical current above the threshold. The fuse indicator also includes adhesive for maintaining contact between the electrically conductive material and the layer of indicator material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: FLEXcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Publication number: 20040027227
    Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a tripped fuse is disclosed. The apparatus employs a chemical light installed at an upper portion of the fuse housing. A system for activating the chemical light is installed at the lower end of the housing. The activation system activates the light when an excessive current melts a soft iron element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Byung Cheon Lee
  • Publication number: 20040000983
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuse having opened-fuse indication, which places two or more coils or conductors in parallel and in thermal contact with an indicating material. The multiple conductors allow a lower level of current to produce sufficient heat or sufficient electrical resistance to transform the indicating material. The multiple conductors can also be made of a reduced diameter, resulting in surge protection at a lower device temperature. The multiple conductor indicator in an embodiment includes a base material. First and second conductors contact the base material. An indicating material thermally couples to the first and second conductors. The indicating material can be on the inside or outside of the fuse body. If on the outside, the body can define a recess, wherein the indicator resides within the recess. The indicator can operate with fuses and other types of circuit protection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: John Kennedy, Tom Novak, Mark Klinger, William Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20030227367
    Abstract: The impact signaling system (9) is used in a high-voltage protective device and has a housing (13), a spring (16) which is arranged in the housing (13) and has a moveable end, an actuator (17) which can be passed out of the housing (13) and interacts with the moveable end of the spring (16), a high-resistance resistor wire (12) which is connected in parallel with a fusible wire of the protective device, and a holder which absorbs the prestress of the spring (16). The holder contains a section of the high-resistance resistor wire (12) which is in the form of a winding (18) and is passed at least once around the moveable end of the spring (16) in order to form the prestress, and which is at least partially in thermally conductive contact with the material of the activator (20). Above a limit temperature, the activator (20) lifts, for example by destruction of the winding (18) or by melting through, the holder and activates the impact signaling system (9) by reducing the load on the spring (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd, Zurich, Switzerland
    Inventors: Uwe Kaltenborn, Guido Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20030067378
    Abstract: This inventive end-of-live indicator is useful to provide notice of the degree of exhaustion of a consumable component of a device or appliance. The end-of-live indicator provides an indicator circuit, which upon receiving an electrical signal from a sensing circuit causes polarization of a simple transistor, thereby facilitating a current flow in the indicator circuit sufficient to exceed the current flow capacity of a fuse link. By exceeding the current flow capacity of the fuse link the current potential of the indicator circuit becomes zero. A plurality of indicator circuits permits indication of a plurality of degrees of exhaustion of the consumable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Publication number: 20030011462
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes an electrically conductive material that extends between conductive ends of a fuse and undergoes a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator also includes a layer of indicator material that becomes exposed beneath the electrically conductive material when the fuse indicator is subjected to electrical current above the threshold. The fuse indicator also includes adhesive for maintaining contact between the electrically conductive material and the layer of indicator material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Michael F. Paul, James E. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Publication number: 20020175800
    Abstract: The present invention provides a blown fuse indicator. More specifically, the present invention provides a blown fuse indicator adapted for use with multiple element fuses, which provides a perceivable distinction between a blown fuse due to a current overload and a blown fuse due to a short circuit. To this end, in one embodiment of the present invention, a diagnostic blown fuse indicator is provided for a fuse having both a short circuit element and a current overload element. The indicator includes a short circuit indicator in electrical communication with the short circuit element, wherein the short circuit indicator provides visual indication of a short circuit condition. The indicator also includes a current overload indicator in electrical communication with the current overload element, wherein the current overload indicator provides visual indication of an overload condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Dan Stanek, John Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6459357
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes an electrically conductive material extending between conductive ends of a fuse. The material undergoes a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator further includes a layer of indicator material that becomes exposed beneath the electrically conductive material when the fuse indicator is subjected to electrical current above the threshold. An adhesive means maintains contact between said fuse indicator and the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 6456189
    Abstract: An electric fuse is comprised of a tubular fuse casing formed of an electrically insulating material. A first conductive component is attached to a first end of the casing and a second conductive component is attached to a second end of the casing. A first conductive path is formed through the tube between the first and second conductive components. The conductive path includes a fusible element having a first resistance. A second conductive path is formed along the exterior of the tubular fuse casing. The second conductive path is in parallel to the first conductive path and has a second resistance greater than the first resistance. The second conductive path includes an indicator component. The indicator component is comprised of first layer comprised of a colored material, and a second layer comprised of an electrically conductive material deposited onto the first layer. The second layer has a region of increased resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Ferraz Shawmut Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Mosesian, Robert Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6448897
    Abstract: A fuse device includes two prongs secured in a casing, and a fuse member secured between the prongs. An indicating device is electrically coupled to the prongs or to the fuse member for generating a warning or an indicating signal when the fuse member is broken. The indicating device includes a pair of conductor blades electrically coupled to the prongs, and an indicating member, such as a light device or a buzzer, secured between the conductor blades for generating an indicating light or a warning sound when the fuse member is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Glorytech Technology Co., LTD
    Inventor: Jung Sheng Ku
  • Patent number: 6373370
    Abstract: An opened fuse indicator includes a substantially transparent lens, a transparent base, and a dark colored backing layer. A sputtered metal layer is formed on the transparent base to provide a light-colored electrically conductive surface including a narrowed portion that forms a fuse link that is visible against the dark background of backing layer when viewed through the transparent lens. The conductive sputtered metal layer is electrically connected to a pair of fuse terminals to form a secondary fuse circuit in parallel with a main fuse circuit. Current directed through the secondary fuse circuit after the main circuit opens melts the sputtered metal layer so that it is no longer visible against the dark colored backing layer and the fuse is thereby indicated as opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Dan Rowton
  • Patent number: 6292087
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes a conductive material adapted to extend between conductive ends of a fuse, and adapted to undergo a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator further includes an adhesive for maintaining contact between the conductive material and the conductive ends of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 6107908
    Abstract: A blown fuse commutator strip which is removably attachable to a pre existing plug-in type fuse, with the commutator strip having an indicator thereon which will notify the user that the fuse has blown and needs replacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Galen J. May
  • Patent number: 6064292
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge ground path for a fuse installable in a fuse holder includes an area of metallization on at least one insulating surface of the fuse extending from an exposed surface of the fuse to a contact area within the fuse holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Pongracz
  • Patent number: 6008715
    Abstract: A fuse for interfacing electrical current with electronic components and for shielding the electronic components from potentially damaging electrostatic discharge. The fuse includes a fuse body having an edge and first and second electrical contacts. A fuse indicator is connected to one electrical contact and a fuse element extends between the indicator and the other contact for providing a conduit for operating current to reach the interfaced electronic components. A window is disposed on the edge of the fuse body and positioned over the fuse indicator. Sealant is disposed between the window edge and the fuse body edge to prevent the accumulation of air therebetween and, thereby, preventing such accumulated air from functioning as a transmission medium through which an electrostatic discharge can travel and reach the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Noah L. Gottfried, David John Pongracz, Steven J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5994993
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes a conductive material adapted to extend between conductive ends of a fuse, and adapted to undergo a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator further includes an adhesive for maintaining contact between the conductive material and the conductive ends of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 5936509
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Norte, Woong K. Yoon