Ferrule, Cap Or Other Seal Means Patents (Class 337/248)
  • Patent number: 11651923
    Abstract: A novel fuse assembly design utilizes a fuse body, a single-piece terminal assembly and a two-piece endbell. The terminal assembly is disposed within the fuse body and includes first and second opposing surfaces with a fuse element extending between a first terminal and a second terminal. The endbell, to be connected to the fuse body, includes first and second endbell portions. Formed within the first endbell portion is a first receptacle and extending from the first endbell portion is a first protrusion. Formed within the second endbell portion is a second receptacle and extending from the second endbell portion is a second protrusion. When the two endbell portions are fastened to one another with the terminal assembly sandwiched between them, the first protrusion engages the second receptacle and the second protrusion engages the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Burns, Jon Richard, Ganesh Nagaraj Chennakesavelu, Derek Lasini, Scott Faust
  • Patent number: 11605520
    Abstract: A fuse assembly having an end cap that includes a recessed retention body. The recessed retention body can include first and second retention walls and an engagement surface. The first and second retention walls can extend at least in a generally outwardly direction from the retention surface to an outer surface of the end cap, and extend between first and second ends of the first end cap in a direction that is generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the fuse assembly. The engagement surface can have one or more walls that downwardly and outwardly extend in divergent directions from an apex of the engagement surface and toward a corresponding one of the first or second retention walls. The apex can be positioned at a central location between the first and second retention walls, and extends in a direction that is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Aaron M. Motes, Charles B. Bentley, Jr., Daniel B. Guptail, Matthew D. Cawood
  • Patent number: 11605519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high breaking capacity strip fuse, comprising an insulating housing and a fusing element. The fusing element includes a fusible part, a first connecting terminal and a second connecting terminal which are arranged at two ends of the fusible part and are integrally connected with the fusible part; the fusible part is fixed in the sealed cavity of the housing, and the sealed cavity is filled with insulating material. The present invention provides a fuse filling with insulating material, such as Silicone, quartz sand, resin, ceramic powder/ceramic sand, steatite powder/steatite sand, or saponite powder/saponite granules, in the sealed cavity, to solve the problem of causing the air to ionize and triggering arcing phenomenon of existing fuse during overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CHI LICK SCHURTER LIMITED
    Inventor: Bengi Koon Yui Leung
  • Patent number: 11289297
    Abstract: A novel fuse assembly design utilizes single-piece terminal assemblies and two-piece endbells. The two-piece endbells and terminal assembly feature mating elements that enable fastening of the endbell portions to the terminal assembly without use of adhesives. The mating elements also provide positioning guidance for ease of assembly. Slots in the endbells for receipt of insertion pins enable the endbells to be pre-cast/pre-molded without costly rework of molding tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Burns, Jon Richard, Ganesh Nagaraj Chennakesavelu, Derek Lasini, Scott Faust
  • Patent number: 10842015
    Abstract: Provided is a conductive member including a busbar having a through hole, and a metal member fixed to the busbar, the metal member including a shaft portion passed through the through hole, and a first head portion at one end portion of the shaft portion, the first head portion having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole. Since the metal member includes the first head portion, it is possible to increase the heat capacity of the metal member as compared with that achieved with a conventional conductive member that does not include the first head portion. Accordingly, it is possible to further increase the heat dissipation of the conductive member using a simple configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Kita
  • Patent number: 10483069
    Abstract: A fuse including a fuse body defining an inner cavity and having at least one fuse body aperture formed therethrough, a fuse element including a first terminal and a second terminal, a first endbell and a second endbell coupled to the fuse element, the first endbell having at least two grooves formed in a surface thereof and having a first O-ring seal disposed in at least one of the grooves, the second endbell having at least two grooves formed in a surface thereof and having a second O-ring seal disposed in at least one of the grooves, an adhesive securing the first and second endbells to the fuse body, an arc quenching material disposed within the inner cavity and contacting at least a portion of the fuse element, and end caps coupled to the fuse body, the end caps sealing a portion of the fuse element within the fuse body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Schlaak, Gregory Stumpo, Ken Venhaus, Derek Lasini
  • Patent number: 10224166
    Abstract: A fuse including a fuse body defining an inner cavity and having at least one fuse body aperture formed therethrough, a fuse element including a first terminal and a second terminal, a first endbell and a second endbell coupled to the fuse element, the first endbell having at least two grooves formed in a surface thereof and having a first O-ring seal disposed in at least one of the grooves, the second endbell having at least two grooves formed in a surface thereof and having a second O-ring seal disposed in at least one of the grooves, an adhesive securing the first and second endbells to the fuse body, an arc quenching material disposed within the inner cavity and contacting at least a portion of the fuse element, and end caps coupled to the fuse body, the end caps sealing a portion of the fuse element within the fuse body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Schlaak, Gregory Stumpo, Ken Venhaus, Derek Lasini
  • Patent number: 10170266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire-wound fuse resistor, which has: an insulating rod which has a first end and a second end; one metal wire having a wire head and a wire tail, being helically wound around the insulating rod from the first end to the second end, and being cut at a middle portion thereof to form a first winding wire and a second winding wire, which are separated from each other; a connection part disposed at the cut portion for electrical connection between the first winding wire and the second winding wire, in which the melting temperature of the connection part is lower than that of the one wound metal wire, wherein the connection part is cut off depending on a predetermined melting temperature or melting speed of the wire-wound fuse resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: FIRST RESISTOR & CONDENSER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shang-Yo Lee
  • Patent number: 9112349
    Abstract: The invention is an excess temperature protection element for photovoltaic installations. The element has a cylindrical housing closed off with two cover plates, encasing therein a plug-and-socket connection that is certified for photovoltaic installations. The plug connector is connected to the interior face of one cover plate and the socket connector to the interior face of the second cover plate, so that the two connectors are in electrical contact with each other when the housing is closed. A pressure element between the two cover plates biases the plates away from the housing. One of the plates is a releasable plate secured to the housing by a hot-melt material. When the temperature of the PV installation rises above a threshold value, the hot-melt material softens, allowing the pressure element to push the releasable cover plate away from the housing, thereby disconnecting the plug-in connection in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: TOPINNO GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd Willer
  • Publication number: 20130257580
    Abstract: A fuse end cap for providing an electrical connection between a fuse and an electrical conductor. The fuse end cap may include a mounting cuff defining a first cavity that is adapted to receive a fuse body. The mounting cuff may be configured to be mounted to the fuse body by friction fit, for example. The fuse end cap may further include a terminal defining a second cavity adapted to receive a conductor. The terminal may be configured to be crimped about the conductor to retain the conductor within the second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Gilman, Thomas M. Novak, Nathan C. Siegwald
  • Patent number: 8471671
    Abstract: Overcurrent protection fuses with end cap assemblies amenable to automated manufacturing techniques and providing arc burn through resistance when the fusible element opens therein. The end cap assemblies may include washers having arc resistant compositions and may include single or double end cap constructions. Fuse rejection features may be formed in one of the end caps and may create an empty space in the end cap when assembled to a fuse body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Keith Allen Spalding, Varinder Kumar Kalra
  • Patent number: 8203420
    Abstract: Subminiature surface mount chip fuses include two part housings enclosing a fuse element and prefabricated end caps. The housing ends are shaped to restrict freedom of movement of the fuse element ends as the end caps are assembled to the housing. The end caps may include features to positively secure them in place and restrict relative movement of the end caps relative to the housing. Holes may be provided in the end caps that allow solder flow from a location exterior to the end caps to flow interior to the end caps to establish electrical connection with the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Sidharta Wiryana, Essie Rahdar, Tianyu Zhu
  • Patent number: 8154376
    Abstract: A configuration for fuses and a method of manufacturing is disclosed. A fuse body is made with slots on the ends, allowing solder a greater surface area to grip the body and form an excellent bond. The slots communicate with a central cavity in the fuse body. The improvements relate primarily to surface mount fuses because of the great volume of such fuses in commerce, but may be applied to fuses of any size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Aberin, Edwin Silvederio, Jerico Caliboso, Albert Enriquez, Ronald Auza
  • Publication number: 20120068810
    Abstract: Overcurrent protection fuses with end cap assemblies amenable to automated manufacturing techniques and providing arc burn through resistance when the fusible element opens therein. The end cap assemblies may include washers having arc resistant compositions and may include single or double end cap constructions. Fuse rejection features may be formed in one of the end caps adjacent and may create empty spaces in the end caps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Keith Allen Spalding, Varinder Kumar Kalra
  • Patent number: 8035473
    Abstract: A mounting assembly couples a current limiting fuse to an element that defines a longitudinal axis. The mounting assembly includes a mounting member on the element; a first attachment member coupled to the mounting member in a fixed position relative to the mounting member; and a second attachment member coupleable to the current limiting fuse. The first and second attachment members are configured to be attached to one another in a plurality of discreet positions about an axis that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Frank J. Muench, Allen LeRoy Johnson, Gordon Thomas Borck, Russell John Lenz
  • Patent number: 7834738
    Abstract: A mounting assembly couples a current limiting fuse to an element that defines a longitudinal axis. The mounting assembly includes a mounting member on the element; a first attachment member coupled to the mounting member in a fixed position relative to the mounting member; and a second attachment member coupleable to the current limiting fuse. The first and second attachment members are configured to be attached to one another in a plurality of discreet positions about an axis that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Frank J. Muench, Jr., Allen LeRoy Johnson, Gordon Thomas Borck, Russell John Lenz
  • 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: 20090021339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-voltage fuse comprising a tubular ceramic insulating member that is provided with at least one fusible element, an inner auxiliary cap which is placed on the insulating member and at least partly covers the outer surface of the insulating member in the front area of the insulating member, and an outer top cap that is placed on the auxiliary cap and at least partly covers the outer surface of the auxiliary cap. The insulating member is provided with at least one depression. The auxiliary cap is molded against the insulating member such that a positive connection to the insulating member is created in the depression. The auxiliary cap and the top cap are molded in the area of said depression in such a way that a positive connection is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SIBA FUSES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Heinz-Ulrich Haas, Dirk Wilhelm, Werner-Gunter Schmehl
  • Patent number: 7477129
    Abstract: A housing for a current limiting fuse that includes a metal fuse element and a non-conductive filler material. The fuse element is configured to melt to create an open circuit when an applied current exceeds a threshold amount. The housing includes first and second cylindrical members. The first cylindrical member has an open end portion and the second cylindrical member has an integrally formed closed end portion and an open end portion configured to be attached to the open end portion of the first cylindrical member to close the housing. The housing also includes a fastening member configured to prevent the open end portion of the first cylindrical member from separating from the open end portion of the second cylindrical member when the fuse element melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Frank J. Muench, Jr., Allen LeRoy Johnson, Gordon Thomas Borck, Russell John Lenz
  • Patent number: 7320171
    Abstract: A fuse component (1) includes a hollow body (2) which is formed from a tubular wall that encloses an inner area (5) and which has two open faces that are situated opposite one another. The fuse component also includes a fuse-element (4) which extends inside the inner area (5) between both faces of the hollow body (2) and two contact caps (3) each provided with a bottom (7) and lateral walls (8) connected thereto. Two end section (10) of a conductor of the fuse-element (4) are led out of the inner area (5) through the faces and around the wall of the hollow body (2). The end sections (10) of the conductor of the fuse element (4) are fastened by an adhesive bond (11) so that the surfaces abutting the inner area (5) are essentially free from organic materials. The end sections (10) of the conductor are preferably fastened to a conductive plastic that, in turn, fastens the contact caps (3) to the outer wall (9) of the hollow body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Wickmann-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: André Jöllenbeck, Frank Althoff, Karin Koch, Ute Lehnhardt
  • Publication number: 20080007386
    Abstract: A fuse cap for a blade fuse is provided. The fuse cap comprises a fuse body, a pair of significantly parallel blades connecting the fuse body and partially extending thereof to form electric connections, and a blade box for receiving the fuse body and the parallel blades. The fuse cap includes a body portion electrically connected to a connector, a cap flange having an opening for receiving the electric connections of the blades and at least one tooth within a single side of the opening to tightly clamp with the electric connections of the blades, and a locking element formed on the cap flange. Moreover, there is at least a pair of opposite or offset clamping portions formed on both lateral sides of the locking element, which makes the blade fuse to be tightly secured to the fuse cap and to avoid reliability reduction and deformation of the fuse cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Yuan-Feng Lu
  • Patent number: 7312689
    Abstract: A fuse includes an insulative body, a primary fuse element extending within the body, a fuse state indicator extending on an exterior surface of the body and electrically connected in parallel with the primary fuse element, and first and second ferrules coupled to opposing ends of the fuse body and electrically connecting the primary fuse element and the fuse state indicator. At least one of the ferrules includes a recessed contact area establishing electrical connection to the fuse state indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7250843
    Abstract: A fuse component (1) has a fusible conductor (2) which extends in a gas filled cavity (3) within a cylindrical tube (4) between two end surfaces (8). Two end caps (5) of an electrically conductive material are applied to the ends of the tube (4) so that an electrical contact is produced with the fusible conductor (2). At at least one of the two ends of the tube (4), a sealing body of a plastic material, which is predominantly elastically compressible but at the same time capable of creep, is introduced into a gap between the base of the end cap and the end surface (8) of the tube (4) and into a portion of the cavity adjacent to the cap base. The sealing body has been compressed between the end surface (8) and the cap base during the manufacture of the fuse component (1) when positioning the end cap (5). The compressed sealing body (7) attempts to expand again, whereby it expands principally into the cavity (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Wickmann-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Ludger Richter, Andreas Baus, André Jöllenbeck
  • Patent number: 7231708
    Abstract: In a method for marking a fuse in order to allow for the rapid visual identification of certain characteristics of that fuse, the fuse is provided with: a first color-coded visual indicia indicative of an amperage rating of the fuse; a second color-coded visual indicia indicative of an action value of the fuse; and/or a third color-coded visual indicia indicative of a voltage rating of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventors: R. Dennis Chandler, Raymond Leblond
  • Patent number: 6801433
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling electrical protective devices comprises an electrical protective device mounted to at least one electrical terminal, wherein the electrical terminals are cooled to indirectly cool the electrical protective devices. A pressurized coolant source passes a coolant fluid through coolant passages attached to the electrical terminals, thereby cooling the electrical terminals. The cooled electrical terminals maintain the temperature of the electrical protection device within an appropriate operating temperature range. This cooling method may be used to increase the fuse power rating of a fuse array while maintaining electrical coordination between the fuses in the fuse array and electrical devices protected by the fuse array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Eric Lindholm, Paul Stephen Pate, Allen Michael Ritter
  • Patent number: 6798330
    Abstract: A miniature fuse of surface mount type having a stable pre-arcing time-current characteristic and a strong time lag characteristic The fuse is easy to produce, and provides a constant pre-arcing time. The main body of the fuse is of rectangular ceramic construction of split type. A fusible member (60) wound around a ceramic rod (58) and is rested on a recessed portion (62) of the lower ceramic casing (54). The end portion (76) of the fusible member (60) is engaged with the side surface of the casing. The upper ceramic casing (52) is laid on the lower casing, so that the caps (56) are fit onto the opposite ends of the main body. The end portion (76) of the fusible member (60) and the cap (56) are connected by welding. At the time of welding, projections (74) to be fit in the recessed portions (72) provided at the main body, is formed at the cap (56), so that the cap (56) can be fixed to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: SOC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Arikawa, Koh Ishimura, Seiji Norisue
  • Patent number: 6778061
    Abstract: A fuse that can be made small while improving its breaking performance. An element 3 is securely held between the two lengthwise ends of a tubular fuse casing 2 and a pair of metal plates 4 having a melting point of more than 1000° C. The ends of the fuse casing 5 are respectively pushed into caps 5 so that the caps are fitted to the fuse casing 2 in such a manner as to cover the metal plates 4. The metal plates 4 protect the caps 5 from direct exposure to an arc discharge, which occurs when the element 3 fuses due to an overcurrent. Even if the fuse casing is made small, the metal plates 4 reliably interrupt overcurrent by absorbing the energy of an arc discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Daito Communication Apparatus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Nakano, Takeshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 6642833
    Abstract: A high-voltage current-limiting fuse comprises an elongated housing, an auto-centering connector centrally located about the elongated axis of the housing, and an elongated fusible element attached to the connector and secured along the elongated axis of the housing by the connector. The auto-centering connector is located about the elongated axis of the housing by a surface near one end of the housing, and the elongated conductive fusible element is connected to the connector and contained within the housing. The auto-centering connector is connected to an end of the fusible element, and mechanically located but electrically insulated relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Ranjan, Eli Valle, Constance Moore Dotson, Arthur Thomas Ehmke, Cesar Eliut Lopez
  • Patent number: 6552646
    Abstract: A capless fuse which includes a hollow fuse body, a fuse element within the fuse body and terminal pins having helical springs which are inserted into respective ones of the ends of the fuse body and directly connected to the ends and to the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Bel-Fuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Chiu Kan Wong
  • Patent number: 6259348
    Abstract: A surface mounting type electronic component such as a solid electrolytic capacitor is provided which comprises an electronic element, a safety fuse wire having a base end electrically connected to the electronic element, and a resin package enclosing the electronic element together with the fuse wire. The fuse wire also has a tip end which is exposed at a face of the resin package, and the face of the resin package is formed with a layer-like terminal in electrical connection with the tip end of the fuse wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chojiro Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 6147585
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a subminiature fuse includes the steps of applying metallized coatings to surfaces at axially opposite ends of a hollow fuse body, placing a fuse element in an internal cavity in the fuse body, the fuse element extending from the first end to the second end of the cavity, placing a one of a solder and brazing preform and end termination at each of the first and second ends of the cavity, and heating the assembled fuse body, fuse element, solder preforms and end terminations to a temperature sufficient to cause the solder preforms to bond the fuse element to the end terminations and for the end terminations to bond with the metallized end portions of the fuse body, wherein the end terminations close the ends of the cavity. A subminiature fuse according to the invention includes a fuse body with a fuse element disposed in the body. The fuse body includes metallized end portions to which the end terminations are bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Varinder K. Kalra, Keith A. Spalding
  • 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: 5994994
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuse for improving the reliability and facilitating automation the process and, in this fuse, an inner cap 14 is provided between a glass tube 12 and a cap terminal 13; a passage 22 for ventilating the inside of the glass tube 12 is provided between the inner cap 14 and the glass tube 12; an end portion 15a of the fuse element 15 is taken out between the cap terminal 13 and the inner cap 14 through an element insertion hole 14b formed on a bottom plate 14a of the inner cap 14 in order to electrically connect the end portion 15a with at least the cap terminal 13; and the cap terminal 13 is fixed to the inner cap 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sinzetto
    Inventors: Hideo Ito, Tomohiro Shinzawa
  • Patent number: 5963123
    Abstract: A fuse includes a tube, a pair of blade terminals projecting from opposite ends of the tube, at least one fuse element disposed in the tube and electrically coupled between the terminals, and a pair of metallic end caps disposed on opposite ends of the tube. Electrically insulative elements are disposed between the end caps and the terminals. The tube is filled with an arc-quenching material inserted through a fill hole that is plugged by a plastic drive rivet. Each terminal is attached to a metallic end plate by means of a staking tang inserted into a slot of the end plate, and by means of a separate solder joint. Each insulative element includes an axial sleeve through which a respective terminal extends for a part of its length. The fuse element comprises a one-piece metal element bent to form a pair of parallel, superimposed strips divided into sections by means of fusible weak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5901045
    Abstract: A device for isolating a hazardous connection on a circuit board includes an elongated enclosure having a bore extending therethrough and a slot extending longitudinally from a first end of the enclosure. A component such as a fuse, having leads on both ends, is advanced through the bore until one of the leads, bent orthogonally to the enclosure, becomes secured in a distal end (pocket) of the slot. The length of the enclosure is determined such that when the lead is engaged in the distal end of the slot, a portion of the enclosure extends over the lead to isolate any connections made by that lead from external contact. In a preferred embodiment, a second slot is provided on the other end of the enclosure wherein a second lead may then be bent orthogonally to the device, and parallel with the first lead, to isolate both leads of the component. The protective device is advantageously transparent to allow for monitoring of the component being isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Cabletron Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Bencivenga, Ronald P. Fotino
  • Patent number: 5774037
    Abstract: A subminiature circuit protector includes a substrate carrying a metal fuse element hermetically sealed in a glass sleeve cartridge. The fuse element may comprise a film deposited on the substrate, or, alternatively a metal strip or wire. Leads extend from opposing ends of the sleeve for connection in a circuit, and a gas is sealed in the sleeve to provide a suitable environment to improve operating lifetime and interrupting capability. A method for making a circuit protector includes placing a substrate carrying a fuse element in a glass sleeve and placing leads in contact with the fuse element. The assembly is heated in the presence of a gas below atmospheric pressure to a temperature sufficient to soften the glass. The pressure is then increased to cause the ends of the glass sleeve to form a hermetic seal about the leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon Gurevich
  • Patent number: 5739740
    Abstract: An electrical fuse having an insulator, through which a cavity extends from one end to the facing end and which has a cross-sectionally square or rectangular casing part, is further developed in such a way that in the case of easy manufacture a reliable sealing of the cavity openings and a reliable fixing of the fuse element ends, as well as the connections or terminals to the end portions of the insulator are ensured, particularly in such a way that connections projecting over the insulator profile are avoided. For this purpose the insulator has on at least one side an offset end portion of constant cross-section. The fuse is in each case provided with a solder coating at least covering the ends of the end portions, has electrical connections and also a fuse element, which passes through the cavity and whose ends are in each case conductively connected to the electrical connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Wickmann-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Stark, Andre Jollenbeck
  • Patent number: 5736918
    Abstract: A fuse includes a tube, a pair of blade terminals projecting from opposite ends of the tube, at least one fuse element disposed in the tube and electrically coupled between the terminals, and a pair of metallic end caps disposed on opposite ends of the tube. Electrically insulative elements are disposed between the end caps and the terminals. The tube is filled with an arc-quenching material inserted through a fill hole that is plugged by a plastic drive rivet. Each terminal is attached to a metallic end plate by means of a staking tang inserted into a slot of the end plate, and by means of a separate solder joint. Each insulative element includes an axial sleeve through which a respective terminal extends for a part of its length. The fuse element having a one-piece metal element bent to form a pair of parallel, superimposed strips divided into sections by means of fusible weak points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5355111
    Abstract: The fuseholder includes a current limiting fuse mounted within a fuse body and a lower contact and hinge assembly. The fuse body has contact assemblies mounted on each end thereof. The lower contact assembly on the fuse body is mounted on a hinge which is rotatably supported on an interchangeable cutout mounting. The current limiting fuse includes a fuse element spirally wound around a spider which extends the length of the fuse body. The fuse element includes a high current fusible element and a low current fuse element. The fusible element includes a plurality of spaced reduced areas and is supported on the spider by support surfaces which are located between adjacent reduced areas of the fusible element. An auxiliary wire also extends the length of the fuse body about the spider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Cooper Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Haasler, Stephen P. Johnson, John Lapp
  • Patent number: 5270679
    Abstract: A terminal assembly for a fuse using multiple end plate pieces to collar a terminal element around a neck portion, the end plate pieces being attached to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 5235307
    Abstract: A solderless cartridge fuse comprises an open-ended insulating housing made of a relatively rigid, unyielding material. End caps close the open ends of the housing. Each end cap comprises an end wall confronting the adjacent housing end and a flexible yieldable side wall which, in its pre-formed state, has a lesser size than the periphery of the adjacent end of the housing so that there is a tight interference fit between the conductive end cap side wall and the housing periphery. A fuse element extends diagonally across the interior of the housing. Prior to application of the end caps to the housing ends during fuse assembly, the fuse wire ends are bent back around the housing ends so to be tightly sandwiched between the side walls of the end caps and the housing when the end caps are applied thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Seibang Oh
  • Patent number: 5198792
    Abstract: A miniature electrical fuse has electrical lead wires (8) to permit the fuse to be connected into a circuit without use of a fuse holder. Wires (8) are resistance welded to electrically conductive end caps (4) closing off the end of a non-conductive tubular housing (3) containing a fusible element (1). Element (1) is connected to the caps (4) by solder joints (7) and caps (4) are connected to housing (3) by solder joints (6). The solder is a lead/tin alloy of high melting point. The end walls of the caps (4) are comparatively thick in relation to their side walls in the range 1.3 to 1 and 2.1 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin D. Bacon, Peter J. Drayton, Rognvald R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5103203
    Abstract: A current limiting oil immersible fuse including a tubular housing having a resilient elastomeric cap sealed to each end of the housing, an end cap independently mounted on each end of the housing and overlying the resilient elastomeric cap and a fuse assembly supported in the housing by the end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Combined Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Huber
  • Patent number: 5003281
    Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge-type fuse has terminal end caps configured to provide insertion-limiting shoulders arresting the movement of the insulating fuse housing sleeve into the caps during assembly, and further configured with solder-retaining wells having surfaces configured to aligningly guide an inserted fuse element into a generally central location when the sleeve and fuse element are forced into the cap with the solder in a molten condition. Accidental solder voiding arising from the displacement caused by the sleeve and the fuse element is eliminated, and a centered fuse element is provided, secured by an adequate mass of solder therearound. Additional mechanical strength is optionally imparted to the system by coating the finished structure with an adherent plastic or resin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd W. Reese
  • Patent number: 4996509
    Abstract: A miniature end capless fuse comprises a nonconductive sleeve with a fusible element extending through it and leads to the ends of the fuse wire. Each electric lead to the fuse wire includes a deformed region near its end, but located outside the sleeve, for being held by insulating material applied over the entire fuse. The deformed region may be an enlargement at the end which does not extend into the sleeve but is attached to the end of the sleeve. It may alternately be a notch formed in the lead. The sleeve ends are metallized, the fusible element ends are soldered to the ends of the sleeve and the leads near their deformed regions are soldered to the ends of the sleeve, forming the fuse. The entire fuse is covered with a strengthening covering, e.g., a molded covering, which securely holds the leads to the sleeve by their deformed regions, e.g. their enlargements or notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Elliot Bernstein
  • Patent number: 4972170
    Abstract: The high speed fuse employs stamped end bell and terminals rather than forged or machined parts. A slot for the terminal is punched through the end bell. The terminal is inserted into the slot in the end bell and staked in position. This insures a strong tight fit without requiring welding or soldering. One end of each terminal has coined ridges to facilitate automatic welding of the fuse link to the terminals. Round balls are used to seal the fill holes for the arc quenching material. Metal pins secure the end bells within the fuse housing but are not electrically connected to the terminals because of the insulative end bells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Arlie H. Ehlmann, Ronald E. Mollet, Fred Levko
  • Patent number: 4951026
    Abstract: A high speed fuse 8 having terminals 14 staked to non-electrically conductive end bells 12 with fusible element 30 connected to ridges 44 on terminal 14 by projection welding, and round balls 18 plugging sand holes 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arlie H. Ehlmann
  • Patent number: 4949062
    Abstract: A high speed fuse 8 having elements 14 staked to non-electrically conductive end balls 12 with fusible element 30 connected to ridges 44 on terminal 14 by projection welding, and round balls 18 plugging sand holes 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Mollet
  • Patent number: 4949063
    Abstract: A high speed fuse 8 having terminals 14 staked to non-electrically conductive end bells 12 with fusible element 30 connected to ridges 44 on terminal 14 by projection welding, and round balls 18 plugging sand holes 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Levko
  • Patent number: 4935716
    Abstract: A high speed fuse 8 having terminals 14 staked to non-electrically conductive end bells 12 with fusible element 30 connected to ridges 44 on terminal 14 by projection welding, and round balls 18 plugging sand holes 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arlie H. Ehlmann