With Arc Suppression Or Extinguishing Means Patents (Class 337/273)
  • Patent number: 11729906
    Abstract: A circuit board with integrated fusing includes an insulating substrate having a circuit trace formed on a surface thereof, the circuit trace including a first circuit trace portion and a second circuit trace portion. A fusible link electrically connects the first circuit trace portion to the second circuit trace portion, the fusible link including a planar surface extending from the first circuit trace portion to the second circuit trace portion. A dielectric reflow encapsulates the fusible link on the planar surface from the first circuit trace portion to the second circuit trace portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Kaijam M. Woodley, Michael K. Balck, Matthew J. Koebert
  • Patent number: 11557451
    Abstract: A fuse includes a housing. A bus bar extends through the housing. An arc interrupter positioned inside the housing. A biasing element is compressed between the housing and the arc interrupter to bias the arc interrupter toward the bus bar to separate two portions of the bus bar during circuit interruption to mitigate arcing from one portion of the bus bar to the other portion of the bus bar. The bus bar includes a pocket defined therein wherein the bus bar is of a first material, and wherein a second material is seated within the pocket. In another aspect, a fuse includes a fuse housing and a bus bar extending through the housing. The bus bar includes a pocket defined therein. The bus bar is of a first material, wherein a second material is seated within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Cooney, Nhia Yang
  • Patent number: 11532452
    Abstract: Provided are trimmed parallel element protection devices. Some protection devices may include a substrate and first and second terminals at opposite ends of the substrate. The protection devices may further include a first fusible and a second fusible element extending between the first and second terminals, wherein at least one of the first and second fusible elements includes a trimmed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: P-A-Homer II Dela Torre, Roel Santos Retardo, Kent Harvey Mercado Berenguel
  • Patent number: 11152175
    Abstract: An alternatively changeable electric circuit comprising a voltage source, an electric load electrically connected with said electric voltage source via a basic electric conductor having a primary branch and a secondary branch, and an alternative conductor connected in parallel to said basic electric conductor, wherein upon fulfillment of a predetermined circumstance, said primary branch is physically interrupted, causing an electric current which initially flowed through said primary branch to be redirected through said alternative conductor. The alternative conductor comprises two electric conductive sections which are aligned with each other and spaced apart at a distance, forming an electrically insulating gap there-between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventors: Mitja Koprivsek, Brane Lebar
  • Patent number: 10661656
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic switch for switching off and establishing electric circuits includes a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor, and an ignition element. In a first state of the pyrotechnic switch, the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor are electrically connected to one another, wherein a target separation point between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor is provided. The target separation point is separated as soon as the ignition element is triggered, wherein the pyrotechnic switch is provided with a third electrical conductor. In the first state of the pyrotechnic switch, the third electrical conductor is electrically separated from the second electrical conductor and from the third electrical conductor, and in a second state of the pyrotechnic switch, the third electrical conductor is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Hammerschmidt, Wladislaw Waag
  • Patent number: 10607800
    Abstract: The present invention is a power line cut-out switch used in power transmission system comprising a base member having a vertical extension member perpendicularly attached thereon that secures a mechanical jumper used when transferring power lines from one electrical post to another. The vertical member can include a mushroom top member to further secure the mechanical jumper. The mechanical jumper is mounted to the vertical extension member to provide a stable and secure point of engagement when transferring power lines. This avoids electrocution to workers by no longer having to connect the mechanical jumper to flimsy solid jumpers and helps provide more uninterrupted power supply to consumers when installing new posts or shifting old posts to a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventors: Jamel Valdes, Roberto Rodriguez, Alberto Reyes, Emilio Castro
  • Patent number: 10410818
    Abstract: A fuse element as well as a fuse device and protective device using the same which are capable of suppressing generation of defects such as cracks in a high melting point metal layer, maintaining good conduction, and maintaining blowout properties. The fuse element includes a laminated low melting point metal layer and high melting point metal layer and at least one peak among peaks in an X-ray diffraction spectrum (2?) of a surface of the high melting point metal layer has a full width at half maximum of 0.15 degrees or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: DEXERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yoneda
  • Patent number: 10362686
    Abstract: First solder is lead-free solder that contains no lead (Pb). The first solder includes a first metal that contains at least Sn; and a second metal that contains at least a Ni—Fe alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yasui, Hisayuki Abe, Kenichi Kawabata, Tomoko Kitamura
  • Patent number: 10325745
    Abstract: Approaches herein provide a multiple element fuse including a first fuse element having a first pair of terminals joined by a first fusible link, and a second fuse element including a second pair of terminals joined by a second fusible link. The first pair of terminals may be directly physically coupled with the second pair of terminals. In some embodiments, the first pair of terminals and the second pair of terminals are stacked relative to one another and joined by one or more linking elements, thus causing the first fusible link and the second fusible link to extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, a first plurality of terminal pairs are integrally linked adjacent one another along a same plane, and then subsequently coupled to a second plurality of terminal pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Lasini, Michael Schlaak, Matthew Miller, Matthew Yurkanin
  • Patent number: 10283298
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a chip fuse, comprises: a liquid film forming step for forming a liquid film of dispersion liquid having metal nanoparticles dispersed therein on a principal surface of a substrate; a fuse film forming step for forming a fuse film on the principal surface by irradiating the liquid film with laser light; and a first terminal forming step for forming first terminals that each connects to the fuse film on each of both end sides in a longitudinal direction of the fuse film on the principal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SOC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshitaka Ogawa, Hiroo Arikawa
  • Publication number: 20150137934
    Abstract: Fuse assemblies, systems and methods of manufacture include reinforcement materials and arc absorbent materials to provide overcurrent protection for 1500 VDC power systems without enlarging the body of the fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick A. von zur Muehlen, Michael C. Henricks
  • Publication number: 20150002258
    Abstract: A terminal-integrated fuse (2) includes two planar members (10), (10) serving as terminals for mounting on a substrate. The two planar members (10), (10) are spaced on a same horizontal plane. A fuse body (4) is located on a horizontal plane at a level different from the level of the said horizontal plane and between the planar members (10), (10). The fuse body (4) is formed integral with the planar members (10), (10). A casing (14) has side walls (18), (20) and end walls (22), (24) disposed around an opening. The fuse body (4) is positioned in the casing (14), and the two planar members (10, (10) are in contact with the end walls (22), (24), respectively. An arc suppressing material portion (26) is provided in the casing (14) in such a manner the fuse body (4) is embedded therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Yasushi Yoshida, Koji Hirakura
  • Publication number: 20140152418
    Abstract: A fuse includes a body, a first conductive terminal coupled with a first end of the body, and a second conductive terminal coupled with a second end of the body. The body, the first conductive terminal, and the second conductive terminal define an exterior of the fuse. The fuse also includes an interruption assembly including a fusible element. The fusible element includes carbon fiber, is disposed on a conductive path between the first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal, and is configured to break when a current through the fusible element exceeds a predetermined current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Jeffrey Benke, Robert Neville Parry, Nicholas Paul Brusky
  • Patent number: 8212646
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuse assembly for rapid interruption of a prospective fault current. The fuse assembly includes a plurality of splitter plates. A plurality of foil elements extend between a pair of terminals and are physically supported by the splitter plates. A pair of parallel busbars are in series with the foil elements and generate a magnetic field that is substantially perpendicular to the current flowing in the foil elements. In the presence of a prospective fault current, the foil elements will melt and at arcing inception an electromagnetic force developed as a result of interaction between the magnetic field and the arc current will push the molten foil elements into the splitter plates. This increases the arc length and hence the arc voltage. At least the foil elements and the splitter plates are preferably located in flowing liquid dielectric such as MIDEL 7131, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan David Crane, Christopher John Dunne
  • Patent number: 8179224
    Abstract: The overcurrent protection structure according to the present invention mainly comprises a fusible fuse structure unit disposed in a coating, and the both ends of the fusible fuse structure unit extend outwardly beyond the coating and form a first electrode and a second electrode. In the manufacturing process, the gas-assisted injection molding process enables at least one space for accommodating gas disposed between the fusible fuse structure unit and the coating such that the heat generated by the electrically energized the fusible fuse structure unit will not dissipate through the heat conduction of the coating in order to ensure that it will blow at high temperature when reaching a specific current or a specific temperature and the circuit protection effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Chun-Chang Yen
  • Patent number: 8085123
    Abstract: An exhaust control device includes a wear indicator disposed within a housing of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is arranged to be exposed to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device. The wear indicator has a first observable state indicative of remaining useful life of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is responsive to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device to assume a second observable state indicative of the exhaust control device having reached the end of its useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Michael G. Ennis, Jorge R. Montante
  • 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: 7864022
    Abstract: An exhaust control device includes a wear indicator disposed within a housing of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is arranged to be exposed to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device. The wear indicator has a first observable state indicative of remaining useful life of the exhaust control device. The wear indicator is responsive to a flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust control device to assume a second observable state indicative of the exhaust control device having reached the end of its useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Michael G. Ennis, Jorge R. Montante
  • Publication number: 20100271169
    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: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: S&C ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Michael G. Ennis, Jorge R. Montante, Martin A. Warszawa
  • Patent number: 7498923
    Abstract: A transfer switch comprising a housing and a strip of metal enclosed in the housing, each end extending through the housing as a first connection. At least one first contact is integral to the metal strip. At least one second contact within the housing extends through the housing wall for a second electrical connection. At least one first section of the metal strip for severing and at least one second section of the metal strip having the properties of a hinge for pivoting. At least one exothermic source in the proximity of the first section that upon ignition severs the metal strip at the first section, and causes at least one segment of the severed metal strip to be propelled about the second section comprising the hinge, whereupon the first electrical contact is propelled to join the second electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Arthur H. Iversen
  • Patent number: 7138899
    Abstract: A fuse element includes a fusible conductor which extends within a gas filled cavity in a cylindrical tube. The fuse element includes a cylindrical tube comprising, an electrical insulator between two end faces of the tube, two end caps of an electrically conductive material being applied to the two ends of the tube such that an electrical contact is produced with the fusible conductor. At least one respective sealing element is inserted in at least one of the two ends in a space between the cap base and the end face of the tube and/or into a portion of the cavity of the tube adjacent to the end face such that one or more pressure balancing passages remain between the gas filled cavity within the tube and the external surroundings of the fuse element. The one or more pressure balancing passages are of such small cross-section that changes in pressure in the cavity are balanced only very slowly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Wickmann-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: André Jöllenbeck, Uwe Röder, Andreas Baus, Frank Althoff, Werner Barz, Peter Pössnicker
  • Patent number: 7119652
    Abstract: A fuse assembly is disclosed. The fuse assembly includes an electrically insulating hollow casing of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in outline, a fuse element provided within the casing and supported by the casing, the casing having first and second spheroidal concaves provided therein for facilitating reflecting and converging of shock waves into focuses at the time when an arc discharge is generated due to blowing of the fuse element and the shock waves are then produced, the first and second spheroidal concaves being disposed side by side along a longitudinal direction of the casing and overlapping each other in the longitudinal direction of the casing in such a manner that inner foci of the concaves are overlapped with each other, and a pair of spaced apart electrodes provided at both ends of the casing, the fuse element being electrically connected to the spaced apart electrodes and bridged between the spaced apart electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Tadashi Umeda
  • Patent number: 6903649
    Abstract: A fuse that includes an arc energy reducing coating to reduce arc energy during a short-circuit and/or a full voltage overload current interrupt is described. The fuse includes end conductor elements, and at least one fuse element secured between and making electrical contact with the end conductor elements. An elongate fuse housing, having a passageway extending longitudinally through the housing, extends between the end conductor elements. The fuse element extends through the housing passageway. An arc energy reducing coating at least partially coats each end portion of the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Patent number: 6888440
    Abstract: A fuse that includes an arc energy reducing coating to reduce arc energy during a short-circuit and/or a full voltage overload current interrupt is described. The fuse includes end conductor elements, and at least one fuse element secured between and making electrical contact with the end conductor elements. An elongate fuse housing, having a passageway extending longitudinally through the housing, extends between the end conductor elements. The fuse element extends through the housing passageway. An arc energy reducing coating at least partially coats each end portion of the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Patent number: 6873243
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for protecting an electrical circuit against excessive currents by a fuse assembly. The fuse assembly is configured to interrupt the flow of current through the electrical circuit by increasing dielectric separation between two ends of a fuse element prepared in a form substantially representing a curve. The fuse element is coupled to a pair of conductive endcaps and a dielectric material substantially encloses the fuse element between the endcaps. The method of increasing dielectric separation between two ends of a fuse element includes preparing the fuse element in the form substantially representing the curve, coupling the fuse element between a pair of conductive endcaps, and enclosing the fuse element in a dielectric material which is formed such that a portion of the dielectric material extends into the area bounded by the fuse element and a line intersecting the two ends of the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Karnes, Martin Lindquist, Louis E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6710699
    Abstract: The fuse is used in the medium- and high-voltage sector and has two spaced-apart power supply connections (2, 3) and an active part (1). The active part comprises a fusible, current-carrying fuse element and an arc-extinguishing medium. The fuse element is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the two power supply connections and is arranged on an electrically insulating substrate. It is of a modular construction and has at least two modules (9) connected in series. The arc-extinguishing medium covers the exposed surfaces of the fuse element. The active part is formed in the manner of a sandwich and has two stable moldings (4, 5) and a predominantly planar intermediate layer (6) arranged between the moldings (4, 5). The intermediate layer (6) contains at least the two series-connected modules, whereas a first molding (4) of the two moldings is formed at least by part of the electrically insulating substrate and the second molding (5) is formed at least by part of the arc-extinguishing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Uwe Kaltenborn, Guido Hoffmann, Mariusz Wilniewczyc, Patrik Huser
  • Patent number: 6642834
    Abstract: The invention is a blade fuse having a housing section and a fusible element. The housing includes an insulating portion or tab extending from the housing section, and disposed between opposite ends of the fusible element. One aspect of the invention is a blade fuse where the insulating tab is integral with the housing. The insulating tab may be integral with the head portion of the housing, and the insulating tab may extend downwardly from the head portion. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to a one-piece, metallic element for a blade fuse. The blade fuse element has a fusible link and a pair of terminals. The fusible element extends above, rather than between, the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Seibang Oh, James Jie Chen
  • Patent number: 6614339
    Abstract: An exhaust control device for use with a circuit interrupter includes a casing having a first expansion chamber and a second expansion chamber that are operationally disposed upstream of a heat sink and a damper, with the second expansion chamber being in fluid communication with the first expansion chamber and being in register with an inlet of the casing. The first expansion chamber extends between the inlet and the heat sink. The heat sink is a porous member that is annular in cross-section and includes a central cavity formed therein, the second expansion chamber being disposed in the central cavity. The first and second expansion chambers are configured to separate a blast of gases from the circuit interrupter into first and second pressure waves that sequentially travel through the heat sink and the damper, which reduces the peak intensity of the blast, extends its duration, and reduces its ionization level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Neville Parry, Richard Craig Alexander, James Jeffery Benke
  • Patent number: 6590490
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a fuse element for a time delay fuse includes a conductive fuse element member, a fuse link formed within the member, and a heat sink coupled to the member. The heat sink draws heat from the fuse element member and prevents the fuse link from opening for an increased amount of time during high current overload conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Patent number: 6577222
    Abstract: A fuse is disclosed having terminal leads electrically connected by a fusible link, and insulated within a housing. The housing is preferably made from a material which burns cleanly and has improved ablative qualities to prevent accelerated arcing within the plasma generated by the housing during high energy periods. The desired material should have an arc resistance of about 60 to about 120 seconds, a CTI of about 250 to about 400 volts, an arc ignition resistance of greater than 120 arcs, an arc tracking rate of about 25 to about 80 millimeters per minute, and a hot wire ignition value of greater than 120 seconds. Such material being capable of increasing the voltage rating of a standard 32 volt fuse almost ten-fold to about 300 volts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Krueger, Seibang Oh
  • Publication number: 20030025586
    Abstract: An exhaust control device for use with a circuit interrupter includes a casing having a first expansion chamber and a second expansion chamber that are operationally disposed upstream of a heat sink and a damper, with the second expansion chamber being in fluid communication with the first expansion chamber and being in register with an inlet of the casing. The first expansion chamber extends between the inlet and the heat sink. The heat sink is a porous member that is annular in cross-section and includes a central cavity formed therein, the second expansion chamber being disposed in the central cavity. The first and second expansion chambers are configured to separate a blast of gases from the circuit interrupter into first and second pressure waves that sequentially travel through the heat sink and the damper, which reduces the peak intensity of the blast, extends its duration, and reduces its ionization level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Neville Parry, Richard Craig Alexander, James Jeffery Benke
  • Patent number: 6507265
    Abstract: A fuse that includes an arc energy reducing coating to reduce arc energy during a short-circuit and/or a full voltage overload current interrupt is described. The fuse includes end conductor elements, and at least one fuse element secured between and making electrical contact with the end conductor elements. An elongate fuse housing, having a passageway extending longitudinally through the housing, extends between the end conductor elements. The fuse element extends through the housing passageway. An arc energy reducing coating at least partially coats each end portion of the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20030001716
    Abstract: The fuse is used in the medium- and high-voltage sector and has two spaced-apart power supply connections (2, 3) and an active part (1). The active part comprises a fusible, current-carrying fuse element and an arc-extinguishing medium. The fuse element is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the two power supply connections and is arranged on an electrically insulating substrate. It is of a modular construction and has at least two modules (9) connected in series. The arc-extinguishing medium covers the exposed surfaces of the fuse element. The active part is formed in the manner of a sandwich and has two stable moldings (4, 5) and a predominantly planar intermediate layer (6) arranged between the moldings (4, 5). The intermediate layer (6) contains at least the two series-connected modules, whereas a first molding (4) of the two moldings is formed at least by part of the electrically insulating substrate and the second molding (5) is formed at least by part of the arc-extinguishing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Uwe Kaltenborn, Guido Hoffmann, Mariusz Wilniewczyc, Patrik Huser
  • Publication number: 20020190838
    Abstract: In a fuse chamber (8) there is arranged as a quenching gas source a burn-off element (11), which concentrically surrounds an arc chamber (10) and is separated from it by a fuse element (9), which consists of metal foil, preferably silver foil, and the outer side of which is adjoined by the burn-off element (11). The latter consists of an igniting material (12), arranged in the form of a ring running around centrally, and a gas-evolving material (13). Both materials consist, for example, of guanidine or guanidine derivatives as the combustible material and an oxidant, the proportion of which in the igniting material (12) is hyperstoichiometric. The arc chamber (10) is bounded at opposite ends by nozzles (7a,b), which connect it to exhaust volumes (4a,b). When there is an overcurrent, the fuse element (9) heats up to the igniting temperature of the igniting material (12) and is torn open centrally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Uwe Kaltenborn, Lutz Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 6452474
    Abstract: The invention is a housing for a blade fuse, and a blade fuse that uses that housing. The housing includes a first generally planar wall and a second generally planar wall. The first and the second generally planar walls each have an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface of the first generally planar wall faces the inner surface of the second generally planar wall. Each of the generally planar walls has at least one rib extending from its inner surfaces. The one or more rib on the inner surface of the first generally planar wall extends towards, and is generally aligned with, the one or more corresponding rib on the inner surface of the second generally planar wall. These generally aligned rib sets form a gap, and the gap is sized so as to permit the close-fitting insertion of a fuse element between that gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Seibang Oh
  • Publication number: 20020109574
    Abstract: A Full-Range fuse element assembly includes an insulative former having opposite first and second ends and electrically conducting connectors coupled to ends of the former. A plurality of fuse elements extend between the first connector and the second connector about the insulative former, and each of the fuse elements include a low current interrupting fuse element portion extending from the first connector and a high current limiting fuse element portion extending from the second connector. An insulative sleeve surrounds each of the low current interrupting fuse element portions, and each sleeve includes an end adjacent a respective one of the high current limiting fuse element portions. Each of the low current interrupting fuse element portions includes a weak spot located proximate the second end of a respective one of the sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Harold John Handcock, Mark Paul Judson
  • Patent number: 6160471
    Abstract: The invention is a fusible link-containing structure for an electrical fuse. The structure includes an metallic or other conductive element having a fusible link. The structure further includes at least one arc-quenching tab secured to the metallic element, and that tab may be secured to the metallic element at a position spaced apart from the fusible link. The tab or tabs are secured to the metallic element without rivets or other mechanical fasteners. For example, a lamination process may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Littlelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Rybka, Cesar Herbias
  • Patent number: 6157286
    Abstract: A high voltage, current limiting device is connected in series with a high voltage power source and a protected load to interrupt current for an over-current condition [Typically 50 kA]. The current limiting device includes a current sensor/isolator and a switch connected in series. A current limiter, which may include a fuse or polymer current limiting material, is connected in parallel to the current sensor/isolator. The current sensor/isolator includes a pair of electrically insulated supports secured to a plurality of support rods to maintain the insulated supports at a predetermined fixed spacing to support an expulsion fuse. The expulsion fuse link includes a pair of copper conductors of adequate current carrying capability that are attached to ends of a main weak link fuse. A pair of coil springs hold the weak link fuse under tension to repel the conductors apart when the weak link fuse melts open during an over-current condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Ranjan, Donald Kenneth Ferguson, Anil Raj Duggal, Minyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 6005470
    Abstract: A high voltage circuit interrupter has a surface modified pulverulent arc-quenching filler composition, with gas-evolving material is bound to the surfaces of the arc-quenching filler by a binder. The pulverulent arc-quenching filler can be selected from the group of silicas and silicates, preferably sand, mica or quartz. The gas-evolving materials can be selected from the group of melamine, cyanuric acid, melamine cyanurate, guanidine, guanidine carbonate, guanidine acetate, 1,3-diphenylguanidine, guanine, urea, urea phosphate, hydantoin, allantoin, and mixtures and derivatives thereof. The device has a generally tubular casing of electrically insulating material, terminal elements closing the opposite ends of the casing, at least one fuse element conductively interconnecting the terminal elements, a core for supporting the fuse element, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a modified pulverulent arc-quenching filler material inside the casing, in close proximity to the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James D. B. Smith, John J. Shea, William R. Crooks
  • Patent number: 5986534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuse arrangement, which is particularly suited to high voltage applications, but also has applications across a broad voltage range. The fuse arrangement comprises a fuse link arranged to be connected in a current carrying circuit and a parallel-connected resistor. On occurrence of a fault, conditioning the current carrying circuit, the fuse link is arranged to generate relatively high voltage such that current is commutated to the resistor and electrical energy associated with the fault current is absorbed by the resistor. The resistor element is preferably a varistor and, for high voltage applications, a fuse link preferably comprises a deeply confined expulsion fuse. Because electrical energy flowing in the circuit is diverted to the resistance element on occurrence of a fault condition, the current carrying circuit is thus protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Anthony D. Stokes, Andrew Wolny
  • Patent number: 5903208
    Abstract: A fuse includes a solid silicone rod that has a fuse element stitched repeatedly through the rod so that the stitches extend longitudinally along the length of the rod. The stitched silicone rod is secured within a fiberglass tube, and a silica sand pulverant is provided around the stitched silicone rod so as to provide further arc quenching capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Hermann Sorger
  • Patent number: 5889458
    Abstract: A fuse assembly including a housing and a fuse element which fuses open for protection against overcurrent or short-circuit current flows. The fuse assembly also includes reflecting means such as metal polished surfaces for reflecting radiation rays generated from the fuse element back to the fuse element. The reflecting means may be formed from separate parts interposed between the fuse element and the inner wall of the housing. Alternatively, the reflecting means may be formed by applying a metal plating on a surface of an inner wall of the housing to give a mirror-like appearance to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Goro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5883562
    Abstract: There is disclosed an arcless fuse in which adverse effects on an equipment due to an arc discharge, produced when the fuse is melted, are prevented, and also melted metal is prevented from dissipating. An arcless fuse includes a fuse element 25 having opposite ends connected respectively to a pair of terminals 23 and 23, the fuse element being in the form of one of a wire and a strip. A part of the fuse element 25 intermediate the opposite ends thereof is formed into such a non-linear configuration that a plurality of portions are arranged in closely spaced relation to one another, and the fuse element 25 is molded in a housing 27 of a synthetic resin. Preferably, an amorphous resin is used as the synthetic resin molding the fuse element 25 therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Matsuoka, Kenji Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 5793275
    Abstract: There is described a fuse comprising a housing and a current carrying strip of metal comprising a fuselink enclosed in the housing, each end of which electrically extends through the housing as an electrical connection. There being at least one first section of the metal strip for severing upon predetermined fault conditions, and at least one second section of the metal strip, distanced from the first section, having the properties of a hinge for pivoting. There further being at least one exothermic source in the proximity of the first section that substantially upon severance of the metal strip at the first section is ignited, and causes at least one segment of the severed metal strip to be propelled about the second section comprising the hinge. There further being an arc chute in proximity to the path of the moving severed edge of the first section such that fault current limiting is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Arthur H. Iversen
  • Patent number: 5770994
    Abstract: A fuse element having a substantially planar strip formed of an electrically conductive metal having a central portion and opposite end portions. The central portion is provided with a plurality of diamond-shaped perforations. The perforations form a plurality of branches that define a plurality of elongated, narrowed electrical pathways across the central portion. The joints where the branches meet form the weak spots for the fuse element. The central portion of the fuse element is encased in a material that is electrically non-conducting and heat conducting. The material, a ceramic, for example, is injection molded in and around the perforations to substantially completely encase the central portion of the fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence John Evans
  • Patent number: 5713124
    Abstract: A current-limiting device is provided having a low profile configuration (generally flat polyhedron) that defines a cavity of predetermined dimensions and an elongated circuitous path through the cavity. The device also includes provisions for supporting a current-limiting fusible element along the path. The cavity is filled with a pulverulent arc-quenching filler material. In one specific arrangement, the path of the fusible element is defined by one or more U-shaped sections substantially spanning the length or width of the cavity. The fusible element is arranged in a predetermined geometry to include a length of the fusible element that is longer than the overall straight-line path via a configuration of steps or bends along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventor: Hiram S. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5631621
    Abstract: The thermal fuse comprises a fuse base having a wire fuse element of a fusible alloy connecting lead wires and a cartridge forming an enclosed space for accommodating the wire fuse element by surrounding the wire fuse element and closing both ends thereof at the lead wires. In this space, a sucker having a suction surface composed of an adhesive metal excellent in adhesion with the fusible alloy is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Takuo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 5572181
    Abstract: An overcurrent protection device and a method for the production thereof is provided wherein a fusible link is bonded across a pair of electrodes. A composite layer envelops the fusible link and is formed from a gelatinous composition. The composite layer and the fusible link are further encased within a molded housing. The gelatinous composition includes a nonconductive inorganic powder and a synthetic resin. The inorganic powder has a melting temperature below a fusion temperature of the fusible link. In an embodiment, the inorganic powder includes lead glass powder and alumina powder, and the synthetic resin is a low viscosity silicone resin. The inorganic powder is mixed with the silicone resin in a three to one ratio. Heat treatment dries the composite layer. The composite layer includes air pockets between particles of the inorganic powder elastically bound together by the synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: KOA Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michiaki Kiryu, Satoru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5485136
    Abstract: An improved load break disconnecting device is disclosed, comprising a conductive portion having a non-gassing fuse, a fuse cartridge having first and second ends and enclosing said fuse, a conducting hinge assembly and conducting stationary contact means, and a non-conducting arc extinguishing sleeve with latch means for latching the sleeve in a non-covering position until the switch is closed and biasing means for snapping the sleeve into an arc-extinguishing, covering position when the switch is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Johnson, Stephen P. Hassler, John Lapp
  • Patent number: 5479147
    Abstract: A thick film fuse assembly for high voltage, high amperage, high reliability applications. In a first embodiment the fuse assembly consists of an insulative substrate on which a parallel array of low mass thick film fusible elements are disposed. Thick film contact pads permit attachment of lead wires in electrical contact with the fusible elements. The fusible array is covered with a coating of arc suppressant glass. In a second embodiment of the fuse assembly, the fusible elements comprise thick film end portions and upstanding conductive wires which are positioned above and away from the insulative substrate. The arc suppressant glass surrounds each of the upstanding wires which permits higher amperage capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Mepcopal Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Montgomery