With Fusible, Combustible Or Explosive Material Patents (Class 337/401)
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Publication number: 20090179729Abstract: A thermal fuse includes a metallic casing, a first lead member having a first electrode formed at an end thereof, a second lead member having a second electrode formed at an internal wall surface of the casing, a switching function member including a spring member pressing a thermosensitive pellet and a movable conductor. At an operating temperature as the thermosensitive pellet softens and melts, the thermal fuse switches an electrical circuit between the first and second electrodes. In order to respond and switch more quickly at the operating temperature, the thermosensitive pellet is produced to have a structure that facilitates activation thereof at the operating temperature. Such a structure may involve at least one cavity incorporated in the pellet, or may involve at least two different resin materials that are mixed together or provided in plural layers in the pellet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: NEC SCHOTT Components CorporationInventor: Tokihiro Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7557688Abstract: A pyromechanical disconnecting device that includes a housing having a receiving space for an ignition element and a supporting floor. A disconnecting tool is disposed in the housing and movable along a path toward a disconnecting point of a current conductor rail. Also disposed in the housing is an ignition element adapted to propel the disconnecting tool along the path to sever the current conductor rail. The ignition element includes an end having a conical flank facing the supporting floor of the housing. An elastic sealing element is arranged about the conical flank and the supporting floor to act as an axial tolerance compensator between the ignition element and the supporting floor of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Diedrich Von Behr, Uwe Brede, Gerhard Kordel, Juergen Neuser, Wolfgang Seitz, Juergen Knauss
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Publication number: 20090159311Abstract: A battery system for storing electrical power and supplying electrical power to a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes multiple battery packs, each with a plurality of cells. The cells in each battery pack are electrically connected with one another and the multiple battery packs are also electrically connected with one another to combine the total energy output of the cells of the system. The electrical connections between at least some of the cells include a severable feature, whereby the electrical connection is severed locally at the severable feature in response to an impact force that is in excess of a predetermined magnitude and/or an overcurrent/overtemperature condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Weixin Zheng, Jianhua Zhu, Xi Shen, Hao Hu, Qing Lai, Yingliang Ji, Liying Pan, Yuanyuan He
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Patent number: 7518483Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting of an electrical conductor has an electrical conductor arranged in a housing, a pyrotechnic drive and a cutting device. After the triggering of the drive, the cutting device enters into engagement with the conductor to cut it.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Uwe Brede, Uwe Albrecht
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Patent number: 7511600Abstract: A pyromechanical disconnecting device having an improved electric current conductor rail. The electric current conductor rail includes a center section perpendicular to the path of a disconnecting tool, and a first and second side section extending perpendicular from the center section. The electric current conductor rail further includes a first and second end piece connected respectively to the first and second side sections apart from the center section. Each of the end pieces is connected along a fold perpendicular to the center section and includes a bore for receiving a fastener to attach the electric current conductor rail to a housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Diedrich Von Behr, Uwe Brede, Gerhard Kordel, Juergen Neuser, Wolfgang Seitz, Paulus Bayer, Georg Seitz
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Patent number: 7504925Abstract: An electric device generates a predetermined amount of heat in the event of a malfunction. The electric device is protected from overheating in that it is arranged, with a fuse in a circuit, such that the fuse and the electric device are thermally coupled to one another, so that the generation of the amount of heat by the electric device causes a fusible material in the fuse to melt. In this manner, the current terminal path of the electric device is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Alfons Graf, Martin Maerz, Martin Saliternig
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Patent number: 7489230Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer, which is formed on a semiconductor substrate (not shown), and formed with a concave portion, and an electric fuse which has a conductive member, a first terminal provided on one end and a second terminal provided on the other end of the conductive member, and which is provided on the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer is embedded with the conductive member. The conductive member has a flowing-out region in which a material forming the conductive member flows out to the outside of the concave portion, and is cut at a location different from the flowing-out region.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Takehiro Ueda
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Patent number: 7473487Abstract: A thermal fuse includes an insulating case having a bottom and having an opening provided therein, a fusible alloy provided in the insulating case, a lead conductor having one end connected to the fusible alloy and other end led out from the insulating case through the opening of the insulating case, a flux provided on the fusible alloy, and a sealer for sealing the opening of the insulating case. The volume of a space between the fusible alloy in the insulating case and the sealer is larger than the volume of the flux. Sealing of the fuse is prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating film is prevented from damage even when the thermal fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenji Senda, Atsushi Kono, Tatsuya Wada
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Publication number: 20080284558Abstract: An appliance assembly includes an appliance and a thermal assembly. The thermal assembly includes a housing attached to the appliance, a temperature sensing device carried by the housing and electrically coupled with the appliance, and a thermal fuse carried by the housing and electrically coupled with the appliance, the thermal assembly being a modular assembly and thereby configured for being, as a single unit, attached to and detached from the appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Joesph J. Scheiber, Michael S. Coverstone
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Patent number: 7400225Abstract: An electrical distribution device that includes a terminal for providing a connection to a first conductor, a spring mechanism having a first end that is electrically connected to the terminal, and a second conductor electrically connected to one or more internal components of the device. The spring mechanism has a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, the second end is electrically connected to the second conductor by solder. When the solder melts, the spring mechanism moves from to the second condition in which the second end is no longer electrically connected to the second conductor, thereby protecting the internal components from the fault condition that lead to the overheating. A condition indicator may also be provided for indicating a fault condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: John J. Shea
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Publication number: 20080117016Abstract: A temperature fuse protection device uses a hot melt metal to rivet for connecting two terminals in the circuit that are separated for making the two terminals electrically-connected and the circuit complete. There is a spacing in between the two free ends of the two terminals when no external force is being imposed. When an electric overloading or high circuit temperature event occurs, the hot melt metal would be heated to melt and break, which would then make the free ends of the two terminals to be disconnected, and therefore, the circuit will be at “OFF” status.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
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Patent number: 7362208Abstract: In order to prevent erroneous operation caused by shrinking of a thermal pellet due to sublimation or softening of the thermal pellet when current is applied, a thermal pellet type thermal fuse includes a metal casing, a first lead and a second lead leading out from the metal casing, a movable electrode, a thermal pellet, a strong compression spring, and a weak compression spring. Difference in temperature is achieved at the surface of the metal casing by selecting different diameters or wires for the first lead and the second lead, or by providing a heat-radiating plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components CorporationInventors: Tokihiro Yoshikawa, Masahiro Nishikawa
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Patent number: 7330098Abstract: There is provided a thermal fuse employing a thermosensitive pellet that reacts to an operating temperature with limited variation, and operates with high precision and hence high reliability. To achieve this, the thermal fuse includes a switching function member including a thermosensitive pellet, a movable conductor, and a spring member. At a prescribed operating temperature the thermosensitive pellet softens or melts to liberate the spring member from a load to cause the spring member to move the movable conductor to switch an electrical circuit located between first and second lead members. The thermosensitive pellet is formed of a thermosensitive material selected depending on a characteristic in flowability presented as it softens or melts.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components CorporationInventor: Tokihiro Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7323965Abstract: In the present invention, a physical and chemical property of thermosensitive material is noted in selecting and using thermosensitive material to provide a noble and improved thermal fuse using thermosensitive material. To achieve this object, the present thermal fuse includes: a thermosensitive material formed of thermoplastic resin fusing at a prescribed temperature; a cylindrical enclosure accommodating the thermosensitive material; a first lead member attached at one opening of the enclosure, forming a first electrode; a second lead member attached at the other opening of the enclosure, forming a second electrode; a movable conductive member accommodated in the enclosure and engaged with the thermosensitive material; and a spring member accommodated in the enclosure, and pressed against and thus acting on the movable conductive member. When the thermosensitive material fuses at an operating temperature an electrical circuit between the first and second electrodes is switched.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components CorporationInventor: Tokihiro Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7323966Abstract: A thermal fuse incorporating a thermal pellet has its operating temperature, or heat distortion temperature, adjusted and the thermosensitive material of the pellet avoids deformation, modification or similar deficiency if it is exposed to a severe external environment. The inexpensive thermal fuse provides a wider range from which an operating temperature can be selected, improved insulation resistance after operation, faster response speed in operation, and enhanced strength of the thermal pellet. The thermosensitive material is formed of a thermoplastic resin corresponding to a high molecular weight substance. The thermal pellet's heat distortion temperature is adjusted by a temperature setting method. An enclosure of the fuse has a metal casing with a spring member's strong and weak compression springs both accommodated therein and hermetically sealed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components CorporationInventor: Tokihiro Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7239225Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pyrotechnic element configured to ablate, tear, or cut a portion of the circuit. The portion of the circuit to be broken may be formed to be readily broken and/or may be a current load-based fuse. Also, the circuit breaker may be configured to ensure predictable progressive lateral tearing of the portion of the circuit to be broken; the circuit breaker may optionally be configured so that substantially all of the pyrotechnic element's output is focused on breaking the circuit; and the circuit breaker may optionally include a positive displacement mechanism that, after actuation of the pyrotechnic igniter, prevents the circuit breaker from inadvertently re-closing.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventor: Abrar A. Tirmizi
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Patent number: 7224255Abstract: An overheat protection device for a movable body surface includes a thermal fuse having a fuse element which melts at a predetermined temperature, bridges electrodes in a pair and melts at a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature to break an electrical connection between the pair of electrodes, and a pair of long elastic bodies, to each of which one of the electrodes is electrically connected at an end or its periphery of the elastic body through a lead. At least one of pairs of upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the elastic bodies are spatially on a same plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Uehara, Kazuyoshi Itoh
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Patent number: 7205879Abstract: The invention relates to a pyromechanical disconnecting device having a housing (2) in which an electrical conductor (3) is arranged, having a cutting plunger (5) and a cutting chisel (8) made of plastic arranged thereon for severing the electrical conductor (3), and having a pyrotechnic igniter (1) in which a pyrotechnic charge is arranged for driving the cutting plunger (5), the cutting chisel (8) having an edge that slides along a mating edge of the housing (2) or of a component (4) of the housing (2) when the cutting plunger (5) or the cutting chisel (8) is driven and when the electrical conductor (3) is severed. In order to achieve better cutting power, it is proposed that the edge of the cutting chisel (8) and/or the mating edge of the housing (2) or of a component (4) of the housing (2) comprise an inserted structural element (6, 7) having a greater hardness than plastic.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gerhard Kordel, Jurgen Knauss
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Patent number: 7106165Abstract: A fuse has a pair of lead terminals disposed on a substrate, an intermediate layers for welding formed on the surface of at least one of the lead terminals, and a fuse element. The fuse element is welded to the pair of lead terminals through the intermediate layer so as to span the same. Further, the intermediate layer is formed on at least one of the lead terminals except a face thereof opposing each other. Owing to this configuration, after the fuse has melted down, the melted fuse element is prevented from being spread out into the space between the opposing faces of the lead terminals and insulation therebetween is secured.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Mukai, Masatoshi Izaki, Yoshio Sakamoto, Kenji Senda
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Patent number: 6801117Abstract: A fault sensing electrical wire (411) utilized one or more sensor strips (407) which provide an impedance change when the wire is subject to an overtemperature condition or mechanical damage of the wire. A control unit (402) measures the impedance of the sensor strips of the fault sensing wire and provides a control signal (405) to initiate an alarm or protective action based on the severity of the condition. The control unit (402) may monitor a number of fault sensing sires simultaneously or in sequence. The apparatus may be used to sense an electrical arc occurring in the insulation of the wire.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: B.P.W., Inc.Inventors: Shelby J. Morris, Jr., Kenneth S. Watkins, Jr.
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Patent number: 6747541Abstract: An improved spool assembly for non-explosive actuators used in electro-mechanical structural separation devices. The spool assembly includes two spool halves each having external surfaces and a generally flat internal surface, a unitary and integral internal member made of an electrically conductive material and having a link-wire portion and two electrical terminal portions, and an external wrap-wire wound around the two spool halves and having a connecting end connected to the link-wire portion of the unitary and integral internal member such that the wrap-wire tightly binds the two spool halves together to form a spool for retaining an external structural member.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: G&H Technology, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Holt, Jui-Yu Wu, Matthew Dalton, Patrick Laughlin
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Publication number: 20040100355Abstract: An alloy type thermal fuse is provided in which a ternary Sn—In—Bi alloy is used, excellent overload characteristic and dielectric breakdown characteristic are attained, the insulation stability after an operation can be sufficiently assured, and a fuse element can be easily thinned. A fuse element having an alloy composition in which Sn is larger than 25% and 44% or smaller, Bi is 1% or larger and smaller than 20%, and In is larger than 55% and 74% or smaller is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: Uchihashi Estec Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiaki Tanaka
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Patent number: 6741159Abstract: A fail-safe assembly for an electronic or electrical component, device, system or apparatus with coacting operatively associated contacts has an impact member, normally maintained in a stressed and disengaged portion, and a meltable or fusible member for holding and for actuating the release of the impact member to guard against the danger of fire and damage due to current overload and/or unacceptable increases in the temperature in the current-carrying members for operating the coacting contacts or the ambient temperature for any reason and assures, on melting of the meltable or fusible member, that there are sufficient forces created to open and maintain the coacting contacts in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventor: Robert A. Kuczynski
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Patent number: 6731005Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed, which comprises a semiconductor substrate with which a circuit element is provided, an insulating layer which is provided on the semiconductor substrate and has a concave portion, a first conductive line layer which is provided at the concave portion in the insulating layer and has a first thickness, and a second conductive line layer which is provided at the concave portion in the insulating layer so as to be formed apart in a horizontal direction from the first conductive line layer and has a second thickness which is smaller than the first thickness.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hajime Koyama, Koichi Fukuda
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Patent number: 6724292Abstract: An object is to provide a thermal fuse that is free of a trouble of welding contact between a movable electrode (4) and a lead (2) even when temperature of an equipment to which the thermal fuse is connected rises gradually and that has small electric resistance at the time of conduction.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignees: NEC Schott Components Corporation, Tokuriki Honten Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ikuhiro Miyashita, Tokihiro Yoshikawa, Michihiko Nishijima, Hideo Kumita
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Publication number: 20040070486Abstract: A thermal fuse having a quick melting property is provided. In the thermal fuse, metal layers 15, 16 connected to a fusible alloy 13 are provided at respective leading ends of a pair of metal terminals 11. The metal layers 15, 16 have larger wettability to a fusible alloy 13 than wettability of metal terminals 11 and first insulating film 12. The area (S) of the metal layers 15, 16, the length (L1) and the volume (V) of the fusible alloy 13, the distance (L2) between the leading ends of the metal terminals 11, and the distance (d) from the bottom face of the second insulating film 14 to the top face of the metal layers 15,16 satisfy the relation of Sd>V(L1+L2)/2L1.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Kenji Senda, Atsushi Kono
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Publication number: 20040041682Abstract: A modular circuit disconnect device for connection in a circuit comprises a housing, a bus bar electrical conductor terminated on each end for connection in a circuit, an electrical conductor separator mechanism that uses kinetic energy to sever the electrical conductor, and an interface to accept a signal that indicates a condition requiring the electrical conductor to be severed. One embodiment utilizes a pyrotechnic device to sever a bus bar after receipt of a signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Brian D. Pasha, Terry A. George, Raymond C. Culp
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Patent number: 6661331Abstract: The present invention provides a device forming a controlled-release mechanism, the device comprising: two structural elements suitable for relative movement; and locking means suitable initially for preventing relative movement between the two structural elements, and in which the locking means comprises in combination: at least one set of complementary shape means of helical configuration associated with respective ones of the two structural elements; and a low-melting point material disposed at least in part at an interface between two parts connected respectively to the two structural elements to prevent the locking means being released, and consequently to prevent the structural elements being released, prior to said material melting.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Etienne Lacroix Tous Artifices S.A.Inventors: Guy Valembois, Grégory Soulier
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Patent number: 6653925Abstract: There is provided a method for insulating leads of a thermal fuse with an insulating tube that can reduce the quantity of the adhesive and prevent the defect of appearance and the lowering of the value of the product, by applying an adhesive on the circumference of the leads, and putting the insulating tube on the lead from the outer end of the lead while rotating the insulating tube, so that the adhesive is present inside the insulating tube. There is also provided a low-cost, downsized thermal fuse with excellent heat resistance, by using the alloy that has a melting point of 190° C. or above as the fusible alloy, and a copper wire plated with an Sn—Cu alloy for the lead.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Anzen Dengu Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshio Asami, Shinichi Kato
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Patent number: 6639504Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally controlled electric switching device 1, especially a temperature fuse or a temperature limiter, with a switching contact device 2 comprising a fixed contact 3 and a motion contact 4, as well as a meltable element 8 containing a meltable material 7, wherein the meltable material 7 supports a transmission element 9 before being activated when a trigger temperature is exceeded and, when the trigger temperature is exceeded, is forced out of its receptacle 6 by the end of the transmission element 9 impinging upon it, wherein a radially protruding, flat melt material screen 19 is arranged on the transmission element 9.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Thermostat-und Schaltgeratebau GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Karlheinz Eberl, Udo Stenzel, Klaus Dölling
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Publication number: 20030156007Abstract: Quantity of flux coated on fusible alloy of a thermal fuse disclosed can be inspected accurately by an image processing method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Kenji Senda, Takahiro Mukai
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Publication number: 20030137392Abstract: A fault sensing electrical wire (411) utilized one or more sensor strips (407) which provide an impedance change when the wire is subject to an overtemperature condition or mechanical damage of the wire. A control unit (402) measures the impedance of the sensor strips of the fault sensing wire and provides a control signal (405) to initiate an alarm or protective action based on the severity of the condition. The control unit (402) may monitor a number of fault sensing sires simultaneously or in sequence. The apparatus may be used to sense an electrical arc occurring in the insulation of the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Shelby J. Morris, Kenneth S. Watkins
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Publication number: 20030112117Abstract: An object is to provide a thermal fuse that is free of a trouble of welding contact between a movable electrode (4) and a lead (2) even when temperature of an equipment to which the thermal fuse is connected rises gradually and that has small electric resistance at the time of conduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Ikuhiro Miyashita, Tokihiro Yoshikawa, MIchihiko NIshijima, Hideo Kumita
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Patent number: 6556119Abstract: The invention relates to a device for isolating an electric circuit, especially for high current intensities, with a housing (1) in which is provided at least one electrical conductor element (3) which presents an isolating area (9) and which can be wired in such manner into the severable electric circuit that the isolating current path passes over the conductor element (3) and with activatable means(13, 7; 3, 9, 7), provided in or at housing (1) for generating a trigger pressure which acts directly upon the isolating area (9) and/or via a driving surface (17, 23, 39, 41), in its original position, impinging upon the isolating area (9), wherein the isolating area (9) and/or the driving surface (17, 23, 39, 41) is designed in such manner that after activation of the means (13, 7; 3, 9, 7) the isolating area (9) is totally isolated or broken out, or the cross-section of the isolating area (9) is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Peter Lell
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Publication number: 20030076216Abstract: A manual call point having a housing base (1), a cover and an alarm insert with a fragile panel (4), a printed-circuit board (3), a switching element (6) and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism for the switching element (6) is formed by a pivoting lever (7) resting on a lateral edge of the panel (4), the pivoting lever (7) pressing on the switching element (6) in the normal state of the manual call point and holding the switching element (6) in a closed position. When the panel (4) is smashed the pivoting lever (7) pivots, so the switching element (6) is opened. The switching element (6) is arranged on the printed-circuit board (3) and comprises a flexible end switch. The manual call point also contains a device for triggering a test alarm comprising a switching lever (9) to displace the panel (4) until the pivoting lever (7) is released and comprises a member (10) to actuate the switching lever (9).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Christoph Pfenninger, Heinz Diener
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Publication number: 20030076215Abstract: Split spool release apparatus for retaining and deploying a deployable appendage. Exemplary apparatus comprises a housing which houses a split spool clamping device, a release nut attached to the deployable appendage, a locking mechanism or fuse assembly, and an actuator. The split spool clamping device comprises a plurality of separable sections that secure the release nut and deployable appendage using the restraining wire that is wrapped around them. In one embodiment, the split spool clamping device may comprises a threaded split-nut. The restraining wire is preferably wrapped using variable pretension, having low tension at the fuse end and higher tension at the nut end (load application end). The fuse assembly is coupled to the restraining wire at a location that is distal from the deployable appendage, and is activated by the actuator to release the restraining wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventor: Varouj G. Baghdasarian
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Publication number: 20030071712Abstract: The present invention provides a device forming a controlled-release mechanism, the device comprising: two structural elements suitable for relative movement; and locking means suitable initially for preventing relative movement between the two structural elements, and in which the locking means comprises in combination: at least one set of complementary shape means of helical configuration associated with respective ones of the two structural elements; and a low-melting point material disposed at least in part at an interface between two parts connected respectively to the two structural elements to prevent the locking means being released, and consequently to prevent the structural elements being released, prior to said material melting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Guy Valembois, Gregory Soulier
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Patent number: 6515570Abstract: A fuse has a fuse element (6), composed of silver, with constrictions (7) which follow one another at regular intervals, and which fuse element makes contact with a combustible element (8), preferably over its entire length. The combustible element (8) is composed of a combustion compound, which is essentially of a fuel such as guanidine or a guanidine derivative and a metal such as Mg or Al and an oxidant such as KNO3, NaNO3, NH4NO3, KClO4, NaClO4, KMnO4, the proportion of which is overstoichiometric by a factor of at least 1.1, and preferably of at least 10. The combustible compound also preferably contains a binding agent such as paraffin, a thermoplastic or an elastomer, so that it can be extruded. It has an ignition temperature of between 160° C. and 260° C. and emits more than 200 J/g of heat, so that it ignites even in the event of small overcurrents and melts the entire length of the fuse element (6).Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventors: Uwe Kaltenborn, Ralf Strümpler, Joachim Glatz-Reichenbach, Felix Greuter
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Patent number: 6512444Abstract: A fault sensing electrical wire (411) utilizes one or more sensor strips (407) which provide an impedance change when the wire is subject to an overtemperature condition or mechanical damage of the wire. A control unit (402) measures the impedance of the sensor strips of the fault sensing wire and provides a control signal (405) to initiate an alarm or protective action based on the severity of the condition. The control unit (402) may monitor a number of fault sensing wires simultaneously or in sequence. The apparatus may be used to sense an electrical arc occurring in the insulation of the wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: B.P.W., Inc.Inventors: Shelby J. Morris, Jr., Kenneth S. Watkins, Jr.
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Patent number: 6496098Abstract: A pyrotechnic active element for separating media and/or fluids has a base element (12) and an electrical ignition element (26) which is arranged on or in the base element (12). The pyrotechnic active element also includes a pyrotechincal charge (28) which can be ignited by the ignition element (26), in addition to a separating element (14) which is fitted with a separating tool (40) and a fixing member (34) for the tool. The fixing element (34) is hermetically sealed to the base element (12). The connection is disrupted when the pyrotechnical charge (28) is ignited.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und SystemtechnikInventors: Heinz Kern, Wolfgang Mosig
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Patent number: 6483420Abstract: When an ignitor 29 is ignited by an abnormal signal sent from outside, a heating agent 27 charged into a thermite case 26 is heated, a retainer 45 is melted by the heat, a compression spring 39a is expanded to allow the thermite case 26 to move up. Therefore, electrical connection between the thermite case 26 and each of a first bus bar 11a and a second bus bar 19a is interrupted. Thus, it is possible to reliably interrupt a circuit within a short time. Further, a low-melting metal 28 mounted to an intermediate portion of the second bus bar 19a is blown out by heat caused by a current flowing through the second bus bar 19a to interrupt the circuit. Therefore, even if an abnormal signal is not sent to the ignitor 29 due to failure of a control circuit or the like, it is possible to reliably interrupt the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Hideo Takahashi, Noboru Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20020153991Abstract: The invention relates to an overload protector, in particular for the starter of an internal combustion engine, having a first contact (1), which in a non-tripped state of the overload protector is connected electrically conductively to a second contact (2) by the action of a material (3), and a temperature-caused deformation and/or change in the material (3) for tripping the overload protector brings about an interruption in the electrical connection between the first contact (1) and the second contact (2) if a predetermined temperature value of the material (3) is exceeded.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Michael Haeusel, Frank Reschnar
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Patent number: 6448884Abstract: A circuit breaker includes: a heating portion charged with heating agent and having a conductivity which is arranged between a first connecting terminal connected to a power source side and a second connecting terminal connected to a load side; an ignition portion for causing the heating agent charged in the heating portion to generate heat by igniting an ignition agent; an expandable/contractable elastic member arranged near the heating portion or in contact with the heating portion and pressing the heating portion; an outer container receiving the elastic member, the ignition portion and the heating portion; a pressing operation restricting member preventing the elastic member from being pressed to the heating portion which is melted due to heat of the heating agent; and a heat conduction member bringing any one of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal into contact with the ignition portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Noboru Yamaguchi, Hideo Takahashi
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Patent number: 6445563Abstract: A power circuit breaker has a housing, a fuse element placed in the housing, and a temperature sensitive fuse attached to the fuse element. The fuse element has tab terminals extending from both ends, which are received by trunk terminals connected to an external circuit. The temperature sensitive fuse has a blowout temperature lower than that of the fuse element. The power circuit breaker also has transistors connected to the temperature sensitive fuse. An igniter is placed below the fuse element in the housing, and one of the transistors is connected to the igniter. The temperature sensitive fuse blows out when an excessive current flows through the fuse element, and one of the transistors connected to the igniter is turned on upon the blowout of the temperature sensitive fuse. A gas is jet from the igniter upon turning on the transistor, whereby the tab terminals of the fuse element are disconnected from the trunk terminals.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Takayoshi Endo
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Patent number: 6445277Abstract: A safety device of an electric circuit is provided, in which a thermal fuse securely prevents an accident from occurring when an overcurrent protector is extraordinarily overheated. The safety device includes: first protective means in an overcurrent protector for protecting the electric circuit from an overcurrent, which generates heat to increase its electrical resistance when an overcurrent flows in the electric circuit, whereby reducing or cutting off the overcurrent; and second protective means including a thermal fuse situated in the vicinity of the overcurrent protector containing: a first electrode having a first conductor pattern connected to the overcurrent protector; a second electrode having a second conductor pattern insulated from the first electrode by a gap; and solder connecting the first and second electrodes and melting by heat from the overcurrent protector so as to split into two parts toward the first and second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Satoshi Ishikawa, Osamu Soda, Hisafumi Maruo
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Patent number: 6411190Abstract: A current sensor 73 detects a current flowing through a first buss bar 11. When a current value detected by the current sensor 73 became equal to or greater than a threshold current value, a CPU 74 outputs a driving control signal to a driving circuit 77, and the driving circuit 77 operates an, ignitor 29 through a second substrate 65 and a terminal 50. Therefore, the ignitor 29 ignites, a second projection 41 is melted by heat of a heating agent 27, a compression spring 34 is expanded and a thermite case 26 jumps up. Thus, electrical connection between the thermite case 26 and the first and second buss bars 11, 19 is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Noboru Yamaguchi, Takashi Gohara, Yasuhiro Tamai, Hideo Takahashi, Mitsuaki Morimoto, Yoshinori Ikuta
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Patent number: 6388554Abstract: A circuit breaker device including a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a heating portion electrically interconnecting the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and a claw lockingly engaged with the heating portion. The claw is configured to be melted by the heating portion to allow the heating portion to move apart from the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal for electrical disconnection.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Noboru Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6344788Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical contactors used in electric motors comprising batteries. The present invention relates more specifically to an electrical contactor (1) for a battery, consisting of a hollow body (2) defining an upstream part (11) in which a pyrotechnic initiation device (3) is located and a downstream part in which a piston (4) is housed. Since the downstream part has three conducting studs (5, 6, 7), the main characteristic of the contactor (1) according to the invention is that it makes it possible, when the piston (4) moves due to the effect of the combustion gases, to pass instantaneously from a position corresponding to the electrical connection of the first two studs (5, 6) to a position corresponding to the electrical connection of the second stud (6) to the third stud (7).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: PyroallianceInventors: Christian J Forys, Bernard J Lallemant
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Patent number: 6281782Abstract: The circuit breaker disclosed in the invention comprises a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a heat generating part having conductivity disposed between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, an igniting part igniting depending on a cut-off signal, an expandable elastic member capable of applying a force to the heat generating part so as to be departed from between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, and a holding part for holding the elastic member in compressed state. Herein, as the igniting part ignites depending on the cut-off signal and the heat generating part generates heat, when the holding part releases the elastic member, the elastic member applies force to the heat generating part, and the heat generating part is departed from between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, the conductive state between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal is cut off.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Mitsuaki Morimoto, Noboru Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6281781Abstract: The disclosed circuit breaker comprises a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a heat generating part having conductivity and disposed between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, an igniting part igniting depending on a cut-off signal, an expandable elastic member capable of applying a force to the heat generating part so as to be departed from between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, a container accommodating the heat generating part, igniting part and elastic member, and a retaining part for retaining the elastic member in compressed state.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Noboru Yamaguchi