With Fusible Element Opening The Circuit (no Mechanical Contacts) Patents (Class 337/405)
  • Patent number: 11244797
    Abstract: Provided is a current breaker for an aerial vehicle that can prevent occurrence of a minor collision of propellers or other components in operation with a person and can prevent occurrence of a deployment failure of a lift generating member at a crash of the aerial vehicle. A current breaker 100 for an aerial vehicle includes a rupture plate 23 that disconnects a current supply path 30 that electrically connects an electric device and an electric circuit, an igniter 10 that damages the rupture plate 23 by directly or indirectly applying a destructive force (heat and pressure) toward the current supply path 30 with respect to the rupture plate 23, and disconnects the current supply path 30 by the rupture plate 23 that has been damaged, and a controller 24 that drives the igniter 10 upon detection of an abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventors: Takahiro To, Koichi Sasamoto
  • Patent number: 11120964
    Abstract: A novel temperature-triggered fuse device is configured to be activated at a designer-specified ambient temperature by utilizing wetting force among a pair of wetting material bays and a solder bridge or a solder ball. The solder bridge or the solder ball is typically positioned on top of the pair of wetting material bays separated by an electrically-insulated gap. Preferably, the wetting material bays are at least partly made of gold, nickel, or other elements suitable for generating an increased wetting force to the solder bridge or the solder ball upon increases in ambient temperature. The novel temperature-triggered fuse device can be integrated into various types of integrated circuits (IC's), or can function as a discrete fuse connected to one or more electronic components for robust protection from power surges and/or thermal runaway-related device malfunctions, meltdowns, or explosions. Various methods of producing the temperature-triggered fuse device are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Manufactring Networks Incorporated (MNI)
    Inventor: Faraj Sherrima
  • Patent number: 11062869
    Abstract: The temperature sensitive pellet type thermal fuse includes: a conductive envelope having an opening at a first end; a temperature sensitive device housed inside the envelope; a first lead which is installed in the opening of the envelope and has a fixed contact; a second lead connected to a second end of the envelope; a movable contact housed in the envelope; and a weak compression spring housed in the envelope. The temperature sensitive device includes a cylindrical case having an open end which may be arranged at the side of the first lead, a temperature sensitive material housed in the cylindrical case, and a strong compression spring configured to press against the temperature sensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SCHOTT Japan Corporation
    Inventors: Eigo Kishi, Akira Nakanishi, Tamotsu Wakabayashi, Tokihiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 10224167
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermal fuse having dual metal elastic clamps, comprising: an insulating cylindrical tube; a first metal cap, a temperature sensing chamber formed by the first metal cap, the second metal tube and the inner side wall of the middle part of the through hole. The temperature sensing chamber axially arranges a plurality of components in the following sequence: a compressed spring; an insulating supporting pillar; a second metal elastic clamp; a connecting pillar a first metal elastic clamp; an organic temperature sensing body capable of melting when heating. The first metal elastic clamp, the second metal elastic clamp and the connecting pillar forms a movable conductive bridge. The movable conductive bridge slides flexibly in the temperature sensing chamber and has low contacting resistance with the first metal cap and the second metal tube. The above structure can withstand large current and has high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN SET ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zhonghou Xu, Yousheng Xu
  • Patent number: 10217594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bridge assembly. The bridge assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a bridge configured to include a first leg fixed to an upper surface of a printed circuit board, a second leg fixed to the printed circuit board to be spaced apart from the first leg, and an elastic part connecting between the first leg and the second leg and applying an elastic force to any one of the first and second legs; and a cover configured to be positioned at an upper side of the bridge to receive the elastic part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gon Jae Lee, Moon Jung Park
  • Patent number: 10151292
    Abstract: A control device suitable for use in a vehicle includes a circuit board and a thermal fuse holder including a removable spacer element and a plurality of breaker elements. The thermal fuse holder is attached at a terminal structure and, when the terminal structure is attached to the circuit board, the breaker elements engage the removable spacer element to hold the breaker elements at the circuit board. After terminals of the terminal structure and the breaker elements are soldered at the circuit board, the removable spacer element is removed from the thermal fuse holder, whereby the breaker elements are held at the circuit board via solder joints and are biased away from the circuit board. When the temperature at a respective solder joint exceeds a threshold temperature that melts the solder, the respective breaker element moves away from the circuit board to break the electrical connection at the solder joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael Vogelbacher, Andreas Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 10056208
    Abstract: The invention discloses a quick arc-breaking circuit-breaker, comprising two electrode contacts for switching on and switching off a circuit, and a plurality of partition plates arranged between the two electrode contacts and configured in such a way that, when the two electrode contacts are separated, the partition plates are inserted at the fastest speed between the two electrode contacts, to quickly break the arc and stop burning. As the partition plates of the quick arc-breaking circuit-breaker are inserted between the two electrode contacts from different directions, the breaking and insulating speed is accelerated, the isolation and sealing effects between the two electrode contacts are enhanced, and the insulation and arc extinguishing effects of the circuit-breaker are thus improved. The circuit-breaker of the invention has a simple structure and a low manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Technology Power International Limited
    Inventors: ManFuk To, Kenny Ho
  • Patent number: 9991502
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly for charging and discharging, a case in which the electrode assembly is stored; an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a current collecting portion that electrically connects the electrode assembly with the electrode terminal, the current collecting portion including a fuse portion; and an insulation portion that insulates the fuse portion, the insulation portion being slidable in response to pressure applied in the fuse portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang-Won Byun
  • Patent number: 9768433
    Abstract: A vehicle traction battery assembly which may include an array of battery cells is provided. Each of the cells includes terminals of opposite polarity. Each of the terminals may have a plurality of segment layers, and at least one of the segment layers of each of the terminals may have a melting point less than that of adjacent segment layers on either side thereof. One of the cells may be electrically isolated from other of the cells in response to at least one of the segment layers of the terminals of the one of the cells melting. The assembly may also include a housing, and the segment layers having a melting point less than that of adjacent segment layers may be located outside of the housing. The segment layers having a melting point less than that of adjacent segment layers may be located within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alvaro Masias
  • Patent number: 9742182
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to apparatuses used with a computer-implemented method for controlling power flow to an electronic device, including: receiving a transmission from a service processing device, the transmission to trigger an open switch between the electronic device and a power supply; and causing an open switch to occur through use of an interlock mechanism. Embodiments provide a temperature-driven interlock mechanism and moisture-driven interlock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Milnes P David, William J Green, Joseph F Prisco, Brian P Rawson, Robert T Sanders, Sharon T Spaulding
  • Patent number: 9524844
    Abstract: A fuse arrangement, including: at least a first terminal, a second terminal, and a fuse, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal may be electrically connected via the fuse, and wherein the fuse may be configured to be under fuse internal mechanical stress to deform the fuse along its width direction in case it is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Achim Gratz
  • Patent number: 9209449
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first and second electrodes; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate covering an opening of the case; an electrode terminal extending through the cap plate; a lead tab including a fuse part and connecting the electrode terminal and the electrode assembly; and an auxiliary discharge path between opposite sides of the fuse part and having a second electrical resistance value greater than a first electrical resistance value of the fuse part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sang-Won Byun, Soo-Seok Choi, Jeong-Won Oh, Min-Yeol Han, Hae-Kwon Yoon
  • Patent number: 9093238
    Abstract: A fuse (10) is proposed for interrupting a voltage and/or current-carrying conductor (12) in case of a thermal fault, having a conductor bar (14) ensuring an electrically conductive connection of the voltage and/or current-carrying conductor during correct operation, said fuse (10) being characterized in that the conductor bar (14) melts upon an increase in temperature above the melting point, and the electrically conductive connection of the voltage and/or current-carrying conductor is interrupted due to inherent surface tension. Also proposed is a method for producing the fuse (10) according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Knab, Georg Schulze-Icking-Konert, Thomas Mohr, Stefan Kotthaus, Nikolas Haberl, Stefan Stampfer, Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 8836464
    Abstract: An explosion-proof and flameproof ejection type safety surge-absorbing module includes a protective member and a surge-absorbing unit. The protective member includes a base and an upper lid coupled with the base. The base has two corresponding partitions extending upwards. The surge-absorbing unit includes a body, two connecting leads, and a resilient metallic plate. The body has two sides defining two electrode surfaces. One of the electrode surfaces is connected with one of the connecting leads. The resilient metallic plate has a first end welded to the electrode surface with a contact component and a second end curved and striding across an outer side of one of the partitions to penetrate through the bottom of the base. When the body of the surge-absorbing unit is overheated due to high temperature caused by a surge, the contact component will melt so the resilient metallic plate is ejected away from the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ceramate Technical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Wang
  • Patent number: 8637796
    Abstract: An electrical heating device includes at least one heat generating element and at least one heat emitting element having opposed surfaces that abut the heat generating element. The heat generating element includes at least one PTC heating element having strip conductors on both sides of it for the electrical supply of the PTC heating element At least one of the strip conductor is provided with at least one contact projection which protrudes beyond a PTC heating element locating face formed on the strip conductor. Also disclosed is a heat generating element having at least one strip conductor provided with at least one contact projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Eberspacher Catem GmbH & KG
    Inventor: Franz Bohlender
  • Patent number: 8432246
    Abstract: An electric circuit breaker apparatus is used in a vehicle including an electric circuit having a converter and a storage battery. The electric circuit breaker apparatus interrupts power supply from the storage battery to the converter when a collision of the vehicle is detected. The electric circuit breaker apparatus includes a power supply circuit breaker driven by a low explosive type actuator, which is actuated when a collision of the vehicle is detected. Actuation of the power supply circuit breaker interrupts a power supply path connecting a positive terminal of the storage battery to the converter and grounds a portion of the power supply path closer to the converter than the interrupted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Suzuki, Takaki Fukuyama, Toshinori Tanase
  • Patent number: 8217750
    Abstract: The 3-electrode surge protective device includes: a surge protective device body including: an earth electrode; a ceramic cylinder; and a pair of line electrodes; and a fail-safe spring including: an elastic mount portion; and a short-circuit portion, a conductive material that is sandwiched between the fail-safe spring and the body; and a pair of first lead pins provided on the pair of line electrodes; a second lead pin provided on the earth electrode. In a normal state, the conductive material support the short-circuit portion at a separation position where the short-circuit portion is separated from the outer peripheral face of the body and the first lead pins. In case where the body is overheated and the conductive material is melted, the short-circuit portion is moved to a contact position where the short-circuit portion comes into contact with the second lead pin and the first lead pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Machida
  • Patent number: 8154377
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit breaker for electrical supply lines, particularly power supply lines or battery cables, for motor vehicles, which circuit breaker is comprised of a first connecting element (1), a second connecting element (3) connectable to said first connecting element (1), and a current path whereby in the conducting state of the circuit breaker a current passes between the first connecting element (1) and the second connecting element (3). The technical problem of providing a circuit breaker for electrical supply lines which can be manufactured and advantageously ensures an error-free operation is solved in that a pyrotechnic separating unit (5) is thermally actuatable by Joule heat emitted by at least one of said connecting elements (1, 3) and in that, the connection between the connecting elements (1, 3) can be released by means of the actuated pyrotechnic separating unit (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Auto Kabel Managementgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Lietz, Oliver Kastrop, Tomas Schulz, Reiner Mäckel
  • Patent number: 7839257
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an overvoltage protection device that includes at least one non-linear resistance element and a single cut-off device coupled with the at least one non-linear resistance element to disable the at least one non-linear resistance element when the at least one non-linear resistance element reaches a pre-determined temperature. The single cut-off device may include stranded wire, a first solder having a first melting point connecting the stranded wire to the at least one non-linear resistance element, and a second solder having a second melting point, higher than the first melting point, connecting the stranded wire to the at least one non-linear resistance element. The single cut-off device may further include a shifting part that shifts when the at least one non-linear resistance element heats the first solder to the first melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kiwa Spol. S.R.O.
    Inventor: Jozef Cernicka
  • Patent number: 7772958
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with a first contact sleeve (3, 14), a second contact sleeve (4, 16), an insulating sleeve (5, 18) disposed between the first contact sleeve (3, 14) and the second contact sleeve (4, 16) has a switching piston (6, 20) with at least one contact section (8) and an isolating section (7, 19), which is disposed at the side of the contact section (8), whereby the switching piston (6, 20) is movable between a closed position in which the contact section (8) of switching piston (6, 20) connects the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16) so as to be electrically conductive, and an open position in which the contact section (8) of the switching piston (6, 20) does not connect the first contact sleeve (3, 14) with the second contact sleeve (4, 16), in which the first contact sleeve (3, 14), second contact sleeve (4, 16) and insulating sleeve (5, 18) is movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Schlötzer
  • Patent number: 7741946
    Abstract: A metal oxide varistor with heat protection has a body, an insulated washer, a first lead, a second lead and a thermal fuse. The body has two sides and two contacts respectively on the sides. The insulated washer is attached to one contact and has a through hole. The first lead is mounted on the other contact. The second lead is mounted on the insulated washer. The thermal fuse is mounted on the insulated washer and electrically connects to the second lead and the second contact. When the body overloads and overheats, the thermal fuse causes the circuit to open quickly, and the insulated washer keeps the thermal fuse from electrically connecting to the second contact again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Thinking Electronics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Wei Ho
  • Publication number: 20100033295
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides high temperature thermal cutoff devices having a high-temperature thermal pellet with a transition temperature of greater than or equal to about 240° C. and comprising at least one organic compound. The pellet is disposed in a housing, which is sealed with a high-temperature seal that provides substantial sealing up to at least the transition temperature. The high-temperature TCO also has a current interruption assembly, which establishes electrical continuity in a first operating condition corresponding to an operating temperature of less than said transition temperature and discontinues electrical continuity when the operating temperature exceeds the transition temperature. Methods of making such high-temperature thermal cut off devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Perry Kent, Truong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7639114
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7557688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diedrich Von Behr, Uwe Brede, Gerhard Kordel, Juergen Neuser, Wolfgang Seitz, Juergen Knauss
  • Patent number: 7511600
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diedrich Von Behr, Uwe Brede, Gerhard Kordel, Juergen Neuser, Wolfgang Seitz, Paulus Bayer, Georg Seitz
  • Patent number: 7239225
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Abrar A. Tirmizi
  • Patent number: 7106165
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Mukai, Masatoshi Izaki, Yoshio Sakamoto, Kenji Senda
  • Patent number: 7068141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Senda, Atsushi Kono
  • Patent number: 6957628
    Abstract: A gas-fired water heater is provided with a combustion shutoff system which precludes further combustion within the water heater's combustion chamber in response to a combustion temperature therein reaching a predetermined level correlated to and indicative of a predetermined, undesirably high concentration of carbon monoxide present in the combustion chamber. In various illustrated embodiments thereof, the combustion shutoff system is operative to terminate further combustion air inflow to the combustion chamber, or terminate further fuel flow to the burner portion of the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Water Heater Industry Joint Research and Development Consortium
    Inventors: Gordon W. Stretch, Bruce A. Hotton, John H. Scanlon, Gary A. Elder, James T. Campbell, Larry D. Kidd, Eric M. Lannes, Garrett Doss, Michael W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6801117
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: B.P.W., Inc.
    Inventors: Shelby J. Morris, Jr., Kenneth S. Watkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6750753
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuse structure. The fuse structure comprises a substrate, a plurality of conductive layers, a dielectric layer and a plurality of conductive plugs. The fuse structure includes a plurality of fuse units, with increased the pitch between the fuse units. This structure prevents the fuse structure from failing when both misalignment of the laser beam or thermal scattering of the laser beam damage the second layer of the fuse structure in the laser blow process, which raises reliability and yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Wu-Der Yang
  • Patent number: 6734781
    Abstract: Electronic components are integrated onto the front surface of a circuit board 1 having an interconnection pattern formed thereon. In the vicinity of a particular electronic component (FET) 2 among those components that is likely to generate heat, a thermal fuse 4 is provided for breaking circuit when the temperature of this electronic component increases. In the circuit board 1, a through opening 1a is provided in the area where the FET 2 is located. The FET 2 is attached to the front surface of the circuit board 1 to extend across the through opening 1a. On the rear side of the FET 2, the thermal fuse 4 is attached to partially enter the through opening 1a via a heat-conducting resin 3 such as silicone resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsunori Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20040070486
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Senda, Atsushi Kono
  • Patent number: 6556122
    Abstract: A thermal fuse reduced in size and thickness can be obtained. Further, the thermal fuse will not be degraded in characteristics, productivity, reliability, quality, etc. even after reduction in size and thickness. The thermal fuse includes a fuse main body including a substrate, a fusible metal and a cover, and paired terminals disposed protruding from the fuse main body. The other end of the first terminal has a first fusible metal connection, and the other end of the second terminal has a second fusible metal connection. The fusible metal is disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal, and one end of the fusible metal is connected to the first fusible metal connection, and the other end of the fusible metal is connected to the second fusible metal connection. The cover is disposed so as to cover the fusible metal, the first fusible metal connection, and the second fusible metal connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Izaki, Takahiro Mukai, Shinichi Ohtsuka, Kenzo Isozaki
  • Patent number: 6512444
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: B.P.W., Inc.
    Inventors: Shelby J. Morris, Jr., Kenneth S. Watkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6507264
    Abstract: A fuse element partially encapsulated in an arc-suppression material which can, in turn, be integrated along with a semiconductor device into a semiconductor package to provide overcurrent protection, as well as a method of integrating such a fuse along with a semiconductor device into a semiconductor package wherein the semiconductor package has a standard form factor based on the semiconductor device integrated within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 6496098
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel GmbH Explosivstoff-und Systemtechnik
    Inventors: Heinz Kern, Wolfgang Mosig
  • Publication number: 20020153991
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Haeusel, Frank Reschnar
  • Patent number: 6448884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Yamaguchi, Hideo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6445277
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ishikawa, Osamu Soda, Hisafumi Maruo
  • Patent number: 6445276
    Abstract: A fuse apparatus (1) is provided for selectively interrupting a load current (Ia) flowing between a pair of associated conductor leads. The fuse apparatus includes at least two spaced apart electrically conductive contact elements (5) operatively connected with the associated conductor leads. A fuse element (7) is connected to the contact elements (5) using an electrically conductive connection material (9) to allow the current (Ia) to flow between the pair of associated conductor leads. The connection material (9) is adapted to electrically disconnect the fuse element (7) from the contact elements (5) when the current (Ia) exceeds a predetermined current intensity. The connection material (9) has an intrinsic electrical transition resistance characteristic whereby the material develops a temperature in proportion to an intensity of the current. The connection material melts as the current increases to separate the fuse element from the contact elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Schön, Dieter Bornhorst, Joachim Korherr, Joachim Jüngst
  • Publication number: 20020113685
    Abstract: A thermal fuse reduced in size and thickness can be obtained. Further, the thermal fuse will not be degraded in characteristics, productivity, reliability, quality, etc. even after reduction in size and thickness. The thermal fuse includes a fuse main body including a substrate, a fusible metal and a cover, and paired terminals disposed protruding from the fuse main body. The other end of the first terminal has a first fusible metal connection, and the other end of the second terminal has a second fusible metal connection. The fusible metal is disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal, and one end of the fusible metal is connected to the first fusible metal connection, and the other end of the fusible metal is connected to the second fusible metal connection. The cover is disposed so as to cover the fusible metal, the first fusible metal connection, and the second fusible metal connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Masatoshi Izaki, Takahiro Mukai, Shinichi Ohtsuka, Kenzo Isozaki
  • Patent number: 6411190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Yamaguchi, Takashi Gohara, Yasuhiro Tamai, Hideo Takahashi, Mitsuaki Morimoto, Yoshinori Ikuta
  • Patent number: 6344788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Pyroalliance
    Inventors: Christian J Forys, Bernard J Lallemant
  • Patent number: 6323750
    Abstract: An electrical component is installed in a plastic cup. The component has two electrical connecting lines, and a parting location that is bridged by a solder metal is arranged in one lead. In addition, a prestressed spring is arranged at the one lead for removing the lead from the parting location during melting of the solder metal as a result of an overload, so that the component is disconnected from a current source. The one lead is pinched to a thickness of 0.2-0.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignees: Siemens Matsushita Components GmbH & Co. KG, Karl Jungbecker GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Ewald Lampl, Peter Nöhrer, Martin Schwingenschuh, Andreas Hesse
  • Patent number: 6281782
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Morimoto, Noboru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6281781
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6275136
    Abstract: The circuit breaker disclosed in the invention comprises a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a rotatable conducting part disposed between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal, a heat generating part, an igniting part igniting depending on a cut-off signal, an elastic member capable of producing a rotating force, and a holding part for holding the conducting part while resisting the rotating force of the elastic member. Herein, when the holding part releases holding of the conducting part as the igniting part ignites depending on the cut-off signal and the heat generating part generates heat, the conducing part is rotated by the rotating force of the elastic member, and the conductive state between the first connection terminal and second connection terminal is cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6252488
    Abstract: A layer of thermal fusible material is placed on one surface of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) to monitor the heating of the MOV due to applied voltage spikes. The thermal fusible material is part of the electrical circuit which includes the MOV and melts at a predetermined temperature. In the presence of a severe or a number of voltage spikes the MOV heats up and the heat transferred to the thermal fusible material causes it to open the electrical circuit to the MOV to prevent overheating and thermal runaway. In another form, the MOV is separated into two halves and the thermal fusible material layer is placed between the ends of the MOV halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Ziegler, Steve Campolo
  • Patent number: 6204746
    Abstract: A thermal overload mechanism for providing protection to tip and ring conductors in a telecommunications system in the event of a power cross occurrence of telephone lines with power lines. The thermal overload mechanism includes a clip having front and rear spring members dimensioned for seating about a spacer element. The spacer element includes one or more recesses defined therein for accommodating securement of solid state devices. The recesses formed in the spacer elements contain a breachable membrane or wall which is breakable in the event the membrane temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature such as a temperature occurring in the event of a power cross situation. A contact configured for seating within the recess between the membrane and solid state device is provided for maintaining electrical contact with the tip and ring wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Stuart Kane, Walter Pelosi