Abstract: A safety device for preventing a trouble caused by an abnormal overheating of an electric circuit is provided, which includes: a circuit board; a first circuit pattern; a second circuit pattern; a first electrode connected to the first circuit pattern; a second electrode connected to the second circuit pattern, while enclosing the first electrode without a break, the second electrode being standoff-insulated from the first electrode; and a solder fuse portion made of a solder and formed over and inside the second electrode for bridging the first and second electrodes, wherein the solder fuse portion in a melted state separates onto the first and second electrodes by surface tension of the solder, whereby a circuit between the first and second circuit patterns is broken.

Abstract: A fusion apparatus is equipped with a fuse, a solid combustion agent, an igniting device, and a spring. The solid combustion agent and the igniting device are accommodated within an inner casing. The inner casing is disposed in the vicinity of, or in contact with, the fuse. The inner casing and the fuse are covered by an outer casing. The spring is disposed between the outer casing and the inner casing and urges the inner casing containing the solid combustion agent therein toward the fuse. When the igniting device receives a current supplied from the outside, the solid combustion agent is combusted by the ignition made by the igniting device and the resulting combustion heat softens the fuse. At this time, since the inner casing is pressing the fuse by means of the spring, the fuse is easily broken.

Abstract: An current breaking device is interposed between a battery for a vehicle and an electric load. When a circuit cut-off signal is generated from a control unit due to an automobile's collision, the current breaking device allows respective capsules 40 in a power distributing box to be heated to melt a conductive resin plate 2. Therefore, it is possible to stop the power supply from a battery to an electric load.

Abstract: A temperature detectable current fuse comprises a temperature detecting fuse having a fusible portion, a current fuse having a fusible portion and a table portion provided at the fusible portion thereof, on which the fusible portion of the temperature detecting fuse is mounted, and a housing having a chamber into which the temperature detecting fuse and the current fuse are inserted through an opening of the chamber.

Abstract: A new type of high temperature thermal disconnect has been developed to protect electrical and mechanical equipment from damage caused by operation at extreme temperatures. These thermal disconnects allow continuous operation at temperatures ranging from 250.degree. C. to 450.degree. C., while rapidly terminating operation at temperatures 50.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. higher than the continuous operating temperature.

Abstract: The connection structure of a circuit protection element for securely connecting at least two lead terminals of the circuit protection element to a circuit board includes terminal connection elongated holes each provided in the circuit board for connecting the lead terminals to the circuit board by soldering. The circuit board is positioned in such a way that the elongated direction of the elongated terminal connection hole is positioned in a downward direction. When an abnormal current is applied to the circuit, or when the circuit protection element fails to heat itself up to a high temperature, the solder melts. Thereby, the lead terminals easily disengage from the terminal connection holes so that the circuit protection element falls freely from the circuit board. Thus, the circuit is surely cut off easily.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp thermal fuse arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement in a preferred embodiment comprises a fluorescent glass tube lamp, a thermal fuse wrapped externally around an end of the lamp, electrically insulated mechanical means, lead portions of the thermal fuse and strain relief, and a thermally and electrically insulating protective cover placed over the thermal fuse to concentrate heat around the fuse and to electrically isolate the lamp end from the surrounding environment. The lamp has a maximum normal operating temperature, a coating of emissive material on a cathode of the lamp, a plurality of lamp cathode leads, and a termination electrically connected to a fluorescent lamp power source. The thermal fuse is electrically connected in series between at least one lamp cathode lead and the termination. The protective cover provides electrical insulation to the surrounding environment and a small space for melted fuse material to flow regardless of lamp orientation.

Abstract: In large-current fuse unit, a large-current fuse has a pair of terminals interconnected by a fuse element, and a housing receives the large-current fuse therein, and a temperature fuse is mounted within the housing, and is disposed in close proximity to the fuse element. The temperature fuse is melted by heat generated from the fuse element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuse structure formed in an inter-layer insulator having a first level interconnection and a second level interconnection isolated by the inter-layer insulator from the first level interconnection. The fuse structure comprises a conductive plug for providing an electrical connection between a first connecting part of the first level interconnection and a second connecting part of the second level interconnection, wherein the fuse structure further comprises at least a void which extends within the inter-layer insulator and also at least a part of the void extends adjacent to the second connecting part of the second level interconnection, so that when the second connecting part is rapidly evaporated by receiving a thermal energy, an evaporated material of the second connecting part is deposited on an inner wall of the void for causing an electrical disconnection between the first and second interconnections.

Abstract: In large-current fuse unit, a large-current fuse has a pair of terminals interconnected by a fuse element, and a housing receives the large-current fuse therein, and a temperature fuse is mounted within the housing, and is disposed in close proximity to the fuse element. The temperature fuse is melted by heat generated from the fuse element.

Abstract: A temperature fuse for use in an electric circuit provided in an automobile or the like. The temperature fuse includes a pressure-contact terminal having a pressure-contact blade, a temperature opening and closing member having one end connected electrically to the pressure-contact terminal, a signal wire connecting terminal connected electrically to the other end of the temperature opening and closing member, and an insulating case for receiving therein the pressure-contact terminal and the temperature opening and closing member in such a manner that at least the pressure-contact blade and the signal wire connecting terminal are exposed outwardly from the insulating case.

Abstract: A thermal fuse includes a resilient coil portion with a turn of at least 360.degree.. Two spring arms have two upper portions connected to and integrally formed with two ends of the coil portion, and two lower portions extending from the upper portions and formed with two contact locations for connection to two circuit contacts of the circuit board. At least one of the contact locations is to be soldered on the circuit board. During the connection of the contact locations to the circuit contacts, the lower portions are kept in a tensed state by moving the contact locations toward each other so as to generate a biasing force to bias the lower portions away from each other.

Abstract: A thermal fuse device for over-current protection includes a fusing element comprising a conductive strip having a fulcrum point between first and second ends. The fuse strip is connected to first and second terminal pads on a substrate by a first solder joint between the first end and the first terminal pad, and a second solder joint between the fulcrum point and the second terminal pad. The second end of the strip is resiliently pressed against the interior surface of a housing that holds the substrate. The inwardly-directed pressure applied to the second end of the fuse strip by the housing is resisted by the first and second solder joints, whereby the fuse strip remains immobile. A resistive element on the substrate generates heat in response to the flow of current.

Abstract: A thermally fused resistor arrangement wherein a resistor is electrically connected at one end to a first resistor terminal and at an opposite end to a second resistor terminal. A solder loop is provided to make the electrical connection between one end of the resistor and its corresponding resistor terminal. A portion of the solder loop is positioned in contact with an electrically insulated portion of the surface of the resistor, preferably corresponding to the hot spot of the resistor, and a thermally conductive medium is provided to thermally and mechanically attach the solder loop to the electrically insulated portion of the resistor surface. The portion of the solder loop thermally attached to the resistor is operable to melt when the temperature of the resistor increases to within a predefined temperature range, thereby electrically disconnecting the end of the resistor from its corresponding resistor terminal.

Abstract: An electronic component is provided which includes at least one chip element having at least two poles; and at least two leads respectively connected electrically to the two poles. At least one of the two leads is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the two poles through a solder fuse wire which has a nail head end and a flattened discal end.

Abstract: A self-configuring photoelectric control circuit for controlling operation of a load based on ambient light. The photocontrol circuit comprises a photocell responsive to ambient light, a heating resistor connected to the photocell, a bimetallic element in proximity to the heating resistor and movable in response to generation of heat from the heating resistor. A switch is operated by the bimetallic element and is connected between an input connected to a power source and an output connected to the load. A series resistor is connected to the heating resistor and a shunt is connected across the series resistor to provide a current bypass around the series resistor for operation with a low voltage power source, for instance 120 volts. The shunt is maintained in a flexed condition to form the bypass and a connection of the shunt across the series resistor is formed of a meltable material.

Abstract: The thermal fuse has a spring clip (1) with solder locations (5, 6) at both ends as well as a bending section (4) in the region between the solder locations. Given a tension-free spring clip, the spacing between the solder locations (5, 6) corresponds to the regular spacing of the appertaining circuit contacts (15, 16) of the substrate. After the spring clip has been soldered onto the circuit contacts (15, 16), the bending section (4) is deformed such by applying force that a pre-stress arises in the spring arms (2, 3) of the spring clip.

Abstract: A thermal overload fuse (1) for fixation to a circuit substrate (17) comprising at least one spring arm (13) which is solderable, under fixed pre-stressed, to a contact location on the substrate, characterized in that the spring arm (13), which is fixed to an at least substantially planar frame part (2), adopts, in its relaxed state, a position which is spaced in a perpendicular direction relative to the substrate (17), in particular relative to the contact location (16); and in that the free end of the spring arm (13) is held down by at least one auxiliary web (7) onto the substrate (17), in particular onto the contact location (16); and in that the auxiliary web (7) is detachable from the frame part (2) along a predetermined line.

Abstract: A flat resistance for a blower control unit of an automobile air conditioner, and a blower control unit using the same. The flat resistance includes: a porcelain enameled metallic substrate including a flat head portion, having an edge and one surface, and parallel terminal supporting portions projecting outwardly from the edge of the head; a resistance circuit printed on the one surface of the head portion, the resistance circuit including a plurality of resistances electrically connected in series; a temperature fuse, interposed in the resistance circuit, for being tripped to break the resistance circuit when the porcelain enameled metallic substrate becomes overheated; and terminals, printed on both the head portion and the terminal supporting portions, each terminal being connected to one end of a corresponding one of the resistances.

Abstract: Gold, copper, silver, palladium or aluminum and their alloys, but preferably gold or gold alloy, which may be in the form a wire, has deposited thereon or contained within the wire, a material such as metals or metal alloys which diffuse into the gold or into the other listed metals. With the passage of time and exposure to temperature the deposited metal or metal alloy continues to diffuse into the gold forming intermetallics with the gold and thereby causing the resistivity of the gold to increase and causing the gold to become progressively more brittle until such time as the gold wire ruptures at a stress point. At a given temperature the elapsed time until rupture takes place depends upon the metal or metal alloys deposited on or contained within the gold. Lead, indium, gallium, tin, bismuth and aluminum and the alloys of these metals diffuse into and form intermetallics with the gold.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting circuitry includes a heat actuated fuse which opens at a predetermined temperature and a resistive device disposed proximate the fuse for heating the fuse in response to an electrical current passed through the device. The fuse includes first and second electrodes bridged by a solder link which melts at the predetermined temperature and retreats to the electrodes. A quantity of flux-containing material is disposed on the link to promote rapid and complete retreat of the solder when the fuse is actuated.

Abstract: A high temperature fluid sensor has a fusible detector including a body having longitudinally extending conductors therein. A first portion of the conductors is confined within the body whereas a second portion of the conductors projects from an end of the body. The second conductor portions are spaced-apart to define a void therebetween. A fusible material is engaged with, and electrically bridges between the second conductor portions. A tapered portion of the sensor permits the molten fusible material to flow away from the second conductor portions. The tapered portion terminates in spaced-apart relationship with the fusible material and thus further defines the void.

Abstract: A thermal cutoff includes a housing having a resistive coating bonded thereto, and defining a heater for heating the thermal cutoff to its firing temperature.

Abstract: A fusible link for an electrical circuit consists of a length of fusible material which closely fits an aperture through a ceramic printed circuit board. Ends of the fusible element electrically contact respective electrical leads on opposed surfaces of the board. A resistive film forming part of the electrical circuit is located close to the fusible link site so that when overvoltage conditions exist the resistive film heats the circuit board until eventually the fusible material melts, flows out of the aperture and the electrical circuit is broken. The fusible link is soldered and/or swaged into position and projects beyond the surface of the circuit board so that when the solder melts, surface tension forces tend to pull the solder out of the aperture.

Abstract: A thermal fuse for use in interconnection of lead acid batteries which will fuse as a result of heat being conducted through the fuse from the batteries or other devices to which it is attached, rather than as a result of direct heating of the fuse consequent on the current carried by the fuse. The fuse has a pair of mounting plates connected to terminals of the fuse with a heat meltable electric current conducting material in solid form disposed between the plates to provide a flow path for electric current. A member is also disposed between the plates connecting with the solidified heat meltable material and of sufficient mass so that when the material melts, the member draws substantially all of the material with it as it falls due to gravity from between the mounting plates.

Abstract: Electrical resistance heating element including a number of metal strips arranged in a meander-like pattern. In the resistance metal strips, which are made from a non-expensive base sheet material like lead, there is incorporated at least one fuse which will operate if the heat transfer from a randomly placed area of critical size (a critical area) is substantially blocked. The fuse or fuses are preferably constituted by a lead/tin alloy rolled into intimate contact with the lead base material.

Abstract: An electrically heated appliance, such as a steam iron, is provided with an adjustable stacked thermostat assembly having an integrated overtemperature protection control. In the case of a steam iron, the thermostat assembly is mounted on a boss on the soleplate and includes a pair of contacts carried by spring contact blades and adapted to be actuated by a heat deformable bimetallic blade to make and break the circuit to the electric heating element of the iron. The overtemperature protection control includes an electrically conductive rivet electrically connected to one of the electrical power supply terminals of the iron and a U-shaped electrically conductive spring having a first end electrically connected to a conductive member in circuit with one of the spring contact blades and a second end soldered to the rivet by a solder joint fusible at a selected overtemperature to melt and break the circuit between the rivet and the spring.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fusible link assembly which includes a sleeve with a flanged end for receiving a solder rod and a smaller opening at the opposite end for receiving a conductor wire. The wire is placed through the smaller end of the sleeve and is held in position mechanically while solder is supplied at the flanged end to form a rigid connection between the rod and the wire through a soldered connection with the sleeve which acts as the intermediate connection.

Abstract: An adjustable stacked thermostat assembly, particularly for use in an electric appliance, such as an electric steam iron, includes a lower bimetallic heat deformable blade, an intermediate stiff conductive spring blade carrying a electrical contact and connected to a first electric terminal and an upper less stiff conductive spring blade carrying a cooperating contact and connected to a second terminal, with all of the blades being supported, secured and spaced apart at one end by interposed insulators. In operation movement of the deformable blade is transmitted to the upper blade to make and break the contacts to control heat to the appliance controlled by the thermostat.

Abstract: A thermal cut-off fuse of the class wherein the electric continuity between electrodes disposed inside a housing is maintained by conductor means at normal service temperatures and broken by the conductor means being fractured when the ambient temperature reaches a fixed level is improved by having the conductor means made of a metal capable of liquefying before the ambient temperature reaches the fixed level mentioned above and providing a thermal pellet faithfully fusible at the fixed level of temperature for the purpose of supporting in position the conductor means serving to maintain the electric continuity between the electrodes at normal service temperatures and thereby allowing the electric continuity between the electrodes to be broken at the fixed level of temperature by the thermal pellet being melted and deprived of its role of supporting the conductor means.

Abstract: A tungsten heating filament is connected in series with a safety filament having a low melting temperature. The filaments are connected to and between terminals of a small terminal board. A quickly-igniting, combustible mixture is applied to the terminal board between terminals, and over and around the heating filament and under the safety filament. The terminal board and its attachments are enclosed in a plastic case with a transparent face. Leads are connected internally to the terminals and externally in parallel circuit across a safety switch operable to open and close by means of a malfunction sensing element, the switch and element comprising an automated safety control, with the switch being connected in series with the electrically energized apparatus.

Abstract: A thermocouple is connected to a fuel control valve which automatically feeds fuel to the burner of a gas or oil appliance when activated by a current generated by the thermocouple due to heat produced by the burner. A fusible link safety device having an electrically non-conducting base and containing a fusible filament adapted to melt at a predetermined temperature is located above and in front of the burner. The fusible link safety device is electrically connected in series with the thermocouple and the fuel control valve such that when the predetermined temperature of the fusible filament is attained thereby melting the filament, the electrical circuit from the thermocouple to the fuel control valve is broken thereby deactivating the fuel control valve and shutting off the flow of fuel to the burner.

Abstract: A sensitive fuse for fire alarms comprising an extremely thin heat collector disk of nickel or brass nickel plated material. A pair of phenolic resin copper laminated attachment strips are soldered to the disk to form a unitary fuse. One attachment strip is permanently soldered to the disk and the other strip is attached to the disk with a eutectic solder which is formulated to melt at a low, predetermined temperature. The phenolic resin end of each strip has a punched hole for attaching the fuse assembly to alarm valve lever arms. The thinness of the heat collector disk results in rapid transfer of heat to melt the eutectic solder. The phenolic portions of the attachment strips serve to insulate the heat sensitive portions of the fuse assembly from the remainder of the alarm device to increase sensitivity.

Abstract: A conventional fusible element is combined with exothermic reactive material such as PETN or a ribbon of aluminum-palladium to supply quickly released chemical energy for fast circuit interruption where the circuit-derived electrical energy available for interruption is low. An arc quenching substance preferably surrounds the fusible element. The exothermic reaction is initiated thermally or by supplementary electrical energy from a trigger circuit.