Fusible, Link Or Element Structure Or Composition Of Material Patents (Class 337/416)
  • Patent number: 11837540
    Abstract: A surface-mountable thin-film fuse component is disclosed that may include a substrate having a top surface, a first end, and a second end that is spaced apart from the first end in a longitudinal direction. The thin-film component may include a fuse layer formed over the top surface of the substrate. The fuse layer may include a thin-film fuse track. An external terminal may be disposed along the first end of the substrate and electrically connected with the thin-film fuse track. The external terminal may include a compliant layer comprising a conductive polymeric composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA AVX Components Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Rozbroj, Yehuda Seidman, Elinor O'Neill
  • Patent number: 10895609
    Abstract: A circuit protection device including a primary fuse, and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device and a secondary fuse electrically connected in series with one another and in parallel with the primary fuse, the secondary fuse formed of a quantity of solder disposed on a dielectric surface, wherein the dielectric surface exhibits a de-wetting characteristic relative to the solder such that, when the solder is melted, the solder draws away from the dielectric surface to create a galvanic opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuriy Borisovich Matus, Martin Pineda, Kedar V. Bhatawadekar
  • Patent number: 9401258
    Abstract: A fuse structure comprises a first conductive layer on a first level. The first conductive layer comprises a fuse line extending in a first direction. The fuse line has a first end portion, a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and a fuse link portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The first conductive layer also comprises lines parallel to the fuse line, the lines being aligned in the first direction and being separated from one another by a first distance measured in the first direction. The fuse structure also comprises a second conductive layer on a second level different from the first level and coupled with the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer has parallel lines extending in a second direction, the parallel lines being separated by a second distance measured in a third direction orthogonal to the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Ming Hung, Yun-Han Chen, Shao-Tung Peng, Shao-Yu Chou, Yue-Der Chih, Li-Chun Tien
  • Patent number: 8976001
    Abstract: A protective device includes a substrate, two first electrodes, a low-melting point metal layer and an assisting layer. The first electrodes are respectively arranged at two opposite sides of the substrate. The low melting point metal layer is arranged over the two first electrodes. The assisting layer is formed on the low melting point metal layer. The liquidus temperature of the assisting layer is below the liquidus temperature of the low melting point metal layer, and the liquidus temperature of the assisting layer is not below a predetermined temperature which is below the maximum working temperature of reflow soldering process by 25 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cyntec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Shu Chen, Chung-Hsiung Wang
  • Publication number: 20140253282
    Abstract: An electronic control device includes a substrate, a plurality of component-mounted wires disposed on the substrate, a plurality of electronic components mounted on the respective component-mounted wires, a common wire disposed on the substrate and coupled with each of the electronic components, an interrupt wire coupled between one of the component-mounted wires and the common wire, a connection wire via which the interrupt wire is coupled with one of the common wire and the one of the component-mounted wires, and a solder disposed between each of the electronic components and a corresponding one of the component-mounted wires and having a lower melting point than the interrupt wire. The interrupt wire is configured to melt in accordance with heat generated by an overcurrent so as to interrupt a coupling between the one of the component-mounted wires and the common wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru ITABASHI, Yuuki MIKAMI, Takahiko FURUTA, Ryoichi SHIRAISHI, Hiroaki NAKAMURA, Shigeki NISHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140253281
    Abstract: [Problem to be solved] For an Ag—CuO alloy based electrode material for thermal fuses, rolling workability is significantly decreased as the content of CuO is increasing, and the reduction of a plate thickness is difficult in the rolling process after internal oxidation. [Solution] An electrode material for thermal fuses comprising 50 to 99 mass % of Ag and 1 to 50 mass % of Cu is provided, the material having a structure in which an internal oxidation layer is formed at each of the front and back surfaces, and having a non-oxidized layer in the central portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Tokuriki Honten Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoshi Suzaki, Hideo Kumita
  • Patent number: 8803652
    Abstract: A protection element is provided which is capable of stably retaining a flux on a soluble conductor at a predetermined position, enabling a speedy and precise blowout of the soluble conductor in the event of an abnormality. This protection element includes: a soluble conductor 13 which is disposed on an insulation baseboard 11 and is connected to a power supply path of a device targeted to be protected, to cause a blowout by means of a predetermined abnormal electric power; a flux 19 which is coated onto a surface of the soluble conductor 13; and an insulation cover 14 which is mounted on the baseboard 11 with the soluble conductor 13 being covered therewith. In addition, the protection element is provided with a protrusive stripe portion 20 which is formed on an interior face of the insulation cover 14 in opposite to the soluble conductor 13 and in which a stepped portion 20a for retaining the flux 19 is formed at a predetermined position while in contact with the flux 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Dexerials Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kimura, Takahiro Asada, Kazuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8686825
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to oxidative opening switches and related methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a switch assembly including a first terminal, a second terminal, and an oxidative switch element in electrical communication with the first terminal and the second terminal, the switch element comprising a conductive material and an oxidizer, the switch element configured to interrupt electrical communication between the first terminal and the second terminal as a result of an oxidation reaction between the conductive material and the oxidizer. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fast opening switch for pulse power applications. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: JPA, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Johnson, Randy Berg, Stanley E. Wood
  • Patent number: 8547195
    Abstract: A protection element and a secondary battery device employing the protection element are provided for stably retaining a flux on a soluble conductor at a predetermined position, so as to enable appropriate blowout of the soluble conductor in the event of an abnormality. The protection element has a soluble conductor which is disposed on an insulation baseboard, and which is connected to a power supply path of a device targeted to be protected, and which causes a blowout when a predetermined abnormal electric power amount is supplied. A flux is coated on a surface of the soluble conductor, and an insulation cover member is mounted on the baseboard and covers the soluble conductor. The protection element also includes a stepped portion for retaining the flux at a predetermined position in contact with the flux, and the stepped portion is formed opposite to the soluble conductor on an interior face of the insulation cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dexerials Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kimura, Takahiro Asada, Yoshihiro Yoneda, Kazuaki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130234822
    Abstract: In order to provide a method for isolating a circuit and a thermal link, wherein the link has a very low resistance and is suitable for high currents, in particular very high short load currents, and also has a high degree of reliability, in particular under difficult conditions, such as thermal and mechanical loading which lasts for a relatively long time, for example, the invention proposes that, during the phase transition of the material of the fusible element (10) from the solid to the liquid state, the volume of the fusible element (10) increases and the pressure increases and, owing to the increase in volume and the increase in pressure, the fusible element (10) is dislodged so as to break the electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Joachim Aurich, Ulf Zum Felde, Bernd Krueger, Laurent Mex, Wolfgang Werner
  • Publication number: 20130214896
    Abstract: Circuit breaker for a power cable, in particular a battery cable of a motor vehicle, having a first terminal 4, a second terminal 6 electrically connected to the first terminal 4 and having a disconnecting element 14 for mechanically and electrically disconnecting the electrical connection between the terminals 4, 6, wherein the disconnecting element 14 has an auxiliary drive and the auxiliary drive drives the disconnecting element 14 in the event of a trigger to disconnect the electrical connection between the terminals 4, 6. A particularly cost-effective and simple variant of a circuit breaker can be accomplished by the auxiliary drive being formed from a cartridge (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: AUTO KABEL MANAGEMENTGESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventors: Marko Josifovic, Dominik Nentwig, Ralf Bodem
  • Publication number: 20130099890
    Abstract: A protective element that is capable of promptly reliably disconnecting a current path by taking advantage of the erosion phenomenon of a solder in a melted state. A plurality of electrodes is formed by a first electrically conductive layer deposited on a substrate and by a plurality of second electrically conductive layers. A solder paste has a wetting performance for the electrodes higher than that for the substrate and is deposited on top of the first and second electrically conductive layers formed on the substrate. The solder paste melts by at least one out of heat generated by a resistor and heat generated by a stack of the electrodes and the solder paste. As the solder paste erodes the portion of the first electrically conductive layer intermediate between the electrodes, it is attracted towards the electrodes exhibiting higher wettability by it than that of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: DEXERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yoneda
  • Patent number: 8387501
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Jordan, Daniel J. Murphy, Douglas A. Fisher, Jr., Tyler Forbes
  • Publication number: 20120249283
    Abstract: A protection element is provided which is capable of stably retaining a flux on a soluble conductor at a predetermined position, enabling a speedy and precise blowout of the soluble conductor in the event of an abnormality. This protection element includes: a soluble conductor 13 which is disposed on an insulation baseboard 11 and is connected to a power supply path of a device targeted to be protected, to cause a blowout by means of a predetermined abnormal electric power; a flux 19 which is coated onto a surface of the soluble conductor 13; and an insulation cover 14 which is mounted on the baseboard 11 with the soluble conductor 13 being covered therewith. In addition, the protection element is provided with a protrusive stripe portion 20 which is formed on an interior face of the insulation cover 14 in opposite to the soluble conductor 13 and in which a stepped portion 20a for retaining the flux 19 is formed at a predetermined position while in contact with the flux 19.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Chemical & Information Device Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kimura, Takahiro Asada, Kazuaki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120223803
    Abstract: A thermal overload protection device includes a first and a second current-carrying element which are electrically connected to one another via at least one soldered joint that is configured to melt in an event of an overload. At least one of the current-carrying elements is an inherently resilient current-carrying element which, via the at least one soldered joint, is kept in a first form corresponding to at least one of a non-stable state and a metastable state of the inherently resilient current-carrying element. The inherently resilient current-carrying element is deformable into a second form corresponding to a stable state of the inherently resilient current-carrying element via the at least one soldered joint melting. The first and second current-carrying elements are electrically disconnected from one another with the inherently resilient current-carrying element in the second form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Striewe, Friedrich-Eckhard Brand, Joachim Wosgien
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120019348
    Abstract: A thermistor device includes include supports, contacts and offset posts configured to assist the fracturing of failed thermistor “pills” and to distribute the fragments of the fractured pills into compartment away from electrically conductive contacts in order to minimize arcing and overheating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Cohen, Gabriel Porto, Simon C. Kwok, Christian V. Pellon
  • Patent number: 7994892
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to oxidative opening switches and related methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a switch assembly including a first terminal, a second terminal, and an oxidative switch element in electrical communication with the first terminal and the second terminal, the switch element comprising a conductive material and an oxidizer, the switch element configured to interrupt electrical communication between the first terminal and the second terminal as a result of an oxidation reaction between the conductive material and the oxidizer. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fast opening switch for pulse power applications. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Richard F. Johnson, Randy Berg, Stanley E. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110163841
    Abstract: A temperature switch comprises a material (14) which melts and concomitantly undergoes a change in an electrical characteristic at a predetermined temperature. The temperature switch also includes at least two electrical contacts (10, 12) for detecting the change in the electrical characteristic. The material (14) comprises an organic cation and an anion and is preferably an ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: KIDDE IP HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: ALEXANDRA GEORGINA REDCLIFFE GORDON
  • Patent number: 7843307
    Abstract: A thermal fuse employing a thermosensitive pellet is provided, which exhibits stabilized characteristics in a low operating temperature region. The thermal fuse includes at least a switching movable member, a thermosensitive pellet member, a pair of leads having a first lead portion and a second lead portion, and a metal casing. The thermosensitive pellet member contains a polyolefin wax. The thermosensitive pellet member is housed in the metal casing to which the pair of leads are attached. The switching movable member is operated by deformation associated with softening or melting of the thermosensitive pellet member, to attain a cut-off state between the pair of leads. The thermal fuse employing a thermosensitive pellet is suitable for an operating temperature of 50 to 180° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components Corporation
    Inventor: Tokihiro Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20100073120
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal fuse, especially for use in an electric module in the automotive field, comprising a connecting element (4, 25), which is electrically and mechanically connected to multiple connector points in order to provide a permanent and electrically conductive connection, and an actuator (6) which is configured separately from the connecting element (4, 25) and triggers without absorbing electrical energy when an ambient temperature reaches a trigger temperature, thereby mechanically interrupting the electrical connection formed by the connecting element (4, 25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Norbert Knab, Georg Schulze-Icking-Konert, Thomas Mohr, Stefan Kotthaus, Nikolas Haberl, Stefan Stampfer, Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 7671717
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an unrecoverable line-type temperature sensitive detector having short-circuit fault alarm function, comprises a detecting cable comprising at least two detecting conductors disposed in parallel and a fusible insulation layer, a resistor, and a resistance signal measuring device, wherein the detecting cable further comprises a semiconductor layer, and wherein the semiconductor layer and the fusible insulation layer are disposed between the detecting conductors so as to space the detecting conductors apart. The detector of the present invention may distinguish short-circuit fault from short circuit caused by fire, and thus overcome the disadvantage of not distinguishing short-circuit fault from short-circuit due to fire in the conventional detector. Therefore, the problem of lack of short-circuit fault alarm function in the prior art is resolved. Accordingly, the present invention improves the reliability of unrecoverable line-type temperature sensitive detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sureland Industrial Fire Safety Limited
    Inventors: Weishe Zhang, Gangjin Li
  • 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: 7554432
    Abstract: A fuse is provided in a circuit, such that the fuse and an electric device in the circuit are thermally coupled to one another. 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Alfons Graf, Martin Maerz, Martin Saliternig
  • Patent number: 7508295
    Abstract: 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 material in the fuse to melt. In this manner, the current terminal path of the electric device is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Alfons Graf, Martin Maerz, Martin Saliternig
  • Patent number: 7489230
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiro Ueda
  • Publication number: 20080164969
    Abstract: The semiconductor device which has an electric straight line-like fuse with a small occupying area is offered. A plurality of projecting portions 10f are formed in the position shifted from the middle position of electric fuse part 10a, and, more concretely, are formed in the position distant from via 10e and near via 10d. A plurality of projecting portions 20f are formed in the position shifted from the middle position of electric fuse part 20a, and, more concretely, are formed in the position distant from via 20d and near 20e. That is, projecting portions 10f and projecting portions 20f are arranged in the shape of zigzag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Kazushi Kono, Takeshi Iwamoto, Hisayuki Kato, Shigeki Obayashi, Toshiaki Yonezu
  • Patent number: 7362208
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components Corporation
    Inventors: Tokihiro Yoshikawa, Masahiro Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080084268
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an unrecoverable line-type temperature sensitive detector having short-circuit fault alarm function, comprises a detecting cable comprising at least two detecting conductors disposed in parallel and a fusible insulation layer, a resistor, and a resistance signal measuring device, wherein the detecting cable further comprises a semiconductor layer, and wherein the semiconductor layer and the fusible insulation layer are disposed between the detecting conductors so as to space the detecting conductors apart. The detector of the present invention may distinguish short-circuit fault from short circuit caused by fire, and thus overcome the disadvantage of not distinguishing short-circuit fault from short-circuit due to fire in the conventional detector. Therefore, the problem of lack of short-circuit fault alarm function in the prior art is resolved. Accordingly, the present invention improves the reliability of unrecoverable line-type temperature sensitive detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Weishe Zhang, Gangjin Li
  • Patent number: 7330098
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components Corporation
    Inventor: Tokihiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7323966
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: NEC SCHOTT Components Corporation
    Inventor: Tokihiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7286037
    Abstract: A protective element with improved spherical segmentation performance during the melting of a low-melting metal member, has a heat-generating member and a low-melting metal member on a substrate, in which the low-melting metal member is heated and blown out by the heat generated by the heat-generating member. There is a region in which the low-melting metal member is suspended over the underlying base (such as an insulating layer), and when S (?m2) is the surface area of a lateral cross section of the low-melting metal member 4 between a pair of low-melting metal member electrodes 3a and 3b or 3b and 3c sandwiching the region, and H (?m) is the height at which the suspended region is suspended, then the relationship H/S?5Ă—10?5 is satisfied. It is preferable here that the upper surfaces of both of the pair of low-melting metal member electrodes protrude beyond the upper surface of the underlying insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Chemical and Information Device Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Furuuchi
  • Patent number: 7199697
    Abstract: 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 60% or smaller, Bi is larger than 12% and 33% or smaller, and In is 20% or larger and smaller than 50% is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Uchihashi Estec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7160504
    Abstract: The invention provides a thermal fuse and a fuse element of the low-melting fusible alloy type. The fuse element has an alloy composition in which a total of 0.01 to 7 weight parts of at least one selected from the group consisting of Au, Bi, Cu, Ni, and Pd is added to 100 weight parts of a composition of 100% In, that of 90 to 99.9% In and 0.1 to 10% Ag, or that of 95 to 99.9% In and 0.1 to 5% Sb. As a result, the operating temperature is in the range of 135 to 160° C., requests for environment conservation can be satisfied, the diameter of the fuse element can be made very thin or reduced to about 300 ?m?, and the thermal stability can be satisfactorily guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Uchihashi Estec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Tanaka
  • 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: 6922131
    Abstract: An electrical device suitable for use in digital telecommunications applications is provided. The device includes a laminar PTC element composed of a conductive polymer composition sandwiched between two metal foil electrodes. A first insulating layer which is composed of an electrically insulating flexible material conforms to at least part of the perimeter of the PTC element. The device has low resistance, low capacitance, reduced size, and stable resistance, and can meet power cross testing requirements. In addition, assemblies of electrical devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Cecilia A. Walsh, Rodrigo Rubiano, Albert R. Martin
  • Patent number: 6838971
    Abstract: Quantity of flux coated on fusible alloy of a thermal fuse disclosed can be inspected accurately by an image processing method. The thermal fuse comprises: (a) first insulation film 11 coupled with a pair of metal terminals 12; (b) fusible alloy 13 coupled between ends of the metal terminals 12, being placed above first insulation film 11; (c) flux 14 coated on fusible alloy 13; and (d) second insulation film 15 disposed on first insulation film 11 so that an internal space is formed, being placed above fusible alloy 13, wherein at least either of first insulation film 11 or second insulation film 15 is transparent or translucent, and flux 14 has the Gardner color scale from 4 to 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Senda, Takahiro Mukai
  • Patent number: 6724292
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignees: NEC Schott Components Corporation, Tokuriki Honten Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuhiro Miyashita, Tokihiro Yoshikawa, Michihiko Nishijima, Hideo Kumita
  • Patent number: 6661331
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Etienne Lacroix Tous Artifices S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Valembois, Grégory Soulier
  • Patent number: 6603385
    Abstract: A protective device for minimizing fire danger in the use of electrical circuits comprises a unit having a mechanically biased conductive element in series with the circuit, and maintained in position under tension by a fusible material such as a Cerro alloy having a yield point at a selected temperature threshold. When overheating at some other point in the circuit results in a rise of temperature at the protective device, the yielding of the fusible material allows the conductive element to spring free, opening the circuit and cutting off the current. This arrangement is useful in a male plug integral to or separate from an extension cord or power cord, in conjunction with circuit breaker systems, in a in-circuit device, and in electrical appliances and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Safety Thermal Components, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Kitchens
  • Patent number: 6566995
    Abstract: A protective element contains a heat-generating member and a low melting metal member on a substrate, in which the low melting metal member is molten by the heat generated by the heat-generating member and flows onto electrodes, which causes the low melting metal member to blow out, Formula (1) below is satisfied: (cross-sectional area of the low melting metal member)/(surface area of the blowout-effective electrode)≦0.15  (1) Alternatively, Formula (2) below is satisfied: 2.5≦(inter-electrode distance)/(cross-sectional area of the low melting metal member)≦30  (2) wheren the inter-electrode distance is defined as the distance between two electrodes, among the low melting metal member electrodes onto which the molten low melting metal member flows, which are adjacent to each other with the low melting metal member interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Furuuchi, Masami Kawazu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030071712
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Guy Valembois, Gregory Soulier
  • Patent number: 6452475
    Abstract: A protective device comprises a fuse element provided to electrodes on a substrate. The fuse element has a liquidus point higher than the mounting temperature of the protective device, and has a solidus point lower than the mounting temperature of the protective device. The difference between the liquidus and solidus points is 5° C. or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corp.
    Inventors: Masami Kawazu, Norikazu Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6404322
    Abstract: A new and improved fusible link having opposite ends. The fusible link comprises two pieces each having opposite ends. One of the opposite ends of each piece defines the opposite ends of the link. The other end of said pieces overlap each other and have a eutectic solder therebetween. Means is provided adjacent the other end of the pieces to strengthen the link in tension between the opposite ends when said solder is in shear and to reduce creep. Means is also provided adjacent the other ends of the pieces to separate the pieces and break the linkage upon the eutectic solder reaching the eutectic temperature. The new and improved fusible link in a specific embodiment utilizes a crimp and crimp sliding surfaces to prevent creep at temperatures lower than the eutectic temperature for providing separation of the link upon the solder being heated to a eutectic temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Elsie Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Ruegsegger, Robert Simon
  • Patent number: 6380838
    Abstract: A semiconductor device with repair fuses is provided, which decrease the fuse pitch and the fuse occupation area without short circuit among the adjoining repair fuses and damage to the semiconductor device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Fujii
  • Patent number: 6373371
    Abstract: A preformed thermal fuse comprising two electrodes, at least one layer of solder, and a conductive bridge comprising a non-paste solder material is disclosed. The conductive bridge has a melting temperature which is substantially equivalent to the predetermined actuation temperature of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Microelectronic Modules Corp.
    Inventors: Bernhard E. Doerrwaechter, Keck C. Pathammavong, Kurt M. Krachenfels
  • Patent number: 6340926
    Abstract: A power plug includes a plug body having opposite sides and an end, terminal prongs extending from the end of the plug body, and a built-in circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is operable between a normal condition enabling the power plug to connect a load to a power source and a tripped condition disconnecting the load upon the detection of a circuit fault. The circuit breaker includes at least two members at respective opposite sides of the plug body which are simultaneously movable between a first position corresponding to the normal condition and a second position corresponding to the tripped condition. The members provide an indication of the operating condition of the circuit breaker viewable on both sides of the plug body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Defond Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Wai Hang Chu
  • Patent number: 6222438
    Abstract: A temperature fuse which is melted with high operating temperature accuracy at a desired predetermined temperature in the range of 140° C. to 160° C. A fuse element is made of an alloy consisting essentially of 52-100 wt. % indium and the balance tin, and with this construction there can be achieved the temperature fuse which is melted with high operating temperature accuracy at a desired predetermined temperature in the range of 140° C. to 160° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kinya Horibe, Takayoshi Endo, Takashi Ishii
  • Patent number: 6204747
    Abstract: A protective device for minimizing fire danger in the use of electrical circuits comprises a unit having a mechanically biased conductive element in series with the circuit, and maintained in position under tension by a fusible material such as a Cerro alloy having a yield point at a selected temperature threshold. When overheating at some other point in the circuit results rise of temperature at the protective device, the yielding of the fusible material allows the conductive element to spring free, opening the circuit and cutting off the current. This arrangement is useful in an male plug integral to or separate from an extension cord, in conjunction with circuit breaker systems, in a in-circuit device, and in electrical appliances and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: James L. Kitchens