Semiconductor Patents (Class 338/22SD)
  • Patent number: 6163246
    Abstract: A chip-type electronic device has a sintered ceramic body formed by integrally sintering a plurality of ceramic layers, inner electrodes including first electrodes, second electrodes and a third electrode formed inside this sintered ceramic body and outer electrodes formed on both end surfaces of this sintered ceramic body. One end of each of the first electrodes is electrically connected to one of the outer electrodes. Each of the second electrodes is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first electrodes through an associated one of throughholes through one of the ceramic sheets. The third electrode is electrically connected to the other of the outer electrodes and overlaps with the second electrodes as seen perpendicularly to the planar inner electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiko Ueda, Masahiko Kawase
  • Patent number: 6150918
    Abstract: Degaussing units in the form of mono and duo-PTCs are disclosed which can be exposed to high inrush currents without the same leading to fracture at the edges of the ceramic thermistors. The electrode layers of the thermistor(s) completely cover the main surfaces and are composed of a material which comprises a silver alloy containing minimally 4 wt. % and maximally 12 wt. % zinc, and which is applied directly on to the thermistor by means of screen printing. In a preferred embodiment, an alloy containing approximately 6 wt. % zinc is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: BC Components Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Reinhilde P. M. Berger
  • Patent number: 6136741
    Abstract: A semiconducting ceramic contains a lanthanum cobalt oxide as a major component represented by La.sub.x CoO.sub.3 wherein 0.600.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.999. The average crystal grain size of cobalt oxide present in the major component is not more than about 20 .mu.m. A change in resistivity between the semiconducting ceramic products can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Nakayama, Satoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 6127914
    Abstract: Described are a thin-film temperature-sensitive resistor material which comprises, at a temperature-sensitive resistor portion, a mixed crystal of a nitride and oxide of a transition metal such as vanadium preferably, that represented by the formula: MN.sub.x O.sub.y wherein 0<x<1, and 2.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.13/6, simultaneously exhibits a high temperature coefficient of resistance and a low specific resistance at about room temperature, and has excellent sensitivity at about room temperature; and a process for the production of a thin-film temperature-sensitive resistor material, which comprises forming its temperature-sensitive resistor portion by using a gas-atmosphere composed mainly of a nitrogen gas preferably, a mixed gas composed of nitrogen, argon and oxygen, and has a flow rate ratio of nitrogen to oxygen (nitrogen/oxygen) of 14/1 to 23/1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tokuhito Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6099164
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermistor created using a monocrystalline form of a nickel-manganese-oxide cubic spinel and methods of using same as a sensor in an electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Thermometrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol Zwick Rosen, John Carter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6054028
    Abstract: Ignition cables which contain a layer of a melt-extruded conductive polymer. The conductive polymer is preferably the sole current-carrying component of the cable. The polymeric component in the conductive polymer is a fluoropolymer, preferably a vinylidene fluoride copolymer having a crystallinity index of 10 to 23% and/or a DSC heat of melting of 4.7 to 9.5 J/g. Preferably, the sole conductive filler in the conductive polymer is a carbon black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Zingheim, Michael Trowbridge, Mark Wartenberg, Alan Yeung
  • Patent number: 6027246
    Abstract: Monocrystalline nickel-cobalt-manganese-copper oxide having a cubic spinel structure over a broad range of concentration ratios of manganese/cobalt/nickel/copper, including methods of producing such monocrystals, particularly those having a quaternary cubic spinel structure. Sensors having desirable electrical properties are disclosed, which sensors comprise at least a portion of such monocrystals. In particular, such sensors are highly accurate temperature sensors or thermistors having high sensitivity, good reproducibility and improved aging characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Thermometrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol Zwick Rosen, Donald G. Wickham
  • Patent number: 6014073
    Abstract: A temperature sensor element for measuring the temperature of exhaust gas from car engines comprises a metallic support having a shape of a flat board, a first electric-insulating film existing on the support, a first temperature sensitive film existing on the first electric-insulating film and having a pair of electrodes, and a second electric-insulating film existing on the temperature sensitive film. The element is superior in thermal shock resistance. The element needs no heat-resistant cap. The element is superior in heat-response since the element has a small heat capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Torii, Takeshi Kamada, Atsushi Tomozawa, Eiji Fujii, Ryoichi Takayama, Hiroki Moriwake
  • Patent number: 5976421
    Abstract: A thermistor comprising a semiconductor ceramic with an oxide spinel, which contains the elements maganese, nickel and indium. Thermistors of said composition are thermally stable and are characterized by a high resistivity and a high B-value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Groen
  • Patent number: 5955937
    Abstract: A thermistor comprising a semiconductor ceramic of a mixed crystal oxide composed of rare-earth metals having the composition?Y.sub.a Gd.sub.b Sm.sub.c Tb.sub.d !.sub.2 O.sub.3,wherein0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.9950.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.9950.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.9950.01.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.0.995, anda=0 if b=0, orb=0 if a=0,has a high-temperature stability and can be used at temperatures up to 1100.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Wilhelm-Albert Groen
  • Patent number: 5883563
    Abstract: Thermo-electric material has a composition containing at least one first element selected from the group consisting of Bi and Sb and at least one second element selected from the group consisting of Te and Se, and the crystal grains of the thermo-electric material have a mean crystal grain diameter equal to or less than 50 microns and a mean aspect ratio between 1 and 3 so as to achieve a large figure of merit equal to or greater than 3.4.times.10.sup.-3 /.degree.K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yuma Horio, Hiroyuki Yamashita, Toshiharu Hoshi
  • Patent number: 5854587
    Abstract: Microbolometers can be made with a thin film composition of matter having a large temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) as compared to the same material in the bulk form. The composition is a manganite of the formulaRE.sub.x M.sub.1-x Mn.sub.y O.sub..delta.whereRE is Y and the rare earths such as La, Ce, Pr, Nb, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and combinations thereof,M is a divalent metal such as Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, and combinations thereof,x is less than l,y is from about 0.75 to about 1.5, and.delta. is from about 2.5 to about 4.0.The microbolometer is made by applying a thin film of the composition on to a substrate such as SiN.sub.x and annealing the deposited film to remove inhomogeneities and to decrease the defects so as to increase the TCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Horwitz, Douglas Chrisey, John T. Caulfield, Paul E. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 5852397
    Abstract: A circuit protection device which comprises first and second laminar electrodes; a laminar PTC conductive polymer resistive element sandwiched between the electrodes; a third laminar conductive member which is secured to the same face of the PTC element as the second electrode but is separated therefrom; and an electrical connector which connects the third conductive member and the first electrode. This permits connection to both electrodes from the same side of the device, so that the device can be connected flat on a printed circuit board, with the first electrode on top, without any need for leads. The connector is preferably a cross-conductor which passes through an aperture in the PTC element, because this makes it possible to carry out the steps for preparing the devices on an assembly which corresponds to a number of individual devices, with division of the assembly as the final step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Chan, Michael Zhang, Daniel Chandler, Shou-Mean Fang, Dennis Siden, Mark Thompson
  • Patent number: 5841341
    Abstract: A dielectric clip for holding a PTC device is dimensioned and shaped to occupy a three-dimensional space envelope that provides a close fit in a fuse socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. West
  • Patent number: 5835004
    Abstract: Improved tape assemblies for delivering electrical devices to work stations at which the devices are installed. Each of the devices comprises a laminar electrical component sandwiched between two laminar metal members, and is preferably a PTC circuit protection device. In the assemblies, the electrical components are discrete components, but they are contacted by, and linked together through, laminar metal members which, after the assembly has been divided into separate devices, provide leads which contact and extend away from the electrical component. Preferably the metal members are prepared by cutting and forming a single strip of metal. Preferably the assembly is free from any longitudinally continuous carrier strip which much be discarded after the devices have been separated from each other. Preferably, the assemblies are sufficiently flexible to be wrapped around a reel and unwrapped at the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Gemperle, Richard A. Herms, Bengt Nyman, Irwin Zahn
  • Patent number: 5831512
    Abstract: A resistance thermometer has a measuring resistor in the form of a resistance layer essentially made of a metal of the platinum group, preferably of platinum, laid on an electrically insulating surface of a carrier having a thermal expansion coefficient in the range 8.5 to 10.5 ppm/K range, and is provided with an electrically insulating cover layer. The carrier for the resistance layer can be constructed in the following manner: (a) as a substrate of a material containing a magnesium compound, preferably magnesium titanate; (b) as an intermediate layer mounted on a substrate, wherein the material of the substrate contains at least one magnesium compound; or (c) as an intermediate layer mounted on a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises aluminum oxide. With the resistance thermometer it is possible to attain a high long-term stability in the upper temperature range (above 500.degree. C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Heraeus Sensor-Nite GmbH
    Inventors: Karlheinz Wienand, Stefan Dietmann, Eva Soll
  • Patent number: 5815063
    Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient thermistor formed of a principal ingredient comprising barium titanate, lead titanate and calcium titanate, and rare earth elements, being particularly characterized by using calcium titanate as a raw material and having the particle diameter of said calcium titanate among raw material powders made smaller than that of other raw materials. The positive temperature coefficient thermistor formed by the present invention has improved durability in a reducing atmosphere due an increased density of the crystal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Goto, Eiichi Koga, Takuoki Hata
  • Patent number: 5815359
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection device, particularly for protecting equipment against electrical surges caused by lightning, wherein the protective device includes a first protection element for protecting the equipment from an electrical surge of positive polarity and a second protection element for protecting the equipment from an electrical surge of negative polarity, the first and second protection elements having substantially asymmetric surge capabilities. More specifically, the overvoltage protection device comprises a semiconductor substrate of one conductivity type having first and second pluralities of dopant regions of the opposite conductivity type disposed therein and respectively opening onto upper and lower major surfaces of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Maytum, Kevin Howard
  • Patent number: 5805049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-measuring-resistor which comprises vanadium oxide as a matrix material. The matrix material further contains at least one member selected from a metal, a metal oxide and a metal nitride, and the member has an electric conductivity higher than that of the vanadium oxide. The temperature-measuring-resistor has a low room temperature resistivity, and a volume resisivity that varies greatly with temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Yamada, Takehiko Sato, Toshihisa Honda, Toshio Umemura, Fusaoki Uchikawa
  • Patent number: 5796569
    Abstract: A self-resetting circuit overcurrent protection device suitable for use as a replacement for a conventional cylindrical fuse has at least one semi-tubular positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element surrounded by a tubular, electrically insulating body and connected to terminal caps disposed at either end of the cylinder. In a first embodiment of the invention, first and second PTC elements are disposed such that the concave surfaces thereof are oriented toward one another and are connected in electrical parallel so that the hold current of the PTC device is equal to the sum of the hold current values of each of the two elements. In a second embodiment, a first pair of semi-tubular PTC elements are disposed in nested, concentric relationship to one another and a second pair of semi-tubular PTC elements are disposed in nested, concentric relationship to one another, the two pairs of PTC elements being disposed with concave surfaces thereof facing one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: William Gronowicz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5764129
    Abstract: A ceramic resistor includes zinc oxide as a main component, and as essential components, aluminum oxide 3.0-40 mol %, magnesium oxide 2.0-40 mol %, silicon oxide 0.1-10 mol %, and at least one kind of compound 0.005-0.5 mol %, selected from a group consisting of calcium oxide, strontium oxide and barium oxide, and has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. A neutral grounding resistor and a gas circuit breaker, each using the above-mentioned ceramic resistors, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moritaka Syouji, Tadashi Kitami, Seiichi Yamada, Ken Takahashi, Shingo Shirakawa, Takeo Yamazaki, Shigeru Tanaka, Shigehisa Motowaki
  • Patent number: 5729189
    Abstract: A positive TCR thermistor device has excellent electrical contact between a heat generator and heat radiating blocks and high heat transfer efficiency therebetween. The positive TCR thermistor includes a heat generator having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance and heat radiating blocks supplying electric current to the heat generator and heating a heated medium by receiving heat generated by the heat generator. The heat generator is provided with a metallic paste electrode at a contact surface which is in contact with the heat radiating blocks and oil having flowability is disposed between the metallic paste electrode of the heat generator and the heat radiating blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Oya, Keiichi Yamada, Yasuaki Tsujimura, Naoto Miwa
  • Patent number: 5629666
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power resistor which has a large heat capacity per unit volume and an appropriate and stable electrical resistance, and in which the resistance changes little with time due to surge absorption. This power resistor includes a sintered body containing aluminum oxide and carbon, and a pair of electrodes formed on the two opposing surfaces of the sintered body. This sintered body consists of first regions containing a small amount of carbon or not containing carbon and second regions containing a larger amount of carbon than in the first regions and so arranged as to be connected to the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Motomasa Imai, Naoki Shutoh, Fumio Ueno
  • Patent number: 5619060
    Abstract: A thermal picture synthesis device (1) of multi-layer construction has a resistor element (3) spaced from a semi-conductor substrate layer (2). The resistor element (3) is made of titanium or Ni-chrome. A drive element layer (4) is provided either in or attached to the substrate layer (2) for the resistor element (3). By placing the drive element layer parallel to and spaced from the resistor element (3) it is possible to pack a plurality of resistor elements (3) into a side by side adjacent array with a high fill factor or packing density and this coupled with the use of titanium or Ni-chrome for the resistor elements (3) and the spacing of these elements from the semi-conductor substrate (2) allows the device to operate at a higher apparent temperature than is conventional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Alan P. Pritchard, Stephen P. Lake, Ian M. Sturland
  • Patent number: 5608373
    Abstract: A glass frit for firing in reducing environments includes an unusually large amount of calcium fluoride melted therein. Also, a copper conductive composition includes the glass frit with an unusually large amount of calcium fluoride. This copper conductive composition may be a paste prepared for screen printing, in which case an appropriate screening agent known to one of ordinary skill may be incorporated, or the composition may be a fired film formed upon a suitable substrate. A high power surge resistor also incorporates the glass frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Tom O. Martin
  • Patent number: 5585776
    Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention a layer of ruthenium oxide is reactively deposited onto a substrate, then annealed for TCR adjustment and for stabilization. In a second, bi-layer embodiment of the invention, a layer of tantalum nitride is first reactively deposited onto a substrate, then annealed for stabilization. After a ruthenium oxide layer is reactively deposited onto the annealed tantalum nitride layer, the structure is annealed until a near-zero effective TCR for the bi-layer resistor is achieved. The ruthenium oxide capping layer serves as a barrier against chemical attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Research Foundation of the State University of NY
    Inventors: Wayne Anderson, Franklyn M. Collins, Quanxi Jia, Kaili Jiao, Hoong J. Lee
  • Patent number: 5568116
    Abstract: A ceramic composition for a thermistor of the formula (M.sup.1.sub.1-x.N.sup.1.sub.x)(P.sup.2.sub.1-y-z.N.sup.2.sub.y.Al.sub.z)O .sub.3 where M.sup.1 is one or more elements selected from the group 3A elements of the Periodic Table excluding La, N.sup.1 is one or more selected from the group 2A elements of the Periodic Table, P.sup.2 is one or more selected from the elements of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8 of the Periodic Table whose oxides exhibit p-type characteristics, and N.sup.2 is one or more selected from the elements of the groups 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8 whose oxides exhibit n-type characteristics,wherein x, y and z are larger than 0 and smaller than 1 and 0.001.ltoreq.x/(1-y-z)<0.20, 0.05.ltoreq.y/(1-y-z).ltoreq.0.80 and 0<z/(1-y-z).ltoreq.0.90. Thermistor elements are usable within a broad temperature range of 300.degree.-1100.degree. C., have a stable resistance in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, can prevent deterioration of lead wires, and have superior stability at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Iwaya, Kyohei Hayashi, Hiroshi Matsuzaki, Yoshirou Suematsu
  • Patent number: 5561411
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a temperature sensor for high temperature comprises a ceramic plate on the surface of which is provided a thermistor layer, electrodes connected to the thermistor layer, and the thermistor layer containing ZnCr.sub.2 O.sub.4. It is preferable that the thermistor layer contain a resistance conditioning agent composed of either ZnO or Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 or both, and that it contains at least one of the sintering auxiliaries selected from the group: SiO.sub.2, CaO, MgO, CaCO.sub.3, kaolin, and talc. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain stable resistance-temperature characteristics at high temperature as well as superior heat resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaoru Kuzuoka
  • Patent number: 5519374
    Abstract: A hybrid thermistor temperature sensor includes a two-pole network of temperature-dependent resistors being in thermal and electrical contact with each other. The two-pole network has at least one temperature-dependent resistor with a positive temperature coefficient as a cold conductor, at least one temperature-dependent resistor with a negative temperature coefficient as a hot conductor, a temperature/resistance curve with a constant behavior or plateau in a predetermined temperature region, and at least one electrode electrically coupling at least two of the temperature-dependent resistors to each other. The at least one electrode is produced from a material ensuring a contact between the temperature-dependent resistors that breaks down a barrier layer and forms a diffusion barrier to a mutual diffusion of ingredients of each respective one of the contacting temperature-dependent resistors into the other of the temperature-dependent resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Matsushita Components GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Franz Schrank, Gerald Kloiber
  • Patent number: 5512873
    Abstract: The highly-oriented diamond film thermistor has a temperature sensing part formed of a highly-oriented diamond film grown by chemical vapor deposition. This highly-oriented diamond film satisfies the conditions that at least 65% of the film surface area is covered by (100) or (111) planes of diamond and the differences {.DELTA..alpha., .DELTA..beta., .DELTA..gamma.} of Euler angles {.alpha., .beta., .gamma.}, which represent the orientations of the crystal planes, simultaneously satisfy conditions, .vertline..DELTA..alpha..vertline..ltoreq.5.degree., .vertline..DELTA..beta..vertline..ltoreq.5.degree., .vertline..DELTA..gamma..vertline..ltoreq.5.degree., between adjacent crystal planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Kimitsugu Saito, Koichi Miyata, John P. Bade, Jr., Brian R. Stoner, Jesko A. von Windheim, Scott R. Sahaida
  • Patent number: 5497139
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a thermistor in a heat-resistant cap and lead wires electrically connected to the thermistor. The thermistor is comprised of materials defined by the following chemical formula:(Al.sub.1-x-y Cr.sub.x Fe.sub.y).sub.2 O.sub.3wherein 0.05.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.0.95, and 0.05.ltoreq.y/(x+y).ltoreq.0.6. The thermistor may also include CaO, rare earth oxide, ThO.sub.2 or ZrO.sub.2. The thermistor has an excellent long term resistance stability, which is important in high temperature applications of the temperature sensor, such as measurement of automobile catalytic converters temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Takahashi, Hiroki Moriwake, Yoko Sakoda, Takuoki Hata
  • Patent number: 5488348
    Abstract: A PTC thermistor including ceramic body having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity, a pair of electrode layers provided on both major surfaces of the ceramic body so as to be opposed to each other with the ceramic body interposed therebetween, a ceramic reinforcing plate provided on at least one of the major surfaces of the ceramic body, and an output electrode having a connecting portion for making electrical connection with the electrode layer on an inner major surface of the ceramic reinforcing plate and extending to an outer major surface of the reinforcing plate from the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shyoji Asida, Haruo Takahata, Takayo Katsuki
  • Patent number: 5477076
    Abstract: An integrated circuit implements an on chip thermal circuit (12) for measuring temperature of an operating integrated circuit die (10) by requiring only one dedicated integrated circuit pin (16). A second integrated circuit pin (18) is utilized but is also connected directly connected to other circuitry (14) on the integrated circuit and is used by the other circuitry at the same time that the integrated circuit die temperature is being measured. In one form, the second integrated circuit pin is a ground terminal. Error voltages coupled to the ground terminal may be removed from the temperature calculation by an external differential amplifier (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Gay, William B. Ledbetter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5451919
    Abstract: A conductive polymer composition which has a resistivity of less than 10 ohm-cm and which exhibits PTC behavior comprises a polymeric component and a particulate conductive filler. The polymeric component comprises a first crystalline fluorinated polymer having a first melting point T.sub.m1 and a second crystalline fluorinated polymer having a second melting point T.sub.m2 which is from (T.sub.m1 +25).degree. C. to (T.sub.m1 +100).degree. C. The composition exhibits one of a number of characteristics, including a relatively high PTC anomaly. The composition is useful in circuit protection devices to be used at high ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. Chu, Ann Banich, Robert Ives, Steven Sunshine, Chi-Ming Chan
  • Patent number: 5436609
    Abstract: An electrical device in which a conductive terminal is physically and electrically attached directly or indirectly to a face of a laminar PTC resistive element. The terminal comprises a laminar portion and a non-laminar shaped portion which lies within a projection of the periphery of the PTC resistive element. The shaped portion serves to improve thermal transfer between the PTC element and the atmosphere surrounding the device. Devices of the invention are useful as circuit protection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Chan, Shou-Mean Fang
  • Patent number: 5426279
    Abstract: A ceramic heating rate regulator for electrically powered thermal treatment operations is described. The regulator is made of a ceramic mixture containing molybdenum disilicide, which is an electrically conductive substance undergoing crystal structure transformation above 700.degree. C. The regulator comprises an elongated ceramic rod containing high concentration of molybdenum disilicide, the rod is subsequently insulated by a ceramic cylinder which contains silicon nitride and low concentrations of molybdenum disilicide. The regulator when incorporated in the heating circuit of the thermal treatment furnace will itself heat up and thus reduce the size of the heating current flowing in the circuit, as soon as the temperature of the regulator has reached the transformation temperature of molybdenum disilicide. The heating rate regulator is designed to be used in conjunction with conventional temperature controlling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Sankar Dasgupta
  • Patent number: 5424707
    Abstract: A NTC thermistor composition based on barium titanate has a Ba site and Ti site in a mole ratio (Ba site/Ti site) of 0.99 to 1.05, while 5 to 40 mole percent of the Ba site is substituted by Ca and not more than 40 mole percent is substituted by Sr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terunobu Ishikawa, Hideaki Niimi, Yasunobu Yoneda
  • Patent number: 5425099
    Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient thermistor element comprising a plate-shaped ceramic body made of a ceramic material whose Curie temperature is in the range of 60.degree. to 120.degree. C., and having a thickness of 2.5 to 5.0 mm, and electrodes formed on both major surfaces of the ceramic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Murata Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Takakura, Katsuyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 5416462
    Abstract: An electrical resistance element having a resistance body between two contact terminals. The resistance body has PTC behavior and is composed of a polymer matrix and a filler component embedded in the polymer matrix. The filler component is composed of electrically conducting particles. Although the element is of simple and inexpensive construction, the resistance element is notable for good electrical conductivity in the low-resistance state and for a low response time for the PTC transition from the low-resistance to the high-resistance state. This is achieved as a result of the fact that at least some of the electrically conducting particles are formed as composite bodies having electrically conducting surfaces and/or as hollow or porous bodies composed of electrically conducting material. These particles have a lower specific density and/or lower specific heat capacity than solidly formed particles composed of conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Anton Demarmels, Felix Greuter, Ralf Strumpler
  • Patent number: 5414403
    Abstract: A current-limiting component having an electrical resistance body arranged between two contact terminals. The resistance body contains a first resistance material having PTC behavior. Below a limit temperature, the first resistance material has a low cold resistivity and at least one current-carrying path extending between the two contact terminals. Above the limit temperature, the first resistance material has a high hot resistivity compared with its cold resistivity. The current-limiting component has uniform switching capability and high rated current-carrying capacity despite simple and inexpensive construction. The resistance body additionally contains second resistance material having a resistivity which is between the cold resistivity and the hot resistivity of the first resistance material. The second resistance material is in intimate electrical contact with the first resistance material and forms at least one resistance path connected in parallel with the current-carrying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Felix Greuter, Claus Schuler, Ralf Strumpler
  • Patent number: 5406081
    Abstract: A detector using a diamond thin film having high response speed and sensitivity. A p-type layer may be formed in an upper portion of the diamond film by doping boron thereto. Since a sensor layer and a heat reservoir layer are united in one layer, a higher sensitivity and a higher response speed can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Inushima
  • Patent number: 5382938
    Abstract: A PTC element has at least one body and two electrodes. The body or bodies has/have and is/are two parallel surfaces, of an electrically conductive polymer composition with a positive temperature coefficient. At least one of the parallel surfaces on the body, or on one of the bodies, of polymer composition is in free contact with an electrode or with a parallel surface on another body of electrically conductive polymer composition. A pressure device exerts a pressure directed perpendicularly to the parallel surfaces on the body, or the bodies, on the electrodes. The pressure device is preferably provided with pressure-exerting devices with the ability to be resilient. After changing from a low resistance to a high resistance state, the PTC element returns to the initial resistance and is reusable after having been subjected to short-circuit currents. The parallel surfaces on the body, or the bodies, of polymer composition may be concentric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AB
    Inventors: Tomas Hansson, Per-Olof Karlstrom
  • Patent number: 5379022
    Abstract: A thermistor device includes plural thermistor elements in series, one or more of which is shunted with a varistor so that if such thermistor heats up and drops excessive voltage, the current therethrough is diverted to the varistor until other thermistors in series also heat to a high resistance state. The thermistor and varistor elements are thermally joined so that the various thermistor elements are rapidly brought up to temperature and prevent prolonged voltage drop across a protective varistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Glade B. Bacon, Heber P. Farnsworth
  • Patent number: 5367285
    Abstract: Film resistors, for example, thin film thermistors having a negative temperature coefficient (NTCR) or near-zero TCR electronics resistors, are formed of an alloy of both an electrically insulating oxide and an electrically conducting nitride of at least one metal selected from titanium, tantalum, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The electrically insulating oxide of the at least one metal is preferably present in the film sufficient to impart a negative temperature coefficient of resistance to thermistors which include the film as a component part. Preferably, the metal is reactive with both an oxygen-containing gas and nitrogen and is deposited onto a substrate by reactive sputtering in the presence of an inert gas (e.g., argon). By controlling the volume ratio of the reactive gasses (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Swinehart, S. Scott Courts, D. Scott Holmes
  • Patent number: 5358793
    Abstract: A PTC device has two electrodes affixed to opposed surfaces. The electrodes consist of a metal foil having a conductive layer on their surfaces that contact the PTC material. The conductive layer has a thermal coefficient of expansion intermediate between the thermal coefficients of expansion of the metal foil and the PTC material. The intermediate value of the thermal coefficient of expansion of the conductive layer prevents peeling of the electrodes off the PTC element due to the variation of the temperature of the PTC device resulting from repeated voltage applications. In addition, improved adhesion of the electrodes to the PTC material reduces resistance changes after repeated temperature cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Daito Communication Apparatus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hanada, Mayumi Takata, Naoki Yamazaki, Isao Morooka, Kazuhiko Harazaki
  • Patent number: 5351026
    Abstract: A thermistor includes a rectangular parallelepiped thermistor element, electrodes formed over the entire top and bottom surfaces of the thermistor element, and leads connected to the electrodes. The leads have connecting portions for deriving signals, and are bent such that the connecting portions are positioned on substantially the same plane. A sealing resin completely surrounds the thermistor element, the electrodes, and all of the leads except for the connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kanbara, Hitoshi Fukui
  • Patent number: 5337038
    Abstract: A PTC thermistor capable of ensuring ohmic contact between a PTC thermistor body and an electrode and preventing deterioration in appearance of the thermistor to increase the yields. The PTC thermistor includes a PTC thermistor body, a first electrode formed of plated Ni of 0.2 to 0.7 .mu.m in thickness and a second electrode arranged on the first electrode and mainly formed of metal of low contact resistance. Moisture or water such as a Ni plating solution enters into the PTC thermistor body during formation of the first electrode on the body. The water then bursts due to expansion during baking of the second electrode formed on the first electrode, to produce craters on a surface of the second electrode. A decrease in thickness of the first electrode to a level as small as 0.2 to 0.7 .mu.m facilitates outward discharge of the water to reduce occurrence of the craters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Taniguchi, Keitsugu Nohara, Nobuo Kaihara
  • Patent number: 5313185
    Abstract: A continuous temperature sensing cable formed of a polymer containing conductive and semi-conductive fillers such as polyethylene with carbon black, powdered metals and metal oxides. The composition is extruded over a pair of elongated substantially parallel conductors which are spaced apart along the longitudinal length of the cable. The conductors are single-endedly connected to a control/alarm device for monitoring the continuous length of the temperature sensing cable. A critical voltage is applied single-endedly to the conductors and serially connected to an audible alarm to detect tunneling conduction when operated at a temperature near the melt temperature of the composition whereat the composition exhibits a negative temperature coefficient (NTC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Furon Company
    Inventor: Robert M. DeChurch
  • Patent number: 5302934
    Abstract: A thermistor positioned within a tubular probe adjacent its closed distal end has lead wires connected with terminals by both crimp and weld connections that are independent of one another. A non-rigid heat transfer medium fills the distal end portion of the probe in surrounding relationship to the thermistor. An opening in the sensor housing leads to the interior of the probe and receives a dielectric sleeve in which tail end portions of the terminals are positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Hart, Lowell F. Kline
  • Patent number: 5298749
    Abstract: A infrared and/or farinfrared detector using a diamond thin film having high response speed and sensitivity is disclosed. A p-type layer is formed in an upper portion of the diamond film by doping boron thereto. Since a sensor layer and a heat reservoir layer are united in one layer, a higher sensitivity and a higher response speed can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Inushima