Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a temperature measurement section that measures a temperature of a heat generation source generating heat by consuming power or a temperature of an inner position of a casing of which the temperature changes due to the heat generation of the heat generation source; and an environmental temperature calculation section that calculates a temperature which is calculated using a predetermined relational equation that is different in accordance with a model from a difference between a first temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time when the heat generation source starts consuming a predetermined amount of power and a second temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time after the passage of a predetermined period from the start of consumption of a predetermined amount of power by the heat generation source as an environmental temperature in an environment where the casing is placed.

Abstract: A control device suitable for use in a vehicle includes a circuit board and a spring element. The circuit board includes a circuit element electrically connected thereat. The spring element is engaged with the circuit element and biased or urged towards the circuit element to exert a force at the circuit element in a direction generally parallel to a surface of the circuit board. The circuit element is electrically connected at the circuit board via a solder joint. When a temperature at the solder joint exceeds a threshold temperature, the spring element moves the circuit element along the surface of the circuit board to break the electrical connection at the solder joint.

Abstract: A smart alarm plug, socket, wall-mounted socket or connector includes a casing, a normally-open temperature control switch, a normally-closed temperature control switch and an alarm device. The casing is provided with a live wire pin, a neutral wire pin, an earth wire pin, and connecting core wires. The heat resistance value of the normally-closed temperature control switch is greater than the heat resistance value of the normally-open temperature control switch. When the temperature of the power wire is abnormal, the normally-open temperature control switch will be closed for the alarm device to connect with the power, such that the alarm device sends an alarm signal to warn the user to examine the circuit, providing a warning effect. When the temperature is over the preset value, the normally-closed temperature control switch will be opened to cut off power supply, achieving a fire alarm effect.

Abstract: A protection circuit includes a surge absorber, a switch device electrically connected to the surge absorber and having a first conductor and a second conductor, and a heat-shrinkable device disposed on an outer periphery of the surge absorber and shrinking in accordance with temperature of the surge absorber. The first conductor has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The surge absorber is connected to the first connecting portion. When the switch device is in an initial state, the second connecting portion electrically contacts the second conductor, and when the heat-shrinkable device shrinks to separate the second connecting portion from the second conductor, the switch device is switched off.

Abstract: A system for isolating portions of a power supply array comprising at least one isolation mechanism being in electrical communication with a terminal of at least one portion of the power supply array, the isolation mechanism being arranged to disconnect the at least one portion from the power supply array when the isolation mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A method for managing an electronic circuit (2) including a thermal protection device (12) interrupting the operation of the electronic circuit when a measured temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, includes counting the electronic circuit operation interruptions and interrupting the operation of the electronic circuit when the number of counted interruptions reaches a predetermined value and when no reset has taken place. The corresponding circuit includes: a counter (16); linking elements between the counter and the thermal protection device such that the counter can indicate the number of operation interruptions caused by the thermal protection device; and elements for resetting the counter.

Abstract: A system, for use in protecting an active-material actuator from overheating without using a temperature sensor. The system includes an active material being transformable between a first state and a second state in response to a pre-determined stimulus, and being pre-tensioned to at least a pre-determined threshold, yielding the pre-tensioned active material. The system also includes a processing unit configured to perform operations comprising obtaining a value for electrical resistance of the pre-tensioned active material, estimating, based on the electrical resistance obtained, an strain value for the active material, yielding an estimated strain value, and obtaining an actual strain value for the active material. The operations also include determining a difference between the estimated strain value estimated and the actual strain value and determining, based on the difference determined, whether an overheating condition exists for the active material.

Abstract: An electrical installation with circuit integrity of an electric through line under fire impact. Branch off devices are connected to the through line, and branch lines are connected to the branch off devices. The branch off devices include a thermally triggering disconnect device for providing circuit integrity of the through line under fire impact. The disconnect device is configured to disconnect an electrical connection between the branch line and the through line self-acting when an ambient temperature increases to a predetermined value that is typical for a fire. An installation kit and a branch off device for such an electrical installation.

Abstract: An overcurrent cutoff device includes a heat generating unit located in series with a path leading from a battery B for a vehicle to a motor via a wire, and a heat sensing unit with characteristics varying with the temperature supplied from the heat generating unit. The overcurrent cutoff device cuts off overcurrent by activating a switching element, based on a signal in accordance with the temperature obtained from the heat sensing unit. The overcurrent cutoff device includes an overcurrent detecting element in which the heat generating unit and the heat sensing unit are integrally covered with a molded resin section.

Abstract: A protective circuit module and a rechargeable battery including the same, the protective circuit module including a circuit board main body having an electrode terminal tab configured to electrically connect to an electrode terminal of a bare cell, a chip-type PTC device on the circuit board main body, and a heat transfer member connected to the chip-type PTC device and the electrode terminal tab.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasably mounting access control components for a door lock to a door. A base element is adapted to be mounted to the door. A first wire connector element is mounted to the base element. A mounting element with combustible material attached is provided. A second wire connector element is mounted to the mounting element, and the second wire connector element is releasably connected to the first wire connector element to mount the mounting element to the base element. A spring is provided, and a retainer holds the spring in a loaded state, but in a fire event the retainer may melt, allowing the spring to apply force to the mounting element. Alternatively, an expanding material may apply the force. The force causes the wire connector elements to disconnect and allow the mounting element to separate from the base element.

Abstract: A display panel driver circuit includes multiple drivers adapted for cooperatively driving a display panel and each operable under a protection mode, and an overheat protection device including multiple protection circuits, each of which controls a respective one of the drivers to operate under the protection mode in response to receipt of an enable signal, an interface circuit which transmits the enable signal to each of the protection circuits in response to receipt of a warning signal, and multiple temperature detection circuits, each of which is able to detect a temperature associated with a respective one of the drivers, and outputs the warning signal to the interface circuit based on the temperature thus detected.

Abstract: A charger capable of charging an electronic apparatus includes a charger main body having a power output unit which output charging power, a connection unit which is attached to the charger main body, which is configured to be connected to the electronic apparatus, and which is configured to supply the charging power from the power output unit to the electronic apparatus in a state that the connection unit is connected to the electronic apparatus, and a temperature sensor which is provided in the connection unit, and which is configured to detect a temperature in the vicinity of the connection unit.

Abstract: A method and electronic safety device including a switching element for disconnecting and/or limiting the current consumption of an electrical load, wherein control commands for the switching element are received through a remote control interface, and wherein the switching element is only switched on or off when the thermal load on the switching element is within a permissible range such that there is no longer any need to provide a dedicated relay in electrical systems for remote-controlled switching operations.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an overcurrent protection device. The apparatus can include an overvoltage protection device coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to cause the overcurrent protection device to decrease a current through the overvoltage protection device after a breakdown voltage of the overvoltage protection device increases in response to heat.

Abstract: A method detects a glowing contact in a power circuit. The method applies at least two different resistance values across the power circuit and responsively senses at least two voltages across the power circuit. Each of the at least two voltages correspond to one of the at least two different resistance values. Then, the method determines if a number of changes in the sensed at least two voltages with respect to a number of changes in the at least two different resistance values is linear within a predetermined range or if a change in two of the sensed at least two voltages does not increase with a decrease in two of the at least two different resistance values and, otherwise, responsively generates at least one of a trip signal and an alarm signal corresponding to detecting the glowing contact in the power circuit.

Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a reflowable thermal fuse that shuts off current to a field-effect transistor if the field-effect transistor is overheating. In particular, the reflowable thermal fuse is integrated with the field-effect transistor to provide greater proximity between the field-effect transistor and the reflowable thermal fuse, thus providing efficient and accurate detection of an overtemperature condition in the field-effect transistor.

Abstract: A battery pack that can quickly transfer heat from a battery cell to a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) to quickly cut off a current when the battery cell is heated to a high temperature. A battery pack includes: a battery cell including a cell tab; a protective circuit module including an internal terminal connected to the cell tab, a PTC connected to the internal terminal, and an interconnection pattern between the internal terminal and the PTC and electrically connecting the internal terminal to the PTC; and a heat transfer member including a surface contacting the interconnection pattern, and opposite sides respectively connected to the internal terminal and the PTC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new PTC device having a configuration with which protrusion of solder paste and/or an excess portion of epoxy resin do not adversely affect a jig. Such PTC device 30 includes a PTC member 32 and leads 34 and 36 electrically connected to both sides of the PTC member. The PTC member includes a PTC element 38 and metal electrodes 40 and 42 placed on both sides of the PTC element respectively, and each lead is electrically connected to the metal electrode via an electrically conductive connection portion 50. At least one of the leads 36 has a concave portion which is defined with a bottom portion 44 located adjacently to the metal electrode of the PTC member and a wall portion 46 surrounding the electrically conductive connection portion which connects the leads to the metal electrode.

Abstract: A method can be used for driving an electronic switch integrated in a semiconductor body. A first temperature is measured at a first position of the semiconductor body. A temperature propagation is detected in the semiconductor body. The electronic switch is switched off when the temperature at the first position rises above a first threshold that is set dependent on the detected temperature propagation.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes a bare cell having a can, a cap plate on the can, and an electrode terminal protruding from the cap plate; a protection circuit module on the bare cell, the protection circuit module including a circuit board; a temperature sensitive device coupled to the circuit board; and a first lead plate electrically coupled to the circuit board and to the electrode terminal.

Abstract: An electronic package structure including at least one first electronic element, a second electronic element and a lead frame is provided. The second electronic element includes a body having a cavity. The first electronic element is disposed in the cavity. The lead frame has a plurality of leads. Each of the leads has a first end and a second end. The first end of at least one of the leads extends to the cavity to electrically connect the first electronic element.

Abstract: An electrical adaptor comprising a housing. A male electrical plug comprises a prong extending from the housing and is configured as a standard 120-volt male plug. The prong comprises a distal tip, and the distal tip forms an end to the male electrical plug. A female socket is electrically connected to the male electrical plug and comprises an electrical contact positioned in the housing. The female socket is configured to receive a standard 120-volt male plug. The electrical contact comprises a distal tip, and the distal tip forms an end to the female socket. At least one thermal indicator circuit is electrically connected to the male electrical plug and the female socket and is electrically positioned between an end of the male plug and an end of the female socket. The thermal indicator circuit is configured to actuate an alarm upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature without interrupting electrical flow between the male electrical plug and the female socket.

Abstract: A thermal trip unit for a circuit breaker having a primary conductive path for conducting a load current is provided. The thermal trip unit comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA) member adapted to change from a first shape to a second shape at a predetermined thermal condition, a holding member coupled electrically in series with the circuit breaker primary conductive path, said holding member arranged to operatively support said SMA member, wherein said SMA member is configured and disposed within the circuit breaker to trigger a trip response of the circuit breaker at said predetermined thermal condition.

Abstract: A temperature detecting apparatus includes an integrated circuit that integrates an overheating detecting circuit, a breakage detecting circuit and a disabling circuit, and an element connection terminal connecting a temperature sensing element. The disabling circuit disables the breakage detecting circuit from detecting a breakage of wire when a voltage at the element connection exceeds a disabling threshold which is set higher than an overheating detection threshold and a breakage detection threshold. A predetermined voltage higher than the disabling threshold is applied to the element connection terminal when the temperature sensing element is not connected to the element connection terminal.

Abstract: An electronic load for testing stability of a power voltage of a power source under test (PSUT) includes a voltage supply device, a field effect transistor (FET), an amplification circuit, and a current sampling resistor. The amplification circuit includes a first input, a second input, and an output. The voltage supply device is connected to the first input. The second input is connected to a source electrode of the FET. The output is connected to a gate electrode of the FET. A drain electrode of the FET is connected to the PSUT. One end of the current sampling resistor is grounded, and the other end of the current sampling resistor is connected to the source electrode of the FET and the second input. The voltage supply device outputs a control voltage. The amplification circuit amplifies the control voltage and drives the FET using the amplified control voltage.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. With the present invention, the electrical components of a device are automatically protected from thermal damage during sterilization.

Abstract: A semiconductor element drive device which individually drives semiconductor elements configuring a power converter includes plural protection circuits which detect information necessary for carrying out a protection operation for the semiconductor elements, an alarm signal output circuit which, having set therein pulse signals with pulse widths differing from one of the plural protection circuits to another, continuously outputs a pulse signal corresponding to a protection circuit, among the plural protection circuits, which has first detected that a protection operation is necessary, as an alarm signal during a period in which it is detected that the protection operation is necessary, and a notification signal output circuit which, when the alarm signal is output from the alarm signal output circuit, outputs one pulse thereof equivalent to the set pulse width as a protection operation notification signal.

Abstract: A device for preventing arc flashes in electrical systems is provided. The device may include at least one heat sensor for measuring a temperature of an electrical conductor, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one heat sensor and configured to arrest current in the electrical conductor if the measured temperature exceeds a predefined threshold temperature.

Abstract: A thermal protection device includes a heating circuit that develops a first heat magnitude when exposed to a temperature below a threshold and further develops a second heat magnitude greater than the first heat magnitude when exposed to a temperature above the threshold. A thermal circuit breaker is disposed in heat communication with the heating circuit and has component having a holding temperature greater than the threshold and a trip temperature greater than the holding temperature.

Abstract: With a wire protection method in accordance with the present invention, the method being used for supplying electric power from a power source to a load, an applied-current to the load is detected every predetermined time, A wire rise temperature is calculated using the detected applied-current I(n) and by a relational expression concerning heat radiation and heat generation of the wire. The calculated rise in temperature is added to a reference temperature so that a wire temperature is estimated. When the estimated wire temperature is lower than a predetermined upper limit temperature, the calculation of the rise in temperature is repeated. When the estimated wire temperature has become equal to or higher than the predetermined upper limit temperature, the electric power supply from the power source to the load is stopped so that the wire is protected.

Abstract: A method provides electronic overload protection having a thermal trip level. The method executes a function by a processor; provides the electronic overload protection by the function executed by the processor; and adjusts the thermal trip level by the function executed by the processor in order to mimic adjusting a physical thermal characteristic of a thermal time constant of a fixed mechanical system.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a device for thermal monitoring of a connection device, said connection device comprising at least two terminals to be monitored, including at least one active terminal, the device comprising at least one electrically conductive fault-initiating element electrically connected to a protective conductor, and electrically insulating detection means for detecting abnormal heating, in thermal contact with each terminal to be monitored, the detection means preventing each fault-initiating element from coming into electrical contact with an active terminal so long as these detection means are not subject to a threshold temperature, and the detection means releasing the fault-initiating element when they are subject to a temperature higher than or equal to the threshold temperature in such a way that this fault-initiating element comes into electrical contact with an active terminal, the thermal monitoring device being characterized in that each fault-initiating element comprise

Abstract: A thermal protection circuit has two electrical connection terminals for a device to be protected, and a temperature-dependent switch. The switch is provided with a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, two stationary contacts which are connected to the connection terminals, and a current transfer element, which is arranged on the switching mechanism. The current transfer element is moved by the switching mechanism and comprises two counter contacts, which are electrically connected to one another and in temperature-dependent bearing contact with the two stationary contacts. The thermal protection circuit is provided with a controllable semiconductor valve for AC voltage having two current terminals and a control input. Each of the two current terminals is connected to one of the connection terminals, and the control input is electrically connected to the counter contacts at the current transfer element via the switching mechanism at least when the temperature-dependent switch is closed.

Abstract: An electronic component has an integrated protective device which responds in the event of a thermal overload and interrupts a current flow through the component. The protective device has an electrical terminal which may be brought under spring pretension by intrinsic resilience and assumes a mounting position in the pretensioned state and a current interrupting position in the untensioned state.

Abstract: A protective device includes a substrate, an electrode layer, a metal structure, an outer cover and an arc extinguishing structure. The electrode layer is disposed on the substrate. The electrode layer includes at least one gap. The metal structure is disposed on the electrode layer and located above the gap, and the metal structure has a melting temperature lower than a melting temperature of the electrode layer. The outer cover is disposed on the substrate and covers the metal structure and a portion of the electrode layer. The arc extinguishing structure is disposed between the outer cover and the substrate. A protective module is further provided.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may include discovering, by software, at least one variable from at least one component populated on a shelf system. The method may also include performing, by the software, at least one shelf management function based on at least one variable. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surge arrester which, in a housing (7), has at least one arrester element (3), in particular a varistor, a solder-fixed thermal disconnection point (5), which is connected to the arrester element, and a damage indicating device (11) for displaying the fault state, wherein the damage indicating device also queries the state of a thermal disconnection device, in particular a fuse, and presents the possible fault states of the arrester element and of the disconnection device mechanically in an OR combination in a suitable way. Furthermore the thermal disconnection device comprises a movable component, which is fixed by an indicator wire and is released after the melting or destruction of said wire. According to the invention, a guide part (9) for a compression spring (10) or similar force accumulator is provided on or in the housing.

Abstract: A thermal protection method and system of an Integrated Circuit (IC) are provided, which are applicable to a wireless terminal equipment. The method includes: measuring a temperature value of a protection point; comparing the measured temperature value with a thermal protection temperature threshold; and starting a protection measure when the measured temperature value reaches or exceeds the thermal protection temperature threshold and a duration of reaching or exceeding the thermal protection temperature threshold exceeds a preset time.

Abstract: An over-current protection device is disposed on a circuit board and configured to protect a battery. The over-current protection device includes a resistive device, at least one insulation layer and a weld electrode layer. The resistive device exhibits positive temperature coefficient behavior. The insulation layer has a thickness of at least 0.03 mm. The weld electrode layer is configured to weld a strip interconnect member to electrically coupled to the battery, and has a thickness of at least 0.03 mm. The insulation layer and the resistive device are disposed between the weld electrode layer and the circuit board. The circuit board, the resistive device and the weld electrode layer are electrically coupled in series. The association of the resistive device and the weld electrode layer has a thermal mass capable of withstanding welding the strip interconnect member without significant damage to the over-current protection device.

Abstract: A recessed light fixture includes a thermally protected light emitting diode (“LED”) module. The thermally protected LED module includes a thermal protector positioned in series between a source of electrical power and an LED driver and is configured to open a circuit to prevent power from being supplied by the power source to the LED driver for an LED package when a thermal rating or activation temperature of the thermal protector is exceeded. For example, the maximum operating temperature of the LED driver may be 90 degrees Celsius, and the thermal rating of the thermal protector may be 80 degrees Celsius, and when the temperature of the driver or a mounting bracket upon which the driver is mounted reaches 80 degrees Celsius, the thermal protector opens a circuit and removes current flow from the power source to the driver, thereby removing power to the LED package.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine interface system including a first circuit board, a bracket coupled to the first circuit board, a fan coupled to the bracket and disposed over the first circuit board, a second circuit board coupled to the bracket, a first cable coupled between a connector of the first circuit board and a connector of the second circuit board; and a second cable coupled between a connector of the first circuit board and a connector of the second circuit board.

Abstract: A protective device including a substrate, a conductive section and a first auxiliary medium is provided. The conductive section is supported by the substrate, wherein the conductive section comprises a metal element electrically connected between first and second electrodes. The metal element serves as a sacrificial structure having a melting point lower than that of the first and second electrodes. The first auxiliary medium is disposed between the metal element and the substrate, wherein the first auxiliary medium has a melting point lower than that of the metal element. The first auxiliary medium facilitates breaking of the metal element upon melting.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module (10) with a plurality of solar cells (20) interconnected in serial and/or parallel arrangement within the module (10) is equipped with an overheat protection system (30) for suppressing damages of the photovoltaic module (10) due to defects of the solar cells (20). The overheat protection system (30) comprises a heat sensor (32) which is thermally coupled to a solar cell (20). The heat sensor (32) is physically integrated into an electrical switch (34, 36, 38) which is electrically connected to said solar cell (20).

Abstract: An embodiment method for power switch temperature control comprises monitoring a power transistor for a delta-temperature fault, and monitoring the power transistor for an over-temperature fault. If a delta-temperature fault is detected, then the power transistor is commanded to turn off. If an over-temperature fault is detected, then the power transistor is commanded to turn off, and delta-temperature hysteresis cycling is disabled.

Abstract: A current limiter and related methods to protect a switched-mode power supply from inrush current. The current limiter may include a resistive element electrically interconnected in series to a thermal element. The resistive element and the thermal element may be disposed about a single, unitary core. The resistive element may be in the form of a wire wound resistor wound about the core. The thermal element may be in the form of plated portion of the core. The thermal element may act as a thermal fuse to prevent overheating and unsafe failure of the resistive element in cases where excessive current passes through the resistive element. The thermal element may be configured to trip in a safe manner without sparking or creating exposed energized conductors. Thus the current limiter may be operable to limit inrush current while providing for safe failure modes.

Abstract: Faulty battery detecting and locating devices and methods are able to detect and locate a faulty battery cell. The device applies an energy to a sensing member, such as a polymeric tube containing at least two polymer-coated and twisted electric wires. Heat that is generated by a faulty battery triggers an electric communication between the two electric wires by melting at least a portion of the polymer. The resulting change in resistance between the two electric wires is used to detect and locate a faulty battery.

Abstract: A triac circuit comprises a triac having first and second main terminals (MT1,MT2) and a gate terminal and a thyristor connected between one of the main terminals (MT1,MT2) and a control terminal of the triac circuit. The thyristor is used to prevent turn on of the triac when it has turned on by temperature induced leakage currents.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: Power distribution busses and methods are disclosed that provide flexible protection and alarming capabilities. Various embodiments provide interchangeability of fuses and circuit breakers within the same power distribution bus configuration. These various embodiments also provide discrete alarming for fused lines, discrete alarming for lines with circuit breakers, combined alarming for lines having mixed forms of protection, and/or selectable alarming such as combined versus discrete in relation to employing all fused lines, employing all circuit breaker protected lines, or employing mixed line protection.