Abstract: A sense amplifier for detecting a logic state of a selected electrical fuse cell among a number of unselected electrical fuse cells includes a bias module coupled to a power supply for generating a first current, and a tracking module coupled to the bias module for generating a second current. A current supplier is coupled to the bias module and the tracking module for generating a third current substantially equal to a sum of the first and second currents scaled by a predetermined factor, the third current being diverted into a first sub-current flowing through the selected electrical fuse cell and a second sub-current leaking through the unselected electrical fuse cells. The tracking module is so configured that the second current scaled by the predetermined factor is substantially equal to the second sub-current, thereby avoiding the first sub-current to be reduced by the second sub-current.

Abstract: A switch-type power converter includes a double FET switch operating in a variable duty cycle mode under the control of a Unitrode 3846 integrated circuit controller. Indications of excess input voltage and reverse battery connections are provided by circuits including an element which permanently changes state. A cooling fan mounted on a finned heat sink is operated in a variable speed mode.

Abstract: An electrical terminal block has a heat-meltable fusible link establishing a closed electrical circuit between a conductor and an actuator responsive to a control signal transmitted by conductor for controlling the state of an emergency process control device, such as a shut-off valve. The heat-meltable fusible link melts in response to ambient heat exceeding a predetermined temperature to establish an open electrical circuit between the electrical conductor and the actuator thereby causing the actuator to move the emergency process control device to a safe position or state.

Abstract: A fuse holder having at least two separate electrical paths may include a first hollow support containing a first fuse and a second hollow support containing a second fuse. The first hollow support may have first electrical connection devices, and the second hollow support may have second electrical connection devices. A support member may be coupled to the first hollow support and to the second hollow support. The support member, the first hollow support, and the second hollow support may be made of a non-conductive material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temperature-dependent transient blocking employing a transient blocking unit (TBU) that uses at least one depletion mode n-channel device interconnected with at least one depletion mode p-channel device. The interconnection is performed such that a transient alters a bias voltage Vp of the p-channel device and a bias voltage Vn of the n-channel device in concert to effectuate their mutual switch off to block the transient. The apparatus has a temperature control unit that is in communication with the TBU and adjusts at least one of the bias voltages Vp, Vn in response to a sensed temperature Ts, thereby enabling the apparatus to also respond to over-temperature. In some embodiments the p-channel device is replaced with a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC). The temperature control unit can use any suitable circuit element, including, among other a PTC, resistor, negative temperature coefficient element, positive temperature coefficient element, transistor, diode.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for protecting at least one component in an integrated circuit (IC). The system includes a disconnect element that is electrically connected in series between a terminal of the IC and the at least one component. The disconnect element is configured to have a first state to permit an electrical signal to propagate from the terminal to the at least one component and a second state corresponding to a high impedance condition that electrically disconnects the terminal relative to the at least one component. A control system is configured to cause the disconnect element to transition from the first state to the second based on at least one predetermined activation condition.

Abstract: A repair circuitry consisting of at least one electrical fuse forming part of a conduction path between a positive voltage supply (Vq) pad and a complimentary lower voltage supply source (Vss). The repair circuitry includes at least one switching device and at least one control circuitry. The at least one switching device has a control terminal and is coupled between the Vq pad and the at least one electrical fuse. The at least one control circuitry is coupled to the control terminal and the Vq pad respectively. Upon an application of a positive high voltage to the Vq pad, the control circuitry delays the turned-on state of the switching device for a predetermined period of time, thereby blocking stray currents occurred during ESD events. Consequently, the repair circuitry can prevent the at least one electrical fuse from being mistakenly programmed.

Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.

Abstract: A secondary battery device 1 including multiple protective circuits U1-U3 connected in parallel and each having two fuses fa, fb connected in series, wherein a terminal tc of each heater h is connected to a switch element 4 via rectifier element D1-D3. Even if a potential difference is generated between terminals tc, no residual current flows because any one of the rectifier elements D1-D3 is reverse-biased.

Abstract: A fuse system has both a non-serviceable fuse and a fuse terminal system for selectively installing a serviceable fuse. When installed, the serviceable fuse provides a current flow path parallel to the non-serviceable fuse.

Abstract: System and method for increasing the reliability of LED illumination systems used in projection display systems. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source with one or more serially connected sequences of two or more light elements coupled to a power source. Each light element includes a light emitting diode and an antifuse coupled in parallel to the light emitting diode, wherein the antifuse short circuits if a current flowing through the antifuse exceeds a specified magnitude. The current exceeds the specified magnitude only if an open circuit type failure occurs in the light emitting diode and the short circuit of the antifuse creates a low-resistance current path, thereby preserving current flow through the serially connected sequence and keeping the remaining light elements illuminated.

Abstract: An electric component includes a first base body that connects to a first contact, and an ally conducting element positioned along a current path between the first contact and a second contact. The electrically conducting element melts when an operating voltage of the electric component is exceeded. The electric component also includes an electrically insulating material that substantially surrounds the electrically conducting element and that is arranged so as to prevent an electric flashover between regions of the current path that are bridged by the electrically conducting element.

Abstract: A fusible link device comprising a housing that contains terminals for terminating incoming/outgoing wires, and that also contains a fusible link that interconnects a pair of the terminals in series, the fusible link device providing a self-contained unit/module for terminating and fusing wires to be electrically interconnected in series. The housing includes ports for inserting the wires that terminate on the terminals. These ports may be environmentally protected, such as by gel-sealing. The terminals may be implemented as insulation displacement connectors for connecting the wires and/or the fusible links. In one implementation, the fusible link device may contain a total of four of the terminals and two fusible links for terminating and fusing the tip and ring lines in a telecommunications network. The fusible link device may also include one or more voltage protection devices, of the same or different type, electrically connected across terminals that are not series connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motor starter circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5) supplied with current, particularly AC, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a starter switch arrangement (15), which serves the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the starter switch arrangement (15) interacting with a measuring arrangement serving the purpose of measuring the voltage across the auxiliary winding (5).

Abstract: PTC electrical heating devices are disclosed which are suitable to vaporize air treatment chemicals from an impregnated slab, such as insect repellents. In one form an electrical contact to a PTC heater element is provided with a bowl-shaped contact head to reduce the risk of edges of the contact cracking the heater element. In other forms peg and recess structures interact with apertures on a heat transfer plate to facilitate assembly of the parts of the structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an electrical fuse whose one end is connected to a power source via a switch; an electrical fuse whose one end is connected to ground via a switch; a switch that is connected between the other ends of the electrical fuses and the ground and is selected when the electrical fuses are to be cut; and a first pad and a second pad connected to the one-side ends of the electrical fuses respectively. Cutting electric current is supplied from the first or second pad according to information to be recorded, thereby cutting one of the electrical fuses, so that one-bit information is recorded by the two electrical fuses. This eliminates a need for a latch circuit that holds cut information on the fuses and enables recording and outputting of accurate fuse cut information.

Abstract: Provided is a resistor for controlling a fan motor rotating speed for use in an air conditioner. The resistor comprises a base body, a radiator attached to a top portion of the base body, a printed resistor circuit board covered with insulating sheets and received within the radiator, a fixture plate placed on a front surface of the radiator to isolate the printed resistor circuit board from the outside, and a temperature fuse spot-welded to upper connecting tip ends of the printed resistor circuit board at a top portion of the radiator. A fastener portion of an arc shape is formed on a top portion of the fixture plate to wrap around and fixedly support the temperature fuse. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the resistor, while improving the manufacturability and reliability thereof.

Abstract: An assembly has a mechanically inaccessible or difficult-to-access circuit, which has an electrical component that is irreversibly changeable by a current pulse; the irreversible change of the component is capable of switching the circuit from a first operating state into a second operating state, wherein the assembly has mechanically accessible supply lines via which it is possible to supply the current pulse for the irreversible change of the electrical component.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module with a fuse carrier for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one fuse module can be mounted to a power distribution unit for receiving at least one power input and providing power to associated electronic equipment. The power distribution unit can have a housing with at least one fuse access passage and at least one power output displaced along the housing and electrically couplable to the at least one power input. The fuse module can be disposed at least partially within the at least one fuse access passage and be electrically couplable to the at least one power input and at least one power output. The fuse module can have at least one removably attachable fuse carrier that, when attached, electrically couples a fuse housed by the fuse carrier to the at least one power input and the at least one power output.

Abstract: An electrical protection device is provided. The device can be removably attached to or mounted inside of a power source, such as a vehicle, e.g., automobile, battery and can employ a replaceable fuse element. The device includes an overcurrent protection element, such as a fuse element, and provides any one or more of the following types of electrical protection: (i) overcurrent protection; (ii) accident or catastrophic event power cutout protection; and (iii) load dump protection. The system is configurable to protect certain vehicle electrical components from an overcurrent and allow others to operate independent of the overcurrent protection. Systems and methods employing the protection device are also illustrated and discussed.

Abstract: A power supply controller having final test and trim circuitry. In one embodiment, a power supply controller for switched mode power supply includes a selector circuit, a trim circuit, a shutdown circuit and a disable circuit. The trim circuit includes a programmable circuit connection that can be selected by the selector circuit by toggling a voltage on an external terminal such as for example a power supply terminal, a control terminal or a function terminal of the power supply controller. The programmable circuit connection in the trim circuit can be programmed by applying a programming voltage to the external terminal. The shutdown circuit shuts down the power supply controller if the temperature rises above an over temperature threshold voltage. The shutdown circuit includes adjustment circuitry that can be used to test the shutdown circuit. The adjustment circuitry can adjust and reduce the over temperature threshold of the power supply controller.

Abstract: A relay unit and an electrical junction box are disclosed as including a plurality of relays (2A˜2D) and a power supply bus bar (3) for supplying electric power to the plurality of relays (2A˜2D) which are contained in an electrical junction box, wherein electric power is supplied to the respective relays (2A˜2D) from the power supply bus bar (3) via relevant fuses (16a˜16d).

Abstract: A circuit protector is connected in a circuit to protect the circuit from overloading. The circuit protector includes a casing inside which first and second terminals electrically connected to the circuit are fixed. A first cantilever member is fixed to the first terminal and has a cantilever arm that assumes a first shape in a normal condition and is convertible into a second shape in an overloading condition. A second member is supported in the casing by a pivot and has one end fixed to the second terminal by a fastener and an opposite end forming a contact engageable with the cantilever arm in the first shape and separable from the cantilever arm in the second shape. The fastener has a low melting point whereby an overloading causes the fastener to melt and break and thus allowing the second member to rotate and separating the contact from the cantilever arm. The second member is biased by a spring to facilitate separation of the contact from the second member when the fastener is broken.

Abstract: A wafer containing integrated circuits having fuses which are selectively blown to trim circuit perimeters. The fuses are located adjacent scribe lanes, and fuse pads are located in the scribe lanes. The integrated circuits are trimmed by selectively energizing the fuse pads to blow selective fuses. When the integrated circuits are severed from the wafer, the fuse pads are severed from the integrated circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intelligent fuse box (1) for a vehicle's multiplex power distribution system, the fuse box including outputs (3) for driving the vehicle's functional components/actuators and/or cable buses (11–13) equipped with intelligent_nodes (14), the latter in turn having outputs for driving functional components/actuators (15), and further including means serving fuse functions between the outputs (3; 11–13) and the vehicle's power supply bus (12). The fuse-function means are controlled solid-state switches (4). The fuse box (1) includes inputs (5) for receiving messages controlling the ON/OFF state of solid-state switches (4) and a microprocessor (6), the latter controlling the solid-state switches (4) based on a program stored in the microprocessor memory (7) and on current limits predetermined in configuration data (8).

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a control unit includes an interrupter element, which, in its initial position defined with respect to a circuit board, electrically connects the opposite facing ends of at least one track on the circuit board, and an actuating element which is activated with the overheating of the transistor, and which on actuation against the interrupter element takes effect and releases it at least so far from the tract that the electrical connection is interrupted. A preassembled actuating unit for the interrupter element of the overheating protection is comprises an accommodation housing, in which an actuating element is accommodated and which can be brought into interaction with the interrupter element and which is held releasably by a one-piece latching element formed on the accommodation housing under pretension. An electrical heating device with a control unit protected against overheating is also provided.

Abstract: A plurality of on-chip temperature sensors are selectively distributed across an integrated circuit. The temperature sensors generate signals indicative of operating temperatures experienced by the portions of the integrated circuit on which the temperature sensors are disposed. Based on the temperatures of the portions of the integrated circuit, operation of particular circuitry of the integrated circuit is dynamically adjusted to counteract the effects of undesirable or unexpected operating temperatures.

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.

Abstract: A fault condition monitoring apparatus for use with a fuse cutout includes a housing operable to be supported by the fuse cutout. The housing has first and second contacts operable to make electrical contact with fuse contacts on the fuse cutout when the housing is supported by the fuse cutout. A current sensor is mounted inside the housing and is connected to the first and second contacts. A signaling device is coupled to the current sensor and is operable to cause a signal to be produced when current sensed by the current sensor meets a criterion.

Abstract: A secondary battery of the present invention a heat-sensitive element which varies in resistance value due to change of temperature is not placed on a path through which a charge or discharge current flows into or out of a storage battery. Accordingly, when a main switch element generates heat due to an overcurrent, a change in resistance value of the heat-sensitive element resulting from the heat will allow an auxiliary switch to be turned ON, thereby causing first and second auxiliary fuses to be blown. The charge or discharge current causes no power consumption at the heat-sensitive element, thereby providing high efficiency. The heat-sensitive element can be reduced in current capacity for use and it is suitable for compact design.

Abstract: A device for easily determining whether a rare short circuit, which results from the generation of heat exceeding a predetermined value, has occurred in a load circuit. The device includes a fuse for detecting a load current that flows through the load circuit and generates a detection signal. A determination circuit is connected to the fuse to determine whether a rare short circuit has occurred. The determination circuit calculates one of a first parameter and a second parameter based on the detection signal. The first parameter relates to a first time period during which the load current exceeds a predetermined reference current value. The second parameter relates to a second time period during which the load current is less than or equal to the predetermined reference current value.

Abstract: A device for connecting and insulating a thermal protector for electrical windings of motors, comprising a tray-like shell made of plastics, which contains the protector and/or the fuse, which have one or more electrical contact terminals that protrude from the shell, the shell being complementary with respect to a spool of the winding of a motor, whose structure it completes, the shell having one or more male/female interlocking components that are complementary to corresponding male/female interlocking components of the spool.

Abstract: A device for protecting the electronic circuitry of electrical appliances against damage from unacceptably high voltages. An element is interposed in the power supply paths which limits the application of an externally supplied excessive voltage to a predetermined time interval and which completely interrupts the current flow when the excessive voltage and current causes a heat build-up. This is accomplished by interposing pairs of spaced-apart solder surfaces at at least one point along the current paths to the electronic circuitry. One solder surface of each pair is connected to the power supply and the other to the power consumer. An element is soldered to the respective solder surfaces of the pairs and electrically closes the current path. A mechanically prestressed spring engages the element and reliably separates it from the solder surfaces when the solder melts due to excessive heating.

Abstract: A relay, a relay unit and an electrical junction box are disclosed as including a plurality of relays (2A˜2D), each of which includes a pair of switch connector circuit components (5a˜5d, 6a˜6d) between which a relay switch (SW) is intervened, a pair of coil connector circuit components (7a˜7d, 8a˜8d) between which a relay coil (L) is intervened, and a plurality of electrically conductive trimmer joint portions (9a˜9j) joined between the respective switch connector circuit components (5a˜5d, 6a˜6d) and the respective coil connector circuit components (7a˜7d, 8a˜8d) and able to be cut out at suitable cutting points to provide a desired mounting circuit profiled in a selected relay circuit pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing resettable fuses has acts of forming multiple first and second bottom electrodes in pairs on a substrate, laminating a fuse layer on the substrate, forming multiple top electrodes respectively over the pairs of bottom electrodes, forming multiple conductive holes respectively through the top electrodes and the second bottom electrodes, removing the substrate, optionally forming isolation and contact elements and separating individual resettable fuses. Thereby, the manufacturing process and the structure of the resettable fuse are simplified, and the hold current of the resettable fuse is increased.

Abstract: A power protection device protects electronic equipment from AC supply system disturbances. An electronically controlled relay circuit passes power to connected equipment if the electrical supply system, to which the equipment is connected, is properly wired for continuity and correct polarity of line, neutral, and ground conductors, and the line voltage is within twenty-five percent of nominal levels. Thermal cut-offs are used as a back-up to the over-voltage protection provided by the electronically controlled relay circuit. These thermal cut-offs are connected in a way that when either or both trip, the relay of the electronically controlled relay circuit is de-energized and power is disconnected to the device output stage and connected equipment.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch and protection device is provided. The device includes a contact, a drive assembly, and a controller. The contact is movable among a first position, a second position, and a third position. The drive assembly moves the contact among the first, second, and third positions. The controller receives a first signal indicative of a condition of power in a first power source and a second power source. The controller provides a second signal to the drive assembly to move the contact in response to the first signal. The contact can provide power to a load from the first source in the first position, from the second source in the second position, and can isolate the load from the first and second sources in the third position.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a capability can prevent a burnt fuse pad from re-electrical connection, wherein the semiconductor device includes a bump pad and a fuse pad over a wafer. The fuse pad includes the burnt fuse pad having a gap for electrical isolation. The semiconductor device comprises a dielectric layer, disposed substantially above the burnt fuse pad and filling the gap, and a bump structure, disposed on the bump pad. The foregoing semiconductor device can further comprise a passivation layer, which exposes the bump pad and a portion of the burnt fuse pad. Wherein, the dielectric layer is over the passivation layer, covers the exposed portion of the burnt fuse pad and fills the gap.

Abstract: A submergence-responsive switching member driving circuit includes: a driving unit for driving a switching member of a vehicle so as to open or close it by means of a driving current that flows through between two current input-output ends; a first power terminal for supplying the driving current; relays having exciting coils and switching contacts Sw1, SW2, which, so long as a control current flows through the exciting coil, connect each of the current input-output ends to the first power terminal respectively by means of the switching contacts, and further there are provided power breaking means for breaking, when submerged in water, supply of the control current to the first exciting coil of the first relay.

Abstract: A fault detection circuit that includes a controllable switch coupling a power source to a load. Control circuitry is provided that determines if the switch is in the proper conduction state based on a switch control signal and a signal indicative of power delivered to the load. If the switch is determined as improperly closed (conducting), the control circuitry diverts energy delivered to the load through fuse circuitry, thereby blowing a fuse and decoupling the load from the power source. In preferred embodiments, logic circuitry determines the relative states of the control switch and the load and generates a control signal to divert energy away from the load and blow a fuse.

Abstract: A protective circuit for a secondary battery is formed with a heater and a thermistor that are connected in parallel, and a main fuse is connected in series with the parallel circuit. In a secondary battery equipped with this protective circuit, a charging/discharging current passes through the protective circuit and is limited by the operation of the thermistor when the voltage applied during abnormal conditions is relatively low. On the other hand, the current will cause the main fuse to blow when the voltage during abnormal conditions is high.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting thermocouple circuits in an injection molding system includes a protection circuit for each thermocouple pair. The protection circuit includes a resettable fuse disposed in series with each thermocouple wire for preventing high leakage current from passing through, and a capacitor connected to the two wires of a thermocouple to filter out AC line noise. The protection circuits are integrated in a junction box used to connect a heater power cable and a thermocouple control cable to the hot-half of the molding machine.

Abstract: A cable network and a method for protecting the cable network against a serial arc are disclosed. In particular, a 42 V vehicle network for a motor vehicle is contemplated. The cable network includes a supply line connecting a voltage source and a load. The supply line includes two cable runs that are connected in parallel. Each of the cable runs contains a fuse therein. In the event of a cable defect in one (first) of the cable runs, all of the current flows via the other (second) cable run. This prevents an arc from being formed at the cable interruption in the first cable run. The fuses are preferably in the form of electronic components, which positively disconnect one another as soon as one component is activated due to a fault.

Abstract: A surge suppressor includes a surge suppression device. A novel current limiting fuse design prevents current flow when the surge suppression device fails. A thermal fusing device is configured to prevent current flow when excessive heat is generated in the surge suppression device. A novel enclosure is used for containing the surge suppression device, over current fuse and thermal fuse. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Abstract: A rectifier assembly including a fusible cutout is configured as a polarity reversal protection device. The fusible cutout includes a semiconductor chip having a positive temperature coefficient so that when it overheats, it becomes unsoldered and interrupts the current flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disconnect unit for mechanical and electrical systems comprising a disconnect means and at least one receptacle. The disconnect unit provides the advantages of improving ease of installation while reducing manufacturing and installation costs. These advantages are accomplished, in general, by mounting the disconnect unit on, adjacent to or in a unit or units of the mechanical and electrical systems. Such systems use voltages in the range of 120 volts to 600 volts. The disconnect unit is contained in an enclosure and connected to a control panel inside the building by connective wiring run in the same conduit as the mechanical and electrical system units. Such systems may include but not limited to air conditioning systems, heating systems, air circulation systems and the like.

Abstract: A power splitter device includes a power input port, at least three power output ports that each have a separate, resettable overcurrent protection circuit with a maximum current rating; and a port switch configured to provide power from the input port to selectable combinations of one or more of the output ports. The combinations of one or more of the output ports include at least one combination of at least two of the output ports. In addition, the port switch is configured to prevent power from being applied to all of the output ports simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blowing fuses in an integrated circuit. The apparatus and method use a plurality of fuse blowing circuits coupled serially. Each successive fuse blowing circuit is activated by an activate signal generated by a previous fuse blowing circuit. The apparatus and method provide for the fuse blowing operation to be both self-timing and self-testing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a protection device for indicating when ground fault protection is not being provided by the protection device. The protection device includes source and load terminals between a conductive path and face terminals. The protection device further includes a latching mechanism, adapted to be operable between a first state in which the latching mechanism permits electrical contact between the source terminals and the load terminals and a second state in which the contact is broken; an alarm indicator, adapted to provide an indication that the protection device is not providing ground fault protection; and a fuse, adapted to blow when the latching mechanism fails to open during a manual test of the protection device.

Abstract: A surge protector utilizing MOVs has a capacitor connecting line input to neutral input that causes thermal fuses to sequentially disconnect the line conductor from the output of the protector under limited current abnormal overvoltages either line to ground or neutral to ground.