Abstract: One end of a fuse is connected to a ground point via a transistor N1A, and the other end thereof is connected to a node VaA. For example, at a fuse connection case, when INTV=“H” is input to the gate of the transistor N1A, the node VaA becomes “L.” At INTV=“L”, a transistor P1A having a low “on” resistance turns ON, and the node VaA is quickly precharged. At INTV=“H”, the transistor N1A turns ON, and the node VaA is quickly discharged.

Abstract: A first power wire supplies a power potential to a circuit having a first function. A first ground wire supplies a ground potential to the circuit having the first function. A first protection circuit is connected between the first power wire and first ground wire, and protects the circuit having the first function. A second power wire supplies a power potential to a circuit having a second function. A second ground wire supplies a ground potential to the circuit having the second function. A second protection circuit is connected between the second power wire and the second ground wire, and protects the circuit having the second function. The element is disposed in at least one of intervals between the first power wire and the second power wire and between the first ground wire and the second ground wire, and brings one of the intervals into a disconnected state.

Abstract: A self diagnostic solid state relay for converting a low current input into a high current output and providing the combined functions of silent switching and visual indication of circuit status. A three dimensional polygonal shaped housing encloses a printed circuit board. A MOSFET field effect transistor, a pair of female circuit board terminals, and a pair of LED elements are electrically communicable with a first side of the printed circuit board, the LED elements further being viewable from an exterior location of the housing. A fuse including first and second spaced apart and extending blade portions engage, respectively, with the first and second female terminals through openings defined in the housing. A plurality of male circuit board terminals are in electrical communication with a second side of said printed circuit board and extend from further selected exterior locations of the housing.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, comprising a processor, an onboard system clock for generating a clock signal, and clock trim circuitry, the integrated circuit being configured to: (a) receive an external signal; (b) determine either the number of cycles of the clock signal during a predetermined number of cycles of the external signal, or the number of cycles of the external signal during a predetermined number of cycles of the clock signal; (c) store a trim value in the integrated circuit, the trim value having been determined on the basis of the determined number of cycles; and (d) use the trim value to control the internal clock frequency.

Abstract: A safe method and apparatus for interrupting electric utility ground and open neutral fault currents and isolating customer's grounding system from utility's neutral utilizing thermal-magnetic circuit breaker pole(s) (18) electrically connected between the neutral bus/lug(s) (38) and the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). In addition the grounding electrode conductor (26) is connected directly to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). The method of overcurrent protection for grounding electrode conductors is applicable to electrical installations where from one to six main circuit breakers are used. Circuit breaker enclosure(s) (10) are bonded to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). This method is applicable to load centers, panelboards, and switchboards rated 600 volts or less, single phase or three phase. Ampere ratings vary from 20 amperes to 4,000 amperes. Short circuit ratings vary from 10,000 to 200,000 RMS symmetrical amperes.

Abstract: An electrical protection device is provided which combines the functions of an external connecting element and a safety fuse with a circuit-side contactable connecting element in a very small and compact component

Abstract: A fault sensing electrical wire (411) utilized one or more sensor strips (407) which provide an impedance change when the wire is subject to an overtemperature condition or mechanical damage of the wire. A control unit (402) measures the impedance of the sensor strips of the fault sensing wire and provides a control signal (405) to initiate an alarm or protective action based on the severity of the condition. The control unit (402) may monitor a number of fault sensing sires simultaneously or in sequence. The apparatus may be used to sense an electrical arc occurring in the insulation of the wire.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting wildlife from contact with an energized fuse assembly known as a “cutout”, also known as a “disconnect”. The cutout is shrouded from above and three sides. One side is left open to facilitate installation or removal of a fuse holder assembly. The shroud is formed to allow the use of a hot-stick for installation and removal of a fuse holder assembly into a fuse receptacle formed by upper and lower contact assemblies held in opposition to each other by an insulator. The shroud provides a slot enabling installation when a wire is connected to the upper contact assembly. A pin is used to hold the shrouding in place.

Abstract: A low resistance fuse includes a polymer membrane, a fuse element layer formed on the polymer membrane, and first and second intermediate insulation layers extending on opposite sides of the fuse element layer and coupled thereto. At least one of the first and second intermediate insulation layers comprises an opening therethrough, and the polymer membrane supports the fuse element layer in the opening. A heat sink, heater elements, and arc quenching media may be used in combination with the fuse, and the fuse may be fabricated with an adhesive lamination process.

Abstract: An over-current control device, either single or three phased, is provided for protecting equipment and persons under fault conditions. The control device incorporates integrated circuitry to provide over-current protection to monitored circuits/components. The preferred embodiments of the device include time/current characteristic circuitry and trip circuitry to cause the contacts of a relay to transition, thereby actuating a magnetic latch and providing either direct or indirect over-current control.

Abstract: A fused electrical disconnect device includes a housing defining a cartridge receptacle. A line interface and a load interface are disposed within the receptacle. A line terminal extends into the body and is in electrical communication with the line interface. A load terminal also extends into the body and is in electrical communication with the load interface. A fuse holding cartridge is removably insertable into the cartridge receptacle and releasably accommodates a load protection fuse. The fuse holding cartridge establishes an electrical current path between the line and load interfaces when the fuse holding cartridge accommodates a load protection fuse and is inserted into the cartridge receptacle. An alarm signal circuit is also in electrical communication with the line and load terminals. The alarm signal circuit generates an alarm signal when the electrical current path is interrupted and the line and load terminals are electrically coupled to a power source and a load respectively.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes at least one via providing a conductive path through the printed circuit board. The via comprises at least one axially extending conductive strip formed by cutting material from a metal barrel lining the interior wall of the via.

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: An automobile multi-purpose DC source protection monitor includes of a fuse protection module; multiple units of fuse being arranged on each fuse-carrier, then respectively connected to electric appliance; individual sensor being provided to form individual detection loop; a signal retrieval module connected to each sensor through transmission wire to convert analog signals detected by each fuse into digital signals; and a display module to clearly indicate the location of a failing fuse, immediate display of voltage, amperage and power in numeric values by means of the signal retrieval module and the digital signals of the detection loop from each fuse on the fuse-carrier.

Abstract: A fused electrical disconnect device comprises a housing and line and load connectors extending from one side of the housing. A line buss is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the line connector. A load buss is also disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the load connector. A fuse holding cartridge is removably insertable into the housing. The fuse holding cartridge includes a body and line and load terminal blades extending from one side of the body. The line terminal blade contacts the line buss and the load terminal blade contacts the load buss when the fuse holding cartridge is inserted into the housing. A load protection fuse is removably insertable between the line and load terminal blades to establish an electrical current path between the line and load terminal blades.

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: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing surge arrestors, the method being of the type comprising the steps which consist in:

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a microrelay switch (1) switching off small overcurrents, and a short-circuit current limiter, for example a fuse link, a PTC thermistor 16 or a power breaker, for limiting or switching of large overcurrents.

Abstract: A semiconductor module includes a housing with at least one semiconductor component that is conductively connected to at least one output line. An integrated temperature sensor is also housed in the housing. This sensor is connected, via at least one of its load terminals, to a terminal for receiving a supply potential. The temperature sensor conducts a load current that heats-up the temperature sensor when a first temperature threshold is crossed and a supply potential is in being supplied. A housed interruption device is arranged in such a way that it interrupts the output lines carrying the load current when a second temperature threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A controller system for a bathing installation such as a spa is disclosed. The system distributes line voltage from a line voltage service to one or more line voltage loads and controls operation of a service system for the bathing installation. The system includes a housing structure, with a controller printed circuit board mounted within the housing. The board includes a plurality of line voltage output terminals for connection to respective line voltage loads via line voltage wiring connections, a set of circuit board line voltage contact surfaces, a plurality of circuit conductors for providing circuit connections between the contact surfaces and respective ones of the line voltage from the circuit board line voltage contact surfaces to the output terminals.

Abstract: A fused switch unit is provided with two connecting contacts into which a fuse holder (20) can be inserted in order to hold a fuse link (30) with a head contact (31) and a foot contact (32). A first connecting contact (60) of the fused switch unit (10) can be connected via a controllable interruption contact (80) and by means of a bridging element (81) to a first of the contacts (31) of the fuse link (30). The fuse holder (20) or the fused switch unit (10) has a fuse state indicating device (40) with two contacts (42, 43) for an electrical connection for the connecting contacts (60, 70) of the fused switch unit (15).

Abstract: A molded case electric switch housing includes an electric switch control circuit for motor overload and phase loss conditions, a motor contactor control circuit for turning an associated electric motor ON and OFF and a replaceable fuse unit for handling short-circuit type faults. Upon the occurrence of a short circuit within the protected circuit, the fuse rapidly interrupts the short circuit to protect the electric circuit. The fuse is replaced before power is restored to the protected circuit. The arrangement of the electric switch control circuit, motor contactor control circuit and fuse allows single sized switch current-carrying components to be used over a wide range of motor ratings.

Abstract: A battery protection circuit for use between a battery output and a load is achieved. The circuit comprises, first, a plurality of fused cells coupled in parallel between the battery output and the load. Each fused cell comprises, first, a fuse having first and second terminals where the first terminal is coupled to a battery output. Second, a means having zener effect has a p terminal and an n terminal. The p terminal is coupled to the second terminal of the fuse. Finally, a cell switch having first and second terminals completes each fused cell. The cell switch first terminal is coupled to the second terminal of the fuse, and the cell switch second terminal is coupled to the n terminal of the diode to form a cell output. Finally, the battery protection circuit comprises a shorting switch, that may comprise a MOS transistor that exhibits punch through, that is coupled between the load and each fused cell output. The current source second terminal is coupled to ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cost effective protective device for safeguarding an electrical device against overcurrent. The preferred exemplary embodiment is a conductor track fuse that is arranged in a hollow body. According to the invention, the hollow body has an opening that specifically allows metal vapor to escape upon tripping of the fuse. This prevents the production of an electric arc.

Abstract: A GFCI is provided that has secondary test switch contacts. In case closing of the primary test switch contacts fails to trip the GFCI, subsequent closing of the secondary test switch contacts results in a short circuit between the AC input terminals of the GFCI. The short circuit blows a fuse disposed on the line side of the GFCI. The blowing of the fuse disables the GFCI and/or provides an indication to the user that the GFCI is defective.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch assembly includes a pull out fuse assembly and a switch housing assembly. The fuse assembly includes a line side conducting portion, a load side conducting portion, and a fuse element therebetween. The switch housing assembly includes a fuse receptacle for receiving the fuse, a first contact assembly coupled to the line side conducting portion of the fuse and a second contact assembly coupled to the load side conducting portion of the fuse when the fuse is inserted into the receptacle. An open fuse indication device is in communication with conducting portions of the fuse, and an alarm terminal output extends from the switch assembly housing and is in communication with the open fuse indication device. The open fuse indication device provides local fuse state indication and the alarm terminal output facilitates remote fuse state indication when coupled to external circuitry.

Abstract: In an electric distribution box (1), electric power, supplied from an alternator (ALT), is supplied to fusible links (F/L) via a power supply terminal (4) and a bus bar (3). The bus bar (3) includes a first bus bar (3B), forming a path for supplying necessary supply electric power for a maximum load condition from a connection bus bar (3A) connected to the power supply terminal (4), and a second bus bar (3C) forming a path for supplying an excessive proportion of the maximum electric power, generated by the alternator, over the necessary supply electric power for the maximum load condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing trimming circuits. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a transistor that supplies sufficient current to trim a trimming fuse when the transistor is powered up and after it receives a select signal at its gate. When the trimming fuse is trimmed, it decouples undesired electrical connections in a circuit. Also provided is a delay structure that adds an RC delay to the select signal. The RC delay is of a sufficiently long duration so as to decrease the switching speed of the transistor. The delay structure also provides a pass filter to filter power and voltage spikes in the select signal.

Abstract: In an electrical load controller, a thermal fuse is blown at an abnormal heating of an electrical load, so that an electrical circuit of the electrical load is disconnected. The controller controls a work amount of the electrical load by intermittently controlling electrical power to be supplied thereto. The power supply to the electrical load is intermittently stopped even when the work amount of the electrical load is controlled at a maximum amount. Therefore, an arc, generated when the thermal fuse is blown, disappears while the power supply is stopped, so that the thermal fuse can be accurately operated.

Abstract: A surge suppressor conducts heat from a surge protection component (SSC) through a heat conductive element, such as a copper pad, on a printed circuit board, to at least one thermal fuse to cause the thermal fuse to open when the resistance of the SSC begins to decrease, resulting in an increase of heat generated by the SSC.

Abstract: The protective element 20A includes a first PTC element 1, as well as a low-melting-point metal member 2, a heat-generating member 3 and a second PTC element. A the PTC material 1′ constituting the first PTC element 1 serves as a substrate for the low-melting-point metal member 2, the heat-generating member 3 or the second PTC element. This protective element using the PTC element can be manufactured easily, with fewer components, and at lower costs. Moreover, the protective element can be made thinner.

Abstract: A PCB scrap edge removal tool comprising scrap removal jaws formed of two matching opposing pieces of metal having cut-outs in a castellated fashion. The jaws have a gap between them for receiving a PCB work piece to be finished. Metal dowels for PCB positioning span the gap. A PCB is positioned in the gap and rocked back and forth to break off the scrap edge pieces. The cut-outs in the scrap removal jaws correspond to portions of the PCB edge that are not to be removed. These portions move freely in the cut-outs as the PCB is rocked back and forth.

Abstract: A first power wire supplies a power potential to a circuit having a first function. A first ground wire supplies a ground potential to the circuit having the first function. A first protection circuit is connected between the first power wire and first ground wire, and protects the circuit having the first function. A second power wire supplies a power potential to a circuit having a second function. A second ground wire supplies a ground potential to the circuit having the second function. A second protection circuit is connected between the second power wire and the second ground wire, and protects the circuit having the second function. The element is disposed in at least one of intervals between the first power wire and the second power wire and between the first ground wire and the second ground wire, and brings one of the intervals into a disconnected state.

Abstract: A shunt regulator circuit and method for protecting the circuit having a plurality of fuses parallely arranged in a bank so that lower rated fuse can be used while improving the control characteristics of activating the fuse elements. The circuit operates in one of two modes, a shunt regulator mode and a fuse activation mode. In the shunt regulator mode, a feedback circuit prevents any fuse that has blown open form loading a feedback signal to the regulator amplifier of the circuit. In fuse activation mode, each fuse is selectively activated so that a large amount of current is caused to flow through the fuse element until it blows open. This continues for each fuse element in the bank until the safety concern has been eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing trimming circuits. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a transistor that supplies sufficient current to trim a trimming fuse when the transistor is powered up and after it receives a select signal at its gate. When the trimming fuse is trimmed, it decouples undesired electrical connections in a circuit. Also provided is a delay structure that adds an RC delay to the select signal. The RC delay is of a sufficiently long duration so as to decrease the switching speed of the transistor. The delay structure also provides a pass filter to filter power and voltage spikes in the select signal.

Abstract: A surge protection device includes terminals adapted to receive a power source voltage and surge protection circuits, each of which includes a thermal fuse spring, one or more metal oxide varistors (MOVs), and one or more fuse traces corresponding to the MOVs. The thermal fuse spring, one of the fuse traces and the corresponding one of the MOVs are electrically interconnected in series between the terminals, in order to form a series electrical connection therebetween. The thermal fuse spring is adapted to disconnect the series electrical connection between the terminals under first fault conditions including a first current of first duration through one of the MOVs. The thermal fuse spring and each of the fuse traces are adapted to cooperatively disconnect a corresponding one of the series electrical connections between the terminals under second fault conditions including a second greater current of second lesser duration through one of the MOVs.

Abstract: A low cost high side supply shut down circuit that operates to deactivate the power supply of a central supply, such as to pressure regulators, solenoid valves, etc., as parts of non-repairable electro-hydraulic transmission modules in the event of a malfunction, e.g. a low side driver circuit failure. The supply voltage is connected to the high side of a fuse. The load circuits receive power or no power depending on the operating condition of the fuse. Coupled across the fuse is a fuse trigger status detection circuit as part of a diagnostics and control module. The diagnostics and control module is connected to the input of a shut down low side output driver circuit. The attached low side loads have individual detection circuits that are coupled to the diagnostics and control module as well as their enable inputs.

Abstract: The safety device comprises an electric circuit comprising at least a current-limiting fuse and a current switch connected in series with the fuse. The switch has a moving contact which can be actuated by a drive mechanism to open or close the switch. The mechanism is arranged so as to prevent the fuse(s) being disengaged or engaged while the switch is closed and it has a drive lever occupying a first position or a second position respectively when the switch is closed and when it is open. Each fuse has a handle member which is either masked or uncovered depending on the position of the lever, the lever being designed to cover the handle member so as to mask it.

Abstract: A method for protection of an electrical installation against series fault. The method is directed to detection of heat development at specific points in the installation by means of individual sensor/switch units connected to the installation and interruption of the current supply to the installation when the heat development exceeds a given threshold. The invention also concerns a system for implementing the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fused disconnect. More specifically, the present invention provides a fusible disconnect that includes a single line side terminal, two independent load side terminals, two independent removable fuse carriers and two independent blown fuse indicators. The common line side terminal provides power to both of the removable fuse carriers. The present invention therefore enables a single, standard sized disconnect to isolate and provide overload protection for two electrical load devices, thus reducing the required number of fused disconnects by one half. The present invention also reduces the required number of line side connections by one half. To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a multiple pole fused disconnect includes a housing, a line terminal secured to the housing and a plurality of load terminals secured to the housing.

Abstract: A thick film circuit on an insulating substrate includes a thermal fuse. The circuit includes a conductive strip, which may be sufficiently resistive to comprise the resistor of an automotive fan motor controller, which is made of a material dissolved by a solder which melts at a predetermined temperature. When an abnormal event occurs which raises the temperature of the circuit, the solder melts and dissolves the underlying conductive strip. The solder and melted material of the strip then coalesce into one or more droplets thereby breaking the circuit.

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 protection device includes a substrate capable of suppressing electromagnetic fields, with a channel formed therein, a current dependent circuit interrupter disposed inside the channel, and voltage management circuitry coupled to the substrate. The voltage management circuitry is electrically coupled to the current dependent circuit interrupter so as to form a crowbar circuit in the presence of overvoltage or undervoltage conditions as determined according to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A protective device for minimizing fire danger in the use of electrical circuits comprises a unit having a mechanically biased conductive element in series with the circuit, and maintained in position under tension by a fusible material such as a Cerro alloy having a yield point at a selected temperature threshold. When overheating at some other point in the circuit results in a rise of temperature at the protective device, the yielding of the fusible material allows the conductive element to spring free, opening the circuit and cutting off the current. This arrangement is useful in a male plug integral to or separate from an extension cord or power cord, in conjunction with circuit breaker systems, in a in-circuit device, and in electrical appliances and devices.

Abstract: A low resistance fuse includes a fuse element layer, and first and second intermediate insulation layers extending on opposite sides of the fuse element layer and coupled thereto. The fuse element layer is formed on the first intermediate insulation layer and the second insulation layer is laminated to the fuse element layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having a power transistor and a circuit arrangement functioning in a temperature dependant manner and thermally coupled to the power transitor. The integrated circuit is used to reliably disconnect the power transistor in the event of overheating., particularly in the case of inductive loads, and does not reactivate the power transistor until, for example, an edge change has occurred at the base terminal of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A programmable element includes a resistive element having a polysilicon film and a metal silicide film or metal film stacked on the polysilicon film. The electric resistance of the resistive element is changed by changing the composition of the metal silicide film or metal film or the chemical bond state using heat, thereby programming on the basis of the change in the electric resistance of the resistor.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch assembly includes a switch housing assembly and a pull out fuse assembly. The switch housing assembly includes a housing defining a fuse receptacle, first and second terminal contacts within the housing and located adjacent the fuse receptacle, and an alarm terminal extending from the fuse receptacle to an exterior of the fuse housing. The pull out fuse assembly includes a housing, a line side terminal extending from the housing, a load side terminal extending from the housing, and a primary fuse having first and second conductive end caps. The fuse end caps are coupled to respective line side and load side terminals of the pull out fuse assembly housing, and the first and second terminal contacts of the switch housing assembly receive the load side and the line side terminal blades of the pull out fuse assembly.

Abstract: A fuse cutout for connection to a power source, includes a mounting having upper and lower support members extending from opposing ends of the mounting. A holder member is fixedly attached to the lower support member of the mounting and a pivot member is received in the holder member at a first pivot point. The pivot member is movable between first and second positions. A lever member, movable between non-release and release positions, has unitary first and second portions. The first portion is pivotally coupled to the pivot member. A fuseholder, movable between closed and open positions, has upper and lower ends, the lower end being pivotally coupled to the pivot member at a second pivot point. The first and second positions of the pivot member and each of the closed and open positions of the fuseholder, correspond to each of the non-release and release positions of the lever member.

Abstract: This invention includes a current limiting circuit comprised of an array of switch-fuse pairs. Switches are coupled in series with fuses to form fuse-switch pairs. The fuse switch pairs are coupled in parallel forming an equivalent fuse. A current censing circuit senses the current flowing in the equivalent fuse. When the current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the current sense circuit actuates a control circuit that clears the fuses by opening all the transistors save one. This forces the entire current through a single fuse, causing it to clear. Each fuse is cleared in similar fashion in much the same way that a zipper is opened one tooth at a time. In other words, under normal conditions, all switches are on and each fuse carries Ta/n amps, where Ta is the current rating of the fuse and n is the number of fuses. If all but one transistor is turned off, then Ta amps would flow through a single fuse. If the fuse were rated for 2Ta/n, the fuse would clear.