213 results about "Fusible link" patented technology

The present disclosure relates to articles (and the manufacture thereof) that use electrical energy to heat a material to form an inhalable substance, the articles being sufficiently compact to be considered “hand-held” devices. In certain embodiments, the articles can particularly be characterized as smoking articles. The smoking article can be adapted to detect the status of a cartridge portion of the smoking article. The smoking article includes a control body portion having a control body engagement end, wherein the control body portion houses a control component and a power source therein. The article further includes a cartridge body portion that has a cartridge body engagement end configured to removably engage the control body engagement end of the control body portion. The cartridge body portion houses a consumable arrangement and a heating connection operably engaged therewith comprising at least one heating element and a fusible link.

A method is provided for the fabrication of fuses within a semiconductor IC structure, which fuses are delectable by a laser pulse or a low voltage electrical pulse typically below 3.5 V to reroute the electrical circuitry of the structure to remove a faulty element. The fuses are formed on the surface of circuitry which is coplanar with a surrounding dielectric such as the circuitry formed by a Damascene method. A preferred fuse material is silicon-chrome-oxygen and the preferred circuitry is copper.

The present invention relates to a programmable semiconductor device, preferably a FinFET or tri-gate structure, that contains a first contact element, a second contact element, and at least one fin-shaped fusible link region coupled between the first and second contact elements. The second contact element is laterally spaced apart from the first contact element, and the fin-shaped fusible link region has a vertically notched section. A programming current flowing through the fin-shaped fusible link region causes either significant resistance increase or formation of an electric discontinuity in the vertically notched section. Alternatively, the vertically notched section may contain a dielectric material, and application of a programming voltage between a gate electrode overlaying the vertically notched section and one of the contact elements breaks down the dielectric material and allows current flow between the gate electrode and the fin-shaped fusible link region.

A fuse array having a plurality of fusible links that can be addressed by two electrodes is disclosed. The fuse array includes two conductive strips having the plurality of fusible links located therebetween and electrically coupled to the conductive strips. The fusible links have different electrical resistance and each fusible link includes a fuse portion. A voltage potential applied across the conductive strips induces current flow through the fusible links in accordance with Ohm's law and ohmic heating occurs at the fuse portion in proportion to the square of the current. The voltage is increased to cause sufficient ohmic heating to occur in the most conductive fusible link (the fusible link having the lowest electrical resistance) so that the fuse portion in that fusible link fuses. Because the fusible links are connected in parallel to the conductive strips, an equivalent resistance of the plurality of fusible links increases and the current flow diminishes so that no further fuse portions are fused at the selected voltage level. Thereafter, the voltage level may be increased to fuse the most conductive fusible link remaining that is not fused. The fuse array may be incorporated into a circuit as a resistor that can be tuned to circuit requirements or as a physical structure in MEMS devices wherein the fuse array may be tuned to change physical properties of the MEMS device.

A method and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to automatically reset a rollable fire door curtain in the raised position. In one embodiment, a brake is coupled to a rolling fire door axle by an electromechanical clutch. The fire door is pre-disposed to unroll and close the opening, however, the brake prevents the door from unrolling. When a switch, a signal, or a fusible link indicates that the fire door should close, an electromechanical circuit board sends an electrical signal to an electromechanical clutch which opens the clutch. With the clutch open, the brake is no longer coupled to the fire door and the door closes. When the switch or signal is reversed, the clutch closes, re-coupling the fire door axle to the brake. The brake allows input rotation in both directions, but prevents the rolling door from closing under its own weight. Therefore, upon raising the curtain, the fire door is automatically reset and ready to close in the event of a fire.

A surface mount fuse having a plurality of fusible links is provided. The links are located on opposite sides of an insulative substrate or one otherwise thermally insulated or decoupled from one another. The fuse links entered to terminals that can be asymmetrically secured to the substrate to discourage improper mounting. The fuse protects multiple different circuits or loads having a same common or grounded line.

A low resistance fuse apparatus and methods of manufacture includes a first intermediate insulation layer, a second intermediate insulation layer, and a free standing fuse element layer independently formed and fabricated from each of the first and second intermediate insulation layers, The fuse element layer includes first and second contact pads and a fusible link extending therebetween. The first and second intermediate insulation layers extend on opposite sides of the free standing fuse element layer and are laminated together with the fuse element layer therebetween.

Provided are interconnect circuits for interconnecting arrays of battery cells and methods of forming these interconnect circuits as well as connecting these circuits to the battery cells. An interconnect circuit may include a conductive layer and one or more insulating layers. The conductive layer may be patterned with openings defining contact pads, such that each pad is used for connecting to a different battery cell terminal. In some embodiments, each contact pad is attached to the rest of the conductive layer by a fusible link formed from the same conductive layer as the contact pad. The fusible link controls the current flow to and from this contact pad. The insulating layer is laminated to the conductive layer and provides support to the contacts pads. The insulating layer may also be patterned with openings, which allow forming electrical connections between the contact pads and cell terminals through the insulating layer.

A contactless device comprises circuitry storing information, a switch having a first position and a second position, and a fusible link. When the fusible link is intact, wireless reading and writing of the information is enabled regardless of the position of the switch. When the fusible link has been parted, wireless reading of the information is enabled when the switch is in the first position, and wireless reading of the information is disabled when the switch is in the second position. The contactless device may be placed in a non-responsive state, and transformed to a responsive state by parting a second fusible link, or by transmitting an authenticating code to the device. The contactless device may be a card, or some other kind of device.

A cell connection strap for electrically connecting a pair of adjacent battery cells within a battery pack includes, in one example, a fusible link for preventing a thermal runaway condition from occurring in a cell connected thereto. The strap may include raised features thereon for permitting relative movement between the cells in the pack due to vibration or an impact of the pack from translating stress to welds connecting the straps to the cells. In another example, the body of the cell strap may include slits formed in sides thereof to reduce rigidity of the strap for protecting the welds between strap and cell, and also provides a fusible link capability in the strap for preventing a thermal runaway condition from occurring in a cell connected thereto.

In a battery module including a plurality of batteries 40 stored in a housing, each of the batteries 40 includes an electrode portion 16 protruding from a battery case 5, a base 30A is arranged on a side of the electrode portions 16 so that the base 30A is in contact with the battery cases 5, and the electrode portions 16 are inserted in through holes 36 provided in the base 30A. Connection portions 320 connected to the electrode portions 16 are formed on upper surfaces of the electrode portions 16. A connection terminal 32 for connecting the batteries 40 in parallel is formed in a region on the base 30A in which the connection terminal 32 does not cover the through holes 36. The connection terminal 32 is connected to the connection portions 320 by fusible links 320A straddling the through holes 36.

A self-closing vent intended for use in attics, crawl spaces, joist cavities, exterior walls, interior walls, or other structural element which allows for the free flow of air from outside a building to interior spaces during normal use. The vent includes a damper blade pivotally connected to, and disposed within, the vent housing, which is held in an open position by a temperature sensitive fusible link. Two, and preferably three, permanent magnets provide the force for driving the damper blade into a closed and locked position. A first magnet disposed in a side of the vent housing and a second magnet disposed on the damper blade are disposed with opposing (repelling) polarities when the damper blade is held in the open position. A third magnet disposed proximate the back of the vent housing is oriented so as to attract the magnet disposed on the damper blade. Thus, when the fusible link is broken by high temperatures, the first magnet propels the damper blade toward the closed position, and the third magnet attracts the damper blade to assist in putting it into a fully closed position. The third magnet and second magnet then cooperate to effect a secure closure, which is supplemented by mechanical locks disposed in the vent housing.

A fusible link for a semiconductor device comprises an insulating substrate and a conductive line pair on the surface of the insulating substrate, with the conductive line pair having spaced ends. A polymer is disposed over the insulating substrate and between the conductive line pair ends. The polymer is capable of being changed from a non-conductive to a conductive state upon exposure to an energy beam. Preferably, the polymer comprises a polyimide, more preferably, a polymer / onium salt mixture, most preferably, a polyaniline polymer doped with a triphenylsufonium salt. The link may further comprise a low k nanopore / nanofoam dielectric material adjacent the conductive line ends.

A programmable read only memory includes a matrix of semi-fusible link memory cells, each including a semi-fusible link having an intact impedance and a blown impedance; a bit line voltage supply switching circuit for applying a current to at least one selected bit line; a word line address decoder for selecting a word line; and a program control logic circuit for blowing the semi-fusible links in the memory cells identified by the intersection of the selected word and bit lines; a method is disclosed of testing programmed and unprogrammed read only memory.

A system for detecting the presence of smoke within a building and providing means to remove the smoke, into the airspace above the ceiling thereby preventing or at least alleviating smoke inhalation, property damage, and allowing more time for the safe evacuation from the premises. The system is comprised of a conventional smoke detector which activates control means for raising and lowering a generally planar panel which is installed in a ceiling. Smoke is removed from the airspace below the ceiling to the airspace above the ceiling. An optional fan, remote fan relay, exhaust vent and back draft damper further aid in the exhausting of the smoke from the building. A fusible link in the control means protects the ceiling fire rating.

A fusible link unit includes a bus bar adapted to be connected to a battery without interposing a fuse between the bus bar and the battery, and a heat resistant insulating sheet which covers at least an upper edge portion of the bus bar. The fusible link unit is adapted to be accommodated inside an in-vehicle electrical connection box.

Disclosed is a fusible link unit having a fuse circuit structure containing screw fixing terminal portions linked through fusible members to a linking plate, and a housing into which the first fuse circuit structure is assembled, wherein a plurality of terminal supports for supporting the screw fixing terminal portions in a state that the front surfaces of the screw fixing terminal portions are exposed to outside are provided in the housing. The fusible link unit is improved in that the terminal supports of the housing each include pawl parts for preventing each screw fixing terminal portion from displacing to a surface thereof.

An electric junction box, disposed in a water penetration region, which accommodates bus bars inside a case body thereof and has fuses (fusible links connected with the bus bars. An upper cover and a lower cover are mounted on the case body 11 with the case body, the upper cover, and the lower cover connected with one another. An entire peripheral wall of the upper cover is formed not as a double-wall construction, but an inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall is brought into contact with an outer surface of an entire peripheral wall of the lower cover (or case body) to lock the peripheral wall and the entire peripheral wall of the lower cove to each other. In a watertight region including at least the fuses, a rib is projected in the shape of a frame from an inner surface of an upper wall of the upper cover so that the rib surrounds the watertight region.

A low resistance fuse apparatus and methods of manufacture includes a first intermediate insulation layer, a second intermediate insulation layer, and a free standing fuse element layer independently formed and fabricated from each of the first and second intermediate insulation layers, The fuse element layer includes first and second contact pads and a fusible link extending therebetween. The first and second intermediate insulation layers extend on opposite sides of the free standing fuse element layer and are laminated together with the fuse element layer therebetween.

A contactless device comprises circuitry storing information, a switch having a first position and a second position, and a fusible link. When the fusible link is intact, wireless reading and writing of the information is enabled regardless of the position of the switch. When the fusible link has been parted, wireless reading of the information is enabled when the switch is in the first position, and wireless reading of the information is disabled when the switch is in the second position. The contactless device may be placed in a non-responsive state, and transformed to a responsive state by parting a second fusible link, or by transmitting an authenticating code to the device. The contactless device may be a card, or some other kind of device.

A fusible link for a semiconductor device comprises an insulating substrate and a conductive line pair on the surface of the insulating substrate, with the conductive line pair having spaced ends. A polymer is disposed over the insulating substrate and between the conductive line pair ends. The polymer is capable of being changed from a non-conductive to a conductive state upon exposure to an energy beam. Preferably, the polymer comprises a polyimide, more preferably, a polymer / onium salt mixture, most preferably, a polyaniline polymer doped with a triphenylsufonium salt. The link may further comprise a low k nanopore / nanofoam dielectric material adjacent the conductive line ends.

A self-closing vent intended for use in attics, crawl spaces, joist cavities, exterior walls, interior walls, or other structural element which allows for the free flow of air from outside a building to interior spaces during normal use. The vent includes a damper blade pivotally connected to, and disposed within, the vent housing, which is held in an open position by a temperature sensitive fusible link. Two, and preferably three, permanent magnets provide the force for driving the damper blade into a closed and locked position. A first magnet disposed in a side of the vent housing and a second magnet disposed on the damper blade are disposed with opposing (repelling) polarities when the damper blade is held in the open position. A third magnet disposed proximate the back of the vent housing is oriented so as to attract the magnet disposed on the damper blade. Thus, when the fusible link is broken by high temperatures, the first magnet propels the damper blade toward the closed position, and the third magnet attracts the damper blade to assist in putting it into a fully closed position. The third magnet and second magnet then cooperate to effect a secure closure, which is supplemented by mechanical locks disposed in the vent housing.

A fusible link unit which is fastened to a battery post clamp terminal clamped to an on-vehicle battery, includes: a bus bar made from a metal plate and including: a battery terminal including at least two mounting edges, and a plurality of fastening holes provided thereon and through which a fastening member of the battery post clamp terminal is inserted, each of the fastening holes corresponding to respective one of the mounting edges; and at least one fusible portion provided at an side of the bus bar opposite to the battery terminal; and a resin case covering the bus bar except for at least one of the fusible portion.

A safety cabinet is disclosed which includes an enclosure having a double-wall construction and at least one door to selectively seal the enclosure. The safety cabinet includes a latch system for selectively retaining the door(s) in a closed position to cover the enclosure. The safety cabinet can be used to store, for example, flammable liquids, flammable waste, corrosives, pesticides, or combustible waste. The latch system includes fusible links that fuse when exposed to high ambient temperatures and cause the latch system to further engage the enclosure, thereby promoting the interlocking relationship between the door(s) and the enclosure when the safety cabinet is exposed to threshold high ambient temperatures.

An electrical coupling for electrically linking at least one battery to an actuator in a vehicle includes a housing having a base including at least two spaced apart connectors. A busbar has a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion spaced from the first conductive portion, and a fuse portion connecting the first and second conductive portions. The first conductive portion has at least two spaced apart junctions and the second conductive portion has at least one junction. The busbar is sized and configured to fit in the housing in at least a first position and a second position in which the busbar is rotated relative to the first position.

A cell connection strap for electrically connecting a pair of adjacent battery cells within a battery pack includes, in one example, a fusible link for preventing a thermal runaway condition from occurring in a cell connected thereto. The strap may include raised features thereon for permitting relative movement between the cells in the pack due to vibration or an impact of the pack from translating stress to welds connecting the straps to the cells. In another example, the body of the cell strap may include slits formed in sides thereof to reduce rigidity of the strap for protecting the welds between strap and cell, and also provides a fusible link capability in the strap for preventing a thermal runaway condition from occurring in a cell connected thereto.

A fire sprinkler water catching apparatus includes a funnel member which has a funnel top portion, a funnel bottom portion, a funnel drain portion connected to the funnel bottom portion, and a pole-reception fitting. A drain hose is connected to the funnel drain portion. The end of a support pole is received in the pole-reception fitting. The fire sprinkler water catching apparatus of the invention is used to catch and carry away unwanted water that is sprayed from a fire sprinkler when the fire sprinkler is spraying water at an unwanted time, such as when a fusible link on the fire sprinkler is accidentally broken. Preferably, a flexible funnel cover is fitted onto the top of the funnel top portion. The flexible funnel cover includes a plurality of flexible and resilient funnel cover flaps.