A. B. Chance Company

Delbert R Parker

Daren A Clark

An end cap connection provides a strong mechanical bond as well as a fluid resistant seal between an electrically insulative tubular member and a conductive end piece or cap. The cap is provided with a generally U-shaped channel, and a quantity of synthetic resin adhesive disposed in the channel contacts an end portion of the tubular member as well as walls of the end cap. In one embodiment of the invention, the tubular member has a generally 90.degree. edge for engagement with outer end cap walls defining the channel, such that as the tubular member is shifted toward the bottom of the channel, curved bottom walls defining the latter maintain the tube at a position spaced from the channel bottom to enable the sealing material to fully contact the inserted end of the tubular member. In another embodiment of the invention, the outer channel defining walls of the end cap are magneformed inwardly to compress the adhesive against the tubular member and thus prestress the adhesive so that, during use, thermal expansion and contraction of the connection does not disrupt the bond between the adhesive and the tubular member. Additionally, a castable synthetic resin adhesive having improved bondability and strength after curing is utilized in order to maintain an effective seal regardless of thermal cycling and without the use of O-rings, gaskets or the like.

Method of making an end cap connection for a fluid-resistance electrical

A current limiting fuse has an electrical subassembly which includes fusible elements that are helically wound about a plurality of support plates which, in turn, are secured on each end to a terminal bracket. A leg member electrically and mechanically interconnects the terminal bracket to an end cap assembly fixed to a fuse housing and is flexible for allowing variation in distance between the end cap assembly and the internal subassembly such as would occur when the fuse is exposed to thermal excursions. The flexible leg has a portion which extends in generally transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the subassembly, and the leg portion is swingable in an arc as the associated end cap assembly shifts relative to the position of the terminal bracket. A series of apertures on each terminal bracket receives end segments of the fusible element supporting plates, and the bracket includes pointed projections which are bendable toward a position of clamping engagement with the end segment of each plate to substantially preclude subsequent disengagement of the plate from the bracket. The electrical subassembly is rigid in nature by means of a unique arrangement of interlocking components even though the support plates are elongated in nature and comprised of a flexible material including mica particles.

Terminal bracket structure for a current limiting fuse

An end cap assembly for a fluid resistant electrical device includes a solderable insulating tube end cap and an insert having a solderable cylindrical body portion positioned within a tubular opening of the end cap. The body portion of the insert has a circumscribing groove containing a quantity of solder. During assembly, the walls of the end cap defining the tubular opening are magneformed inwardly to tightly engage the body portion and thus provide limited frictional resistance to movement of the insert relative to the end cap. Next, the end cap and insert are heated until the solder melts. The end cap assembly provides a strong, torque resistant connection between the insert and the end cap while also maintaining a highly effective seal to preclude fluid leakage when the device is immersed.

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Centralia, MO, United States of America

Delbert R Parker