Motorola Corporation

Michael B Kirschner

Alay M Mehta

Steven L Hassenzahl

Jeff R Beasley

Stephanie D Brown

Robert Andrew Charles

Sacha C Hall

A contact carrier (10) for a first electrical device comprises a contact body (11) having a top (12), bottom (14), and four sides (16). A protrusion (18) extends from the top (12). First and second pivot protrusions or depressions (22, 23) are located on opposing sides (20, 21) of the contact body (11), and allow the contact body (11) to rotate about the axis (24) of the contact body (11) when the protrusion (18) is engaged by a second electrical device. At least one electrical contact (26) is disposed on a first side (27) of the contact body (11). A flexible circuit board (28) interconnects the electrical contact(s) (26) with the first electrical device and may act to bias the contact body (11) such that the electrical contacts (26) are concealed until protrusion (18) is engaged.

Rotatable contact carrier for interconnecting electrical devices

A battery pack (10) including at least one battery cell (26) and a circuit carrier (30) in proximity to the battery cell. Disposed in the battery pack, is a fuse (50) which is formed from an electrically conductive resilient material adapted to work as the fuse. The electrically conductive resilient material further is encapsulated with a material adapted to promote resistance to breakage due to shocks, bumping or droppage of battery packs into which the fuse is incorporated. When the temperature of the at least two battery cells reaches a predetermined trip point, the fuse releases from at least one of the batteries, due to the heat transfer from the battery cell, electrically disconnecting the battery cell from adjacent battery cells.

Fuse and Battery apparatus utilizing same

A battery pack (30) is assembled with a flexible circuit board (38), a first tab (40), and a second tab (42). The flexible circuit board (38) has an exposed area of isolated conductor (46) which is located directly under the intersection of the first tab (40) and the second tab (42), a point where the two are resistance welded together (44). When a weld current is applied at this point (44), the isolated conductor area (46) acts as a current sink such that current flows primarily through the second (lower) tab (42). This method allows both tabs or elements to be of the same or similar thickness and electrical properties, and facilitates automated battery pack assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Alpharetta, GA, United States of America

Michael B Kirschner