Rogers Corporation

Methode Electronics, Incorporated

Scott J Raffles

Joseph V Woodley

Benjamin L Richie, Jr

Wayne G Monie

Michael L Pierce

Van H Potter

Robert B Haines

A planar fuse panel is presented. In accordance with the present invention, a section of conductive metal of the desired thickness, temper and shape is stamped out from a sheet of conductive metal. Simultaneously, a fuse holding spring mechanism or bent tabs, or blade terminals are formed in the same stamping operation for frictionally engaging fuses or other electrical connectors. The fuse panel includes a plurality of male blade connectors of a known configuration extending from the edges as well as other locations on the fuse panel to accept a variety of I/O configurations. A multiplicity of circuits may be included in the planar fuse panel (in a multilayer fashion) depending on the number of circuits desired. The circuits may have any suitable planar shape. Also described is a spring clip for use with the various fuseplanes.

Planar fuse panel

A planer fuse panel is presented. In accordance with the present invention, a section of conductive metal of the desired thickness, temper and shape is stamped out from a sheet of conductive metal. Simultaneously, fuse holding spring or bent tabs are formed in the same stamping operation for frictionally engaging blades from blade-type fuses. The edges of the fuse panel include a plurality of male blade connectors of a known configuration. A multiplicity of circuits may be included in the planer fuse panel depending on the number of circuits desired. The circuits may have any suitable planar shape. In a preferred embodiment, each circuit has an overall rectangular shape with a first portion consisting of an 'L' shaped element and a second portion comprising a rectangular shaped element located in the shoulder of the first element. Spaces are formed bridging the two portions of each circuit with bent tabs extending into each space to frictionally engage a blade-type terminal from a fuse or the like. The conductive metal is appropriately finished and/or plated and then insulative layers, such as polyester or polyimide film, are applied (e.g., laminated) to both surfaces of the metal in sheet form.

Planer fuse panel

A bus bar tab connector which electrically and mechanically connects an electrically conductive tab extending from a bus bar to an electrically conductive tab from an external source is presented. In accordance with the present invention, the conductive tabs are slidably received into the bus bar connector and held together by either a spring force or a cammed shaft. The tabs are both easily connected and separated by the connector, requiring no special tools for connecting or separation. The bus bar connector of the present invention does not cause a decrease in current carrying capacity.

Bus bar tab connector

Growing community of inventors

Queen Creek, AZ, United States of America

Scott J Raffles