The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 29, 2008
Filed:
Jun. 26, 2002
John Kennedy, Tuscola, IL (US);
Tom Novak, Charleston, IL (US);
Mark Klinger, Arcola, IL (US);
William Gonzalez, Charleston, IL (US);
John Kennedy, Tuscola, IL (US);
Tom Novak, Charleston, IL (US);
Mark Klinger, Arcola, IL (US);
William Gonzalez, Charleston, IL (US);
Littelfuse, Inc, Des Plaines, IL (US);
Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuse having opened-fuse indication, which places two or more coils or conductors in parallel and in thermal contact with an indicating material. The multiple conductors allow a lower level of current to produce sufficient heat or sufficient electrical resistance to transform the indicating material. The multiple conductors can also be made of a reduced diameter, resulting in surge protection at a lower device temperature. The multiple conductor indicator in an embodiment includes a base material. First and second conductors contact the base material. An indicating material thermally couples to the first and second conductors. The indicating material can be on the inside or outside of the fuse body. If on the outside, the body can define a recess, wherein the indicator resides within the recess. The indicator can operate with fuses and other types of circuit protection devices.