Circuit protector and method for making a circuit protector
US5774037A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49171
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A subminiature circuit protector includes a substrate carrying a metal fuse element hermetically sealed in a glass sleeve cartridge. The fuse element may comprise a film deposited on the substrate, or, alternatively a metal strip or wire. Leads extend from opposing ends of the sleeve for connection in a circuit, and a gas is sealed in the sleeve to provide a suitable environment to improve operating lifetime and interrupting capability. A method for making a circuit protector includes placing a substrate carrying a fuse element in a glass sleeve and placing leads in contact with the fuse element. The assembly is heated in the presence of a gas below atmospheric pressure to a temperature sufficient to soften the glass. The pressure is then increased to cause the ends of the glass sleeve to form a hermetic seal about the leads.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.