Safety devices for electrical circuits and systems
US6603385B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2037/768
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A protective device for minimizing fire danger in the use of electrical circuits comprises a unit having a mechanically biased conductive element in series with the circuit, and maintained in position under tension by a fusible material such as a Cerro alloy having a yield point at a selected temperature threshold. When overheating at some other point in the circuit results in a rise of temperature at the protective device, the yielding of the fusible material allows the conductive element to spring free, opening the circuit and cutting off the current. This arrangement is useful in a male plug integral to or separate from an extension cord or power cord, in conjunction with circuit breaker systems, in a in-circuit device, and in electrical appliances and devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.