US4296397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuse structure for corrosive atmosphere
Assignee: WELSBACH OZONE SYSTEMS CORP
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Filing: 1980-05-30
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Granted: 1981-10-20
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Expires: 2000-05-30
Abstract
Abstract A fine ozone corrosion resistant fuse wire is supported between conductive terminals which are, in turn, supported on and spaced apart by rigid insulator spacing means so that the fuse wire is extended. Insulator shield means is placed over the fuse wire over a substantial length of the insulator spacing means to shield the insulator spacing means from vaporized filament material to ensure that in all possible fuse failure modes that the circuit is completely broken but including a portion is unshielded so that vaporized material will plate on to the insulator to permit quick detection of a failed fuse. The rigid insulator spacing means may take the form of a rod generally parallel to the fuse with the terminals as end caps fitting over the rod or it may take the form of a tubular member fitting around portions of the terminals and confining the fuse internally, preferably so that oxygen cannot readily reach the fuse when it is used in a concentrated oxygen atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald C. Sedberry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H85/00; H01H85/02; H01H85/0241; H01H85/04; H01H85/041; H01H85/044; H01H85/30; H01H2085/0008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A fuse structure for use with ozonators and corrosive atmosphere applications comprising: a fine ozone corrosion resistant fuse wire; conductive terminal means to which the fuse wire is conductively attached and which in turn enable fuse connection into a circuit; rigid insulator spacing means engaging and spacing the terminal means so that the fuse wire is extended and so that the structure constitutes a unitary structure which may be handled as a unit; and insulator shield means placed over the fuse wire over a substantial portion of its length and serving to shield the insulator spacing means from vaporized filament material when the fuse opens in order to avoid a conductive path being formed by vaporized fuse metal condensing on the insulator through which an alternate electrical path exists through the fuse.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A fuse structure for use with ozonators and corrosive atmosphere applications comprising: a fine ozone corrosion resistant fuse wire; conductive terminal means to which the fuse wire is conductively attached and which in turn enable fuse connection into a circuit; rigid insulator spacing means engaging and spacing the terminal means so that the fuse wire is extended and so that the structure constitutes a unitary structure which may be handled as a unit; and insulator shield means placed over the fuse wire over a substantial portion of its length and serving to shield the insulator spacing means from vaporized filament material when the fuse opens in order to avoid a conductive path being formed by vaporized fuse metal condensing on the insulator through which an alternate electrical path exists through the fuse.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuse structure of claim 1 in which the insulator shield means placed over the fuse wire consists of glass tubing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The fuse structure of claim 1 in which there is more than one shield means with spacing between them to permit plating of a vaporized fuse onto the insulator spacing means when the fuse fails to permit easy detection.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The fuse structure of claims 1 or 2 in which the rigid insulator spacing means is a rod and the conductive terminals are end caps which fit over the rod at opposite ends thereof and the fuse wire extends between the terminal end caps generally parallel to the rigid insulator spacing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fuse structure of claim 4 in which the rod constituting the rigid insulator spacing means is ceramic and of contrasting color to the fuse metal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fuse structure of claim 5 in which a single insulator shield means is employed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The fuse structure of claim 4 in which covers are provided over the terminal means at least in the areas of connection to the fuse wire and are covered by tubular cover means of heat shrunk plastic to protect the joints between the terminals and the fuse wire.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The fuse structure of claims 1, 2 or 3 in which the filament is enclosed in a envelope in order to shield it from an oxygen or other arc supporting atmosphere in which it must be used.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fuse structure of claim 8 in which the envelope is supplied by a tubular insulator which surrounds and engages portions of the conductive terminals at its opposite ends.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fuse structure of claim 9 in which the filament is located generally axially within the cylindrical envelope and the envelope is made of transparent material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
The fuse structure of claim 10 in which two insulator shield means are employed and fixed to the respective terminals so that a central area between the shield means is subject to plating onto the cylindrical envelope upon failure of the fuse.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
The fuse structure of claim 11 in which the terminal end of the fuse is brought out through a wall of one of the terminals and affixed to the outside wall thereof and a resinous tubular cover is shrunk over the terminal region in the area where the joint is made.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-10-19 | 1985-04-20 | 1985-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-10-19 | 1989-04-20 | 1989-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-10-19 | 1993-04-20 | 1993-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |