Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A composite circuit protection device includes a laminar insulating member and first and second laminar circuit protection devices. Each of the first and second laminar circuit protection devices includes (1) a first laminar electrode, (2) a second laminar electrode, (3) a laminar PTC resistive element which (i) exhibits PTC behavior, (ii) has a first face to which the first electrode is secured and an opposite second face to which the second electrode is secured, and (iii) defines first and second apertures which run between the first and second faces, (4) a third laminar conductive member which (i) is secured to the second face of the PTC resistive element in the area of the first aperture, and (ii) is spaced apart from the second electrode, (5) a fourth laminar conductive member which (i) is secured to the first face of the PTC resistive element in the area of the second aperture, and (ii) is spaced apart from the first electrode, (6) a first transverse conductive member which lies within the first aperture defined by the PTC resistive element, runs between the first and second faces of the PTC element, is secured to the PTC element, and is physically and electrically connected to the first laminar electrode and to the third laminar conductive member, but is not connected to the second laminar electrode, and (7) a second transverse conductive member which lies within the second aperture defined by the PTC resistive element, runs between the first and second faces of the PTC element, is secured to the PTC element, and is physically and electrically connected to the second laminar electrode and to the fourth laminar conductive member, but is not connected to the first laminar electrode. The first and second laminar devices are physically secured together in a stacked configuration, with the laminar insulating member between them; and the devices are connected together electrically by interfacial electrical connections between adjacent electrodes and laminar conductive members so that when an electrical power supply is connected to (i) one of the electrodes and (ii) the third or fourth laminar member on the same face of the PTC resistive element as the electrode (i), the first and second laminar circuit protection devices are connected electrically in parallel.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim