Multi-element fuse array
First Claim
1. A fuse block comprising:
- a body;
a plurality of terminals fixed to and exposed on at least one side of the body; and
a fuse element contacting at least two of the plurality of terminals.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a fuse block having a plurality of fuse connections. The fuse connections include an array of embedded terminals that contact the initially provided fuse elements. When one of the fuse elements opens, an operator remakes the open connection by inserting an external replacement fuse. The fuse connections therefore eliminate the need to initially provide separate external fuses. In an embodiment, the terminals include fork shaped projections that receive one of the terminals of the replacement fuse, which also eliminates the need for additional female inserts commonly found in automobile fuse blocks. The fuse block is simple, wherein a plurality of same may be provided in an automobile to cut down on long lengths of wire running from load devices to a traditional, single centrally located fuse block.
84 Citations
64 Claims
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1. A fuse block comprising:
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a body;
a plurality of terminals fixed to and exposed on at least one side of the body; and
a fuse element contacting at least two of the plurality of terminals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A junction box having a fuse block comprising:
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a body; and
a plurality of terminals fixed to and extending from at least one side of the body, the terminals having a first portion that contacts a fuse element and a second portion that receives a terminal of a replacement fuse. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A terminal for a fuse block including:
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a first portion that extends from the fuse block and contacts a fuse element; and
a second portion that extends from the fuse block and receives a terminal of a replacement fuse. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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57. A method of providing fuse protection comprising:
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providing a body, a plurality of terminals fixed to and exposed on at least one side of the body and a fuse element contacting at least two of the plurality of terminals; and
providing a location on the plurality of terminals for receiving a terminal of a replacement fuse when the fuse element opens. - View Dependent Claims (58, 59, 60, 61, 62)
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63. A method for providing fuse connections in an automobile comprising:
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locating a plurality of junction boxes having fuse-linked terminals proximate to localized loads within the automobile;
electrically connecting the fuse-linked terminals to the localized loads; and
bringing power to the fuse-linked terminals. - View Dependent Claims (64)
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Specification