Auxiliary power port with integrated resettable overcurrent protection device
First Claim
1. A power port for connecting a plug of an electrical device to an electrical circuit, the power port comprising:
- a receptacle having means for making electrical connection with the circuit;
a sleeve for receiving the plug therein and removably insertable into the receptacle; and
a layer of positive temperature coefficient material sandwiched between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the receptacle to conduct electrical current therebetween under normal circuit conditions and to substantially block said electrical current when the overcurrent condition occurs.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An auxiliary power port such as is found in an automotive vehicle passenger compartment has a receptacle connected with the vehicle electrical system and a tubular, removable sleeve which fits inside the receptacle and receives a standard adapter plug of the type intended for use with automotive power ports. The exterior surface of the sleeve is covered with a layer of positive temperature coefficient (positive temperature coefficient) material, and insertion of the sleeve into the receptacle places the positive temperature coefficient layer in contact with the inner surface of the receptacle. The inner surface of the receptacle, the outer surface of the sleeve, and the positive temperature coefficient layer sandwiched therebetween form a positive temperature coefficient circuit overcurrent protection device. A number of interchangeable sleeves having different hold currents are provided for use with different electrical devices.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A power port for connecting a plug of an electrical device to an electrical circuit, the power port comprising:
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a receptacle having means for making electrical connection with the circuit; a sleeve for receiving the plug therein and removably insertable into the receptacle; and a layer of positive temperature coefficient material sandwiched between an outer surface of the sleeve and an inner surface of the receptacle to conduct electrical current therebetween under normal circuit conditions and to substantially block said electrical current when the overcurrent condition occurs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A power port for supplying electrical power from a circuit to an electrical device having a plug, the power port comprising:
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a receptacle having a conical inner surface and means for making connection with the circuit; a sleeve having a hollow interior for receiving the plug and a conical outer surface having a taper angle substantially matching a taper angle of the receptacle inner surface; and a layer of positive temperature coefficient material disposed on the outer surface of the sleeve, whereby insertion of the sleeve into the receptacle places the positive temperature coefficient layer in contact with the inner surface of the receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A sleeve for providing protection against overcurrent conditions in a circuit providing electrical power to a receptacle for receiving a plug of an electrical device, the sleeve comprising:
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an electrically conductive tube having an interior for receiving the plug; and a layer of positive temperature coefficient material disposed on an outer surface of the tube, the tube insertable into the receptacle to sandwich the positive temperature coefficient layer between the tube and an interior surface of the receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification