| AVX CORPORATION Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20160099514 | CAGED POKE HOME CONTACT - A single element connector includes a first cage-like structure configured to receive a wire. The first cage-like structure includes an insert end and a single contact tine coupled to a top wall of the first cage-like structure. The single contact tine extends downward from the top wall to a base of the single element connector and directs a wire inserted into the single element connector to the base of the single element connector. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20150380835 | SINGLE ELEMENT WIRE TO BOARD CONNECTOR - A single element electrical connector includes a single conductive contact element formed into a cage structure having a wire insert end and a wire contact end along a longitudinal centerline axis of the connector. The cage structure defines an upper pick-up surface having a surface area suitable for placement of a suction nozzle of a vacuum transfer device, as well as a pair of contact tines biased towards the centerline axis to define a contact pinch point for an exposed core of a wire inserted into the connector. A contact surface is defined by a member of the cage structure for electrical mating contact with a respective contact element on a component on which the connector is mounted. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150380175 | ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES AND MANUFACTURING METHODS - An ultra-thin electrochemical energy storage device is provided which utilizes electrode material with multi-layer current collectors and with an organic electrolyte between the electrodes. Multiple cells may be positioned in a plurality of stacks and all of the cells may be in series, parallel or some combination thereof. The energy storage device can be constructed at less than 0.5 millimeters thick and exhibit very low ESR and higher temperature range capabilities. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150364254 | LOW NOISE CAPACITORS - Relatively low noise capacitors are provided for surface mounted applications. Electro-mechanical vibrations generate audible noise, which are otherwise relatively reduced through modifications to MLCC device structures, and/or their mounting interfaces on substrates such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). Different embodiments variously make use of flexible termination compliance so that surface mounting has reduced amplitude vibrations transmitted to the PCB. In other instances, side terminal and transposer embodiments effectively reduce the size of the mounting pads relative to the case of the capacitor, or a molded enclosure provides standoff, termination compliance and clamping of vibrations. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150311603 | INTERLOCKING POKE HOME CONTACT - A single element electrical connector includes a single conductive contact element formed into a cage structure having a wire insert end and a wire contact end along a longitudinal centerline axis of the connector. One wall of the cage structure includes a tab that extends into a recess included in another wall of the cage structure. The cage structure defines an upper pick-up surface having a surface area suitable for placement of a suction nozzle of a vacuum transfer device, as well as a pair of contact tines biased towards the centerline axis to define a contact pinch point for an exposed core of a wire inserted into the connector. A contact surface is defined by a member of the cage structure for electrical mating contact with a respective contact element on a component on which the connector is mounted. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150282391 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE FILTER FOR IMPLANTED ELECTRONICS - An electromagnetic interference filter for various electronic devices such as implantable medical devices is provided. A plurality of signal electrodes can be configured in an array, where each signal electrode extends vertically from a top surface to a bottom surface of the filter such that the signal electrodes are flush with the top and bottom surface. Ground or common electrodes can have a parallel arrangement and be interposed between the signal electrodes. The ground electrodes can be grounded internally, externally, or both internally and externally. Dielectric material can be disposed between signal electrodes and ground electrodes to act as an insulator between adjacent electrodes. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150092319 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor for Use Under High Temperature and Humidity Conditions - A solid electrolytic capacitor that is capable of exhibiting good electrical properties even under the extreme conditions of high temperature and humidity levels is provided. More particularly, the capacitor contains a capacitor element that includes a sintered porous anode body, a dielectric that overlies the anode body, and a solid electrolyte that overlies the dielectric. The solid electrolyte contains a conductive polymer and an organometallic coupling agent. The capacitor also contains a moisture barrier layer that overlies the solid electrolyte and is formed from a hydrophobic elastomer that has a low surface energy such that it is not readily wettable by an aqueous medium. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150077902 | Electro-Polymerized Coating for a Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains a casing within which is positioned an anode formed from an anodically oxidized sintered porous body and a fluidic working electrolyte is provided. The casing contains a conductive coating disposed on a surface of a metal substrate. The casing contains a metal substrate coated with a conductive coating. The conductive coating contains a conductive polymer layer formed through anodic electrochemical polymerization (“electro-polymerization”) of a colloidal suspension on the surface of the metal substrate. The conductive coating also contains a precoat layer that is discontinuous in nature and contains a plurality of discrete projections of a conductive material that are deposited over the surface of the metal substrate in a spaced-apart fashion so that they form “island-like” structures. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150077901 | Wet Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Composite Coating - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains a casing within which is positioned an anode formed from an anodically oxidized sintered porous body and a fluidic working electrolyte is provided. The casing contains a composite coating disposed on a surface of a metal substrate. The composite coating includes a noble metal layer that overlies the metal substrate and a conductive polymer layer that overlies the noble metal layer. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150077900 | Wet Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Hydrogen Protection Layer - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains a casing within which is positioned an anode formed from an anodically oxidized sintered porous body and a fluidic working electrolyte is provided. The casing contains a metal substrate over which is disposed a hydrogen protection layer that contains a plurality of sintered agglomerates formed from a valve metal composition. The present inventors have discovered that through careful selection of the relative particle size and distribution of the agglomerates, the resulting protection layer can effectively absorb and dissipate hydrogen radicals generated during use and/or production of the capacitor, which could otherwise lead to embrittlement and cracking of the metal substrate. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150055277 | Thin Wire/Thick Wire Lead Assembly for Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element including a sintered porous anode body, a first anode lead, and a second anode lead is provided. The first anode lead has a thickness that is larger than a thickness of the second anode lead. A portion of the first anode lead is embedded in the porous anode body, and a second portion of the first anode lead extends from a surface thereof in a longitudinal direction. Meanwhile, the second anode lead is electrically connected to the anode body for connection to an anode termination. In one embodiment, the second anode lead can be directly connected to a surface of the anode body. In another embodiment, the second anode lead can be indirectly connected to the anode body such as via attachment at an end of the second portion of the first anode lead. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150049419 | Moisture Resistant Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly - A capacitor assembly that contains a solid electrolytic capacitor element positioned within a multi-layered casing is provided. The casing contains an encapsulant layer that overlies the capacitor element and a moisture barrier layer that overlies the encapsulant layer. Through careful control of the materials employed in the casing, the present inventor has discovered that the resulting capacitor assembly can be mechanically stable while also exhibiting electrical properties in the presence of high humidity levels (e.g., relative humidity of 85%). For example, the encapsulant layer may be formed from a thermoset resin (e.g., epoxy) that is capable of providing the capacitor element with mechanical stability. The moisture barrier layer may likewise be formed from a hydrophobic material. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20140334069 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing Conductive Polymer Particles - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body, dielectric overlying the anode body, adhesion coating overlying the dielectric, and solid electrolyte overlying the adhesion coating. The solid electrolyte contains an inner conductive polymer layer and outer conductive polymer layer, at least one of which is formed from a plurality of pre-polymerized conductive polymer particles. Furthermore, the adhesion coating contains a discontinuous precoat layer containing a plurality of discrete nanoprojections of a manganese oxide (e.g., manganese dioxide). | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140334068 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Multi-Layered Adhesion Coating - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body, dielectric located over and/or within the anode body, an adhesion coating overlying the dielectric, and a solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric and adhesion coating that contains a conductive polymer. The adhesion coating is multi-layered and employs a resinous layer in combination with a discontinuous layer containing a plurality of discrete nanoprojections of a manganese oxide (e.g., manganese dioxide). | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140334067 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Pre-Coat Layer - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body formed from an electrically conductive powder, dielectric located over and/or within the anode body, an adhesion coating overlying the dielectric, and a solid electrolyte overlying the adhesion coating is provided. The powder has a high specific charge and in turn a relative dense packing configuration. Despite being formed from such a powder, the present inventors have discovered that the conductive polymer can be readily impregnated into the pores of the anode. This is accomplished, in part, through the use of a discontinuous precoat layer in the adhesion coating that overlies the dielectric. The precoat layer contains a plurality of discrete nanoprojections of a manganese oxide (e.g., manganese dioxide). | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140321029 | Multi-Notched Anode for Electrolytic Capacitor - A solid electrolytic capacitor that includes an anode body, a dielectric overlying the anode body, a solid electrolyte that contains one or more conductive polymers and overlies the dielectric, and an external coating that overlies the solid electrolyte, is provided. The external coating includes at least one carbonaceous layer and at least one metal layer. In addition to the aforementioned layers, the external coating can also include at least one conductive polymer layer that can be disposed between the carbonaceous and metal layers. Among other things, such a conductive polymer layer can reduce the likelihood that the carbonaceous layer will delaminate from the solid electrolyte during use. Further, the notched geometry of the anode body itself is selected to minimize the risk of delamination of the external coating layers from the anode body. This combination of characteristics can increase the mechanical robustness of the part and improve its electrical performance. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140268502 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor for use in relatively high voltage environments is provided. The solid electrolyte is formed from a plurality of pre-polymerized particles in the form of a dispersion. In addition, the anode is formed such that it contains at least one longitudinally extending channel is recessed therein. The channel may have a relatively high aspect ratio (length divided by width), such as about 2 or more, in some embodiments about 5 or more, in some embodiments from about 10 to about 200, in some embodiments from about 15 to about 150, in some embodiments from about 20 to about 100, and in some embodiments, from about 30 to about 60. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140268501 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor for Use in Extreme Conditions - A capacitor assembly that is capable of performing under extreme conditions, such as at high temperatures and/or high voltages, is provided. The ability to perform at high temperature is achieved in part by enclosing and hermetically sealing the capacitor element within a housing in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere that contains an inert gas, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the solid electrolyte of the capacitor element. Furthermore, the present inventors have also discovered that the ability to perform at high voltages can be achieved through a unique and controlled combination of features relating to the formation of the anode, dielectric, and solid electrolyte. For example, the solid electrolyte is formed from a combination of a conductive polymer and a hydroxy-functional nonionic polymer. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140268498 | Wet Electrolytic Capacitor for Use at High Temperatures - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode formed from an anodically oxidized sintered porous body and a fluidic working electrolyte is provided. The casing contains a metal substrate coated an electrochemically-active material. Through a unique and controlled combination of features relating to the capacitor configuration and sealing assembly, the present inventor has discovered that good electrical properties (e.g., ESR stability) can be achieved at relatively high temperatures. One unique feature of the wet electrolytic capacitor that can help achieve such good ESR stability is the presence of a dielectric layer on the metal substrate of the cathode within a controlled thickness range. In other embodiments, a sealing assembly may be employed that contains a hermetic seal (e.g., glass-to-metal seal) and an elastomeric barrier seal formed from a high-temperature elastomeric material. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140268497 | Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains electrodes (i.e., anode and cathode) and a working electrolyte is provided. The anode and optionally the cathode include a wire assembly containing two or more individual wires. A particulate material is also disposed in contact with at least a portion of the wire assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140266002 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for constructing thermoelectric devices (TEDs). N-type elements are paired with P-type elements in an array of pairs between substrates. The paired elements are electrically connected in series by various techniques including brazing for hot side and/or also cold side connections, and soldering for cold side connections while being thermally connected in parallel. In selected embodiments, electrical and mechanical connections of the elements may be made solely by mechanical pressure. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140261606 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for constructing thermoelectric devices (TEDs). N-type elements are paired with P-type elements in an array of pairs between substrates. The paired elements are electrically connected in series by various techniques including brazing for hot side and/or also cold side connections, and soldering for cold side connections while being thermally connected in parallel. In selected embodiments, electrical and mechanical connections of the elements may be made solely by mechanical pressure. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140242854 | SINGLE ELEMENT WIRE TO BOARD CONNECTOR - A single element electrical connector includes a single conductive contact element formed into a cage structure having a wire insert end and a wire contact end along a longitudinal centerline axis of the connector. The cage structure defines an upper pick-up surface having a surface area suitable for placement of a suction nozzle of a vacuum transfer device, as well as a pair of contact tines biased towards the centerline axis to define a contact pinch point for an exposed core of a wire inserted into the connector. A contact surface is defined by a member of the cage structure for electrical mating contact with a respective contact element on a component on which the connector is mounted. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140213121 | Modular Electrical Connector Assembly and Associated Method of Making - A method for producing modular electrical connectors having varying contact element configurations includes providing a common header component having a plurality of receptacle spaces defined therein. A plurality of different contact sub-assemblies are provided having varying contact element configurations, with each of sub-assembly having a common size configured for receipt in the receptacle spaces. A pattern of the contact sub-assemblies is defined for a particular desired connector configuration from any combination of the contact sub-assemblies, and the contact sub-assemblies are fitted and adhered into the receptacle spaces in the header component according to the pattern. A kit may be provided with the modular components for making the connectors. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140208555 | PRECISION LASER ADJUSTABLE THIN FILM CAPACITORS - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a precision laser adjustable (e.g., trimmable) thin film capacitor array. A plurality of individual capacitors are formed on a common substrate and connected together in parallel by way of fusible links. The individual capacitors are provided as laddered capacitance value capacitors such that a plurality of lower valued capacitors corresponding to the lower steps of the ladder, and lesser numbers of capacitors, including a single capacitor, for successive steps of the ladder, are provided. Precision capacitance values can be achieved by either of fusing or ablating selected of the fusible links so as to remove the selected subcomponents from the parallel connection. In-situ live-trimming of selected fusible links may be performed after placement of the capacitor array on a hosting printed circuit board. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140120783 | SINGLE ELEMENT WIRE TO BOARD CONNECTOR - A single element electrical connector includes a single conductive contact element formed into a cage structure having a wire insert end and a wire contact end along a longitudinal centerline axis of the connector. The cage structure defines an upper pick-up surface having a surface area suitable for placement of a suction nozzle of a vacuum transfer device, as well as a pair of contact tines biased towards the centerline axis to define a contact pinch point for an exposed core of a wire inserted into the connector. A contact surface is defined by a member of the cage structure for electrical mating contact with a respective contact element on a component on which the connector is mounted. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140120748 | Board-to-Board Connectors with Integral Detachable Transfer Carrier Plate - An electrical connector assembly for mounting to contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCP) includes a carrier plate. A first connector component and a second connector component are attached to the carrier plate. The first and second connector components are spaced apart on the carrier plate a distance corresponding to spacing of the contact pads on the PCB. A frangible connection is defined between each of the first and second connector components and the carrier plate such that after mounting the connector assembly to the PCB, the carrier plate is detached from the first and second connector components. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140067303 | Screening Method for Electrolytic Capacitors - A method of iteratively screening a sample of electrolytic capacitors having a predetermined rated voltage is provided. The method can include measuring a first leakage current of a first set of capacitors, calculating a first mean leakage current therefrom, and removing capacitors from the first set having a first leakage current equal to or above a first predetermined value, thereby forming a second set of capacitors. The second set can be subjected to a burn in heat treatment where a test voltage can be applied, then a second leakage current of the second set of capacitors can be measured and a second mean leakage current can be calculated. Capacitors having a second leakage current equal to or above a second predetermined value can be removed from the second set, forming a third set of capacitors. Because of such iterative screening, the capacitors in the third set have low failure rates. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140062618 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE FILTER FOR IMPLANTED ELECTRONICS - An electromagnetic interference filter for various electronic devices such as implantable medical devices is provided. A plurality of signal electrodes can be configured in an array, where each signal electrode extends vertically from a top surface to a bottom surface of the filter such that the signal electrodes are flush with the top and bottom surface. Ground or common electrodes can have a parallel arrangement and be interposed between the signal electrodes. The ground electrodes can be grounded internally, externally, or both internally and externally. Dielectric material can be disposed between signal electrodes and ground electrodes to act as an insulator between adjacent electrodes. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140022702 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor with Enhanced Wet-to-Dry Capacitance - A capacitor for use in relatively high voltage environments is provided. During formation, anodization may be carried out in a manner so that the dielectric layer possesses a relatively thick portion that overlies an external surface of the anode and a relatively thin portion that overlies an interior surface of the anode. In addition to employing a dielectric layer with a differential thickness, the solid electrolyte is also formed from the combination of pre-polymerized conductive polymer particles and a hydroxy-functional nonionic polymer. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20130335886 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing an Improved Manganese Oxide Electrolyte - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body formed from an electrically conductive powder and a dielectric coating located over and/or within the anode body is provided. The powder may have a high specific charge and in turn a relative dense packing configuration. Despite being formed from such a powder, a manganese precursor solution can be readily impregnated into the pores of the anode. This is accomplished, in part, through the use of a dispersant in the precursor solution that helps minimize the likelihood that the manganese oxide precursor will form droplets upon contacting the surface of the dielectric. Instead, the precursor solution can be better dispersed so that the resulting manganese oxide has a “film-like” configuration and coats at least a portion of the anode in a substantially uniform manner. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130321986 | Notched Lead Tape for a Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element including a sintered porous anode body and a relatively large width and/or thickness anode lead tape is provided. The tape is electrically connected to the anode body for connection to an anode termination. Further, the tape has a width that is at least about 20% of the width of the anode body to improve the points of contact between the anode body and tape to reduce ESR. A portion of the tape extends from a surface of the anode body in a longitudinal direction. At least one notch can be formed in the portion of the tape that extends from the anode body. The notch can be formed via a laser or by cutting, punching, or sawing and can serve as the point of electrical connection between the anode termination and the lead tape. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321985 | Notched Lead Wire for a Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element including a sintered porous anode body and a relatively large diameter anode lead wire is provided. The lead wire is electrically connected to the anode body for connection to an anode termination. Further, the lead wire has a diameter that is at least about 10% of the height of the porous anode body to improve the points of contact between the anode body and wire to reduce ESR. A portion of the lead wire extends from a surface of the anode body in a longitudinal direction. At least one notch can be formed in the portion of the lead wire that extends from the anode body. The notch can be formed via a laser or by cutting, punching, or sawing and can serve as the point of electrical connection between the anode termination and the lead wire. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130279078 | Crimped Leadwire for Improved Contact with Anodes of a Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element that includes a sintered porous anode body and an anode lead assembly is provided. The lead assembly is electrically connected to the anode body for connection to an anode termination. The lead assembly contains at least a first lead wire comprising at least one notch that is located on an embedded portion of the first lead wire. The at least one notch can be formed by crimping the lead wire prior to embedding the lead wire within the anode body. The at least one lead wire is embedded within the anode body and extends from a surface of the anode body in a longitudinal direction. The resulting geometry of the lead wire increases the points of contact between the anode body and the lead wire after post-sintering shrinkage of the anode body to improve the electrical capabilities of the solid electrolytic capacitor. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130279077 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing Multiple Sinter Bonded Anode Leadwires - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element having a porous anode body and an anode lead assembly is provided. At least one wire of the lead assembly is electrically connected to the anode body for connection to an anode termination. The lead assembly contains first and second lead wires embedded within the anode body and extending therefrom in a longitudinal direction. The first and second wires are bonded/fused together during sintering of the anode body (i.e., “sinter bonded”). The bond may be metallurgical, covalent, electrostatic, etc. Sinter bonding of the wires reduces the path length and resistance for current flow within the anode body, thus reducing ESR. This is particularly useful for anode bodies formed from powders of a high specific charge, which tend to shrink away from the wires after sintering. The sinter bonded wires also result in a lead assembly that is more robust and mechanically stable. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130271894 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor with Enhanced Mechanical Stability Under Extreme Conditions - Described is a capacitor assembly that is thermally and mechanically stable under extreme conditions. Thermal stability is provided by enclosing and hermetically sealing the capacitor element within a housing in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere that contains an inert gas, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the solid electrolyte of the capacitor. To provide good mechanical stability, the assembly contains at least one external termination (e.g., anode and/or cathode termination) extending beyond an outer periphery of a surface of the housing. The degree to which the external termination extends beyond the outer periphery relative to the dimension of the housing is selectively controlled to increase the surface area available for soldering to a circuit board. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130242468 | Abrasive Blasted Cathode of a Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes a porous anode body containing a dielectric layer, an electrolyte, and a cathode containing a metal substrate on which is disposed a conductive coating is provided. Prior to application of the conductive coating, the metal substrate is blasted with abrasive particles to enhance the ability of the substrate to adhere to the coating. The micro-roughened metal substrate can be treated after blasting so that substantially all of the abrasive particles are removed. This is accomplished by contacting the metal substrate with an extraction solution to remove the particles, and also by selectively controlling the nature of the abrasive particles so that they are dispersible (e.g., soluble) in the solution. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242467 | Wet Capacitor Cathode Containing an Alkyl-Substituted Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains an anodically oxidized porous anode body, a cathode containing a metal substrate coated with a conductive coating, and a working electrolyte that wets the dielectric on the anode. The conductive coating contains an alkyl-substituted poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) having a certain structure. Such polymers can result in a higher degree of capacitance than many conventional types of coating materials. Further, because the polymers are generally semi-crystalline or amorphous, they can dissipate and/or absorb the heat associated with the high voltage. The degree of surface contact between the conductive coating and the surface of the metal substrate may also be enhanced in the present invention by selectively controlling the manner in which the conductive coating is formed. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242466 | Wet Capacitor Cathode Containing a Conductive Coating Formed Anodic Electrochemical Polymerization of a Microemulsion - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains an anodically oxidized porous anode body, a cathode containing a metal substrate coated with a conductive coating, and a working electrolyte that wets the dielectric on the anode. The conductive coating is formed through anodic electrochemical polymerization (“electro-polymerization”) of a microemulsion on the surface of the metal substrate. The microemulsion is a thermodynamically stable, isotropic liquid mixture that contains a precursor monomer, sulfonic acid, nonionic surfactant, and solvent. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242465 | Wet Capacitor Cathode Containing a Conductive Coating Formed Anodic Electrochemical Polymerization of a Colloidal Suspension - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains an anodically oxidized porous anode body, a cathode containing a metal substrate coated with a conductive coating, and a working electrolyte that wets the dielectric on the anode. The conductive coating is formed through anodic electrochemical polymerization (“electro-polymerization”) of a precursor colloidal suspension on the surface of the substrate. The colloidal suspension includes a precursor monomer, ionic surfactant, and sulfonic acid, which when employed in combination can synergistically improve the degree of surface coverage and overall conductivity of the coating. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242464 | Wet Capacitor Cathode Containing a Conductive Copolymer - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains an anodically oxidized porous anode body, a cathode containing a metal substrate coated with a conductive coating, and a working electrolyte that wets the dielectric on the anode. The conductive coating contains a conductive copolymer having at least one thiophene repeating unit, as well as a pyrrole repeating unit and/or aniline repeating unit. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130240366 | PLATED TERMINATIONS - Improved termination features for multilayer electronic components are disclosed. Monolithic components are provided with plated terminations whereby the need for typical thick-film termination stripes is eliminated or greatly simplified. Such termination technology eliminates many typical termination problems and enables a higher number of terminations with finer pitch, which may be especially beneficial on smaller electronic components. The subject plated terminations are guided and anchored by exposed internal electrode tabs and additional anchor tab portions which may optionally extend to the cover layers of a multilayer component. Such anchor tabs may be positioned internally or externally relative to a chip structure to nucleate additional metallized plating material. External anchor tabs positioned on top and bottom sides of a monolithic structure can facilitate the formation of wrap-around plated terminations. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130229751 | Ultrahigh Voltage Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor for use in ultrahigh voltage environments is provided. During formation of the capacitor, the forming voltage employed during anodization is generally about 300 volts or more and at temperatures ranging from about 10° C. to about 70° C. Such conditions can substantially improve the quality and thickness of the dielectric without adversely impacting the uniformity and consistency of its surface coverage. In addition, the solid electrolyte is also formed from a dispersion of preformed conductive polymer particles. In this manner, the electrolyte may remain generally free of high energy radicals (e.g., Fe | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130224988 | CAP BODY INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR (IDC) - A single molding electrical insulation displacement connector assembly includes a cap body having a passage therethrough at a contact position for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire. A contact element is movably retained in the cap body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades and a second opposite end configured for electrical contact with a printed circuit board. The contact element is movable relative to the cap body from a first position wherein the opposed blades do not block insertion of the wire into the passage to a second position wherein the opposed blades engage the wire. The wire is initially inserted into the cap body through the passage with the contact element in the first position. The cap body is subsequently pressed towards the second end of the contact element causing the opposed blades to slide within the cap body and engage the wire. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130178108 | Through-Board Card Edge Connector and Component Assembly - A through-board card edge connector has an insulative body defining a top end and a male plug portion extending transversely from the top end. The male plug portion has outer circumferential dimensions so as to extend through a mounting hole in a first electronic component, such as a PCB. An open socket is defined in an end of the male plug portion opposite from the top end and defines a first slot having first dimensions for receipt of a first card edge, and a second slot having second dimensions for receipt of a second card edge having dimensions different than the first card edge. A spring biased connector element is disposed within the open socket and is configured to make electrical contact with an edge terminal of either of a first or second card edge inserted into either of the first or second slots. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130170197 | TWO PART SURFACE MOUNT LED STRIP CONNECTOR AND LED ASSEMBLY - An LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED printed circuit boards (PCB), with each LED PCB having at least one LED bulb and electrical connector pads configured at each opposite end of the boards. A two-component surface mount electrical connector is configured to connect one end of a first LED PCB to an end of a second said LED PCB such that the first and second LED PCBs are electrically connected end-to-end. The connected LED PCBs may be configured in a light tube that includes connector end caps for mounting the light tube in a light fixture. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130164968 | Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) - An electrical insulation displacement connector includes a bare single-wire contact element having a first end defined by opposed blades that define a receipt aperture for an insulated wire, and a second end configured for direct electrical contact at a contact position on a printed circuit board. Retaining structure is defined on the blades. A cap is configured for fitting over the exposed bare blades. The cap includes side walls and end walls with a slot defined in each of he end walls that align with the blade aperture. The side walls are engaged by the retaining structure upon pressing the cap onto the blades. The slots in the end walls of the cap have a width and height such that upon fully pressing the cap onto the blades, the slots engage and longitudinally align the insulated wire into the blade aperture so that the blades pierce and make electrical contact with a core in the insulated wire. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130155580 | Wet Electrolytic Capacitor Containing an Improved Anode - A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes a sintered porous anode body containing a dielectric layer, a fluid electrolyte, and a cathode is provided. At least one longitudinally extending channel is recessed into the anode body. The channel may have a relatively high aspect ratio (length divided by width), such as about 2 or more, in some embodiments about 5 or more, in some embodiments from about 10 to about 200, in some embodiments from about 15 to about 150, in some embodiments from about 20 to about 100, and in some embodiments, from about 30 to about 60. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130141841 | Wet Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Gelled Working Electrolyte - A wet electrolytic capacitor is provided. The capacitor contains an anode comprising an anodically oxidized pellet formed from a pressed and sintered powder, a cathode that contains a metal substrate coated with a conductive polymer, and a working electrolyte in communication with the anode and the cathode. The working electrolyte is in the form of a gel and comprises an ammonium salt of an organic acid, inorganic oxide particles, an acid, and a solvent system that comprises water. The working electrolyte has a pH value of from about 5.0 to about 8.0. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130127588 | HIGH FREQUENCY RESISTOR - An ultra wideband frequency compensated resistor and related methodologies for frequency compensation are disclosed. In exemplary configuration, a resistive layer is provided over a substrate, and a frequency compensating structure is provided over at least a portion of the resistive layer and separated therefrom by an insulative layer. In certain embodiments, the insulating layer may be an adhesive that may also be effective to secure a protective cover over the resistive material and supporting substrate. In selected embodiments, the frequency compensating structure corresponds to a plurality of conductive layers, one or more of which may be directly electrically connected to terminations for the resistive material while one or more of the conductive layers are not so connected. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130063869 | Sealing Assembly for a Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode and a fluid electrolyte that are positioned within a casing is provided. The capacitor also contains a sealing assembly that employs a bushing having opposing inwardly facing, tapered surfaces between which an orifice is defined. To help inhibit leakage from the orifice, a liquid sealing member is also employed that contains a protrusion having outwardly facing, tapered surfaces that are configured to mate with the inwardly facing surfaces of the bushing. At least one outwardly facing surface of the sealing member is tapered at an angle greater than a respective inwardly facing surface of the bushing. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20120327561 | Mechanically Robust Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly - An integrated capacitor assembly that contains at least two solid electrolytic capacitor elements electrically connected to common anode and cathode terminations is provided. The capacitor elements contain an anode, a dielectric coating overlying the anode that is formed by anodic oxidation, and a conductive polymer solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric layer. The capacitor elements are spaced apart from each other a certain distance such that a resinous material can fill the space between the elements. In this manner, the present inventors believe that the resinous material can limit the expansion of the conductive polymer layer to such an extent that it does not substantially delaminate from the capacitor element. In addition to possessing mechanical stability, the capacitor assembly also possesses a combination of good electrical properties, such as low ESR, high capacitance, and a high dielectric breakdown voltage. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120307420 | Hermetically Sealed Capacitor Assembly - A capacitor assembly that includes an electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body, dielectric overlying the anode, and a solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric is provided. An anode lead is also electrically connected to the anode body and extends therefrom. The capacitor and leadframe are enclosed and hermetically sealed within a ceramic housing in the presence of an inert gas. In this manner, the solid electrolyte (e.g., conductive polymer) is less likely to undergo a reaction in high temperature environments, thus increasing the thermal stability of the capacitor assembly. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120257329 | Manganese Oxide Capacitor for Use in Extreme Environments - A capacitor assembly for use in high voltage and high temperature environments is provided. More particularly, the capacitor assembly includes a capacitor element containing an anodically oxidized porous, sintered body that is coated with a manganese oxide solid electrolyte. To help facilitate the use of the capacitor assembly in high voltage (e.g., above about 35 volts) and high temperature (e.g., above about 175° C.) applications, the capacitor element is enclosed and hermetically sealed within a housing in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere that contains an inert gas. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257328 | Housing Configuration for a Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor assembly that is stable under extreme conditions is provided. More particularly, the assembly includes a capacitor element that is positioned within an interior cavity of a housing. The housing includes a base to which the capacitor element is connected. The housing also includes a lid that contains an outer wall from which extends a sidewall. An end of the sidewall is defined by a lip extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction and having a peripheral edge located beyond a periphery of the sidewall. The lip is hermetically sealed to the base. In some cases, the peripheral edge of the lip is also coplanar with an edge of the base. The use of such a lip can enable a more stable connection between the components and improve the seal and mechanical stability of the capacitor assembly, thereby allowing it to better function under extreme conditions. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257327 | HERMETICALLY SEALED ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR WITH ENHANCED MECHANICAL STABILITY - A capacitor assembly that is thermally and mechanically stable in high temperature environments is provided. Thermal stability is provided by enclosing and hermetically sealing the capacitor element within a housing in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere that contains an inert gas, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the solid electrolyte of the capacitor. To provide the assembly with good mechanical stability, a polymeric restraint is also employed that is positioned adjacent to and in contact with one or more surfaces of the capacitor element. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the strength and rigidity of the polymeric restraint can help the capacitor element better withstand vibrational forces incurred during use without resulting in delamination. In this manner, the capacitor assembly is able to better function in high temperature environments. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257325 | Multi-Anode Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly - A capacitor assembly that is stable under extreme conditions is provided. A capacitor assembly that is capable of achieving a high capacitance and yet remain thermally and mechanically stable under extreme conditions. Even at high capacitance values, good mechanical stability can be achieved by connecting multiple individual capacitor elements to the housing of the assembly. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the use of multiple elements increases the surface area over which the elements are connected to the housing. Among other things, this allows the elements to dissipate vibrational forces incurred during use over a larger area, which reduces the likelihood of delamination. The capacitor elements are also enclosed and hermetically sealed within a single housing in the presence of a gaseous atmosphere that contains an inert gas, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the solid electrolyte of the capacitor elements. Through the combination of the features noted above, the capacitor assembly is able to better function under extreme conditions. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120238154 | WIRE-TO-WIRE CONNECTOR - A wire-to-wire electrical connector includes an insulative body member and an internal connector position. A wire insertion opening is defined in each end wall of the body member at the connector position. A first contact element is disposed in the connector position coaxial with the wire insertion openings and includes opposite end portions with a respective contact tab configured thereon. The contact tabs are biased to a closed position across the respective wire insertion opening. An actuator is configured with each wire insertion opening. The actuators are movably displaceable through an opening in a wall of the body member and include an engagement end in contact with a respective end portion of the first contact element. The actuators are manually depressible to move the contact tabs to an open position for insertion of a conductive core of a wire into the wire insertion opening beyond the contact tab, whereby upon release and return of the actuators, the contact tabs are biased against the conductive cores of opposite wires. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238127 | CAPPED INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR (IDC) - An electrical insulation displacement connector (IDC) assembly includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body for electrical contact with a PCB. The IDC assembly includes a cap having a size and configuration to engage over the body, with the cap including a recess with an open bottom that is aligned with the body channel in a fitted configuration of the cap on the body. The wires may be initially received in the cap recesses wherein upon pressing engagement of the cap onto the body, the insulated conductive core wire is pressed into the body channel between the contact element. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120229957 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Cathode Termination with a Slot for an Adhesive - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element that includes an anode, dielectric, and a cathode that includes a solid electrolyte is provided. An anode lead extends from the anode and is electrically connected to an anode termination. Likewise, a cathode termination is electrically connected to the cathode. The cathode termination contains a planar portion that is oriented generally parallel to a lower surface of the capacitor element. An interior slot is defined by the planar portion within which is disposed a conductive adhesive that connects the cathode termination to the capacitor element. By disposing the adhesive within a slot of a planar portion of the cathode termination, the present inventors have discovered that the tendency of the adhesive to bleed toward the edges of the termination can be limited. Among other things, this improves the mechanical stability of the capacitor upon encapsulation and also improves electrical performance. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229956 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor with Improved Mechanical Stability - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element that includes an anode, dielectric, and a cathode that includes a solid electrolyte is provided. An anode lead extends from the anode and is electrically connected to an anode termination. Likewise, a cathode termination is electrically connected to the cathode. The cathode termination contains an upstanding portion that is oriented generally perpendicular to the lower surface of the capacitor element, and first and second planar portions that are oriented generally parallel to the lower surface of the capacitor. The first and second planar portions are interconnected by a folded region so that the first portion is positioned vertically above the second portion. Thus, after encapsulating the capacitor element with a molding material, the second planar portion remains exposed for subsequent connection to an electrical component. However, due to its higher vertical position, the first planar portion can be completely encapsulated by the molding material. In addition, the upstanding portion of the cathode termination is also substantially encapsulated by the molding material. By encapsulating both planar and upstanding portions of the cathode termination with the molding material, the present inventors have discovered that the likelihood of delamination is reduced even if a portion of the molding material cracks. This improves mechanical stability and electrical performance. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229955 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Conductive Coating Formed from a Colloidal Dispersion - A solid electrolytic capacitor that includes an anode body, a dielectric overlying the anode body, a solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric, and a colloidal particle coating that overlies the solid electrolyte. The coating is formed from a colloidal particle dispersion. The particles of the dispersion contain at least two different polymer components—i.e., a conductive polymer and a latex polymer. One benefit of such a coating is that the presence of the latex polymer can help mechanically stabilize the capacitor during encapsulation due to its relatively soft nature. This helps limit delamination of the solid electrolyte and any other damage that may otherwise occur during formation of the capacitor. Furthermore, the latex polymer can also enhance the ability of the particles to be dispersed in an aqueous medium, which is desirable in various applications. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120179217 | Planar Anode for Use in a Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A relatively thin planar anode for use in a wet electrolytic capacitor is provided. Through a combination of specific materials and processing techniques, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that the resulting anode may possess a high volumetric efficiency, and yet still be able to operate at a high voltage and capacitance, thus resulting in a capacitor with a high energy density. More particularly, the anode is a pressed pellet formed from an electrically conductive powder that contains a plurality of particles (including agglomerates thereof). The particles may have a flake-like morphology in that they possess a relatively flat or platelet shape. The present inventors have discovered that such a particle morphology can optimize packing density, and thus reduce the thickness of the anode and improve volumetric efficiency. Such particles can also provide a short transmission line between the outer surface and interior of the anode and also provide a highly continuous and dense wire-to-anode connection with high conductivity. Among other things, this may help increase the specific charge of the anode when anodized at higher voltages, thereby increasing energy density. The particles may also increase the breakdown voltage (voltage at which the capacitor fails) and help lower equivalent series resistance (“ESR”). | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120176729 | Leadwire Configuration for a Planar Anode of a Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A relatively thin planar anode for use in a wet electrolytic capacitor is provided. An anode leadwire is embedded within the anode and extends in a longitudinal direction therefrom. The wire may be formed from any electrically conductive material, such as tantalum, niobium, aluminum, hafnium, titanium, etc., as well as electrically conductive oxides and/or nitrides of thereof. To reduce the tendency of the leadwire to pull out of the anode due to stresses encountered during manufacturing (e.g., sintering) and/or use of the capacitor, the manner in which the wire is inserted is selectively controlled in the present invention. That is, at least a portion of the wire within the anode is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the wire. This “bend” reduces the ease to which the wire can be pulled out in the longitudinal direction after the anode is pressed and sintered. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120147529 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) Quaternary Onium Salt - A solid electrolytic capacitor a solid electrolytic capacitor that includes an anode body, a dielectric overlying the anode body, and a solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric is provided. The capacitor also comprises a conductive polymer coating that overlies the solid electrolyte and includes nanoparticles formed from a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) quaternary onium salt. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120147528 | Conductive Coating for Use in Electrolytic Capacitors - A dispersion that contains an intrinsically conductive polythiophene formed via poly(ionic liquid)-mediated polymerization is provided. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that a thiophene monomer can polymerize along the chains of a poly(ionic liquid). In this manner, the poly(ionic liquid) may act as a template for polymerization to provide a particle dispersion that is substantially homogeneous and stable. Such dispersions may be employed in an electrolytic capacitor as a solid electrolyte and/or as a conductive coating that is electrical communication with the electrolyte. Regardless, the dispersion may be more easily and cost effectively formed and incorporated into the structure of the capacitor. Moreover, due to the presence of the ionic liquid, the dispersion is conductive and does not require the addition of conventional dopants, such as polystyrene sulfonic acid. For example, the dispersion may have a specific conductivity, in the dry state, of about 1 Siemen per centimeter (“S/cm”) or more, in some embodiments about 10 S/cm or more, in some embodiments about 20 S/cm or more, and in some embodiments, from about 50 to about 500 S/cm. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120134073 | Multi-Layered Conductive Polymer Coatings for Use in High Voltage solid Electrolytic Capacitors - A solid electrolytic capacitor that is capable of exhibiting stable electrical properties (e.g., leakage current and ESR) in a wide variety of operational conditions is provided. The capacitor contains an oxidized anode body and a conductive polymer coating overlying the anode body. The conductive polymer coating contains multiple layers formed from a dispersion of pre-polymerized conductive polymer particles. Unlike conventional attempts, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that capacitors formed from such conductive polymer dispersions can operate at high voltages, and also achieve good electrical performance at relatively high humidity and/or temperature levels. More particularly, the present inventors have discovered that the problem of layer delamination may be overcome by carefully controlling the configuration of the conductive polymer coating and the manner in which it is formed. Namely, the coating contains a first layer that only partially covers the anode body. Because the anode body is not completely coated, the gaseous bubbles generated within the first layer are able to more easily escape via the uncoated portion without tearing away portions of the polymer layer. This minimizes the subsequent formation of surface inhomogeneities that could otherwise lead to delamination. The coating may likewise contain a second layer that overlies the first layer, and covers substantially the entire surface of the anode body. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120120556 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Element - A solid electrolytic capacitor element that is capable of withstanding laser welding without a significant deterioration in its electrical performance is provided. The capacitor element contains an anode body, dielectric, and solid electrolyte. To help shield the solid electrolyte from damage that might otherwise occur during manufacture of the capacitor, a multi-layered protective coating is employed in the present invention that overlies at least a portion of the solid electrolyte. More particularly, the protective coating includes a light reflective layer overlying the solid electrolyte and a stress dissipation layer overlying the light reflective layer. The light reflective layer can help reflect any light that inadvertently travels toward the capacitor during, for example, laser welding. This results in reduced contact of the solid electrolyte with the laser and thus minimizes defects in the electrolyte that would have otherwise been formed by carbonization. The stress dissipation layer can likewise help to dissipate stresses experienced by the capacitor (e.g., during encapsulation, reflow, etc.) so that they are not as likely to cause damage to the solid electrolyte. The stress dissipation layer can also be relatively porous in nature so that humidity trapped in the capacitor can escape and diminish the pressure that might otherwise be transferred to the solid electrolyte. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120113567 | Hermetically Sealed Capacitor Assembly - A capacitor assembly that includes a conductive polymer electrolytic capacitor that is enclosed and hermetically sealed within a ceramic housing in the presence of an inert gas is provided. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the ceramic housing is capable of limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the conductive polymer of the capacitor. In this manner, the conductive polymer is less likely to oxidize in high temperature environments, thus increasing the thermal stability of the capacitor assembly. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120106031 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor for Use in High Voltage and High Temperature Applications - A capacitor assembly for use in high voltage and high temperature environments is provided. More particularly, the capacitor assembly includes a solid electrolytic capacitor element containing an anode body, a dielectric overlying the anode, and a solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric. To help facilitate the use of the capacitor assembly in high voltage applications, it is generally desired that the solid electrolyte is formed from a dispersion of preformed conductive polymer particles. In this manner, the electrolyte may remain generally free of high energy radicals (e.g., Fe | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106030 | Hermetically Sealed Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains a hermetically sealed lid assembly is disclosed. More specifically, the lid assembly contains a lid (e.g., titanium) that defines an internal orifice. A conductive tube may extend through the orifice that is of a size and shape sufficient to accommodate an anode lead. An insulative material is also provided within the orifice to form a hermetic seal (e.g., glass-to-metal seal), such as between the conductive tube and the lid. The lid assembly also includes a liquid seal that is formed from a sealant material. The liquid seal coats a substantial portion of the lower surface of the lid and hermetic seal to limit contact with any electrolyte that may leak from the casing. To help achieve such surface coverage, the sealant material is generally flowable so that it can be heated during production of the capacitor and flow into small crevices that would otherwise remains uncoated. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106029 | Volumetrically Efficient Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that contains a sintered anode positioned with an interior space of a metal casing is provided. The anode and metal casing are of a size such that the anode occupies a substantial portion of the volume of the interior space. More particularly, the anode typically occupies about 70 vol. % or more, in some embodiments about 75 vol. % or more, in some embodiments from about 80 vol. % to about 98 vol. %, and in some embodiments, from about 85 vol. % to 95 vol. % of the interior space. Among other things, the use of an anode that occupies such a large portion of the interior space enhances volumetric efficiency and other electrical properties of the resulting capacitor. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120092123 | LOW CURRENT FUSE - A multi layer fuse device includes a substrate and an elongated fuse element, having a pair of contact pads formed therewith at opposed longitudinal ends thereof formed on one surface of the substrate. A pair of passivation layers are provided covering the fuse and contact pads. Windows may be opened through both passivation layers above both of the contact pads, and conductive electrode material is electroplated through the windows to contact the contact pads and to extend partially above a top surface of the passivation layers. Exposed electroplated material may be coated with solderable conductive material or a surface mount termination may be provided. Electroplated material may cover a portion of the fuse surface prior to application of the passivation layers and extend to an end of the substrate so that windows are not required. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120075775 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor with Improved Anode Termination - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element that includes an anode, dielectric, and solid electrolyte is provided. An anode lead extends from the anode and is electrically connected to an anode termination. The anode termination contains an upstanding portion that is bent or folded about an axis so that it possesses two or more sections. A slot (e.g., U-shaped) extends through the sections of the upstanding portion for receiving an anode lead. The resulting “folded” configuration of the anode termination increases the total thickness of the upstanding portion and its associated slot, which thereby enhances the degree of mechanical support and stability that the termination provides to the anode lead. This is particularly beneficial for thicker anode leads, such as those having a height and/or width of about 100 micrometers or more, in some embodiments about 200 micrometers or more, and in some embodiments, from about 250 to about 1000 micrometers. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120069492 | Abrasive Blasted Conductive Polymer Cathode for Use in a Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes a porous anode body containing a dielectric layer, an electrolyte, and a cathode containing a metal substrate that is abrasive blasted is provided. Abrasive blasting may accomplish a variety of different purposes. For example, it may result in a surface that is substantially uniform and macroscopically smooth, thereby increasing the consistency of conductive coatings formed thereon. While possessing a certain degree of smoothness, the abrasive blasted surface is nevertheless micro-roughened so that it contains a plurality of pits. The pits provide an increased surface area, thereby allowing for increased cathode capacitance for a given size and/or capacitors with a reduced size for a given capacitance. A conductive coating that contains a substituted polythiophene is disposed on the micro-roughened surface. The presence of the pits on the substrate enhances the degree of contact between the conductive coating and metal substrate, thereby resulting in improved mechanical robustness and electrical performance (e.g., reduced equivalent series resistance and leakage current). | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069491 | Technique for Forming a Cathode of a Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A technique for forming a cathode of a wet electrolytic capacitor is provided. The cathode contains a metal substrate having a roughened surface and a conductive coating that contains a substituted polythiophene. The degree of surface contact between the conductive coating and the roughened surface is enhanced in the present invention by selectively controlling the manner in which the conductive coating is formed. More particularly, the conductive coating is formed by applying a precursor solution to the roughened surface that includes both a precursor thiophene monomer and an oxidative catalyst. Contrary to techniques in which either the monomer or catalyst is applied separately and initially contacts the metal surface, the presence of the monomer and catalyst within the same solution allows polymer chains to grow immediately adjacent to the surface of the metal substrate and within the pits. This can significantly increase the degree of contact between the conductive coating and metal substrate, thereby resulting in improved mechanical robustness and electrical performance (e.g., reduced equivalent series resistance and leakage current). To minimize the likelihood of premature polymerization, the oxidative catalyst is also employed in an amount less than what is required to fully react all of the reagent assuming 100% yield (i.e., “stoichiometric amount”). This can slow the polymerization of the monomer, creating oligomers that are shorter than if fully polymerized, which can better penetrate into the roughened regions of the metal substrate. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069490 | Conductive Polymer Coating for Wet Electrolytic Capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes a porous anode body containing a dielectric layer, a cathode containing a metal substrate on which is disposed a conductive polymer coating, and an electrolyte is provided. The conductive polymer coating is in the form of a dispersion of particles having a relatively small size, such as an average diameter of from about 1 to about 500 nanometers, in some embodiments from about 5 to about 400 nanometers, and in some embodiments, from about 10 to about 300 nanometers. The relatively small size of the particles used in the coating increases the surface area that is available for adhering to the metal substrate, which in turn improves mechanical robustness and electrical performance (e.g., reduced equivalent series resistance and leakage current). Another benefit of employing such a dispersion for the conductive polymer coating is that it may be able to better cover crevices of the metal substrate and improve electrical contact. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120039019 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly - A capacitor assembly that includes a solid electrolytic capacitor element containing an anode body, a dielectric overlying the anode, and a solid electrolyte (e.g., conductive polymer) overlying the dielectric is provided. The anode body is in electrical contact with an anode termination and the solid electrolyte is in electrical contact with a cathode termination. The capacitor element and terminations are encapsulated within a resinous material so that at least a portion of the terminations remain exposed. In addition to enhancing mechanical robustness, the resinous encapsulating material acts in some capacity as a barrier to moisture and oxygen during use, which could otherwise reduce the conductivity of the solid electrolyte and increase ESR. To even further protect the capacitor element, especially at high temperatures, the encapsulated capacitor element is also enclosed and hermetically sealed within a ceramic housing in the presence of an inert gas. It is believed that the ceramic housing is capable of limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the conductive polymer of the capacitor. In this manner, the solid electrolyte is less likely to undergo a reaction in high temperature environments, thus increasing the thermal stability of the capacitor assembly. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120033349 | Mechanically Robust Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly - An integrated capacitor assembly that contains at least two solid electrolytic capacitor elements electrically connected to common anode and cathode terminations is provided. The capacitor elements contain an anode, a dielectric coating overlying the anode that is formed by anodic oxidation, and a conductive polymer solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric layer. The capacitor elements are spaced apart from each other a certain distance such that a resinous material can fill the space between the elements. In this manner, the present inventors believe that the resinous material can limit the expansion of the conductive polymer layer to such an extent that it does not substantially delaminate from the capacitor element. In addition to possessing mechanical stability, the capacitor assembly also possesses a combination of good electrical properties, such as low ESR, high capacitance, and a high dielectric breakdown voltage. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120019986 | SOLID ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR ASSEMBLY WITH MULTIPLE CATHODE TERMINATIONS - A capacitor assembly containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element and an anode lead extending in a direction therefrom, first and second cathode terminations, and an anode termination is provided. The first cathode termination contains a first portion that is substantially parallel to a lower surface of the capacitor element and in electrical contact therewith, and the second cathode termination contains a second portion that is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the capacitor element and in electrical contact therewith. Through such a “sandwich” configuration, the degree of surface contact between the cathode terminations and capacitor element is increased, which can help dissipate heat and allow it to handle higher currents that would normally cause overheating. The terminations may also provide increased mechanical support. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120003850 | INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR (IDC) - An electrical insulation displacement connector includes a bare single-wire contact element having a first end defined by opposed blades that define a receipt aperture for an insulated wire, and a second end configured for direct electrical contact at a contact position on a printed circuit board. Retaining structure is defined on the blades. A cap is configured for fitting over the exposed bare blades. The cap includes side walls and end walls with a slot defined in each of he end walls that align with the blade aperture. The side walls are engaged by the retaining structure upon pressing the cap onto the blades. The slots in the end walls of the cap have a width and height such that upon fully pressing the cap onto the blades, the slots engage and longitudinally align the insulated wire into the blade aperture so that the blades pierce and make electrical contact with a core in the insulated wire. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110317335 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing an Improved Manganese Oxide Electrolyte - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body formed from an electrically conductive powder and a dielectric coating located over and/or within the anode body is provided. The powder has a high specific charge and in turn a relative dense packing configuration. Despite being formed from such a powder, the present inventors have discovered that a manganese precursor solution (e.g., manganese nitrate) can be readily impregnated into the pores of the anode. This is accomplished, in part, through the use of a dispersant in the precursor solution that helps minimize the likelihood that the manganese oxide precursor will form droplets upon contacting the surface of the dielectric. Instead, the precursor solution can be better dispersed so that the resulting manganese oxide has a “film-like” configuration and coats at least a portion of the anode in a substantially uniform manner. This improves the quality of the resulting oxide as well as its surface coverage, and thereby enhances the electrical performance of the capacitor. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110317334 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor for Use in High Voltage Applications - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body formed from an electrically conductive powder and a dielectric coating located over and/or within the anode body is provided. The present inventors have discovered a technique that is believed to substantially improve the uniformity and consistency of the manganese oxide layer. This is accomplished, in part, through the use of a dispersant in the precursor solution that helps minimize the likelihood that the manganese oxide precursor will form droplets upon contacting the surface of the dielectric. Instead, the precursor solution can be better dispersed so that the resulting manganese oxide has a “film-like” configuration and coats at least a portion of the anode in a substantially uniform manner. This improves the quality of the resulting oxide as well as its surface coverage, and thereby enhances the electrical performance of the capacitor. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110256754 | CAPPED INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR (IDC) - An electrical insulation displacement connector (IDC) assembly includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side configured for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire therein. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body and configured for electrical contact with a PCB. The IDC assembly includes a cap having a size and configuration so as to engage over the body, with the cap including a recess with an open bottom that is aligned with the body channel in a fitted configuration of the cap on the body. The wires may be initially received in the cap recesses wherein upon pressing engagement of the cap onto the body, the insulated conductive core wire is pressed into the body channel between and into the contact element. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110205725 | ELEMENT ARRAY AND FOOTPRINT LAYOUT FOR ELEMENT ARRAY - An element array and a footprint layout for an element array are disclosed. The element array can have a rectangular configuration defining two side surfaces and two end surfaces. The element array can include a plurality of stacked dielectric-electrode layers. One dielectric-electrode layer can include a plurality of element electrodes, such as eight element electrodes. Each of the plurality of element electrodes forms a part of an individual element for the element array. The element array device can further include a common electrode. The common electrode is used as part of each of the individual elements for the element array. The common electrode can include a lead for termination to one of the two end surfaces of the element array or, in a particular embodiment, to one of the two side surfaces of the element array. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205689 | Conductive Adhesive for Use in a Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element and a conductive adhesive disposed between the capacitor element and another optional capacitor element, an electrode termination, or both, is provided. The conductive adhesive contains a plurality of spacer particles that are substantially spherical and have a relatively large diameter. The present inventors have discovered that the use of spacer particles having the desired size and shape can provide multiple benefits to the resulting capacitor. For example, the spacer particles can limit the degree to which the adhesive is compressed during manufacture, thereby ensuring that it will have the minimum thickness needed to achieve a reliable mechanical connection to the desired part. Further, when multiple capacitor elements are employed, the spacer particles can also help ensure that proper spacing is achieved between the different elements upon manufacture of the capacitor. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110191998 | PRECISION LASER ADJUSTABLE THIN FILM CAPACITORS - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a precision laser adjustable (e.g., trimmable) thin film capacitor array. A plurality of individual capacitors are formed on a common substrate and connected together in parallel by way of fusible links. The individual capacitors are provided as laddered capacitance value capacitors such that a plurality of lower valued capacitors corresponding to the lower steps of the ladder, and lesser numbers of capacitors, including a single capacitor, for successive steps of the ladder, are provided. Precision capacitance values can be achieved by either of fusing or ablating selected of the fusible links so as to remove the selected subcomponents from the parallel connection. In-situ live-trimming of selected fusible links may be performed after placement of the capacitor array on a hosting printed circuit board. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110128665 | Ceramic Capacitors for High Temperature Applications - A ceramic capacitor having a ceramic dielectric layer positioned between a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. The ceramic dielectric layer includes a niobium doped barium titanate, a sodium bismuth titanate, and barium zirconate. The niobium doped barium titanate is present in an amount such that the ceramic dielectric layer includes from about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight barium titanate and from about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight niobium. The sodium bismuth titanate is present in the ceramic dielectric layer in an amount from about 25% by weight to about 75% by weight, and the barium zirconate is present in an amount from about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110096466 | External Coating for a Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A solid electrolytic capacitor that includes an anode body, a dielectric overlying the anode body, a solid electrolyte that contains one or more conductive polymers and overlies the dielectric, and an external coating that overlies the solid electrolyte, is provided. The external coating includes at least one carbonaceous layer (e.g., graphite) and at least one metal layer (e.g., silver). In addition to the aforementioned layers, the external coating also includes at least one conductive polymer layer that is disposed between the carbonaceous and metal layers. Among other things, such a conductive polymer layer can reduce the likelihood that the carbonaceous layer will delaminate from the solid electrolyte during use. This can increase the mechanical robustness of the part and improve its electrical performance. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110090665 | THIN FILM SURFACE MOUNT COMPONENTS - Surface mount components and related methods of manufacture involve one or more thin film circuits provided between first and second insulating substrates. The thin film circuits may include one or more passive components, including resistors, capacitors, inductors, arrays of one or more passive components, networks or filters of multiple passive components. Such thin film circuit(s) can be sandwiched between first and second insulating substrates with internal conductive pads being exposed between the substrates on end and/or side surfaces of the surface mount component. The exposed conductive pads are then electrically connected to external terminations. The external terminations may include a variety of different materials, including at least one layer of conductive polymer and may be formed as termination stripes, end caps or the like. Optional shield layers may also be provided on top and/or bottom device surfaces to protect the surface mount components from signal interference. For embodiments where one or more thin film circuits are provided between insulating base and cover substrates, such thin film circuit(s) can be formed with conductive pads that extend to and are initially exposed along one or more surfaces of the resultant component. The cover substrate is formed with a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., internal active electrodes, internal anchor electrodes and/or external anchor electrodes) that are designed to generally align with the conductive pads formed on the base substrate such that conductive element portions are exposed in groups along one or more peripheral surfaces of a device. External plated terminations are then formed directly to the exposed portions of the conductive elements. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110085285 | Hermetically Sealed Capacitor Assembly - A capacitor assembly that includes an electrolytic capacitor that contains an anode body, dielectric overlying the anode, and a solid electrolyte overlying the dielectric is provided. An anode lead is also electrically connected to the anode body and extends in a longitudinal direction therefrom. The anode lead is connected to an “upstanding” portion of a leadframe. Among other things, this helps to limit substantial horizontal movement of the lead and thereby improve the mechanical robustness of the part. The capacitor and leadframe are enclosed and hermetically sealed within a ceramic housing in the presence of an inert gas. It is believed that the ceramic housing is capable of limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the conductive polymer of the capacitor. In this manner, the solid electrolyte (e.g., conductive polymer) is less likely to undergo a reaction in high temperature environments, thus increasing the thermal stability of the capacitor assembly. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110059632 | CAPPED INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR (IDC) - An electrical insulation displacement connector (IDC) assembly includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side configured for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire therein. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body and configured for electrical contact with a PCB. The IDC assembly includes a cap having a size and configuration so as to engage over the body, with the cap including a recess with an open bottom that is aligned with the body channel in a fitted configuration of the cap on the body. The wires may be initially received in the cap recesses wherein upon pressing engagement of the cap onto the body, the insulated conductive core wire is pressed into the body channel between and into the contact element. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110058310 | Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly and Method with Recessed Leadframe Channel - A solid electrolytic capacitor has a capacitor body formed from a pressed anode, a dielectric layer and a solid electrolyte layer. An anode lead extends from anode pellet and is electrically connected to an anode termination. The outer surface of the capacitor body forms a cathode that is electrically connected to a cathode termination. Base anode and cathode termination portions are coplanar and connected with a recessed leadframe channel. A capacitor element is attached to the anode and cathode termination portions and encapsulated. The recessed leadframe channel is removed to isolate the anode and cathode terminations on a single mounting surface, leaving a surface groove formed between the anode and cathode terminations. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110026192 | Dry Powder Stencil Printing of Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Components - Solid electrolytic capacitors and related methods for forming such capacitors may variously involve forming at least one of a seed, grip, reference point and/or anode body by stencil printing of dry powder. In accordance with a method of forming anodic components for electrolytic capacitors, a stencil is positioned adjacent to a substrate, the stencil being formed to define a plurality of apertures therethrough. A plurality of printed powder portions are selectively printed on the substrate by placing dry powder into selected ones of the plurality of apertures defined in the stencil. The printed powder portions are then sintered to form respective anodic components for multiple respective electrolytic capacitors. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110021061 | WIRE TO BOARD CONNECTOR - An electrical connector configured for connecting wires to components includes a female component defining a socket with electrical contacts therein. A male component includes an insulative base body with contacts having a first section configured for receipt of a conductive core of an insulated wire, and an insulative plug member that extends transversely from the base body. The electrical contacts have a second section that extends at least partially onto the plug member. In mating contact of the male and female components, the plug member is inserted into the socket such that the electrical contacts on the plug member engage against the electrical contacts in the socket to electrically connect the wires to the electrical component. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110019398 | TWO-PART LOADING CARD EDGE CONNECTOR AND COMPONENT ASSEMBLY - An LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED printed circuit boards (PCB), with each LED PCB having at least one LED bulb and electrical connector pads configured at each opposite end of the boards. A top loading two-component surface mount electrical connector is configured to connect one end of a first LED PCB to an end of a second said LED PCB such that the first and second LED PCBs are electrically connected in an abutting end-to-end configuration. The connected LED PCBs may be configured in a light tube that includes connector end caps for mounting the light tube in a light fixture. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20100330818 | INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR (IDC) - An electrical insulation displacement connector includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side configured for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire therein. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body and configured for electrical contact with a PCB. The body includes retaining structure extending into the channel at a location relative to a depth of the blades within the channel such that the insulation portion of a wire inserted into the channel and pressed down into the first end of the contact element is pushed below the retaining structure, thereby preventing the wire from being inadvertently pulled out from the first end of the contact. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100323533 | WIRE TO BOARD CONNECTOR - An electrical connector for connecting wires to components includes an insulative body member having a longitudinally extending leg defined between opposite longitudinal ends. A plurality of spaced apart side walls define adjacently disposed connector positions along the leg. A wire insertion opening is defined in a front wall of the body member at each of the connector positions. A connector element is disposed transverse to the leg at each of the connector positions. The connector element includes a first resilient contact arm extending above the side walls for pressing mating contact with a conductive pad of a separate respective component. The connector element includes a second resilient contact arm in biased engagement against a shoulder of the body member. Upon insertion of an exposed conductive wire core through the wire insertion opening, the wire core causes the second resilient contact arm to flex towards and remain in biased electrical contact engagement against the wire core. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100302713 | Refractory Metal Paste for Solid Electrolytic Capacitors - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains a capacitor element that includes an anode body, dielectric layer, and solid electrolyte is provided. The capacitor also contains an anode lead that is electrically connected to the anode body. Contrary to conventional capacitors in which the lead is welded or connected using a layer of seed particles, a refractory metal paste (e.g., tantalum paste) is employed in the present invention to electrically connect the anode lead to the anode body. The use of such a refractory metal paste allows the anode lead to be sinter bonded to a surface of the anode body after it is pressed. In this manner, a strong and reliable connection may be achieved without substantially decreasing the surface area of the lead that is available for connection to a termination. The paste of the present invention generally contains particles of a relatively small size. Due to in part to the relatively small size of the particles, the paste may have a relatively low viscosity, allowing it to be readily handled and applied to an anode lead and/or anode body during manufacture of the capacitor. Further, the thickness of the applied paste may also be relatively thin and still achieve the desired binding of the lead to the anode body. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302712 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor with Facedown Terminations - A solid electrolytic capacitor that contains a capacitor element that includes an anode body, dielectric layer, and solid electrolyte is provided. The capacitor also contains an anode lead that is electrically connected to the anode body by a refractory metal paste (e.g., tantalum paste). The use of such a refractory metal paste allows the anode lead to be sinter bonded to a surface of the anode body after it is pressed. In this manner, a strong and reliable connection may be achieved without substantially decreasing the surface area of the lead that is available for connection to a termination. Furthermore, because the lead is not embedded within the anode body, the capacitor may be configured so that little, if any, portion of the lead extends beyond the anode body. This may result in a highly volumetrically efficient capacitor with excellent electrical properties. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302710 | Anode for an Electrolytic Capacitor that Contains Individual Components Connected by a Refractory Metal Paste - A solid electrolytic capacitor containing a capacitor element that includes an anode, dielectric layer, and solid electrolyte is provided. The anode is formed from a plurality (e.g., two or more) of separate components, which allows the properties of each component (e.g., density, quality, etc.) to be more readily controlled during manufacturing. The components are electrically connected using a refractory metal paste (e.g., tantalum paste) that sinter bonds to the components to form a strong and reliable connection. The ability to reliably bond together separate components enables the use of a wide degree of possible cross-sectional profiles for each individual component. For example, the components may posses a relatively complex profile that contains one or more indentations and/or projections for increasing surface area. Despite the complex profile, the components may be readily connected to each other in accordance with the present invention to form the anode. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302709 | High Voltage Electrolytic Capacitors - A wet electrolytic capacitor comprising a porous anode body that contains a dielectric layer formed by anodic oxidation; a cathode comprising a metal substrate coated with a conductive polymer; and an aqueous electrolyte disposed in contact with the cathode and the anode is provided. The electrolyte comprises a salt of a weak organic acid and water. The electrolyte has a pH of from about 5.0 to about 8.0 and an ionic conductivity of from about 0.5 to about 80 milliSiemens per centimeter or more, determined at a temperature of 25° C. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100238608 | Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Liquid Electrolyte - An electrolytic capacitor that contains an anodically oxidized porous anode, cathode, and an electrolyte that contains an alkali metal salt and ionically conductive polymer is provided. The alkali metal salt forms a complex with the ionically conductive polymer and thereby improves its ionic conductivity, particularly at higher temperatures. The electrolyte also contains an organic solvent that reduces the viscosity of the electrolyte and helps lower the potential barrier to metal ion transport within the electrolyte to improve conductivity. By selectively controlling the relative amount of each of these components, the present inventors have discovered that a highly ionically conductive electrolyte may be formed that is also in the form of a viscous liquid. The liquid nature of the electrolyte enables it to more readily enter the pores of the anode via capillary forces and improve specific capacitance. Further, although a liquid, its viscous nature may inhibit the likelihood of leakage. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100238606 | Electric Double layer Capacitor - An electric double layer capacitor that contains at least one electrochemical cell is provided. The cell contains electrodes (e.g., two electrodes) that each contain a porous matrix of electrochemically-active particles (e.g., carbon). An aqueous-based electrolyte is disposed in contact with the porous matrix. In accordance with the present invention, the electrolyte is provided with an anionic polymer that serves as binding agent for the electrochemically active particles and thus reduces electrolyte loss, especially at higher temperatures. Because the polymer is anionic in nature, it is generally hydrophilic and thus can retain its binding properties in the presence of water. The anionic nature of the polymer also allows it to remain stable in the presence of a corrosive polyprotic acid, which is employed in the electrolyte to enhance charge density. Thus, as a result of the present invention, a capacitor may be formed that is capable of exhibiting good electrical performance (e.g., high capacitance and low ESR), even at high temperatures (e.g., 70° C. and above). | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100229361 | Laser-Welded Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A solid electrolytic capacitor that is capable of withstanding laser welding without a significant deterioration in its electrical performance is provided. The capacitor contains an anode body, dielectric layer overlying the anode body, and a solid organic electrolyte layer overlying the dielectric layer. Furthermore, the capacitor of the present invention also employs a light reflective layer that overlies the solid organic electrolyte layer. The present inventors have discovered that such a light reflective layer may help reflect any light that inadvertently travels toward the capacitor element during laser welding. This results in reduced contact of the solid organic electrolyte with the laser and thus minimizes defects in the electrolyte that would have otherwise been formed by carbonization. The resultant laser-welded capacitor is therefore characterized by such performance characteristics as relatively low ESR and low leakage currents. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100214723 | Anode for a Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Non-Metallic Surface Treatment - A solid electrolytic capacitor that comprises an anode, a dielectric layer overlying the anode; and a cathode that contains a solid electrolyte layer overlying the dielectric layer. The anode comprises a porous, sintered body that defines a surface. The body is treated so that the surface contains a non-metallic element having a ground state electron configuration that includes five or more valence electrons at an energy level of three or more (e.g., phosphorous). | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100203745 | LOW PROFILE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR ASSEMBLY FOR INTERCONNECTING CONDUCTIVE COMPONENTS IN A STACKED CONFIGURATION - A thin profile electrical connector assembly for interconnecting conductive components, such as circuit boards, in a stacked configuration, includes a frame-shaped insulating body member having opposite ends and opposite leg members. A plurality of adjacently disposed and spaced apart connector elements are configured on at least one of the leg members. Each connector element includes a lower arm held in the leg member and that terminates at a contact tail that extends outward from an outer side of the leg member, and a resilient arm that extends from the lower arm at an obtuse angle towards the opposite leg member. The resilient arm terminates in a resilient contact nose that extends above an upper surface of the leg members. The insulating body defines an open space between the opposite leg members whereby the resilient arms of the connector elements are pressed into the open space upon use of the connector assembly such that the connector assembly has a profile height in use that corresponds essentially to the thickness of the leg members. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100188799 | CONTROLLED ESR LOW INDUCTANCE CAPACITOR - Multilayer capacitors incorporate both low inductance (ESL) and controlled Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) features into a cost-effective unitary device. Internal electrode patterns generally include one or more pairs of mother electrodes adapted for external connection (e.g., to a circuit, another electrical component, circuit board, or other mounting environment), and multiple pairs of daughter electrodes adapted only for internal connection to other electrodes (e.g., other daughter electrodes and/or selected mother electrodes) without direct connection to an external circuit. Mother and daughter electrodes are interdigitated with electrode tab features, where daughter electrodes have internal-connection tabs, and mother electrodes have both internal-connection tabs and circuit-connection tabs, all of which are connected to respective internal-connection or circuit-connection terminals. ESR is increased by the parallel connection between mother and daughter electrodes as well as other optional features such as but not limited to resistive terminations, resistive connectors, serpentine terminations and increased current path lengths. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100182735 | Diced Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly and Method of Production Yielding Improved Volumetric Efficiency - A surface-mountable electrolytic capacitor with improved volumetric efficiency includes an electrolytic capacitor element, anode and cathode terminations, an encapsulation material and external terminations. The capacitor element has first and second opposing end surfaces and an anode wire extending from the first end surface that is electrically connected to a first anode termination portion. A first cathode termination portion is conductively adhered to a surface of the capacitor element, and a second portion is perpendicular to the first portion and parallel to the second end surface of the capacitor element. Encapsulating material surrounds the capacitor element to form a device package that is subsequently diced to improve volumetric efficiency and optionally expose the anode and cathode terminations on opposing end surfaces. First and second external terminations may be formed over the exposed portions of anode and cathode terminations to wrap around to one or more given surfaces of the device package. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100142205 | TWO PART SURFACE MOUNT LED STRIP CONNECTOR AND LED ASSEMBLY - An LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED printed circuit boards (PCB), with each LED PCB having at least one LED bulb and electrical connector pads configured at each opposite end of the boards. A two-component surface mount electrical connector is configured to connect one end of a first LED PCB to an end of a second said LED PCB such that the first and second LED PCBs are electrically connected end-to-end. The connected LED PCBs may be configured in a light tube that includes connector end caps for mounting the light tube in a light fixture. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100142204 | Card Edge LED Strip Connector and LED Assembly - An LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED printed circuit boards (PCB), with each LED PCB having at least one LED bulb and electrical connector pads configured at each opposite end of the boards. At least one electrical connector is configured to connect one end of a first LED PCB to an end of a second said LED PCB such that the first and second LED PCBs are electrically connected end-to-end. The connected LED PCBs may be configured in a light tube that includes connector end caps for mounting the light tube in a light fixture. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100142123 | Electrochemical Capacitor Containing Ruthenium Oxide Electrodes - A capacitor containing an electrochemical cell that includes ruthenium oxide electrodes and an aqueous electrolyte containing a polyprotic acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) is provided. More specifically, the electrodes each contain a substrate that is coated with a metal oxide film formed from a combination of ruthenium oxide and inorganic oxide particles (e.g., alumina, silica, etc.). Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the inorganic oxide particles may enhance proton transfer (e.g., proton generation) in the aqueous electrolyte to form hydrated inorganic oxide complexes (e.g., [Al(H | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100085685 | Capacitor Anode Formed From a Powder Containing Coarse Agglomerates and Fine Agglomerates - A pressed anode formed from an electrically conductive powder that contains a plurality of coarse agglomerates and fine agglomerates is provided. The fine agglomerates have an average size smaller than that of the coarse agglomerates so that the resulting powder contains two or more distinct particle sizes, i.e., a “bimodal” distribution. In this manner, the fine agglomerates can effectively occupy the pores defined between adjacent coarse agglomerates (“inter-agglomerate pores”). Through the occupation of the empty pores, the fine agglomerates can increase the apparent density of the resulting powder, which improves volumetric efficiency. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100072179 | Laser Welding of Electrolytic Capacitors - A technique for laser welding an anode lead to an anode termination of an electrolytic capacitor is provided. The technique involves directing a laser beam through one or more refraction elements before it contacts the lead and anode termination. By selectively controlling the index of refraction and thickness of the refraction element, the angle at which the refraction element is positioned relative to the laser beam, etc., the laser beam may be directed to a precise weld location without substantially contacting and damaging other parts of the capacitor. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100067174 | Substrate for Use in Wet Capacitors - A porous substrate for use in a wide variety of applications, such as wet capacitors, is provided. The substrate is formed by subjecting a metal substrate to a voltage while in solution to initiate anodic formation of an oxide film. Contrary to conventional anodization processes, however, the newly created oxide quickly breaks down to once again expose the metal surface to the electrolytic solution. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as by raising the voltage of the solution above a critical level known as the “breakdown voltage”, employing a corrosive acid in the solution that dissolves the oxide, etc. Regardless of the mechanism employed, the nearly simultaneous process of oxide growth/breakdown results in the formation of a structure having pores arranged at substantially regular intervals. The resulting structure is highly porous and can exhibit excellent adhesion to electrochemically-active materials and stability in aqueous electrolytes. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100061037 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor for Embedding Into a Circuit Board - An electrolytic capacitor that is configured to be embedded into a circuit board is provided. The electrolytic capacitor contains a capacitor element, anode and cathode terminations, and a case that encapsulates the capacitor element and leaves at least a portion of the anode and cathode terminations exposed that extend outwardly from opposite ends of the case. Each of the terminations possesses an upper surface that faces toward the capacitor element and a lower surface that faces away from the capacitor element. In contrast to conventional surface-mounted electrolytic capacitors, the upper surfaces of these exposed anode and cathode termination portions are mounted to the circuit board. In this manner, the capacitor may essentially be mounted “upside down” so that some or all of its thickness becomes embedded within the board itself, thereby minimizing the height profile of the capacitor on the board. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100039749 | ULTRA BROADBAND CAPACITOR - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for inexpensive realization of one or more secondary capacitors within a monolithic body that already includes a first, larger capacitor to provide ultra wideband structures. Alternating layers of electrodes are provided with arm portions that embrace portions of adjacent electrode layers so as to create additional coupling effects within the capacitor structure thereby producing multiple additional equivalent capacitor structures within the device. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20090257199 | Connector Module for Ruggedized Applications - A connector module can be configured to provide a connection between a component such as an electrolytic capacitor and a circuit board while supporting the component in a spaced apart manner from the board Due to the connector module, secondary soldering operations can be avoided. For example, the module may comprise a body with fingers and support members that engage and support the capacitor. The body may feature a plurality of legs, each leg including spaced-apart members which fit into respective holes in the board. Each leg can include a retention and clip feature which cooperate to hold the module securely to the board. The body can include pins that engage electrodes of the capacitor and provide a connection to the board. In some embodiments, a locking cover can include a ring that engages the capacitor body while also ensuring a secure connection between the electrodes of the capacitor and pins of the module. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090244812 | Hermetically Sealed Capacitor Assembly - A capacitor assembly that includes a conductive polymer electrolytic capacitor that is enclosed and hermetically sealed within a ceramic housing in the presence of an inert gas is provided. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the ceramic housing is capable of limiting the amount of oxygen and moisture supplied to the conductive polymer of the capacitor. In this manner, the conductive polymer is less likely to oxidize in high temperature environments, thus increasing the thermal stability of the capacitor assembly. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090244811 | Electrolytic Capacitor Assembly Containing a Resettable Fuse - A fused electrolytic capacitor assembly that offers improved performance characteristics in a convenient and space-saving package is provided. More specifically, the fused electrolytic capacitor assembly contains an electrolytic capacitor element and a resettable fuse contained within a case. The capacitor assembly also contains a stress absorbing material that is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the resettable fuse. By selecting a stress absorbing material having a certain modulus and a certain degree of inherent flexibility, the present inventors believe the resettable fuse is better able to expand to its full capacity upon exposure to an excessive current. In this manner, the resettable fuse is able to better function during use. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090239409 | INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR (IDC) - An electrical insulation displacement connector includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side configured for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire therein. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body and configured for electrical contact with a PCB. The body includes retaining structure extending into the channel at a location relative to a depth of the blades within the channel such that the insulation portion of a wire inserted into the channel and pressed down into the first end of the contact element is pushed below the retaining structure, thereby preventing the wire from being inadvertently pulled out from the first end of the contact. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090185941 | Sintered Anode Pellet Treated with a Surfactant for Use in an Electrolytic Capacitor - An electrolytic capacitor anode treated with a surfactant during anodic oxidation is provided. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the surfactant may lower the surface tension of an electrolyte, which inhibits the clustering of grown oxides and allows the dielectric layer to become more homogeneous and uniformly spread over the anode body. The resulting dielectric layer may thus have a substantially homogeneous thickness, smooth surface, and improved leakage current stability. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090185330 | Sintered Anode Pellet Etched with an Organic Acid for Use in an Electrolytic Capacitor - An electrolytic capacitor anode etched with an organic acid prior to anodic oxidation of the anode to create the dielectric layer. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the organic acid can etch away at least a portion of any oxides on the anode. This provides a relatively uniform surface for the creation of the dielectric, which in turn leads to a dielectric layer having a substantially uniform thickness and homogeneous amorphous structure and thus improved leakage current and stability. The organic acid may also have other residual benefits, such as removing any metallic impurities from the surface of the anode. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090185329 | Electrolytic Capacitor Anode Treated with an Organometallic Compound - An electrolytic capacitor that contains an anodically oxidized anode that is incorporated with an additional metallic element is provided. More specifically, the metallic element is built into the valve metal pentoxide of the dielectric layer. In one particular embodiment, the addition of the metallic element results in a niobium pentoxide dielectric that contains closely packed units of O atoms, Nb | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090166211 | Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Containing a Conductive Polymer - A method for forming an electrolytic capacitor is disclosed. The method includes forming a conductive polymer coating over the dielectric layer by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of an oxidative polymerization catalyst. The conductive polymer coating is formed by dipping the anode in a polymerization solution comprising the monomer, the oxidative polymerization catalyst, and a polar solvent. The polymerization solution has a temperature of less than about 20° C. Cooling the polymerization solution further stabilizes the polymerization solution and prevents premature polymerization of the monomer(s). Thus, the resulting conductive polymer layer can be more intimately positioned with respect to the anode. As a result, the formed capacitor can exhibit better performance. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090147440 | LOW INDUCTANCE, HIGH RATING CAPACITOR DEVICES - Methodologies and structures are disclosed for providing multilayer electronic devices having low inductance and high ratings, such as for capacitor devices for uses involving faster pulsing and higher currents. Plural layer devices are constructed for relatively lowered inductance by relatively altering typical orientation of capacitors such that their electrodes are placed into a vertical position relative to an associated circuit board. Optionally, individual leads may be formed so that the resulting structure can be used as an array. Internal electrodes may be arranged for reducing current loops for associated circuits on a circuit board, to correspondingly reduce the associated inductance of the circuit board mounted device. Leads associated with such devices may have added tab-like structures which serve to more precisely place the lead, to improve the lead to capacitor strength, and to promote lower resistance and inductance. Disclosed designs for reducing associated inductance may be practiced in conjunction with various electric devices, including capacitors, resistors, inductors, or varistors. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090122463 | TOP TO BOTTOM ELECTRODE CONNECTION ON SINGLE LAYER CERAMIC CAPACITORS - Disclosed are methodology and corresponding device subject matters for providing single layer ceramic capacitors through the use of significantly reduced numbers of processing steps. An aspect of present methodology resides in the early introduction of a plurality of selectively spaced through holes in an unfired ceramic wafer. Such holes provide connection points between conductive coatings on both sides of a subsequently fired wafer and eliminate the need to perform a previously employed third sputtering step to achieve connection between the layers. The present methodology also provides for end of process determination of final capacitive values for the finished devices. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090103247 | Doped Ceramic Powder for Use in Forming Capacitor Anodes - An electrolytic capacitor that comprises an anode body formed from a powder comprising electrically conductive ceramic particles and a non-metallic element in an amount of about 100 parts per million or more is provided in one embodiment of the invention. The non-metallic element has a ground state electron configuration that includes five valence electrons at an energy level of three or more. Examples of such elements include, for instance, phosphorous, arsenic, antimony, and so forth. The capacitor also comprises a dielectric layer overlying the anode body and an electrolyte layer overlying the dielectric layer. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090059477 | Laser-Welded Solid Electrolytic Capacitor - A solid electrolytic capacitor that is capable of withstanding laser welding without a significant deterioration in its electrical performance is provided. The capacitor contains an anode body, dielectric layer overlying the anode body, and a solid organic electrolyte layer overlying the dielectric layer. Furthermore, the capacitor of the present invention also employs a light reflective layer that overlies the solid organic electrolyte layer. The present inventors have discovered that such a light reflective layer may help reflect any light that inadvertently travels toward the capacitor element during laser welding. This results in reduced contact of the solid organic electrolyte with the laser and thus minimizes defects in the electrolyte that would have otherwise been formed by carbonization. The resultant laser-welded capacitor is therefore characterized by such performance characteristics as relatively low ESR and low leakage currents. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090002921 | MULTILAYER CERAMIC CAPACITOR WITH INTERNAL CURRENT CANCELLATION AND BOTTOM TERMINALS - Low inductance capacitors include electrodes that are arranged among dielectric layers and oriented such that the electrodes are substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface. Vertical electrodes are exposed along a device periphery to determine where termination lands are formed, defining a narrow and controlled spacing between the lands that is intended to reduce the current loop area, thus reducing the component inductance. Further reduction in current loop area and thus component equivalent series inductance (ESL) may be provided by interdigitated terminations. Terminations may be formed by various electroless plating techniques, and may be directly soldered to circuit board pads. Terminations may also be located on “ends” of the capacitors to enable electrical testing or to control solder fillet size and shape. Two-terminal devices may be formed as well as devices with multiple terminations on a given bottom (mounting) surface of the device. Terminations may also be formed on the top surface (opposite a designated mounting surface) and may be a mirror image, reverse-mirror image, or different shape relative to the bottom surface. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080310076 | CONTROLLED ESR DECOUPLING CAPACITOR - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing controlled equivalent series resistance (ESR) decoupling capacitor designs having broad applicability to signal and power filtering technologies. Such capacitor designs provide characteristics for use in decoupling applications involving both signal level and power level environments. Controlled equivalent series resistance (ESR) is provided by providing extended length tab connections to active electrode layers within the device. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080298031 | SHAPED INTEGRATED PASSIVES - Shaped integrated passive devices and corresponding methodologies relate to construction and mounting of shaped passive devices on substrates so as to provide both mechanical and electrical connection. Certain components and component assemblies are associated with the implementation of surface mountable devices. Specially shaped integrated passive device are capable of providing simplified mounting on and simultaneous connection to selected electrical pathways on a printed circuit board or other mounting substrate. Shaped, plated side filter devices have plated sides which provide both mounting and grounding/power coupling functions. Thin film filters may be constructed on silicon wafers, which are then diced from the top surface with an angular dicing saw to produce a shaped groove in the top surface. The groove may be v-shaped or other shape, and is then plated with a conductive material. Individual pieces are separated by grinding the back surface of the wafer down to where the grooves are intercepted. The plated grooves serve as ground or power connection points for the filter circuit. The metallized slopes of the plated grooves are used in securing the individual pieces to a mounting surface, by soldering or using conductive epoxy. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080273285 | PRECISION LASER ADJUSTABLE THIN FILM CAPACITORS - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a precision laser adjustable (e.g., trimmable) thin film capacitor array. A plurality of individual capacitors are formed on a common substrate and connected together in parallel by way of fusible links. The individual capacitors are provided as laddered capacitance value capacitors such that a plurality of lower valued capacitors corresponding to the lower steps of the ladder, and lesser numbers of capacitors, including a single capacitor, for successive steps of the ladder, are provided. Precision capacitance values can be achieved by either of fusing or ablating selected of the fusible links so as to remove the selected subcomponents from the parallel connection. In-situ live-trimming of selected fusible links may be performed after placement of the capacitor array on a hosting printed circuit board. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080253059 | LAND GRID FEEDTHROUGH LOW ESL TECHNOLOGY - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing land grid feedthrough capacitor designs having broad applicability to signal and power filtering technologies. Such capacitor designs provide characteristics for use in decoupling applications involving both signal level and power level environments. Low equivalent series inductance (ESL) is provided by current cancellation techniques involving opposite current flow in power or signal and ground current paths through the device. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080232037 | SOLID ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR CONTAINING A CONDUCTIVE POLYMER - A method for forming an electrolytic capacitor is disclosed. The method includes forming a conductive polymer coating by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of less than a stoichiometric amount of an oxidative polymerization catalyst. The present inventor has found that the use of less than the stoichiometric amount of the oxidative polymerization catalyst per mole of monomer can slow the polymerization of the monomer, creating oligomers that are shorter in length than if fully polymerized into a polymer. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that these shorter oligomers provide better penetration into the porous anode. Thus, the resulting conductive polymer layer can be more intimately positioned with respect to the anode. As a result, the formed capacitor can exhibit better performance. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080232035 | SOLID ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR CONTAINING A PROTECTIVE ADHESIVE LAYER - An electrolytic capacitor containing a protective adhesive layer positioned between the dielectric layer and the solid electrolyte layer (e.g., a conductive polymer layer, manganese dioxide) is generally disclosed. The protective adhesive layer can include a polymer having a repeating unit with a functional hydroxyl group, such as poly(vinyl alcohol). For instance, the polymer can be at least 90 mole % hydrolyzed. The polyvinyl alcohol can be a co-polymer of vinyl alcohol and a monomer, such as an acrylic ester like a methacrylic ester (e.g., methyl methacrylate). | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080232033 | SOLID ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR CONTAINING A BARRIER LAYER - An electrolytic capacitor containing an anode and solid electrolyte overlying the anode is provided. The capacitor may also include a barrier layer that overlies the solid electrolyte to help protect the capacitor from its working environment. More specifically, the barrier layer may include a three-dimensional crosslinked network that provides excellent adhesion to the underlying layers, and also improved barrier properties to moisture. In this manner, the barrier layer can enable the electrolytic capacitor to increase it performance in relatively high humidity and/or high temperature environments. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080232032 | Anode for use in electrolytic capacitors - A capacitor anode that is formed from ceramic particles (e.g., Nb | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080232031 | Cathode coating for a wet electrolytic capacitor - A wet electrolytic capacitor that comprises an anode, cathode, and working electrolyte is provided. The cathode contains a coating disposed over a surface of a current collector, wherein the coating comprises a plurality of electrochemically-active particles and a binder. The binder is formed from an amorphous polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 100° C. or more. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080232030 | Wet electrolytic capacitor containing a plurality of thin powder-formed anodes - A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes a plurality of anodes, cathode, and working electrolyte that is disposed in electrical contact with the anodes and current collector is provided. Any number of anodes may generally be employed, such as from 2 to 40, in some embodiments from 3 to 30, and in some embodiments, from 4 to 20. The anodes are thin and typically have a thickness of about 1500 micrometers or less, in some embodiments about 1000 micrometers or less, and in some embodiments, from about 50 to about 500 micrometers. By employing a plurality of anodes that are relatively thin in nature, the resulting wet electrolytic capacitor is able to achieve excellent electrical properties. For example, the equivalent series resistance (“ESR”)—the extent that the capacitor acts like a resistor when charging and discharging in an electronic circuit—may be less than about 1500 milliohms, in some embodiments less than about 1000 milliohms, and in some embodiments, less than about 500 milliohms, measured with a 2-volt bias and 1-volt signal at a frequency of 1000 Hz. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080232029 | Neutral electrolyte for a wet electrolytic capacitor - A working electrolyte for use in a wet electrolytic capacitor is provided. The electrolyte is relatively neutral and has a pH of from about 5.0 to about 8.0, in some embodiments from about 5.5 to about 7.5, and in some embodiments, from about 6.0 to about 7.5. Despite possessing a neutral pH level, the electrolyte is nevertheless electrically conductive. For instance, the electrolyte may have an electrical conductivity of about 10 milliSiemens per centimeter (“mS/cm”) or more, in some embodiments about 30 mS/cm or more, and in some embodiments, from about 40 mS/cm to about 100 mS/cm, determined at a temperature of 25° C. | 09-25-2008 |
