A novel heater is disclosed for a temperature sensitive actuator. The heater is a polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) device consisting of conductive filler and semi-crystalline polymer. The PPTC heater is strategically designed to have a predetermined self-regulation temperature suited to whatever application utilizes the heater. Physical characteristics of the PPTC heater, such as gap width and thickness, enable the current flow through the heater to be strategically controlled.

In order to further improve stress tolerance, a thermistor device includes a first base material member made of resin, a thermistor element including a thermistor thin film provided on a metal base material and first and second external electrodes provided on the thermistor thin film, and a first lead electrode and a second lead electrode provided on a principal surface of the first base material member, and connected to the first external electrode and the second external electrode. Each of the metal base material and the thermistor thin film undergoes a deflection between the first external electrode and the second external electrode.

A cable is provided and includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a PTC material layer. The PTC material layer is directly bonded to and electrically connects the first conductor and the second conductor.

The present invention provides an electrode for an electrical device, the electrode comprising: a PTC element; a first terminal disposed on one main surface of the PTC element and extending in one direction; and a second terminal disposed on the other main surface of the PTC element and extending in a different direction from the first terminal.

The present invention provides a protective element including (i) a PTC element having an opening passing through in the thickness direction, and (ii) a first electrode and a second electrode positioned on both main surfaces of the PTC element, the protective element characterized in that the first electrode extends from a main surface of the PTC element over an edge thereof and into the opening. A protective element of the present invention does not prevent the PTC element from expanding even when secured by a screw or caulking.

A connector for providing electronic communication with an electronic device is disclosed. The connector can comprise a substrate comprising layers of non-conductive material and conductive material. The connector can include an interface member mounted to the substrate and electrically connected with the conductor. A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) fuse can be embedded in the substrate and electrically connected with the conductor and the interface member. At least a portion of the PTC fuse can be disposed directly below the interface member.

A PTC device as well as an electrical device such as a battery pack or a dry-cell type secondary cell containing a PTC device and a secondary cell is made more compact. The PTC device includes (1) a PTC component including a laminar polymer PTC element having an electrically conductive filler and a polymer material, and a metal electrode disposed on a surface of each side of the polymer PTC element; and (2) a lead positioned at least in part on the metal electrode of the PTC component, and connected to the metal electrode by an electrically conductive material An exposed part of the electrically conductive material is covered by a protective member including a polypropylene resin, a nylon resin or an epoxy resin.

The present disclosure provides a self-regulating electric heating film, including: an insulating isolation layer, an interdigital electrode arranged on the surface of the insulating isolation layer, a positive temperature coefficient coating covering the surface of a secondary electrode of the interdigital electrode, and an insulating protective layer covering the surface of a primary electrode of the interdigital electrode, wherein the positive temperature coefficient coating is not in contact with the primary electrode of the interdigital electrode, and the insulating protective layer overlaps the positive temperature coefficient coating.

A temperature sensor can include a resistor, a first electrical contact at a first end of the resistor, a second electrical contact at a second end of the resistor, and a resistance measuring device. The resistor can be formed of a matrix of sintered elemental transition metal particles interlocked with a matrix of fused thermoplastic polymer particles. The resistance measuring device can be connected to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to measure a resistance of the resistor.

A connector for providing electronic communication with an electronic device is disclosed. The connector can comprise a substrate comprising layers of non-conductive material and conductive material. The connector can include an interface member mounted to the substrate and electrically connected with the conductor. A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) fuse can be embedded in the substrate and electrically connected with the conductor and the interface member. At least a portion of the PTC fuse can be disposed directly below the interface member.