Stephen G Stiles

US Patent:

7191510, Mar 20, 2007

Filed:

Dec 3, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/727098

Inventors:

Stephen Jay Sanderson - Royersford PA, US
Stephen Ray Stiles - Liberty Hill TX, US

International Classification:

H01H 69/02
G08B 21/00

US Classification:

29623, 315 74, 313485, 340638

Abstract:

An electroluminescent (EL) lamp having at least two integral fusible links and a method of manufacturing such a lamp are disclosed. The present invention provides for a fusible link between the front electrode input power contact area and the transparent electrode. In addition, the present invention provides a second fusible link between the back electrode input power contact area and the transparent electrode. The fusible links are designed to become non-conductive (open) if a certain current level is exceeded. The EL lamp fails in a controlled way, without signs of combustion. The EL lamp is therefore protected from self-destruction when subject to an anomaly or manufacturing defect.