Automotive bridge rectifier assembly with thermal protection

Abstract

A rectifier assembly employs a set of diodes to rectify alternating current from an alternator to direct current for use by the electrical system of an automobile. The rectifier includes a plurality of thermal safety disconnects coupled along circuit paths within the rectifier assembly. When the resultant temperature caused by the heat provided to the safety disconnect as a result of the diodes overheating is above a threshold level, the safety disconnect melts away to disconnect the circuit path associated with the safety disconnect.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A connector for a re-manufactured automotive alternator, comprising: 
 a connector housing to receive a mating housing; and    a first terminal blade and a second terminal blade, the terminal blades flexibly coupled to a voltage bus, the terminal blades adapted to mate to mating connectors within the mating housing, the terminal blades flexing to adapt to varying positions of the mating connectors within the mating housing.