NOVELTY - A device for the protection of batteries comprises a layer of conductive polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material and first and second contact elements. The PTC material is laminated between upper and lower metal electrodes. The first contact element is in electrical contact with the upper electrode while being electrically isolated from the lower electrode.    USE - For electronic components or devices that exhibit PTC of resistivity.    ADVANTAGE - The device allows cells to be efficiently packaged within the equipment and provides weldable contacts for the battery terminals.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A device (50) for the protection of batteries comprises a layer of conductive polymer PTC material (12) and first and second contact elements. The first contact element (52) is in electrical contact with the upper electrode while being electrically isolated from the lower electrode. The second contact element (54) is in the same plane as the first contact element and is in direct mechanical and electrical contact with the lower electrode (58). Preferred Feature: A metallized via is formed through the polymer PTC layer and the upper and lower electrodes. The conductive polymer PTC layer has upper and lower surfaces. The upper electrode (56) is laminated to the upper surface and the lower electrode is laminated to the lower surface. An annular isolation gap (20) in the lower electrode defines an isolated portion of the lower electrode. A via (27, 38) extends through the upper electrode, the conductive polymer PTC layer, and the isolated portion of the lower electrode. The conductive path comprises a metallization layer connecting the upper electrode to the isolated portion of the lower electrode through the via. The metallization layer forms an annular conductive contact seat (36, 40) on the isolated portion of the lower electrode. The first contact element is fixed to the contact seat. The second contact element is fixed to the lower electrode and is electrically isolated from the isolated portion by the isolation gap. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method of manufacturing a device for the protection of batteries.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a battery protection device.    PTC material (12)    Isolation gap (20)    Vias (27, 38)    First annular contact seat (36)    Second contact seat (40)    Battery protection device (50)    First contact element (52)    Second contact element (54)    Upper electrode (56)    Lower electrode (58)