Abstract: Low-cost techniques for sensing ambient temperatures in a container or package using phase change materials are provided. In one aspect, a temperature sensor is provided. The temperature sensor includes: at least one phase change material configured to transition from an amorphous state to a crystalline state upon exposure to temperatures above a predetermined threshold temperature for a given duration. A method of monitoring temperature exposure of a consumer good using the temperature sensor is also provided.

Abstract: This thermal conduction device intended to be installed between a first heat source part and a second heat dissipation part, comprises a male element comprising a protruding part relative to a base and a female element comprising an inner wall defining a housing for receiving the protruding part. The male element is configured to exert a radial force against the inner wall when the thermal conduction device is installed between the first heat source part and the second heat dissipation part so as to improve the thermal conduction between the male element and the female element.

Abstract: A smart management system for garage doors and electronic devices is a device that is utilized to manage and control electronic devices. The device includes a housing structure that is mountable to a surface such as a wall or a ceiling. A video capture device provides a live video feed of surrounding areas while at least one environmental sensor allows monitoring of various conditions in the surrounding areas. A wireless communication module allows the device to be associated with an external computing device while a plurality of electrical outlets enables various electronic devices to be connected to the device. A control unit enables the device to monitor and manage the electronic devices. The control unit is configured to monitor and regulate a garage door status by using data captured by the video capture device, the at least one environmental sensor, and the rangefinder.

Abstract: A system, for use in protecting an active-material actuator from overheating without using a temperature sensor. The system includes an active material being transformable between a first state and a second state in response to a pre-determined stimulus, and being pre-tensioned to at least a pre-determined threshold, yielding the pre-tensioned active material. The system also includes a processing unit configured to perform operations comprising obtaining a value for electrical resistance of the pre-tensioned active material, estimating, based on the electrical resistance obtained, an strain value for the active material, yielding an estimated strain value, and obtaining an actual strain value for the active material. The operations also include determining a difference between the estimated strain value estimated and the actual strain value and determining, based on the difference determined, whether an overheating condition exists for the active material.

Abstract: A thermal cut-off device can include a case, a first electrically conductive lead disposed at a first end of the case, a thermally responsive pellet housed within the case, a second electrically conductive lead disposed at a second end of the case and having a distal end including a contact surface, an electrically conductive contact disposed between the pellet and the second lead, a first biasing member disposed between the pellet and the contact, and a second biasing member disposed between the contact and the second end of the case.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, a housing accommodating the switching mechanism, two first connections between which first connections the switching mechanism makes or interrupts an electrically conductive connection depending on the temperature of said switching mechanism, and a heating resistor that is arranged on an outside of the housing and is connected electrically in series with the two connections. The heating resistor is a sheet-like metal part that is welded to the housing and carries a further connection.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a hermetically sealed container including a metal housing and a header plate, at least one conductive terminal pin hermetically fixed in a through hole, a fixed contact fixed-to the terminal pin in the container, a thermally responsive plate having one end connected via a support to an inner surface of the container and reversing a curvature direction at a predetermined temperature, and at least one movable contact electrically conductively secured to the other end of the thermally responsive plate. Each contact includes a silver-tin oxide-indium oxide system contact. The container is filled with a gas containing helium ranging from 50% to 95% so that an internal pressure of the container ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 atmosphere at room temperature.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a container including a metal housing and a header plate, at least one conductive terminal pin inserted through a hole of the header plate, a fixed contact fixed to the terminal pin, a thermally responsive plate having one of two ends conductively connected via a support to an inner surface of the container and reversing a direction of curvature at a predetermined temperature, and at least one movable contact electrically conductively secured directly to the other end of the thermally responsive plate. Each contact is comprised of a silver-cadmium oxide system contact. The container is filled with a gas containing helium ranging from 50% to 95% so that an internal pressure of the container ranges from 0.38 atmosphere to 0.68 atmosphere at room temperature such that arc generated during opening of the contacts moves on surfaces of the contacts without spreading from the contacts.

Abstract: A triggering unit includes a tappet having a moving bearing, a power accumulator, a holding device and a printed circuit board coil. In the normal state the power accumulator acts upon the tappet with a power accumulator force in the direction of the first stop position and the holding device holds the tappet with a holding force in the second stop position. A printed circuit board coil force can be generated by an activation of the printed circuit board coil. The power accumulator, the holding device and the printed circuit board coil are formed such that the tappet rests in the second stop position in the inactive state of the printed circuit board coil and through an activation of the printed circuit board coil, the tappet assumes the first stop position such that the triggered status is given.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch comprising a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having a snap-action disc, a housing having a lower part and an upper part which accommodates the switching mechanism, at least two stationary contacts provided on the inner surface of the upper part, each of which is connected to an outer connection, and a current transfer member arranged on the snap-action disc that is moved by said snap-action disc. The snap-action disc presses the current transfer member, in a temperature-dependent manner, against the two stationary contacts which serve as bearing areas for the current transfer member. A third bearing area for the current transfer member is provided on the inner surface. The current transfer member is an approximately round contact plate having on its surface facing the stationary contacts, a contact area closed in a circumferential direction around an axis of symmetry of the switch.

Abstract: A secondary battery including an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a first collecting plate electrically connected to the first electrode plate, the first collecting plate including a first fuse region; a second collecting plate electrically connected to the second electrode plate, the second collecting plate including a second fuse region; and a case accommodating the electrode assembly, the first collecting plate, and the second collecting plate, wherein a first sectional area of the first fuse region is larger than a second sectional area of the second fuse region.

Abstract: A device, such as a switch structure, is provided. The switch structure can include a contact and a conductive element each respectively disposed on a substrate. The conductive element can be composed substantially of metallic material, and can be configured to be deformable between a first position, in which the conductive element is separated from the contact by a separation distance, and a second position, in which the conductive element contacts the contact and stores mechanical energy. The conductive element can be further configured such that, subsequent to being deformed into the second position at a temperature between about room temperature and about half of a melting temperature of the metallic material for a cumulative time of at least 107 seconds, the separation distance in the absence of external forces varies by less than 20 percent over the cumulative time. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch having a housing 2, which has a cover part and a lower part, and having a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, which is arranged in the housing 2 and which, depending on its temperature, produces or opens an electrically conductive connection between two external connection terminals provided on an upper surface 25 of the housing 2, is provided with a shielding housing 41 made of an electrically conductive, metal material, into which the housing 2 is inserted with its bottom side 24 first.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes an airtight container including a metal housing and a header plate, conductive terminal pins airtightly fixed to the header plate, a fixed contact fixed to the conductive terminal pin, a thermally responsive plate one end of which is conductively connected to and fixed to the inner surface of the airtight container and the bending direction of which is reversed at a predetermined temperature, and a movable contact fixed to the other end of the thermally responsive plate. In the thermally responsive switch, the movable contact and the fixed contact are composed of a silver tin oxide based contact and gas containing 50% or more and 95% or less of helium is encapsulated in the airtight container in such a manner that gas pressure is equal to or more than 0.35 and equal to or less than 0.7 at ordinary temperature.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electric contact material in which a surface layer portion of an alloy containing 1 to 15 mass % of Cu, 0.01 to 0.7 mass % of Ni, and the remainder of Ag and unavoidable impurities is supplied with an amount of oxygen exceeding the amount of oxygen required for internal oxidation of Cu to form an oxygen concentrated layer.

Abstract: A heat-responsive switch includes a case member, a deformation member deformed from a shape concave to an inside of the case member to a convex shape in response to a temperature variation, a first electrode having a first contact, a second electrode having a second contact and bringing the second contact into contact with the first contact with the first contact impelled to the deformation member, a first pressing member pressing the first electrode to separate the first contact from the second contact by having an end pressed by the deformation of the deformation member into the convex shape, and a second pressing member pressing the deformation member to restore the deformation member to the concave shape and pressing the second electrode to keep the first contact and the second contact separated by having the end pressed to the deformation member from an outside of the case member.

Abstract: A digging-into portion 91 formed in a fixed part 42 of a movable piece 4 digs into and fits with a protrusion 74a of a resin casing 71, and the movable piece 4 is firmly fixed to the resin casing 71. Thereby, the posture of the movable piece 4 relative to the resin casing 71 is stabilized, and the positional relation between the fixed contact and the movable contact is stabilized.

Abstract: A thermally-actuated switch includes a movable member that is provided between a second electrode and a displacement member so as to be movable in a first direction, is pushed at one end by the displacement member in a concave state to push the second electrode at the other end to bring a second contact into contact with a first contact, and is moved in the first direction by an urging force acting on the second electrode due to convex displacement of the displacement member, and a regulating member that regulates movement of the movable member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from a transmittable position where a pushing force from the displacement member is capable of being transmitted to the second electrode, and releases the regulation such that the movable member moved in the first direction by the urging force is removed from the transmittable position.

Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to a thermal fuse for preventing overheating of RF devices in a telecommunication system. The RF thermal fuse includes a body, a conductive bolt, and a driving mechanism. The body can be positioned on a transmission line between an RF signal source and an RF device. The conductive bolt is positioned in the body. The conductive bolt has a length sufficient to provide impedance at a point of protection on the transmission line in response to the conductive bolt contacting a live conductor of the transmission line. The impedance is sufficient to reflect a portion of the incident power of an RF signal from the RF source. The driving mechanism can cause the conductive bolt to contact the live conductor in response to a temperature at or near the point of protection exceeding a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, which, depending on its temperature, opens or closes at least one switching contact, which is formed by two contact parts that are in contact with each other via their switching areas when the switch is closed. At least one contact part has a body made of resistance material and a top layer made of contact material and forming its switching area.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a hermetic container including a housing and a header plate hermetically secured to an open end of the housing, a conductive terminal pin inserted through the header plate, a conductive pin, a thermally responsive plate having one of two ends fixed to the terminal pin, a movable contact secured to the other end of the thermally responsive plate, and a fixed contact fixed via an electrical conductor to the terminal pin, the conductor having a fuse part and a heater. The fixed contact is fixed to a ceramic member disposed between the container and the fixed contact. The housing includes a bottom surface including both lengthwise ends between which the conductive pin is interposed. Both ends of the housing bottom surface are deformed axially relative to the conductive pin from an initial state, so that an operating temperature of the switch is calibratable.

Abstract: A heat switch has a first contact, a plug of thermally conductive material, and a mechanical actuator attached to the plug of thermally conductive material, the mechanical actuator arranged to move the plug into contact with the first contact in a first position and to move the plug out of contact with the first contact in a second position responsive to a signal.

Abstract: A self-heating thermal protector operates to disconnect a load control device for a lighting load from an AC power source when insulation is present around the insulation detector independent of the magnitude of an AC mains line voltage of the AC power source. The insulation detector comprises a temperature-sensitive switch and a constant power circuit that are located in a thermally-conductive enclosure. The temperature-sensitive switch is coupled between the AC power source and the load control device and is rendered conductive and non-conductive in response to a temperature inside the enclosure. The constant power circuit is coupled in parallel with the AC power source and dissipates a constant amount of power independent of the magnitude of the AC mains line voltage when the temperature-sensitive switch is conductive. Restricted airflow over the thermal protector causes the temperature inside the enclosure to increase, such that the temperature-sensitive switch is rendered non-conductive.

Abstract: A system for suppressing an overheat condition in an electrical housing includes an electrical housing that defines a housing area including one or more electrical devices; a suppression fluid container containing a suppression fluid; a valve configured to regulate the flow of the suppression fluid from the suppression fluid container to the housing area; at least one sensor configured to sense at least one of temperature and smoke; and a controller communicatively connected to the at least one sensor and the valve, the controller configured to receive signals from the at least one sensor indicating an overheat condition in the housing area; and in response to the received signals indicating the overheat condition in the housing area, control the valve to allow the suppression fluid to flow from the suppression fluid container into the housing area, in order to suppress the overheat condition in the housing area.

Abstract: A power disconnecting device includes: two electrical contacts which are electrically conductively connected to one another via a conductor in a closed state of the conductor; and a holding unit which holds the conductor in the closed state, the conductor being pre-tensioned in the direction of an open position, the two electrical contacts not being electrically conductively connected via the conductor in the open position of the conductor. The holding unit has a thermosensitive element, and a heating element is assigned to thermosensitive element. The thermosensitive element changes its shape upon activation of the heating element, thus resulting in the conductor moving into the open position.

Abstract: An improved calibration machine for calibrating a thermal trip apparatus of a circuit interrupter employs a tool having an elongated shank and a pair of engagement elements. The engagement elements are engageable with a support that carried a bimetal element. The engagement elements can deform the support in opposite directions to either increase or decrease the thermal trip setting of the thermal trip apparatus. If the support is over-deformed in one direction, it can be deformed in an opposite direction to enable a circuit interrupter whose thermal trip apparatus has been deformed beyond a desired target thermal calibration setting to be deformed in an opposite direction to reach the desired target thermal calibration setting.

Abstract: A one-shot thermostat includes a temperature sensitive element that is responsive to temperature to move from a first position to a second position when its temperature increases above a first temperature, and from the second position back to the first position when its temperature decreases below a second temperature. A switch moves from a first switch position to a second switch position when the temperature sensitive element moves from the first position to the second position. A spring element is configured to supply a retainer force to the switch when the temperature sensitive element moves from the first position to the second position that retains the switch in the second switch position when the temperature sensitive element moves from the second position back to the first position.

Abstract: A thermal valve for controlling heat transfer between two electronic components is disclosed. The thermal valve includes a first thermally conductive strip that is secured to the first electronic component and a second thermally conductive strip that is secured to the second electronic component. The first strip and the second strip are located between the two electronic components. The first strip changes its shape toward making contact with the second strip in response to a temperature increase of the first electronic component, and the second strip changes its shape away from making contact with the first strip in response to a temperature increase of the second electronic component. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a temperature sensitive element that is responsive to temperature variations to selectively move between at least a first position and a second position. The transfer pin is movable with the temperature sensitive element and is configured, upon movement of the temperature sensitive element from the first position to the second position, to supply a force to a switch that moves the switch from a first switch position to a second switch position. A spring is coupled to the switch and is configured to selectively supply at least a first retainer force to the switch that, when the switch is in the second switch position, retains the switch in the second switch position when the temperature sensitive element moves from the second position back to the first position.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch comprising a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having a snap-action disc, a housing having a lower part and an upper part which accommodates the switching mechanism, at least two stationary contacts provided on the inner surface of the upper part, each of which is connected to an outer connection, and a current transfer member arranged on the snap-action disc that is moved by said snap-action disc. The snap-action disc presses the current transfer member, in a temperature-dependent manner, against the two stationary contacts which serve as bearing areas for the current transfer member. A third bearing area for the current transfer member is provided on the inner surface. The current transfer member is an approximately round contact plate having on its surface facing the stationary contacts, a contact area closed in a circumferential direction around an axis of symmetry of the switch.

Abstract: A cap (27) for a temperature-dependent switch (10) having a first connection area (22) and at least one second connection area (23) on the outer surface of its housing (11, 12) for the purpose of electrically connecting leads (25, 26) is designed as a cup-like surrounding housing that can be pushed onto the switch (10), preferably with an accurate fit, such that the connection areas (22, 23) for electrical connection are accessible from the outside after said surrounding housing has been pushed on, whereby a first opening (28) for the first connection area (22) and a second opening (29) for the second connection area (23) are provided in said cap (27).

Abstract: A thermally-actuated switch includes a movable member that is provided between a second electrode and a displacement member so as to be movable in a first direction, is pushed at one end by the displacement member in a concave state to push the second electrode at the other end to bring a second contact into contact with a first contact, and is moved in the first direction by an urging force acting on the second electrode due to convex displacement of the displacement member, and a regulating member that regulates movement of the movable member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from a transmittable position where a pushing force from the displacement member is capable of being transmitted to the second electrode, and releases the regulation such that the movable member moved in the first direction by the urging force is removed from the transmittable position.

Abstract: A heat-responsive switch includes a case member, a deformation member deformed from a shape concave to an inside of the case member to a convex shape in response to a temperature variation, a first electrode having a first contact, a second electrode having a second contact and bringing the second contact into contact with the first contact with the first contact impelled to the deformation member, a first pressing member pressing the first electrode to separate the first contact from the second contact by having an end pressed by the deformation of the deformation member into the convex shape, and a second pressing member pressing the deformation member to restore the deformation member to the concave shape and pressing the second electrode to keep the first contact and the second contact separated by having the end pressed to the deformation member from an outside of the case member.

Abstract: A thermal switch includes a body that includes a pair of electrodes and is inserted into an insertion hole formed at a mounting portion so as to be mounted on the mounting portion, a displacement member that is held on the body and displaced according to temperature change, a synchronization member that is provided at the body and separates one contact of the pair of electrodes from the other contact thereof in synchronism with the displacement of the displacement member, and regulating portions that are provided at the body and regulate the separation of the body from the insertion hole.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed that provides a warning that the current through the circuit breaker exceeds a warning threshold. The circuit breaker comprises: a switch that carries a current I; an indicator for alternatively indicating: (i) that the current I has not exceeded IW, and (ii) that the current I has exceeded IW; and an actuator in series with the switch that: (i) causes the indicator to indicate that the current I has exceeded IW when and only when the current I has exceeded IW, and (ii) opens the switch when and only when the current I exceeds IT; wherein 0<IW<IT.

Abstract: A programmable logic device has a configurable interconnection coupling logic blocks, where the configurable interconnection has a phase change element with an amorphous region having a variable size to determine the phase change element is open or short. This isolates the programming path from the logic path.

Abstract: A thermal triggering element for a thermal switching element in the form of a glass vial having an elongated shape, a completely enclosed interior space filled with a triggering liquid and including a gas bubble. The glass vial features along its longitudinal direction, positioned in a manner facing each other, a first longitudinal end with a tip emerging from a circumferentially running edge, in particular a circumferentially running thickened section, and a second longitudinal end with a rounded end. The vial is inserted as a thermal triggering element in the thermal switching element without the addition of fat or oil in the installation process. During the screwing-in of the abutment a significantly reduced torsion moment is applied to the glass vial, as compared to a conventional process without oil or fat. The glass vial is treated on at least the second longitudinal end in a friction-reducing manner.

Abstract: A thermistor device includes include supports, contacts and offset posts configured to assist the fracturing of failed thermistor “pills” and to distribute the fragments of the fractured pills into compartment away from electrically conductive contacts in order to minimize arcing and overheating.

Abstract: A system comprising a photovoltaic module and a terminal box. Two terminals of the box output voltage generated by the photovoltaic module. A thermal switch shorts the two terminals in response to temperature rise to a threshold temperature and is structured to prevent short-circuit due to the temperature rise of the normally operating photovoltaic module and bypass diodes in the terminal box.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature control switch. The temperature control switch includes a bistable resistance element. The bistable resistance element includes a low-conductivity matrix; and a number of high conductivity particles dispersed in the matrix. The bistable resistance element switches from a low resistance state to a high resistance state by receiving a temperature change applied to the bistable resistance element. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the temperature control switch and an alarm system.

Abstract: A multi-actuation MEMS switch for high frequency signals includes a substrate, a heater disposed on the substrate, a co-planar waveguide disposed on a lowest metal layer, and a movable membrane including at least two metal layers, and an dielectric layer disposed between the co-planar waveguide and the movable membrane. The movable membrane is a fixed-fixed beam structure with a center indentation. When heat is generated and conducted to the movable membrane or electrostatic force is generated between the movable membrane and the co-planar waveguide or both forces are generated, the movable membrane will bend toward the co-planar waveguide. The position of the movable membrane change capacitance on signal line for switching the RF signal.

Abstract: A device, such as a switch structure, is provided. The switch structure can include a contact and a conductive element each respectively disposed on a substrate. The conductive element can be composed substantially of metallic material, and can be configured to be deformable between a first position, in which the conductive element is separated from the contact by a separation distance, and a second position, in which the conductive element contacts the contact and stores mechanical energy. The conductive element can be further configured such that, subsequent to being deformed into the second position at a temperature between about room temperature and about half of a melting temperature of the metallic material for a cumulative time of at least 107 seconds, the separation distance in the absence of external forces varies by less than 20 percent over the cumulative time. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a movable contact fixed to an end of a thermally responsive plate and a fixed contact which is conductively connected with a conductive pin through a conductor having a fuse part and a heater part to constitute a pair of switching contacts with the movable contact. The thermally responsive switch is used for disconnecting an AC current flowing to a motor inside a sealed electric compressor. The fixed contact is fixed to an electrically insulating ceramic member disposed between the fixed contact and a sealing container.

Abstract: A fire detection switch for use in a fire detection circuit of a aircraft engine, having: a first resistor and a second resistor disposed in series between a common terminal and an alarm terminal; and a thermally-sensitive element having a different resistance at low temperature than at high temperature, the thermally-sensitive element disposed in series with the second resistor and in parallel with the first resistor.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch 10 has, on the outside on its housing, a first and at least a second connecting surface 22, 23 for directly connecting feed lines and, in the housing, a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, which depending on its temperature produces or opens an electrically conducting connection between the two connecting surfaces 22, 23. The feed lines are directly connected, at their inner ends 27, 28, to the connecting surfaces 22, 23, the switch 10 being encased by an insulating protective layer 32, and the feed lines, at their free ends 29, 31 which are remote from the inner ends 27, 28, are free of the protective layer 32. The feed lines are in the form of connecting lugs 25, 26, which are connected in material-connecting engagement, at their inner ends 27, 28, to the connecting surfaces 22, 23 and, at their free ends 29, 31, are directly forms as plug-type connections.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a protective circuit for protection of an appliance, in particular of an electric motor, against thermal overloading. In at least one embodiment, the protective circuit includes a first and a second terminal for connecting a temperature detection element; a detection unit for detecting whether a resistance value of the temperature detector element which is connected between the first and the second terminals, is in a first or a second resistance range; a short-circuit detector for identifying whether there is a short circuit between the first and the second terminals; signaling outputs for emitting signal messages to an evaluation unit when the detected resistance value is in the second resistance range and/or when a short circuit has been identified by the short-circuit detector; and a third terminal, which is connected to the second terminal via a predetermined resistance.

Abstract: A cap (27) for a temperature-dependent switch (10) having a first connection area (22) and at least one second connection area (23) on the outer surface of its housing (11, 12) for the purpose of electrically connecting leads (25, 26) is designed as a cup-like surrounding housing that can be pushed onto the switch (10), preferably with an accurate fit, such that the connection areas (22, 23) for electrical connection are accessible from the outside after said surrounding housing has been pushed on, whereby a first opening (28) for the first connection area (22) and a second opening (29) for the second connection area (23) are provided in said cap (27).

Abstract: A thermal fuse employing a thermosensitive pellet is provided, which exhibits stabilized characteristics in a low operating temperature region. The thermal fuse includes at least a switching movable member, a thermosensitive pellet member, a pair of leads having a first lead portion and a second lead portion, and a metal casing. The thermosensitive pellet member contains a polyolefin wax. The thermosensitive pellet member is housed in the metal casing to which the pair of leads are attached. The switching movable member is operated by deformation associated with softening or melting of the thermosensitive pellet member, to attain a cut-off state between the pair of leads. The thermal fuse employing a thermosensitive pellet is suitable for an operating temperature of 50 to 180° C.

Abstract: A circuit protector includes first and second conductive members. An active material alters at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first and second conductive members to alter the electrical resistance between the first and second members.

Abstract: A tripping element for a current path in an on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle, has a voltage input, a load output for connecting a load, and also a thermal circuit breaker which is connected within the current path between the voltage input and the load output and provides DC isolation for the current path as a result of an actuation signal.