Abstract: A heating unit includes a heater including a substrate and a resistance heating element provided on the substrate, an endless belt configured to rotate around the heater, a thermostat configured to interrupt energization to the resistance heating element when the heater is abnormally increased in temperature, the thermostat having a heat sensitive surface and a heat-insulating member disposed between the thermostat and the heater. The heat-insulating member has a heat conductivity less than that of a material constituting the heat sensitive surface. The heat sensitive surface of the thermostat is in contact with the heat-insulating member.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method of forming an auto-focusing device is provided. The method includes forming a cantilever beam member. The cantilever beam member has a ring shape. The method further includes forming a piezoelectric member over the cantilever beam member. The method also includes forming a membrane over the cantilever beam member. The membrane has a first region and a second region. The first region has a planar surface, and the second region is located between the first region and an inner edge of the cantilever beam member and has a plurality of corrugation structures. In addition, the method includes applying a liquid optical medium over the membrane and sealing the liquid optical medium with a protection layer.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch having a housing that comprises a cover part and an electrically conductive lower part. The switch further comprises a first external contact surface arranged on the upper side of the cover part, and a second external contact surface provided externally on the housing. Still further, the switch comprises a temperature-dependent switching mechanism that is arranged in the housing and that, depending on its temperature, establishes or opens an electrically conductive connection between the first and the second external contact surfaces. A circumferential cutting burr acting as a sealing means is furthermore provided, that penetrates into the insulating foil or the cover part, wherein the cutting burr is arranged on a sealing ring that is connected to the lower part by means of a non-positive, positive and/or firmly bonded connection.

Abstract: A field device (1) includes an electronic circuit (200) connected to at least one of a sensor (600) and an actuator, a bimetal temperature switch (400) connected to a power source (100) in series with the electronic circuit (200) and configured to turn on when rising to a first temperature, a heating element (500) connectable to the power source (100) in parallel with the electronic circuit (200) and the temperature switch (400), and a housing (300) configured to house the electronic circuit (200), the temperature switch (400), and the heating element (500).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of temperature controllers, and more particularly, to a backpack power-off reset temperature limiter, which comprises an insulating base, a first terminal, a second terminal, a power-receiving elastic piece and an arch-shaped temperature sensing sheet. The power-receiving elastic piece is arranged on the upper end surface of the insulating base. One end of the power-receiving elastic piece is fixedly connected with the first terminal, and the other free end of the power-receiving elastic piece is electrically connected with the second terminal. The two ends of the power-receiving elastic piece are respectively provided with a fixing clamping position that is clamped with an end part of the temperature sensing sheet, and the two sides of the power-receiving elastic piece are respectively provided with an assembly clamping position that is matched with the temperature sensing sheet.

Abstract: An electrical contact material may include a first contact that contacts a negative electrode; a third contact that contacts a positive electrode; and a second contact that is provided between the first contact and the third contact, wherein different plating materials are respectively attached to the first contact, the second contact, and the third contact.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch has a housing with a cover part having a lower side and an upper side and with an electrically conductive lower part having a circumferential shoulder and a circumferential wall with an upper section that overlaps the cover part. The switch has a first external contact surface on the upper side of the cover part and a second external contact surface externally on the housing, wherein the upper section of the circumferential wall presses the cover part onto the circumferential shoulder. A temperature-dependent switching mechanism is arranged in the housing and, depending on its temperature, establishes or opens an electrically conductive connection between the first and second external contact surfaces. A circumferential cutting burr is arranged on the shoulder in the lower part.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a MEMS device including: a fixed substrate having a cavity; a driving unit disposed in the cavity and floating above the fixed substrate; and an elastic unit for physically connecting the fixed substrate with the driving unit and varying the height of the driving unit according to a control current, wherein the elastic unit includes a bimorph driving unit connected to the fixed substrate and bent according to the control current, a spring connected to the driving unit, and a frame connecting the bimorph driving unit to the spring. Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations according to the power consumption and the size-reduction due to a coil and a magnet, the MEMS device drives one lens and thus can reduce the power consumption and the size thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a thermally actuated switch in which a sealed vessel contains a fixed contact and a heat-sensitive-plate assembly that has a structure in which a movable contact is anchored to one lengthwise end of a heat-sensitive plate, one end of a metal support is anchored to the other end of said heat-sensitive plate, and the heat-sensitive plate is then drawn. The heat-sensitive-plate assembly has a dish-shaped drawn section near the middle of the heat-sensitive plate and has folded sections between the area where the movable contact is anchored and the widthwise edges of the heat-sensitive plate and also between the area where the metal support is anchored and the widthwise edges of the heat-sensitive plate.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a MEMS device includes a substrate, an electrically movable heating element having a first node coupled to a first terminal of a first voltage source and the second node coupled to a reference voltage source, a first anchor anchoring the first node and a second anchor anchoring the second node of the electrically movable heating element to the substrate, and a cavity between the first anchor and the second anchor and between the electrically movable heating element and the substrate.

Abstract: System for converting thermal energy into electrical energy (S1) intended to be arranged between a hot source (SC) and a cold source (SF), comprising means for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy (6) and a piezoelectric material, with the means for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy (6) comprising groups (G1, G2) of at least three bimetallic strips (9, 11, 13) linked mechanically together by their longitudinal ends and suspended above a substrate (12), each bimetallic strip (9, 11, 13) comprising two stable states wherein it has in each of the states a curvature, with two directly adjacent bimetallic strips (9, 11, 13) having for a given temperature opposite curvatures, with the switching from one stable state of the bimetallic strips (9, 11, 13) to the other causing the deformation of a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional MEMS. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a method of controlling out-of-plane buckling in microstructural devices so as to create micro-structures with out-of-plane dimensions which are 1×, 5×, 10×, 100× or 500× the film's thickness or above the surface of the wafer. An exemplary device formed according to the disclosed principles, includes a three dimensional accelerometer having microbridges extending both above and below the wafer surface.

Abstract: A detector comprises a housing (1), a pyroelectric array sensor (2) mounted within the housing, a heater (4) associated with the pyroelectric array sensor, and control means (6) for varying the power supplied to the heater to control the temperature of the pyroelectric array sensor relative to the ambient temperature in order to minimise the rate of change of temperature of the pyroelectric array sensor and to keep a predetermined difference between the temperature of the pyroelectric array sensor and the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A thermal protector has superiority in current responsiveness or thermal responsiveness with a simple configuration that does not need a separate manufacturing step of incorporating a resistor. At a stage of press processing for cutting from an original material, a movable plate body part 16 of a movable plate 4 is partitioned into a narrow-width part 17 and a wide-width part 18 by a slim hole 19. The movable plate 4 is assembled to a fixed conductor 2 with columns 9 of an insulator 3, a bimetal 5 is assembled to the movable plate 4, the entire configuration is pressed down by a resinous block 6, and the entire fixing part is fixed by melting tips of the columns 9. The wide-width part 18 serves as a normal movable plate, whereas the narrow-width part 17 serves as a conductor in a normal state and as a resistor against an overcurrent.

Abstract: In a temperature-dependent switch having a switching mechanism that has a movable contact part which cooperates with a stationary counter contact and is moved by a spring part to which the movable contact part is electrically conductively connected, the switching mechanism produces an electrically conductive connection between the stationary counter contact and a second counter contact in a temperature-dependent manner. The switch is provided with an arc-shielding plate, which has no mechanical function, is arranged on an upper surface of the spring part and covers sections thereof.

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 thermostat includes a heat-conductive guide with an upper side and a lower side; a top board with an upper side and a lower side; a double-metal plate; a first rivet; a short spring plate with a first electrical contact disposed thereon; a long spring plate being connected with the short spring plate; a contact board with a second electrical contact disposed thereon; and a second rivet. The upper side of the heat-conductive guide is connected with the lower side of the top board through the first rivet. The lower side of the heat-conductive guide is connected with the double-metal plate through the first rivet. The long spring plate and the contact board are connected with the lower side of the top board through the second rivet. The double-metal plate is configured to sense a temperature of the heat-conductive guide and actuate the short spring plate accordingly.

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker has a housing formed of a housing base of insulating material and a pot-like housing cover, which is or can be positioned onto the housing base. Two elongate and flat contact arms are partially embedded in the housing base parallel with respect to one another in terms of their longitudinal direction. A fixed contact is arranged at an inner end of a first one of the contact arms. A bimetallic snap-action disk with a free end, forming or bearing a moving contact, is fitted at an inner end of the second contact arm at a fastening point. The fastening point, the moving contact and the fixed contact are in this case on an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the contact arms.

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 housing which accommodates a temperature-dependent switching mechanism and which comprises an upper part with a first external connection and a lower part with a second external connection. The switching mechanism has a bimetallic snap-action disc and a spring snap-action disc having a bearing region on which a movable contact part is captively held. The contact part interacts with a first contact area provided on an inner side of the upper part, and the spring snap-action disc interacts with a second contact area provided on an inner side of the lower part. The bimetallic snap-action disc interacts with the spring snap-action disc in such a way that it lifts the movable contact part off from the first contact area depending on its temperature. The bimetallic snap-action disc is captively held with play on the contact part.

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 temperature-dependent switch (10) has a housing (11), on which a first and a second external connection (17, 18) are arranged, and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (33, 29) , which is arranged in the housing (11) and makes an electrically conductive connection between the first and the second external connection (17, 18) as a function of its temperature, wherein the switching mechanism (33, 29) has a spring part (33), which is electrically connected at its first end (37) to an external connection (17) and is fitted at its second end (36) with a moving contact part (32) which interacts with the second external connection (18), and a bimetallic part (29) which electrically disconnects the moving contact part (32) from the second external connection (18) as a function of its temperature. The housing (11) is closed on its upper side by an electrically conductive cover part (12) which is directly connected to the first external connection (17).

Abstract: A trip device is disclosed, the device comprising: a power source side heater connected to a power source side of a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) to receive current; a load side heater connected to a load side of the MCCB to receive the current; and a bimetal including a direct heat unit contacting the power source side heater and an indirect heating unit facing the power source side heater, wherein the bimetal is partially fixed between the power source side heater and the load side heater and is curved when over-current or short-circuited current flows in the MCCB.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEM) buckling beam thermal actuators are disclosed wherein the buckling direction of a beam is constrained to a desired direction of actuation, which can be in-plane or out-of-plane with respect to a support substrate. The actuators comprise as-fabricated, linear beams of uniform cross section supported above the substrate by supports which rigidly attach a beam to the substrate. The beams can be heated by methods including the passage of an electrical current through them. The buckling direction of an initially straight beam upon heating and expansion is controlled by incorporating one or more directional constraints attached to the substrate and proximal to the mid-point of the beam. In the event that the beam initially buckles in an undesired direction, deformation of the beam induced by contact with a directional constraint generates an opposing force to re-direct the buckling beam into the desired direction.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay has a case, a main bimetal bending upon detection of an overload current, a release lever rotatably supported by an adjusting link and rotating according to a shifter displaced in response to the bending of the main bimetals, and a contact reversing mechanism for change-over contacts responsive to a rotation of the release lever. The main bimetal, release lever and contact reversing mechanism are disposed in the case. The contact reversing mechanism has a movable plate, and a reversing spring stretched between the other side of the movable plate and a spring support. The other end of the movable plate and the spring support is positioned opposite a support point. The release lever has a release lever supporting part, a reversing spring pushing part, a cam contact part, and a displacement input part, in which the release lever supporting part is pivoted on the adjusting link.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, and a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the breaker contacts for operating a trip mechanism in response to a predetermined mechanical movement of any of the transducers.

Abstract: An electrostatic micro switch includes a fixed electrode disposed on a fixed substrate; a movable substrate elastically supported by the fixed substrate, the movable substrate including a movable electrode facing the fixed electrode. The movable substrate includes a semiconductor including a plurality of regions having different values of resistivity and a region of high resistivity is disposed near the movable electrode.

Abstract: A sensing system, sensing method, and method of producing a sensing system capable of providing a cumulative measurement capability, such as in the form of a RFID tag capable of measuring cumulative heat and humidity for continuous monitoring of storage and shipping conditions of various goods. The system includes integrated circuitry and a plurality of sensing elements, preferably having cantilevered bimorph beams. Each sensing element is responsive to an environmental condition so as to deflect toward and away from open contacts in response to changes in the environmental condition. Each sensing element produces a digital output when it contacts and closes its open contacts. The integrated circuitry interfaces with the sensing elements so that the digital outputs of the sensing elements are processed to generate a system output of the sensing system.

Abstract: A thermal switch includes a low abrasive and wear resistant disc seat for holding a bimetallic disc. The disc seat includes a disc body with a flange extending from a periphery of the disc body. A centralized through opening may be located in the disc body to prevent warping of the disc body during its manufacture. In addition, the disc seat may be made from brass where at least a first surface of the disc body is plated with Teflon Electroless Nickel, which may take the form of sub-micron particles of polytetrafluoroethylene with auto-catalytically applied nickel.

Abstract: A representative embodiment of the invention provides a thermal actuator for a MEMS-based relay switch. The thermal actuator has an “active” arm that is movably mounted on a substrate. The “active” arm has (i) a thermal expansion layer and (ii) a resistive heater that is electrically isolated from the thermal expansion layer. The thermal expansion layer is adapted to expand in response to a temperature change induced by a control current flowing through the resistive heater, thereby bending the “active” arm and moving that arm with respect to the substrate. Due to the fact that mechanical and electrical characteristics of the “active” arm are primarily controlled by the thermal expansion layer and the resistive heater, respectively, those characteristics can be optimized independently to obtain better operating characteristics for MEMS-based relay switches of the invention compared to those attained in the prior art.

Abstract: A trip-free manual reset thermostat includes a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact for an electric circuit and a bridging contact having a first end and a second end in contact with the first and second fixed contacts, respectively, in a normally closed position. The bridging contact is tripped open and is not in contact with the first and second fixed contacts at a predetermined higher temperature. When a pushbutton is in a depressed position, the bridging contact is pressed toward the fixed contacts and the second end of the bridging contact is caused to pivot around the first end of the bridging contact. The thermostat does not require a narrow manufacturing and assembly tolerance to achieve a trip-free function and has a simpler structure and is easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for actuating a negative rate switch. A negative rate switch comprising a plunger and a resilient actuator thereof can be provided, wherein a highest plunger force occurs at a free position and a lowest plunger force occurs at a full over travel position. The negative rate switch can be configured such that when the resilient actuator provides resilient actuating force to overcome a free position force associated with the free position, the plunger moves without interruption through a total range of travel thereof and when the resilient actuating force drops slightly below a full over-travel plunger force associated with the full over travel position, the negative rate switch overcomes the resilient actuating force to return the plunger to the free position thereof without interruption.

Abstract: A process for making microswitches or microvalves, composed of a substrate and used for shifting between a first state of functioning and a second state of functioning by means of a bimetal-effect thermal sensor. The sensor includes a deformable element attached, at opposite ends, to the substrate so that there is a natural deflection without stress with respect to a surface of the substrate opposite it, this natural deflection determining the first state of functioning, the second state of functioning being caused by the thermal sensor which, under the influence of temperature variation, induces a deformation of the deformable element which diminishes the deflection by subjecting it to a compressive force which shifts it in a direction opposite to its natural deflection by buckling.

Abstract: A motor protector (10) is shown having an elongated generally cup-shaped metallic housing (12) formed by a top wall (12a) and a side wall (12b) extending down from the perimeter of the top walls, the free end of which is welded to a header (14). The side and top wall have a rounded junction (12c) and a calibration rill (12e) is formed in the top wall from one end of the housing and through the rounded junction. An elongated thermostatic disc (16) is mounted in the housing and has a movable electrical contact (20) mounted at one end to be movable into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (34) that is in turn mounted on a heater (26). A ceramic insulator plate (32) is interposed between the heater and the header.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal away from the first terminal, a reverse spring reversing at a set temperature and having an opening part and positioned between the first and second terminals, and a junction spring positioned between the reverse spring and the second terminal without being fixed, integrally having a junction part protrusively positioned and in contact with the first terminal via the opening part, and also having an outer peripheral part in contact with the second terminal. An electric connection between the first and second terminals is formed, and when the reverse spring reverses at the set temperature, a force is applied to the junction part of the junction spring in the direction away from the first terminal, whereby the electric connection is cut.

Abstract: A pyromechanical cutting element has a housing (2) in which an electrical conductor (3) is arranged, a cutting plunger (5) with a cutting tool (8) to cut through the electrical conductor (3), and pyrotechnic charge (13) to drive the cutting plunger (5), with the cutting tool (8) bending over the electrical conductor (3) after cutting through it and forming a bending tongue (18) that sticks out from the conductor (3) in a way that interrupts the conductor (3). The electrical conductor (3) has a cross-sectional area reduction in the longitudinal direction (4) consisting of two transverse sides and two longitudinal sides. The cutting tool (8) first cuts through the cross-sectional area reduction (4) just on one transverse side and upon further advancement bends over the longitudinal sides at least in part, and, upon further advancement, the cutting tool (8) clamps the bending tongue (18) thus created.

Abstract: A movable operating member 5 is swingably borne by the base 1, and its distal end is moved upward by allowing its proximal end 5b to be pressed downward. The movable contact 3 is separated from the stationary contact 2 upward by moving the distal end of the movable operating member 5 upward. The proximal end of the movable operating member 5 is pressed downward by a guide pin 6 in response to a reverse action of a bimetal 7. When a reset shaft 8 is pushed upward, the movable contact 3 is pressed upward, and the guide pin 6 is pressed upward so that the bimetal 7 can be returned to an initial state.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: The electric radiant heater (1) adapted to a cooking hob is attached to the cooking plate (2a) forming with it an air cavity (13) inside which the extended heating resistor (5) is housed on an insulating base (4). A peripheral insulating ring (6) and an outer metal tray form a peripheral external wall (3,6) defining said cavity (13) in which there is positioned a bimetal thermal switch (7), which has a compact body (7a) resting on the surface (4a) of the insulating base, and a heat receiver base (7b) in a position facing a part of the heating resistor (5). The position of the compact body (7a) relative to the heating resistor (5) is determined so as to obtain an actuating temperature point (SWC, SWO) adjusted for switching a hotplate warning light on and off.

Abstract: A steam-responsive switch for use in an electrical water boiling appliance comprises a main body (12) from which extends a tubular portion (13) having at or near its leading end a heat responsive bimetal (16) extending across the mouth thereof which changes shape above a predetermined temperature defining a chamber behind the member and at the opposite face of the main body (12) an electrical contact pair, the bimetal (16) engaging on its rear face a slidable pushrod (20) which extends through the main body (12) in a sealed manner to act on the electrical contact pair, the tubular portion having a steam/air vent (64) at one side thereof adjacent the rear face of the bimetal (16).

Abstract: A striker pin in a thermal switch configured as a mechanical link between a bimetallic disk and an armature spring is provided. The striker pin includes a pin of molded ceramic material. The pin has a generally cylindrical shape, a first axial end, and a second axial end. The first axial end is fastenable in fixed relation to an armature spring. A metalizing film is fused to the second axial end. A metallic deposit is fused to the metalizing film such that the metallic deposit substantially covers the second axial end.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly for opening and closing an electrical circuit in response to the temperature within a measurement region. The thermostat assembly includes a relatively low-cost bimetal disc thermostat, but may be used in circumstances where temperature or other conditions exceed the design limitations of the bimetal disc thermostat. An elongated probe has a distal end arranged to extend at least to the measurement region, and a heat-disseminating end in thermal contact with a thermally-conductive outer housing surface of the bimetal disc thermostat.

Abstract: For producing a temperature-dependent switch, which has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism which is accommodated in a housing and, depending on its temperature, establishes an electrically conducting connection between at least two connection electrodes arranged on the outside of the housing, the switching mechanism is placed in a lower part of the housing, the lower part is closed off with a cover part while forming at least one join, an adhesive layer is stamped on near the join in order to seal the join, and the adhesive layer is allowed to cure.

Abstract: A steam-responsive switch for use in an electrical water boiling appliance comprises a main body (12) from which extends a tubular portion (13) having at or near its leading end a heat responsive bimetal (16) extending across the mouth thereof which changes shape above a predetermined temperature defining a chamber behind the member and at the opposite face of the main body (12) an electrical contact pair, the bimetal (16) engaging on its rear face a slidable pushrod (20) which extends through the main body (12) in a sealed manner to act on the electrical contact pair, the tubular portion having a steam/air vent (64) at one side thereof adjacent the rear face of the bimetal (16).

Abstract: The invention concerns a microsystem, in particular for producing microswitches or microvalves, constituted on a substrate (50) and used for producing a shift between a first operating state and a second operating state by means of a heat actuated device with bi-metal switch effect. The heat-actuated device comprises a deformable element (51) connected, by opposite ends, to the substrate (50) so as to present naturally a deflection without stress relative to the substrate surface which faces it, said natural deflection determining the first operating state, the second operating state being produced by the heat-actuated device which induces, by the effect of temperature variation, a deformation of the deformable element (51) tending to reduce its deflection and submitting it to a compressive stress by buckling effect in a direction opposite to its natural deflection.

Abstract: A bi-stable microswitch (1) including a pair of contacts (4, 5) and an armature (10,11) movable between a first position and a second position to selectively break or make the pair of contacts, the armature being latched in the second position by a magnetic path including a permanent magnet (3) and a magnetizable element (7) having a first temperature, wherein the armature is resiliently biased towards the first position when latched, and is movable from the second position to the first position upon heating of the magnetizable element to above the first temperature.

Abstract: A switch, comprising a movable part supported at both ends and a contact installed on the movable part, the movable part characterized by further comprising a first bimetal for displacing the contact in a specified direction according to a temperature and a second bimetal for displacing the contact in the direction opposite to the specified direction according to the temperature.

Abstract: A thermal switch having a thermally, responsive bimetallic member that exhibits a snap-action response and a pair of relatively movable contacts positioned relative to the thermally responsive bimetallic member such that the thermally responsive bimetallic member is positioned to actuate one of the pair of relatively movable contacts by transitioning between one and another of the first and second stable states, the bimetallic member being a bimetallic material fabricated of two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion and formed in a non-planar shape to achieve a snap-action between first and second stable states as a function of temperature and having an artifact formed as a localized heat-treated area in a surface of a first of the two materials and cooperating with the non-planar shape to achieve the snap-action.