Abstract: A thermal trip unit for a circuit breaker having a primary conductive path for conducting a load current is provided. The thermal trip unit comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA) member adapted to change from a first shape to a second shape at a predetermined thermal condition, a holding member coupled electrically in series with the circuit breaker primary conductive path, said holding member arranged to operatively support said SMA member, wherein said SMA member is configured and disposed within the circuit breaker to trigger a trip response of the circuit breaker at said predetermined thermal condition.

Abstract: A fuse element includes a substrate disposed between first and second terminals. The substrate includes an electrically insulative material. A conductive film is disposed on a first surface of the substrate and in electrical contact with the first terminal and second terminals.

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 hand-operated drive-in power tool for fastening elements is disclosed. The tool has a drive arrangement for a drive-in ram displaceably arranged in a guide, which has at least one drive element for the drive-in ram made at least partially of an elastomer that is tensible via a tensioning device. To improve the drive-in power tool, a heating device for the at least one elastomer drive element is provided.

Abstract: A thermal trip unit for a circuit breaker having a primary conductive path for conducting a load current is provided. The thermal trip unit comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA) member adapted to change from a first shape to a second shape at a predetermined thermal condition, a holding member coupled electrically in series with the circuit breaker primary conductive path, said holding member arranged to operatively support said SMA member, wherein said SMA member is configured and disposed within the circuit breaker to trigger a trip response of the circuit breaker at said predetermined thermal condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature-sensitive actuator which is configured in such a manner that heat from a PTC heater for the temperature-sensitive part of a thermoelement can be received appropriately and reliably in a required state. Specifically disclosed is a temperature-sensitive actuator (10) which is configured to sense the temperature although a piston (14) is operated forcibly by generating heat from a PTC heater (20) and warming the temperature-sensitive part (13) of a wax thermoelement, wherein a contact member (40) is interposed between the temperature-sensitive part of a thermoelement and the PTC heater. Consequently, variation in the amount of heat which is received at the temperature-sensitive part of a thermoelement from the PTC heater is limited, and the stabilized output (lift) of the thermoelement can be ensured.

Abstract: A thermally activated electrical interrupt device incorporates a thermally activated portion engaging with an electrical interrupt portion. The thermally activated material expands when heated, causing an interrupt control rod to open an electrical contact. When the interrupt device is placed into an interrupt state, a reset mechanism maintains the interrupt control rod in the interrupt state until specifically reset. An actuating shaft is in operational communication with at least one electrical contact. The actuating shaft is maintained in a thermal monitoring position until an interrupt control rod is moved via a thermally expanding material and engages with the actuating shaft, releasing it from the thermal monitoring position. The actuating shaft is projected via a biasing member to cause a change in state of the electrical contact. The actuating shaft remains in the interrupt state until the user resets the switch.

Abstract: A micromechanical actuator includes a movable first spring element having metal and/or silicon. The first spring element is fitted at a first point and can move freely at a second point. A second spring element connected to the first spring element has silicon and is partially arranged on an electrically insulating material which is applied to a substrate. The second spring element is arranged at a distance from the substrate above the substrate on a first plane, and the first spring element is arranged above the second spring element on a second plane which is at a distance from the first plane such that the first and second spring elements can move with respect to the substrate. The actuator has a third spring element which is mechanically coupled to the first spring element. The elastic deformation of the second spring element can be induced by a length change of the third spring element.

Abstract: An electrical switching device includes a housing, a base attached to the housing, two non-actuated electrical contacts supported in the housing, and an actuator assembly contained within the housing. The actuator assembly includes a movable contact for engaging the non-actuated electrical contact and a wire element formed of a shape memory alloy. Applying an electric current to the wire element causes the actuator to either pivot or rotate the movable contact to either engage or disengage the non-actuated electrical contacts.

Abstract: At the time of start of usage, a voltage to be applied to a shape memory alloy wire 102 by a feedback control circuit 120 is set to a first voltage value (step S1), and at a limit resistance value detection step, (the feedback control circuit) measures a limit resistance value when the shape memory alloy wire 102 can be contracted (step S2), and upon storing the limit resistance value, a value of the maximum voltage to be input by the feedback control circuit 120 is set to a second voltage value (step S3). At an input electric power optimization step, a target resistance value is indicated, and the feedback control is carried out such that the resistance value indicated is not lower than the limit resistance value (step S4). Thereafter, voltage is stopped at the time of stopping the use of the actuator.

Abstract: A shape-memory actuator device comprises means for interrupting electrical supply to a shape-memory element when the axial load applied to said element exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A thermally activated electrical interrupt device incorporates a thermally activated portion (110) engaging with an electrical interrupt portion (120). The thermally activated material (114) expands when heated, causing an interrupt control rod (140, 180) to open an electrical contact (123, 125, 126/132, 134). When the interrupt device is placed into an interrupt state, a reset mechanism maintains the interrupt control rod (140) in the interrupt state until specifically reset.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for radiant heating units with a heating coil disposed in a cup includes a tube with a first end connected to a housing of a switch with a movable contact cooperating with stationery contacts in the housing. A two-section rod, which extends into the housing of the switch and operates the movable contact, is supported inside the tube. The tube and the rod have different thermal expansion coefficients. To prevent a shift in the switching point, the section of the rod that operates the contact terminates outside the hollow space of the cup, and the temperature-induced length changes of this section and of the housing are matched to each other.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a substantially straight beam. The beam has a beam length and a beam mid-point. The beam comprises a plurality of beam segments. Each beam segment has a beam segment width, the beam thus forming a corresponding plurality of beam segment widths. The beam segment widths vary along the beam length based on a predetermined pattern. As the beam is heated by an included heating means, the beam buckles. The buckling of the beam, in turn, causes the beam mid-point to translate or move in a predetermined direction. The beam mid-point movement, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The heating means comprises any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a substantially straight beam. The beam has a beam length and a beam mid-point. The beam comprises a plurality of beam segments with beam segment lengths. Each beam segment has a beam segment neutral axis, thus forming a corresponding plurality of beam segment neutral axes. The beam segment neutral axes are offset along the beam length based on a predetermined pattern. As the beam is heated by an included heating means, the beam buckles. The buckling of the beam, in turn, causes the beam mid-point to translate or move in the predetermined direction. The beam mid-point movement, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The heating means comprises any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a plurality of substantially straight and parallel beams arranged to form a beam array. The midpoint of each beam is attached or coupled to an orthogonal coupling beam. Each array beam has a beam heating parameter with a corresponding beam heating parameter value. The beam heating parameter values vary across the beam array based on a predetermined pattern. As the beams are heated by an included heating means, the distribution of beam temperatures in the beam array becomes asymmetric, thus causing the beam array to buckle. The buckling of the beams in the beam array, in turn, causes the attached coupling beam to move in a predetermined direction. The coupling beam motion, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The beams in the beam array are heated by any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A disconnect switch for the load circuit of a vehicle battery, includes a movable contact element (81) and a stationary contact element (64) that are linked with a locking mechanism. For releasing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy release element (4) is used that contracts when heated. For closing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy spring element (110) is provided that induces closure of the mechanism by expansion.

Abstract: A switch head is disclosed that can be attached to a temperature sensor having elongated expansion elements with different thermal expansion coefficients. The switch head further includes a device for measuring the displacement of the expansion elements relative to each other. Attachment means are provided for attaching at least one additional switch head. At least one opening for receiving a transfer member to transfer the relative displacement of the expansion elements to the at least one additional switch head is provided.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive circuit breaker includes two contacts electrically mounted on a circuit board and an insulating pivot seat attached to the circuit board between the two contacts. A lever has a first end pivotally connected to the pivot seat and connected to one of the contacts, and a second end electrically connected to the other contact. A non-metallic expansive rod is mounted on the circuit board below the lever to push the lever upward to make the second end of lever separate from the contact when a high temperature on the circuit board is transferred to the expansive rod. The breaking member causes a high temperature to melt itself when a current passes through the breaking member to open a circuit on the circuit board.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive circuit breaker includes two contacts electrically mounted on a circuit board and an insulating pivot seat attached to the circuit board between the two contacts. A lever has a first end pivotally connected to the pivot seat and connected to one of the contacts, and a second end electrically connected to the other contact. A non-metallic expansive rod is mounted on the circuit board below the lever to push the lever upward to make the second end of lever separate from the contact when a high temperature on the circuit board is transferred to the expansive rod. The breaking member causes a high temperature to melt itself when a current passes through the breaking member to open a circuit on the circuit board.

Abstract: In a semiconductor element, in particular for switching an electrical connection, a substance which expands to a great extent when heated is arranged on the element in such a way that if the element is overheated, the electrical leads of the element are disconnected by the expanding substance or are interrupted by the melting of a conductive material with a low melting point which forms the leads.

Abstract: An actuator for a device such as a valve controlling coolant for an automotive engine. The actuator has a base body on which is supported an electrically heatable thermostatic operating element having an operating piston that moves a motion transfer member that is in actuating engagement with a moveable actuating element of the device being actuated. The motion transfer member has a flange on which is supported a compression spring that maintains the motion transfer member in following engagement with the operating piston. The components of the actuator are enclosed within an outer housing that has a window of transparent material located so that when the components are in the Inactivated condition, the flange will not be visible through the window and when the components are activated, the flange will be visible through the window, thereby providing an indication of the condition of the actuator.

Abstract: A bi-stable microswitch (1) including a pair of contacts (6, 7) and an armature (4) movable between a first position and a second position to selectively make or break the pair of contacts, the armature being latched in the second position by a shape memory alloy latch (14), wherein the shape memory alloy latch is caused to deform upon heating so as to permit the armature to return to the first position.

Abstract: A temperature actuated switch having a resilient switch blade that is movable between open and closed positions and extends perpendicular to an elongated actuator of shape memory alloy. The actuator has an elongated deformed shape at normal temperatures and a contracted recovered shape at an elevated temperature. An end portion of the actuator is attached to the switch blade to provide movement of same between open and closed positions as the actuator changes between its deformed and recovered shapes.

Abstract: A self-contained unitary thermal cutoff switch assembly having a hollow sealed switch housing formed by a collector and a lid that serve as the switch contacts. Separating the collector and the lid is a plastic insulating liner that generally follows the inside contour of the collector. The lid is held in place at the open end of the collector by folding over the top lip of the collector which will, at the same time, fold over the insulator in a U-shape about the edge of the lid and hold and insulate the lid in a spaced relationship with the collector. A shape memory collector formed as a straight piece of wire is located between the lid and the side of the collector opposite the lid. The wire is held in alignment by an opening through the insulator which supports an end portion of the wire adjacent to the bottom of the collector.

Abstract: A known thermal actuator includes a capsule, which contains a diaphragm controlling the position of a stem. A thermal expansion substance like wax is contained in the capsule which operates as a thermostat in a thermostatically controlled valve such as a thermostatically controlled mixing valve. The stem of the actuator is connected with a valve body movable between two valve seats for a hot and cold medium, respectively, and the capsule is placed in the area of the mixed medium for transmitting the heat of the mixed medium to the thermal expansion substance. In order to present a simple and more effective actuator that can react promptly at changes of temperature and which does not require an extra temperature sensor, the capsule includes an oblong cuplike sensor body, the surface of which is at least partly deformed in such a way that its thermal transmittance area is increased.

Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a spring-biased tube of relatively low thermal expansion and a rod arranged in the tube and having relatively high thermal expansion for cooperation with a contact mechanism to control a heat-operated system. Secured to the tube on one end thereof which is proximate to the contact mechanism is a substantially hemispherical end piece for placement in a concave receptacle that is arched in direction of the contact mechanism and traversed by the rod.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a valve for controlling gas flow, an actuator for controlling operation of the valve, and a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element comprises two members, one of which is made of a material having a positive coefficient of thermal expansion and the other of which is made of a material having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. Each member effects movement of the actuator in a first direction upon sensing a decrease in temperature to effect opening of the valve and in a second direction upon sensing an increase in temperature to effect closing of the valve.

Abstract: A temperature control device includes; a spring-biased stem guided in a p and having a temperature expansion coefficient which is different from the temperature expansion coefficient of the pipe, with the stem acting via a plunger and a switch assembly upon a switching contact. The switch assembly includes a switch spring of bridge-like configuration which is secured to a backing spring mounted to a base plate of the housing and preferably includes a raised central part for support of the plunger.

Abstract: A control device, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device having a temperature sensing unit comprising a rod and tube means utilizing a heat expandable and contractible polymeric member disposed between one end of the rod and an abutment of the tube to tend to cause an outer end of the rod to move toward an actuator of the control device upon the unit sensing decreasing temperature and to tend to cause that end of the rod to move away from the actuator upon the unit sensing increasing temperature, a biasing member being operatively interconnected to the unit to continuously place the tube under compression between an open end thereof and the abutment thereof and to continuously place the rod under tension between the opposite ends thereof to tend to reduce the temperature differential of the control device.

Abstract: A rod sensor (1) has in the vicinity of a sliding guide (17) of an outer tube (2) a bolt-like, smooth abutment (4) for an inner rod (3), which prior to the insertion of the inner rod (3) and prior to the constructional joining of the temperature sensor (1) to a switch base (10) is adjusted with a measuring screw (36) against the tension of a spring (39) to a predetermined adjusting amount (30) and is firmly connected to the outer tube (2) by a welding mechanism (40) or the like. Thus, a very accurate adjustment is obtained in the case of a simple construction.

Abstract: A temperature limiting control for an electrical heating appliance such as a ceramic hob comprises switch means (11) and a temperature sensor (10) connnected thereto. The temperature sensor comprises an elongate reference member (12) of ceramic or other low expansion material and an elongate expansion member (13), for example a tape of high chrome steel, relative expansion of the two members operating the switch. The switch (11) and reference member (13) lie to one side of the expansion member (12) so that the latter may be placed closely adjacent the top (2) of the appliance.

Abstract: A temperature switch for limiting the temperature of a glass ceramic plate against the radiation emanating from light and dark radiators has a sensor, which comprises a metallic sensor tube and an inner ceramic rod. Over the sensor is drawn a steatite tube, which on the one hand ensures the electrical insulation between the heaters and the glass ceramic plate and on the other so shields the radiation by reflection, absorption and thermal mass, that the sensor is given a temporary response delay and a greater switching hysteresis.

Abstract: A probe thermostat is shown having a single, stamped metal channel having a first coefficient of expansion coupled to a rod having a second, different, coefficient of expansion. An electrically insulating block is mounted on the channel which in turn cantilever mounts a pair of electrically conductive arms spaced one over the other with electrical contacts disposed on the arms in facing relation to one another. A molded plastic adjustment cam snaps into slots formed in the channel to adjust the position of the lower arm. A hinge formed in the channel and connected to the rod causes movement of the top arm as the temperature of the thermostat changes to cause the contacts to move into and out of engagement with each other.

Abstract: A temperature switch, used more particular as a temperature limiter for a radiation heating element (11) for heating a glass-ceramic plate (12), has radiation heaters (13, 14). Its rod-shaped temperature sensor (20) has an expansion rod (24) which is disposed in a tube (25) acting as a comparison norm and can be made of a chromium-iron-aluminum alloy and is heat-treated above 1100.degree. C. The tube (25) can be made of a radiation-absorbing material or is coated with such a material, for example, cordierite, non-transmissive glass-ceramics or quartz material. The result of both steps is that the temperature switch has an enhanced switching amplitude and therefore a reduced switching frequency.

Abstract: An expansion thermostat adapted for regulating the temperature of a cooking surface. One end of the cooking surface is secured at one end of a container. Mounted to the other end of the container is a switch which controls the heat. When the cooking surface is heated, the cooking surface expands causing the other end of the cooking surface to release the switch. Releasing the switch turns off heat to the cooking surface. As the cooking surface cools, the switch is pressed. Pressing the switch turns on heat to the cooking surface. The heat to the cooking surface is thus cycled to provide a substantially constant cooking temperature.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch is shown having a body supporting a temperature sensing probe formed of a rod of one thermal coefficient of expansion connected to a channel of a different thermal coefficient of expansion. The difference in expansion between the rod channel is translated through a hinge to an overbalance type switch mounted on the body. The temperature at which the switch actuates is adjustable through an element movable toward and away from the switch by a cam mechanism as well as an independent threaded adjustment. The switch is shown in one embodiment as having an integral movable switch arm and loading spring and in a second embodiment as having a discrete movable switch arm and a discrete loading spring.

Abstract: In a thermal cut-out for a heating means, e.g. a glass ceramic cooking unit, a signal switch and a circuit breaker are operated by means of a temperature sensor via a transfer member externally surrounding the switches and whereof the actuating member thereof located further from the temperature sensor is formed by an adjusting member, so that with the latter and also an adjusting member directly associated with the temperature sensor, a very precise setting is made possible. The transfer member is suspended in contact-free manner between oppositely acting springs and is therefore mounted in a substantially frictionless manner.

Abstract: A temperature regulating device is provided for electrical cooking appliances wherein the heat is provided by heating bodies, or elements, for plural heating zones. The device has a heat resistant bar or rod of high thermal expansion. The rod is enclosed within a tubular jacket formed of two tubes set end-to-end along the rod. The rod is spring mounted for moving an electrical contact of a switch to open and close the switch. The tubes have different coefficients of thermal expansion, the coefficient of the tube nearest the switch being the same as that of the rod, for providing a uniform switching characteristic over a wide range of operation of the heating elements.

Abstract: A snap acting switch structure for thermostats or the like is disclosed in which the switch's movable contact is supported on a pair of arms the first of which is placed in compression and the second of which is placed in tension by a bistable spring system. The first arm is formed of relatively thin metal providing deep flanges to cause the arm to act as a rigid beam pivoted at one end. The two arms are welded together in face-to-face adjacency and the actuating force applied to the switch is applied substantially at the joint between the arms. Therefore, there are no substantial bending forces applied to the first arm, and the switch efficiently produces good wiping between the contacts and sufficient shear forces to break welds which may occur therebetween.

Abstract: A glass ceramic hob electric cooker is provided on each of the radiant heaters thereof with a temperature responsive element such as a bi-metallic switch or a thermistor, which element is arranged adjacent to or within an opening which communicates with an enclosed chamber formed between the heater and the underside of the glass ceramic cooking surface. When the heating element of the heater is energized, hot air issues from the opening and impinges on the temperature responsive element thus heating said element. A warning lamp is connected with the temperature responsive element to indicate when said element and thus the glass ceramic cooking surface is at or above a safe touching temperature of 50.degree. to 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A probe-type thermostat is disclosed in which the probe is mounted for swiveling movement in a manner in which the thermostat calibration is not adversely affected. The probe includes a tube mounted on the thermostat base for swiveling movement about a first center and a rod connected to the thermostat operator or movable member for swiveling movement about a second center. The base and the movable member are each formed with spherical seats which are opened through lateral openings to an edge so that the probe assembly can be moved along the lateral openings to the assembled position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermostatic snap switch and in particular it relates to a switch of the type which has a temperature sensing probe containing an actuating element for the switch.

Abstract: A sensor which utilizes the difference in thermal characteristic between two fluids to detect the presence of one fluid or the other. A continuously heated thermal expansion element activates a switch. When the element is brought in thermally conductive contact with a liquid, the heated element drops in temperature, shortening the length of the expansion element and activating the switch.