Bimetallic Element Unitary With Or Directly Actuates Movable Contact Means Patents (Class 337/85)
  • Publication number: 20150116072
    Abstract: A device includes a thermally deformable assembly accommodated in a cavity of the interconnection part of an integrated circuit. The assembly can bend when there is a variation in temperature, so that its free end zone is displaced vertically. The assembly can be formed in the back end of line of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Christian Rivero, Pascal Fornara, Antonio di-Giacomo, Brice Arrazat
  • Patent number: 9000880
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 8981891
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: I/O Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Publication number: 20140111299
    Abstract: In a temperature switch according to the present invention, a base member made of an insulative resin and a switch configuration are integrated into one body with insert molding, and accommodated within a housing. A terminal fixing part of the base member blocks an opening of the housing vertically to an interior surface of the housing, and a sealing member seals the opening of the housing from an exterior surface of the housing. A first external connection terminal (a second external connection terminal is similar) prevents externally pulling and pressing forces applied to the terminal from applying to an internal configuration in a state where a portion formed by being bent into two stages composed of a horizontal part continuous with a tip, a vertical part, and a horizontal part is buried in the terminal fixing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 8604737
    Abstract: A three-phase electric motor of a compressor receives first, second, and third phases from a three-phase power supply. A method for protecting the motor includes, using a line break protector, disconnecting the motor from only the first phase in response to a temperature being greater than a predetermined temperature threshold. The method also includes measuring a first current flowing through the line break protector, and determining a current value based on the first current independent of current in the second and third phases. The method further includes disconnecting the motor from the first, second, and third phases in response to the current value being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagaraj B. Jayanth, Wayne R. Warner
  • Patent number: 8274355
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Min Jun
  • Patent number: 8232858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ernest J. Garcia, Clay W. G. Fulcher
  • Patent number: 8188831
    Abstract: A thermal overload relay includes a main bimetal for detection of an overload current, a shifter associated with the main bimetal, a release lever working according to a displacement of the shifter, a contact reversing mechanism for changing-over contacts by reversing action caused by rotation of the release lever, and a manipulation structure for manipulating the release lever and the contact reversing mechanism. The manipulation structure includes a reset bar for returning the contact reversing mechanism to an initial state. The reset bar is arranged to change-over between a manual reset state in which the reset bar can be pushed-in and an automatic reset state in which the reset bar is pushed-in and turned from the manual reset state and held in that state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiro Morishita, Yukinari Furuhata, Takeo Kamosaki
  • Patent number: 8174350
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinari Furuhata, Fumihiro Morishita, Takeo Kamosaki
  • Publication number: 20120092122
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: YINGCO ELECTRONIC INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 8026785
    Abstract: A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. An overcurrent trigger device which includes a bimetallic element heated by an electric current flow is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. A thermal insulator is arranged in the attachment region of the bimetallic element for reducing heat transfer from the bimetallic element as well as for increasing the accuracy and the degree of reproducibility for triggering the switching device. The switching device can be implemented as a circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Moeller Gebäudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: Adolf Tetik
  • Patent number: 7961073
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Yingco Electronic Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 7948351
    Abstract: A circuit protection device having a warning function includes a casing with a button, a first terminal and a second terminal connected thereto. A resilient bi-metallic plate is connected between the two terminals and bends to be separated from the second terminal when the circuit protection device is overheated. A warning light is located within the button and connected to the first terminal. When a main circuit is connected, no current flows through the warning light which is not activated. When the main circuit is overheated, the bi-metallic plate bends to cut off the main circuit and a connection member on the warning light is in contact with the second terminal to form a circuit to light up the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7887907
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Genuine Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Greg E. Blonder
  • Patent number: 7876192
    Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable. The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Bausch, Rainer Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20100253467
    Abstract: A thermal overload relay device has a mechanism that allows the interphase pitch between connection lines to be readily changeable without using a jig or the like in the work for electrically connecting the thermal overload relay to different types of electromagnetic contactors, thereby reducing the maintenance cost. The mechanism comprises a connection line-holding structure disposed in a casing and holding the connection lines, while permitting the distances between the connection lines to be readily changeable between among at least two different interphase pitches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeo KAMOSAKI, Fumihiro MORISHITA, Yukinari FURUHATA
  • Patent number: 7800477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal protector which is comprised of a bimetal blade, a moving electrical contact, a fixed electrical contact, and a electrical resistor, wherein the bimetal blade has a fixed end and a moving end, wherein the moving electrical contact is positional toward the moving end of the bimetal blade, wherein the moving electrical contact has a minimum volume of 0.0003 in3, wherein electrical resistor generates sufficient heat to keep the bimetal blade above a reset temperature and to maintain the bimetal blade in a bent position wherein the moving electrical contact remains away from the fixed electrical contact during periods of continued application of the electrical current, wherein the reset temperature is above ambient temperature, and wherein the thermal protector is capable of at least 60 cycles of operation at a peak amperage of at least 90 amps at 120 volts of alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Thermtrol Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Komer
  • Patent number: 7782170
    Abstract: A microswitch comprises a deformable membrane including two substantially parallel flexure arms, attached to a substrate via at least one end thereof and comprising thermal actuating means. An elongated contact arm, substantially parallel with the flexure arms, is arranged therebetween and attached thereto at the high deformation areas thereof. The contact arm moves in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate upon actuation of the microswitch, and comprises electrostatic holding electrodes and a conducting pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Philippe Robert
  • Patent number: 7760066
    Abstract: In a temperature switch, a cut-out portion of the substrate is formed of a first cut-out portion and a second cut-out portion which are made from the side part toward the center. At a fixation part of a movable plate in the temperature switch, a pawl part and an elastic locking part having an L-shaped cross section are formed adjacent to the pawl part on the upstream side in the sliding direction. When the pawl part is fitted in the second cut-out portion, a tip of the elastic locking part abuts an end portion-top surface of the substrate and the elastic locking part reversibly warps upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Uchiya Thermostat Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 7719066
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sano, Isamu Kimura, Masao Jojima
  • Patent number: 7589610
    Abstract: An over current cut-off switch has an electric insulating housing, a first conductive foot, a second conductive foot, a reed, an electric wire and a switch button. The housing received upper portions of the first and second conductive feet, the reed and the electric wire. The button is configured on a top of the electric insulating housing. One end of the reed uses a connecting conductor to rivet to the first conductive foot. The other free end of the reed is separately connected to a top of the second conductive foot. The electric wire is mounted between the reed and the first conductive foot to be used as current branch. The switch button is configured on a top of the electric insulating housing. One side of a bottom of the switch button has a bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Publication number: 20090195346
    Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable, The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Bausch, Rainer Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7545251
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical actuator includes a pair of elongate layers capable of being heated with an electrical current to thermally expand and to perform work. A pair of spacers separates the elongate layers from each other. The spacers are arranged at respective opposite ends of the elongate layers and are fast with the layers so that the actuator is deflected when one of the layers is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7336149
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a bimetallic snap-action disk fixed to a bimetallic connection disposed in the vicinity of a fixed contact connection inside a coverable housing. The bimetallic disk has a contact end with a contact superposed with a fixed contact of the fixed contact connection in such a way that a contact is established. When the contacts are opened, a spring-loaded isolating slide moves between the contacts. The isolating slide has an illuminated push button for reliably identifying a disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ullermann
  • Patent number: 7292129
    Abstract: A switch device includes a body with a switch member pivotably engaged with a top opening of the body and a first terminal and a second terminal respectively extend through a bottom of the body. A bi-metallic plate has a first end fixed to the first terminal and includes a first contact point which is located above a second contact point on the second terminal. A link has an upper end pivotably connected with a protrusion on an underside of the switch member and a lower end of the link clamps the second end of the bimetallic plate. The protrusion includes an engaging hole and an extension slot is in communication with the engaging hole. The upper end of the link has a biasing plate which contacts a contact portion in the body so as to provide a potential force to keep the link upright. When overloaded, the bi-metallic plate is deformed upward and the upper end of the link is moved into the extension slot to ensure that the bi-metallic plate is deformed completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7265652
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Yingco Electronic Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 7253375
    Abstract: A method for joining components of thermostatic systems and thermal relays for low-voltage circuit breakers, the components being constituted by at least one bimetallic element constituted by a lamina with a first face and a second face and at least one connection element that has a substantially flat end part with a third face and a fourth face, its particularity consisting of the fact that it comprises the steps that consist in:—overlapping and coupling the end part of the first face of the bimetallic element with respect to the third face of the end part of the connection element;—subjecting the end part of the second face of the bimetallic element to the welding action of laser means to provide a weld between the bimetallic element and the connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: ABB Service S.r.l.
    Inventors: Massimo Maura, Federico Gamba
  • Patent number: 7135954
    Abstract: An electric coupling device includes a housing having a front socket opening and a rear chamber formed by two side wall. Two prongs are disposed in the socket opening of the housing and each has a free end extended out of the housing, and two conductor terminals are electrically coupled to the prongs, and a circuit breaker is coupled between one of the prongs and one of the conductor terminals and includes a conductor blade made of memorized material for selectively terminating or switching off the electric circuit between the conductor terminal and the prong when overheated or overloaded, and a reset knob may selectively and easily and readily switch on the electric circuit again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kuoyuh W.L. Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7112362
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Greg E. Blonder
  • Patent number: 7079002
    Abstract: A switch device includes a body with a switch member pivotably connected to a top thereof and two terminals extend through an underside of the body. A first contact point is connected to one of the terminals and a bi-metallic plate has a first end fixed to the other terminal. A second contact point is connected to an underside of a second end of the bi-metallic plate and located above the first contact point. A pull member has an upper end pivotably connected to the switch member and a lower end of the pull member supports the underside of the second end of the bi-metallic plate. An upper end of a push member is pivotably connected to the switch member and a lower end of the push member is in contact with the bi-metallic plate. A spring is biased between the push member and the body so as to provide a push force to the push member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7026907
    Abstract: A thermal protector includes a partition wall which encloses an arrangement portion of a movable contact and a fixed contact from three sides. The partition wall is adjacent the contacts in a range that does not inhibit the opening/closing operations of the contacts, and is formed to be higher than the fixed contact and a gap between the contacts, but not exceed the height of a movable plate to which the movable contact is attached, when the contacts are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 6995647
    Abstract: A low current motor protector (10, 10?) has an oblong metal housing (12) defining a switch chamber and formed with an open end. The housing has opposing flange portions extending transversely from the open end. Spaced apart lid portions (18a, 18b; 18a?, 18b?) are received on and clamped to the flange portions with an electrically insulating gasket (16) having a central opening interposed between the housing and the lid parts. The lid parts are formed with a recessed ceramic heater seat disposed in the switch chamber having spaced apart contact shelves (18f) which receives a ceramic heater (20) which is maintained in place and provided with contact force by a spring clip (22, 22?) attached to one of the lid parts. A thermostatic switch is mounted in the housing and has a movable electrical contact movable into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact on one of the lid parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jan J. Stiekel
  • Publication number: 20040252004
    Abstract: Moving contact pieces formed by plate spring members are fixed in the case with terminals, and first and second contacts are mounted on the other free ends of the moving contact pieces. A metal cover is mounted around the case, and a rectangular-shaped bimetal is fixed at one end to the cover so that a slider is interposed between the other free end of the bimetal and the second contact. The first and second contacts are held in contact with each other while ambient temperature is normal. An arcuate spring has one end positioned at a point S in the interior of the case and has the other end engaged at a point P with the extremity of the moving contact piece. As temperature excessively rises, the contacts are pushed by the free end of the bimetal through the slider, by which the arcuate spring causes the moving contact piece to perform a snap action to separate the first contact from the second contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Eiichi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20040191556
    Abstract: A comparatively high vacuum pressure method of manufacturing two-way shape memory effect devices produces devices having a compositional gradient through the thickness of a film of shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy film exhibits two-way shape memory effect, which is useful for fabricating cyclical actuating devices without need of a biasing mechanism. Examples of shape memory alloys include Ni:Ti-, Au:Cd-, Fe:Mn:Si- and Cu:Ni:Al-based binary, ternary and higher order alloys. Three-dimensional devices may be mass produced using the shape memory alloy and process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Peter A. Jardine
  • Publication number: 20040100351
    Abstract: A protector (1) has a metal header (30) that mounts a first terminal (31) and a second terminal (32) electrically isolated from one another. A metallic housing (10) is fixed to the header (30) and forms a chamber. A stationary contact (40) is electrically connected to the first terminal (31), a heater (50) is electrically connected between the second terminal (32) and the header (30), and an arm assembly (60) is arranged inside the chamber, with an end thereof being fixed to the housing. The arm assembly (60) includes an electrically conductive movable plate (70) having a movable contact (77) engageable with the stationary contact (40), a thermally responsive member (80) arranged at a position where it lies over or under the movable plate (70) and an electrically conductive weld slug (90) that fixes the movable plate (70) and the thermally responsive member (80) to the housing (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Mitsuro Unno, Yoshiaki Takasugi, Yukinobu Serizawa
  • Patent number: 6741157
    Abstract: An electric switch having a circuit breaker includes a manually operable actuator that moves one contact between a first and a second position. A bimetal member moves another contact between a first and a second position in response to an electric current above a given threshold passing therethrough, and the movement of this contact to the second position releases a catch that retains a spring loaded indicator in its retracted position. The two contacts abut one another closing the circuit when both contacts are in their first positions. An excessive current will therefore break the circuit and release the indicator to move to the extended position. The releasable catch resets after the bimetal member has cooled and it will again retain the indicator in the retracted position when it is subsequently manually depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Chen
  • Publication number: 20040004533
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 6664885
    Abstract: A device is described for latching an actuator to a substrate where the substrate includes a thermally activated material located on the substrate and a heater capable of heating the thermally activated material until it softens. The actuator includes a contact area that is spaced above the thermally activated material in a non-contact position. The actuator is movable from the non-contact position to a contact position where the contact area contacts the thermally activated material of the substrate. A method of latching actuator is also provided including heating the thermally activated material until it softens and moving an actuator into the contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Bromley, Karl Vollmers, Bradley J. Nelson, Kamal Mothilal, Kevin Roberts
  • Patent number: 6636141
    Abstract: A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a bimetal member anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. An incoming power wire is connected to the bimetal member near the contact point with the electrical conductor. A heating element, such as a coil, is coupled to the bimetal member, and is controlled by a switch control signal. When the switch control signal is not asserted, the heating element is inactive, and power is delivered through the incoming power wire across the end of the bimetal member to the electrical conductor, from which it can be further distributed to the load. When the switch control signal is asserted, the heating element heats up causing the bimetal to bend until the contact with the electrical conductor is broken. The electrical path from the incoming power wire to the electrical conductor (and hence, to the load) is then broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Yingco Electronic Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Publication number: 20030179068
    Abstract: A reusable miniature circuit breaker including a fixed contact and a mobile contact carried by a bimetal type arm usually kept in osculation with the fixed contact, both being accommodated in a cylindrical casing in connection with a circuit of electric or electronic devices. On generation of overcurrent, the bimetal type arm exhibits thermal deformation to drive the contacts out of osculation, thereby intercepting the circuit and, on disappearance of the overcurrent, resumes the original configuration to restore osculation of the contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Tsunoru Higashi
  • Publication number: 20030102953
    Abstract: A safety switch is constructed to include two metal contact plates, a bimetal contact plate suspended from one metal contact plate, a switching handle, a push and pull bar pivoted to the switching handle and driven by the switching handle to move the bimetal contact plate between the “On” position and the “Off” position, and a S-shaped metal spring plate adapted for supporting and guiding movement of the push and pull bar for enabling the bimetal contact plate to trip off automatically upon an overload despite of the positioning of the push and pull bar or the switching handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Shan Wang
  • Patent number: 6563414
    Abstract: A switch device includes a switch case having a passage in a top thereof so as to receive a button therein. A non-conductive plate extends laterally from the button. A first terminal plate and a second terminal plate respectively extend from the casing. A first contact point extends from a side of the second terminal plate. A bimetal plate is connected to the first terminal plate and has two legs extending therefrom. A conductive member is connected between the two legs and connected to the second terminal plate when the button is pushed. The non-conductive plate is located between the conductive member and the second terminal plate when the button jumps up and the two legs are deformed away from the second terminal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6525640
    Abstract: A resistive thermostat for Motors protection against electrical overcurrents and overtemperature, having a rectangular prismatic body, with a front side cover, and a back side face being provided with a corner lowering having a spherical sector shape, as well as a pair of thin rectangular windows, the rectangular body forming an enlargement of its front edge for fitting of the cover, from which a lower tab is appended, having a locating end cutout with reference to two pins of a three-pins connection plug; and further; inside the prismatic box, corresponding to the pair of thin side windows, it is provided an end pair of metallic supports for an electrical resistor, wherein one of such support projects a balanced metallic blade outside the box, including one of its connection terminals, while in the other inner support having a C shaped attached to the end of the balanced bimetallic blade, immediately subjacent and connected in series with the electrical resistor and with the lower opposite and free end of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Tecumseh do Brasil LTDA.
    Inventor: Homero Cremm Busnello
  • Publication number: 20030034870
    Abstract: A simplified snap-action micromachined thermal switch having a bimodal thermal actuator fabricated from non-ductile materials such as silicon, glass, silicon oxide, tungsten, and other suitable materials using MEMS techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Becka, George D. Davis
  • Patent number: 6512441
    Abstract: A push-button switch with overload protection is disclosed. The switch comprises a housing, a conducting unit, and an actuating unit. The conducting unit comprises several terminals, a normal-open first conducting leaf and a thermally deflecting bimetal sheet. The bimetal sheet is of a U shape having a working end and an opening end. The working end can deflect to an overload position from a normal position in the event of overload. The actuating unit comprises a stem, a positioning means, a rocking lever, an enabling lever, and a lever reseating member. By means of the above structure, a trip action could be assured no matter what happens on the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Publication number: 20030011461
    Abstract: A switching element of a sheet of resilient metal having high and low heat-expansive sides, the switching element having a middle leg carrying an electric contact for making and breaking a circuit with a stationary contact on a substrate below, first and second outer legs each having one end connected to the same end of the middle leg, and an arm of width smaller than ⅓ of the width of said switching arm extended outwards from the connecting area between the middle leg and the outer legs in longitudinal alignment with the middle leg for pulling upwards/pushing downwards by an external force to reverse the middle leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou YU
  • Patent number: 6498559
    Abstract: A bimetallic switch comprising a bimetallic element having an outer edge and being adapted to snap between an open mode and a closed mode; a movable contact disposed on the bimetallic element; a first terminal in electrically conductively coupled to the movable contact; a fixed contact disposed adjacent the movable contact such that, when the switch is in a closed position, the fixed contact and the movable contact are in engagement with one another, and when the switch is in an open position, the fixed contact and the movable contact define an open contact gap therebetween; a second terminal electrically conductively coupled to the fixed contact; a step disposed adjacent the outer edge of the bimetallic element such that a clearance is defined therebetween when the bimetallic element is in its closed mode, the clearance being positioned and dimensioned such that, when the outer edge of the bimetallic element deforms prior to a snapping open thereof, the clearance isolates a deformation of the outer edge ther
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher Cornell, Frank J. Sienkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6496095
    Abstract: A push button switch includes a box with a button movably inserted in the box and an oscillation member is pivotally connected to a terminal plate. A bimetal plate is connected to the other terminal plate. A curved spring is connected to the oscillation member and a tongue of the button contacts the curved spring so that the bimetal plate contacts the oscillation member when pushing the button. A movable member has a U-shaped member which has an end engaged with an enclosed recessed area in the button. The inner periphery of the recessed area positions the end of the U-shaped member at open and close position. The movable member is pushed by the deformation of the bimetal plate and the U-shaped member is moved from the position in the recessed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Publication number: 20020149463
    Abstract: The switching device contains a strip-shaped actuator element (2) consisting of a shape memory alloy, which is connected to a movable contact part (4b) of a switching contact (4). It is intended that an at least largely extended shape has been impressed into the actuator element at an annealing temperature. It is intended that, in the operating state in which the switching function is not triggered, said element rests on a deflecting element (5) with frictional engagement in such a way that the deflecting element exerts on the concave inner side of the actuator element a counterforce (G) partially counteracting the curving of the latter in this state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Stefan Kautz, Matthias Marondel
  • Patent number: 6445273
    Abstract: An overload-protection push-button switch with automatic resetting mechanism is disclosed. The switch is characterized in that a pressing stem actuates a conducting leaf via an enabled rocking lever, and that a wrecking bar is provided to dislocate the position of a positioning unit so that the pressing stem will automatically return back to its reset position in case the rocking lever is disabled due to overload. By means of the above structure, a push-button switch which is capable of exactly functioning and has a simple structure to easily assemble is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu