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.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of controlling a device having a calibration process. The calibration process has a partial calibration routine and a calibration routine. A detector within the control system is capable of receiving one or more input signals and determining whether a partial calibration or calibration should occur. The first step in the process involves starting the control method where the detector receives input signals or generates it own data within the detector. The detector also determines whether a partial calibration routine or a calibration routine will take place based upon the value of the input signals received. A partial calibration routine will be performed if the input signals to the detector do not favor a calibration.

Abstract: In order to achieve thermomechanical overload protection with a broad adjustment range for protecting against overload currents, the live components carry an electrical current which is between the value of the overload current and zero. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, switching devices are used which, in a preferred embodiment, switch the current, in parallel, from a first current branch to at least one second current branch, the parallel-connected at least one current branch carrying a partial current, which is between the value of the overload current and zero. In the associated overload protection device, contact devices are provided which are associated with live components on two current branches which can be connected in parallel with one another, wherein at least one current branch can be switched on and off by the switching devices.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay is provided with an external case, and an adjustment dial with a cam inserted into an adjustment dial insertion hole provided in the external case for adjusting a settling current. A press-fitting section is provided at one of the adjustment dial and the adjustment dial insertion hole, and a locking section is provided at the other of the adjustment dial and the adjustment dial insertion hole. The press-fitting section is press-fit and retained in the locking section.

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 two slots in a bottom of the body. A connection member is fixedly connected to an inside of the body and an adjusting member movably extends through a wall of the body and contacts the connection member. A U-shaped biasing member has a first end connected to the second end of a bi-metallic plate and a second end of the biasing member is connected to the connection member. The biasing member provides the bi-metallic plate proper flexibility so as to ensure the deformation of the bi-metallic plate to cut off the switch device when it is overloaded.

Abstract: A switch includes a switch member and an extension and a push rod respectively extended from two ends of an underside of the switch member. A bi-metallic contact plate has a first end fixed to one of two terminals and a contact portion splits from the contact plate. A first contact point is connected to an underside of the contact portion and a second contact point is connected to the other terminal. A free end of the contact portion is connected with a free first end of a spring member and a second end of the spring member is connected to the contact plate. When overload, the contact portion and the spring member move upward to cut off the circuit while the push rod extends through a through hole defined in the spring member.

Abstract: A safety switch includes a switch member and a push rod is pivotably connected to an inside of the switch member. A biasing member pushes the push rod toward a stop rod extending from the inside of the switch member. A bi-metallic contact plate has a first end fixed to one of two terminals and a contact portion splits from the contact plate. A first contact point is connected to an underside of the contact portion and a second contact point is connected to the other terminal. A free end of the contact portion is connected with a free first end of a spring member and a second end of the spring member is connected to the contact plate. When overloaded, the contact portion and the spring member move clockwise to cut off the circuit while the push rod does not stop the clockwise movement of the spring member.

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 switch device includes a body with switch 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. A board movably received in a recess in an inside of the body and movable by an adjusting member extending through a hole through the body.

Abstract: A thermally compensated circuit breaker has a movable contact assembly (24) which mounts a movable electrical contact (24m) for movement between open and closed contacts positions with a stationary electrical contact (26). The contacts are maintained in the closed circuits position by a latching mechanism (24b, 28g) which prevents opening of the contacts through an opening contacts force provided by a spring (24e). A current carrying trip arm (40a, 44a) deflects upon sufficient I2R heating to transfer motion to the latch to separate the latch (24b) from the latch receiving catch (28g) to trip the circuit breaker. The trip arm (40a, 44a) is part of a pivotably mounted actuator assembly (40, 44) having a movable end portion spaced from the pivot disposed adjacent a motion transfer member (28c). A calibration screw (42a) is located so that the longitudinal axis is in line with a movable end portion of the actuator assembly and the motion transfer member.

Abstract: A switch includes an N-shaped spring which is connected between an inside of the base of the switch and an end of a bimetal plate. The bimetal plate has a contact point and is pushed to let the contact point contact an another contact point on one of three terminal plates. An adjusting member is movably engaged with the base and contacts an end of the N-shaped spring so as to adjust the position of the N-shaped member.

Abstract: A safety switch. The switch includes a housing configured to hold a pivoted lever at the top and three metal contact plates at the bottom. A movable member pivots on the intermediate metal contact plate. A bimetal element with a fixed end is connected to one end of the movable member and a free end of the bimetal element is suspended above one of the lateral metal contact plates. An actuating member is coupled between the lever and the movable member and driven by the lever to tilt the movable member between a first position where the free end of the bimetal element is forced into contact with the corresponding lateral metal contact plate, causing the circuit to be closed, and a second position where the free end of the bimetal element is disconnected from the corresponding lateral metal contact plate, causing the circuit to be opened. The lever can include a light, a conductive end of which contacts the remaining lateral metal contact.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a thermal trigger for an electrical switching device starts with fastening bimetal strips (1) for each phase in the housing of the trigger. Thereafter, the bimetal strips (1) are heated-up with a predetermined calibration current for a predetermined time, and are thus brought into a calibrated position. In the calibrated position, the positioning of each of the free end sections of each bimetal strip (1) is measured on both folded ends opposite each other. Then, two slides (3,4) are fitted with two hinged drive arms (5,6) and are retained in a calibration device. Stops (9) bring the drive arms (5,6) into the previously measured calibrated position of the assigned bimetal strip (1) by sluing. In the calibrated position, the other single-piece arms (8) with the trigger arms (5,6) are attached to the slide (3,4).

Abstract: For reducing the click rate and improving the setting accuracy, in the case of a power control unit (11) for electric heating appliances, a contact separation (D) of two contacts (14, 15) can be varied independently of a position change of an appliance switch (12) with a snap-action element (16). Preferably, the position of the counterstop (33) is modified by an application thereof to a separation cam disk (36). The appliance switch position is fixed by means of a power cam disk (28) and determines the power level.In this way it is possible to randomly set within wide limits the click rite for each setting of the relative on period.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for compensating the maladjustment of a power control means (2) by changes to the ambient temperature operates at least on a partial path against the flat spring (31) of a correcting device (30), after which at least part of the ambient temperature sensor (20) of the apparatus (1) is fixed against further deflection by a stop (34), so that the actual values of the power setting correspond to the set desired values substantially independently of the ambient temperature. For the correction spring (31) or for the stop (34) it is not necessary to provide a separate component, if use is made for the same of the already present twisting preventer (28) or a carrier (18).

Abstract: A three-phase thermal protector includes a hermetic receptacle composed of an elliptic dome-shaped cover having an opening at one end and a header plate having two terminal pins extending through respective apertures formed in it, and a switch assembly mounted in the receptacle. Two fixed contacts are secured to the respective terminal pins. The switch assembly includes a metal operating temperature calibrating plate with one end welded to the cover, a bimetallic thermally responsive element having one end secured to the calibrating plate and the other end having a central dish-shaped portion, and a thermally-responsive-element support to which the supported end of the thermally responsive element is welded. The thermally responsive element carries two movable contacts symmetrical about the center line.

Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker comprises a metal base having a raised step to which an elongated compensator bimetal is welded. A metal cover is secured to the base but is insulated therefrom. An elongated armature bimetal is welded to a step in the metal cover and is substantially parallel to the compensator bimetal. The high expansion sides of both the compensator and the armature face downwards, towards the base. An insulated heater wire is wrapped around the armature and is electrically connected between the armature and the base.

Abstract: A snap-action thermostatic switch, having a bimetallic member with a snap-action formed section bearing against a calibration dimple, has an insulative coating provided on the calibration dimple to prevent current flow through the dimple which could disrupt switch operation or cause damage to the bimetallic member.

Abstract: A three phase hermetic protector for electrical apparatus has a pair of terminals extending through a header with first and second elongated heaters mounted on the terminals and extending away from the header. A rigid support is attached to the header between the terminals and extends away from the header and mounts a third elongated heater extending back toward the header. A snap acting disc is cantilever mounted on the free end of the third heater and mounts thereon a pair of movable contacts adapted to move into and out of the engagement with stationary contacts mounted at the free ends of the first and second heaters. The rigid support mounts a calibration screw beneath the free end of each of the first and second heaters to independently adjust the vertical position of the stationary contacts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a three-phase thermal protector having two pairs of fixed and movable contacts for opening and closing the neutral of wye-connected phase windings of a three-phase induction motor.

Abstract: An electric switching device (1) in the form of a timed power control device with an appliance switch (6) operated by a heated thermobimetal (15) and in the form of a snap switch has an adjusting device (39) for modifying the distance between the opposite contact (36) and the counter-stop (37) for the movable switching contact (34), operated simultaneously with the setting of the different setting ranges of the switching device in such a way that in the low setting ranges the switching hysteresis of the appliance switch (6) is made smaller and in the higher setting ranges larger. Thus, in particular the smaller values of the relative switch on duration of the appliance switch (6) can be set much more accurately, so that there is a very precise power control in the low setting ranges.

Abstract: A circuit breaker formed of a PMB bimetal fastened to a post and arranged to face against a new contact that is disposed upon a U-shaped calibration bracket. A span is exposed in the U-shaped calibration bracket to enable a calibration probe to break the circuit breaker at a predetermined time to permanently bend it into a fixed position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a two piece metal enclosure, a cover and a base. Disposed within the enclosure is a PMB bimetal which is fastened to a step in the cover. The opening time of the circuit breaker can be adjusted by means of the step.

Abstract: A snap-acting thermostatic electric switch in which a snap-acting thermostatic disc is physically attached to a heater plate which in turn mounts movable contacts. A stepped rivet loosely mounts the disc and is headed over to tightly mount any one of a series of heater plates having different thicknesses. The heater plate is shaped to allow unimpeded snap motion of the disc yet provide improved heat conduction to the disc. The disc and plate are mounted on a spider support which is adjustably positioned within the switch compartment by means of a combination rivet and screw received in a threaded bore of the base of the switch. An insulator is loosely received on the base and is biased thereagainst by a spring which also biases the spider upwardly to provide positional stability. Another spring is placed between the spider and the heater plate to optimize contact opening.

Abstract: A temperature responsive regulator switch for controlling the heat of an electric heating device, comprises movable and stationary electric contacts cooperating with one another for assuming open and closed positions and a bimetal operatively coupled to the movable contact for moving it into the open position when the bimetal attains a predetermined temperature. The bimetal is heated by electric current passing therethrough solely in the closed position. The regulator switch further has a heat conductor having a first part adapted to be directly exposed to the heat of the device controlled by the temperature responsive regulator switch and a second part being in a heat-conducting connection with the bimetal for heating the bimetal by the heat generated by the device.

Abstract: An electric switch that is temperature responsive is provided for operation in a temperature range that is substantially above normal ambient temperature. A pair of contacts are mounted on respective first and second spring members. The second spring member includes a bimetal compensating portion at the distal end thereof. The second contact is mounted on the compensating portion so that upon increasing the temperature of the switch structure, the second contact moves toward engagement with the first contact to eliminate initial overshoot and to compensate for variable contact weld size between the contacts. An operating bimetal assembly in direct contact with the heated surface being monitored is used to break the contacts. The bimetal assembly includes a bimetal base element and a metal element butt-welded to the distal end thereof. The metal element carries a ceramic button to engage the first or upper spring member to move the first contact.

Abstract: A push-to-turn thermal cycling switch for regulating the wattage of a resistance type surface heating unit of a domestic cooking range of the electric type is disclosed. The duty cycle of the heating unit, and thus its heat output is regulated by the switch cycling on and off in accordance with movement of a switch-contained bimetallic element heated by current flowing to the heating unit via the switch. The switch cycling is determined by the position of a disc cam member carried on an axially shiftable, user-rotatable shaft having a detent means for rotatably locking the shaft at an "off" position. The shaft is formed in a single step die-casting operation. A latch secured disc cam retainer facilitates machine assembly of the switch components.

Abstract: A thermostat, operating on the basis of current generated heat, rather than ambient temperature, operates as an equivalent of a snap-action thermostat, though without the necessity for provision of a snap-action dimple, by use of two bimetallic arms, the motion of one being restricted by the casing and a calibration dimple in or on the casing. The two bimetallic arms move, as in a creep action thermostat, upon current generation, with separation of the arms being accomplished when the restricted arm can no longer move to follow the unrestricted arm. Such thermostats are particularly valuable where a high initial inrush of current is experienced, as with an incandescent lamp fixture, when initial opening of the device, on the high current inrush, is not desired.

Abstract: A heat-up/cool-down bimetal timer for an electric toaster wherein a unique screw fastener is provided for holding a calibration adjustment screw without being deformed during automated adjustment of the screw. The fastener is made from a blade of spring sheet metal that has an end turned on itself in the form of a cylinder for holding the calibration screw. Thus, the axis of the screw is parallel to or even in line with a plane that lies midway between the planes of the major surfaces of the sheet metal fastener. Accordingly, any automated screw driving equipment that may push downwardly on the head of the screw for adjusting it normally would not flex or bend the fastener in a plane perpendicular to one of its major flat surfaces.

Abstract: An electrical thermostatic switch, prior to calibration, has a flexible blade which is spring biased into contact with a thermostatic member. The end of the blade is submerged in a heat curable material. The switch is placed in an oven at a predetermined temperature level for calibration, with the result that the thermostatic element moves the flexible blade into the desired calibration position prior to curing of the heat curable material. The flexible element is thereafter held by the cured material in the desired calibration position.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch has a thermostatic subassembly located on a header so that movable contacts engage and disengage complementary contacts mounted on the header in response to temperature change. A knurled stud part has an interference fit in a header bore and a nut threadedly engages the opposite end of the stud means and bears against the opposite side of the header. The nut is rotatable for drawing the knurled stud part into the header bore to the desired degree to precisely locate the subassembly relative to the header during switch manufacture and calibration. The interference fit of the knurled stud part in the header bore otherwise cooperates with the nut to prevent rotation or axial movement of the stud means in any direction in the header bore.

Abstract: A thermal responsive electrical switching device provides an electrical connection between first and second electrical connectors when the temperature of the switching device is less than a first predetermined temperature level and terminates the electrical connection when the temperature of the device exceeds the first predetermined temperature level. The electrical connection is not re-established until after the temperature of the switching device has dropped below a second predetermined temperature level which is less than the first predetermined temperature level. The switching device includes an actuator means mounted on a bimetal blade which causes a snap contact blade to be snapped into first and second snap positions as a result of movement of the bimetal blade. The actuator means includes first and second actuators which are embedded in a curable material.

Abstract: A thermostatic electrical switch for providing an electrically conductive path when the temperature of the switch is below a threshold temperature and for opening the path when the temperature of the switch is above the threshold temperature, includes a bimetal thermostatic element which is riveted to a support post. The post is welded to a base plate which forms a portion of the switch casing. An indentation is formed in the casing such that a portion of the mounting for an electrically conductive terminal is urged downwardly, thus positioning the terminal for proper switch operation.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the operating gap between the actuator beam (11, 12) and the moveable contact spring (13, 14) of a piezoelectric relay to achieve a gap (gf) of a width to achieve optimum relay reliability. A fixed contact (24) upon which the contact (35) of the spring (13) rests, is mounted on a bracket (25) in turn mounted on the relay substrate (15) by a solder layer (30). The relay actuator beam (11), normally adapted to raise the spring (13) to separate the contacts, is separated from the spring (13) by an initial gap (g) and is energized by an adjust voltage (Va) of a magnitude to exert a force just equal to the spring force. The solder layer (30) is then heated to the melting point to permit the spring (13) to force bracket (25) downward and itself into contact with the beam (11). When the forces exerted by the beam (11), the fixed contact, and the spring (13) reach equilibrium, the solder layer (30) is allowed to set and the adjust voltage (Va) is removed.

Abstract: A thermal switch having contacts with one contact being movably mounted on a carrier and with movement of the carrier controlled by a bimetal actuator disc. The actuating movement is transmitted through a striker pin of molded ceramic material which is fastened in fixed relation to the carrier by a layer of adhesive of controllable thickness to establish the effective length of the striker pin.The method of manufacturing the thermal switch embodies holding of the striker pin in fixed predetermined relation to components of the thermal switch. During movement of the parts to this position, a mass of adhesive carried at an end of the striker pin is pressed between the end of the striker pin and the carrier to provide lateral flow thereof until said pressing is discontinued to provide a controlled thickness layer of adhesive which is then set with the parts held in a predetermined relation.

Abstract: A resettable thermal safety switch having a bistable domed bimetallic disc serving as a heat-responsive switching element which pops from its normal curvature to an opposite curvature, thereby moving a contact breaking plate, the switch having a reset button which is arranged to return the disc to its normal state and to close the switch, but between the reset button and the moving parts of the switch is arranged a force-limiting assembly which prevents resetting or blocking of the switching action at the critical temperature.

Abstract: A circuit breaker which has an adjustable setting includes a first pair of bars for connecting the circuit breaker to a current supply, and a second pair of bars for connecting it to a load. The circuit-breaker current-supply connecting bars are normally in contact with the circuit-breaker load-connecting bars, and one of the pairs of bars is adapted to be released from contact with the other pair of bars at a predetermined release point upon the application of a predetermined amount of heat to the pairs of bars. An adjustment device is provided for varying the release point of the one pair of bars from the other pair of bars, so that upon a predetermined current passing through the pair of bars, the one pair of bars is heated to the predetermined amount of heat and released from contact with the other pair of bars.

Abstract: A motor overload protector or the like is disclosed in which a bimetal snap disc is centrally supported by a stud which is press fitted into a bore within the body. The stud is knurled to provide axially extending teeth having a root diameter at least substantially equal to the diameter of the body stud receiving bore prior to the insertion of the stud so that sufficient friction is provided to maintain the stud in the calibrated position. Additional locking is provided where necessary by forming the stud with annular ribs which interlock with a potting material applied after assembly of the stud within the body. The device is calibrated by maintaining the disc at the desired operating temperature as the stud is pressed into the body stud receiving bore until the disc operates.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having a solid-state trip unit adjustable over a variety of ratings. One-way adjustment is provided, permitting a reduction in the rating of the circuit breaker and preventing an increase in the rating. A ratchet mechanism and a one-way screw mechanism are provided to implement the one-way adjustment.

Abstract: A thermally-responsive circuit-breaking device with an adjustable temperature set-point. The device is provided with a thermally-responsive element controlling an electric switch. In one embodiment, the temperature set-point is dependent on the width of a gap between respective portions of the element and the switch. One of the portions is a surface inclined away from and engagable by the other portion. By adjustably positioning the element and switch relative to one another the portions are aligned to engage at different points along the inclined surface to thereby vary the gap. In the other embodiment, the switch and the element have respective overlapping and engaging portions with the temperature set-point being dependent on the amount of overlap. As the element moves in response to temperature change in a given sense, the overlapping portions slide over each other until at one position of the element the overlap is eliminated causing the switch to open.

Abstract: In an electrical circuit breaker having a bimetal element which deflects, upon passage of excess currents, to displace a movable member to trip the circuit breaker, an adjustable element, in the form of a wedge, is provided between the bimetal element and the movable member, so that variation of the position of the wedge and the effective thickness thereof between the bimetal element and the movable member varies the amount of deflection of the bimetal element required to trip the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A thermal cycling switch such as is used to control surface units on domestic cooking ranges is provided with a compression spring arrangement urging the cam controlling the switch in one direction and a shaft axially movable relative to the cam in an opposite direction, and detent means are provided to prevent the shaft and cam from being rotated until the shaft is first shifted axially relative to the cam.