Abstract: A method of increasing the cycle life of a thermostatic disc element for use in a disc assembly used in thermostatic switches in which a weld slug is used to weld the disc element to the disc assembly thereby causing a heat affected zone of the disc element comprising the step of engaging the surface of the disc element opposite the surface adjacent the weld slug with a fulcrum member at a location spaced from the heat affected zone so that upon reversal of the curvature of the disc element, the disc element will bend about the fulcrum member at a location removed from the heat affected zone.

Abstract: A manual reset electrical protector (10, 10') has a reset assembly (26, 26') having a guideway (28a, 28a') and track (28c, 28c') in which a slide member (30, 34, 34') is movable between a protracted position interrupting the movement of a movable electrical contact (22) mounted on a thermostatic disc (20) to preventg engagement of the movable contact with a stationary electrical contact (24) and a retracted position in which the movable contact is allowed to move unfettered into the contacts engagement position. A push button (32, 32') has a cam member (32a, 32a') which, when the push button is depressed, rides against a follower (30b, 34b) attached to the slide member, causing the slide member to move to the retracted position against the bias of a spring (30d, 36). The movable contact (22) prevents movement of the slide member to the blocking, protracted position when in the contacts engaged position.

Abstract: A miniature aircraft type circuit breaker (10') has a threaded mounting bushing (18) in which a push button (20) is slidably received. Push button (20) is coupled to a movable contact arm (24) to move a movable electrical contact (26) into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (28). A flexible fluid splash barrier sleeve (32) is telescopically received on a reduced diameter portion (34) of push button (20) above a white indicator portion (30) of the push button and has a lower distal end portion (36) which engages an annular top surface (38) of the bushing when push button (20) is depressed to bring the electrical contacts into engagement. Adhesive material may be used to affix the barrier sleeve to the reduced diameter portion (34) which optionally can have a roughened surface to enhance adhesion.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve having a block defining a spool valve chamber and ports communicating with the chamber. A spool valve assembly for selectively controlling flow through the valve includes a spool body having an annular end provided with at least one axially outwardly opening notch. A spool end on the spool body defines a first frustoconical, axially outwardly narrowing outer surface concentrically within the annular end of the spool body, and a second, frustoconical, axially outwardly widening radially outer surface extending axially outwardly from the axial outer end of the first frustoconical surface and axially outwardly of the spool outer end.