Abstract: A method of producing an integral piece of thermo-sensitive material, which is responsive to a shift in temperature from below to above a phase transformation temperature range to alter the material's condition to a shape-memory condition and move from one position to another. The method is characterized by depositing a thin film of shape-memory material, such as Nickel titanium (Ni-Ti) onto a substrate by vacuum deposition process such that the alloy exhibits an amorphous non-crystalline structure.

Abstract: A gas tube fail safe device for use in individual subscriber circuit telephone mmodules and related equipment, in which a fusible element is adapted to by-pass the conductive function of the gas tube in the event of gas tube failure. In one embodiment the construction provides for the fusing of the fusible element upon the occurrence of a sustained current overload. In another embodiment, this operation is supplemented by provision of secondary air gap means operative upon the occurrence of momentary excess voltage surges in the presence of a defective gas tube.

Abstract: A low voltage high-amp circuit breaker having a substantially rectangular bimetallic bistable element and a pair of terminals extending from the side thereof. The bistable element is attached to have one end move from a first normal electrically conductive position to a second non-electrically conductive position. The manual reset circuit breaker includes a manual reset lever and a non-conductive heat resistant extension blade connected to the reset lever via a rotatable shaft. The extension blade being positioned adjacent the moveable end of the bistable element and when the element is moved to its second position, the blade is moved to prevent the element from returning to its first conductive position until the circuit breaker is manually reset.

Abstract: A low voltage high-amp circuit breaker (20) having a substantially reactangular bimetallic bistable element (41). The bistable element is attached to have one end move from a first normal electrically conductive position to a second non-electrically conductive position. The manual reset circuit breaker includes a manual reset lever (29) and a non-conductive heat resistant extension blade (64) connected to the reset lever via a rotatable shaft (56). The extension blade being positioned adjacent the moveable end of the bistable element and when the element is moved to its second position, the blade is moved to prevent the element from returning to its first conductive position until the circuit breaker is manually reset. A push-to-trip button (80) pushes plate (88) downward causing fingers (84) to move upward lifting bracket (92) to deform bistable element (41) placing the breaker in an open circuit condition.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge-type fuse has terminal end caps configured to provide insertion-limiting shoulders arresting the movement of the insulating fuse housing sleeve into the caps during assembly, and further configured with solder-retaining wells having surfaces configured to aligningly guide an inserted fuse element into a generally central location when the sleeve and fuse element are forced into the cap with the solder in a molten condition. Accidental solder voiding arising from the displacement caused by the sleeve and the fuse element is eliminated, and a centered fuse element is provided, secured by an adequate mass of solder therearound. Additional mechanical strength is optionally imparted to the system by coating the finished structure with an adherent plastic or resin material.

Abstract: An automotive fuse includes a pair of spring clips connected by a fusible bridge and a transparent shield extending laterally over the width of at least the bridge and a face of one of the clips. The shield is connected to only one of the clips, so that the other clip and any associated lead fall freely from the fuse when the bridge fuses in response to excessive current. The clips are adapted for engagement with matching clips on hot or utility leads in the circuits to which the fuses are connected. The shield can be tinted with color to correspond to the amperage rating of the fuse.

Abstract: A thermostat having an electrically insulating housing and a push button extending therein through a bottom wall thereof. Two normally closed contacts, one fixed and the other on a movable carrier with a projection are disposed within the housing. A spring member pivotable about its center portion has an end resting against the push button and an opposite end resting against the movable contact carrier. An electrically insulating sheet is disposed over an open end of the housing with a convex outwardly bimetallic disc over and external to the insulating sheet and a cap disposed over the disc to enclose the disc within the housing. In an alarm status, the disc becomes convex inwardly and pushes against the projection on the movable contact carrier to separate the contacts.

Abstract: A sub-miniature fuse for electrical protection includes an assembly of an outer tube and an inner tube made of insulating material. The inner tube has electrodes and a fusible metal link sputtered onto its outer surface. The assembly of inner and outer tubes is terminated electrically at its ends with axial leads, or with surface mounting pads, or with radial leads.

Abstract: A thermostat subbase has a conductive grid located on a first surface of an insulating base. Terminals for connection to the controlled heating and cooling apparatus and terminals for connection to a thermostat are integrally formed from the conductive grid. Manual switching is provided to connect adjoining grid portions. The adjoining grid portions extend over a pocket formed in the base and are shaped to receive a conductive ball.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is provided with a quick change current transformer assembly. The current transformer is used to sense overcurrent conditions and apply a signal to an electronic trip unit to trip the circuit breaker. The quick change assembly includes an insulated removable plate located adjacent an open cavity in the housing in which the current transformer is located. The current transformer is donut-type disposed about a load-side conductor located in a cavity in the housing rigidly fastened to the circuit breaker frame. In order to replace a current transformer, the insulated backplate is removed. Next the load-side conductor is unfastened and removed from the circuit breaker housing. The current transformer is then removed from the circuit breaker housing. In order to install a new current transformer, the steps are reversed. A force transmitting spacer is disposed adjacent a bight portion of a shunt, connected between a pivotally mounted contact arm and a load-side conductor.

Abstract: A miniature end capless fuse comprises a nonconductive sleeve with a fusible element extending through it and leads to the ends of the fuse wire. Each electric lead to the fuse wire includes a deformed region near its end, but located outside the sleeve, for being held by insulating material applied over the entire fuse. The deformed region may be an enlargement at the end which does not extend into the sleeve but is attached to the end of the sleeve. It may alternately be a notch formed in the lead. The sleeve ends are metallized, the fusible element ends are soldered to the ends of the sleeve and the leads near their deformed regions are soldered to the ends of the sleeve, forming the fuse. The entire fuse is covered with a strengthening covering, e.g., a molded covering, which securely holds the leads to the sleeve by their deformed regions, e.g. their enlargements or notches.

Abstract: The dual element time delay fuse includes a circuit overload trigger which opens the fuse in response to long term medium circuit overloads, and a short circuit strip disposed in a solid matrix filler for opening the fuse in response to the presence of a short circuit in the circuit.

Abstract: An actuator such as an electrical switch which responds to an event such as a change in temperature by movement of an element between first and second positions, for example in which an electrical circuit is open and closed respectively, includes a dimensionally heat-recoverable component which, on recovery when the actuator is exposed to a high temperature, changes configuration so that a portion of the component is positioned between the element while in its first position and a support for the component, so as to restrain movement of the element towards its second position. This allows the actuator to be locked as a result of exposure to the high temperature, which can be desirable, for example, because of damage to equipment to which the actuator is connected.

Abstract: A push button actuated excess current protection switch, particularly an on-board electrical system protection switch with manual actuation and bimetal controlled automatic tripping includes a switch latch (7) actuated by the push button (41) and a bimetal tripping device for releasing the switch latch (7) with the bimetal tripping device including a self-heated approximately U-shaped punched bimetal (101) which is connected electrically in series in the current path through the switch. The one free arm end (102) of the bimetal is fastened to the end of a connecting lug (5) fixed in the interior of the switch housing. Its second free arm end (104) is fastened to a connecting piece (106, 106') leading to a mating contact (9') that is fixed to the housing. The base (114) is formed by the deflectable end of the bimetal which is kinematically connected with the switch latch.

Abstract: A core and contact assembly for a solenoid switch in which a circumferential belt-shaped attractive force generating portion is formed on one surface of a core, a recess is formed in the attractive force generating portion, a removed portion is also formed in the core radially outwardly of the recess. Stationary contacts are disposed within the recess, and conductor portions extend from the stationary contacts to the other surface of the core through the removed portion. In order to insulatably secure the stationary contacts and the conductor portion with respect to the core, a resinous molded portion is provided, and a cover axially extending from the interior of the recess for surrounding around the stationary contacts is provided.

Abstract: A subminiature fuse is disclosed comprising two terminals (20, 30), two substrates (80, 90), a fusible conductor (140), an insulating coating (180), and a unitary housing (170). The unitary housing is protected from the interrupt arc by the substrates (80, 90) and the housing (170) is sealed to provide increased mechanical strength, thus reducing the risk of a catastrophic failure of the fuse. The upper portion of the fuse terminals are shaped into finger like projections (70) adaptable to mechanically holding the fusible conductor (140) and a substrate (80), thus facilitating the manufacturing process. In one embodiment the fusible conductor and adjacent portions of the terminals and substrates are coated with a insulating coating or adhesive (180). The insulating coating (180) conducts heat away from the fusible conductor (140) during normal operation. To further protect the housing in the event of a short circuit interruption, a substrate (90) is placed between the housing and the fusible conductor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switch comprising primary current contacts having rounded contact surfaces inclined to the longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic switch, and a rotatable contact bridge having a spherical contact surface with a radius of curvature which is less than the radius of a rounded contact surface of a primary current contact.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave shielding transparent body comprising one or more transparent sheets, a transparent conductive layer formed as a first electric conductor on at least one of said transparent sheets, and a second electric conductor separated from said transparent conductive layer.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch has a pair of contact strips separated by an insulative separator, with the separator and strips placed within a recess in a stacking block. The separator has a central portion and laterally extending tabs at the ends thereof, and reliefs formed at each inner corner formed by the junction of the central portion with a tab, such that the edges of the stacking block do not cause a stress concentration at the inner corners, avoiding breakage and current leakage through the separator.

Abstract: A remote-controlled circuit breaker has an operation mechanism unit (300), for selecting one of an off state and a remote-controllable state of the circuit breaker, and a compact electromagnetic unit (200) and a movable contact (11, 12) which makes/breaks contact with a fixed contact in connection with a motion of the electromagnetic unit only in the remote-controllable state; and the movable contact breaks contact with the fixed contact irrespective of the motion of the electromagnetic unit at the time when an overcurrent tripping unit (400) is operated by a fault.