Abstract: A thermal switch includes a low abrasive and wear resistant disc seat for holding a bimetallic disc. The disc seat includes a disc body with a flange extending from a periphery of the disc body. A centralized through opening may be located in the disc body to prevent warping of the disc body during its manufacture. In addition, the disc seat may be made from brass where at least a first surface of the disc body is plated with Teflon Electroless Nickel, which may take the form of sub-micron particles of polytetrafluoroethylene with auto-catalytically applied nickel.

Abstract: A thermal switch includes a low abrasive and wear resistant disc seat for holding a bimetallic disc. The disc seat includes a disc body with a flange extending from a periphery of the disc body. A centralized through opening may be located in the disc body to prevent warping of the disc body during its manufacture. In addition, the disc seat may be made from brass where at least a first surface of the disc body is plated with Teflon Electroless Nickel, which may take the form of sub-micron particles of polytetrafluoroethylene with auto-catalytically applied nickel.

Abstract: A device for attaching a thermal switch to a tube. The device includes a base having first and second sides and a thermal switch cavity located between opposing ends of the base on the first side. The cavity is configured to receive a thermal switch. Two straps attach the device to a tube at the opposing ends. The base, ends, and cavity are formed of aluminum coated with a low electrical resistance, chemical conversion coating. The second side is formed to receive a tube, such as a fuel line, of a predefined radius. Each of the ends includes at least one groove for receiving one of the straps. The straps are a low outgassing material.

Abstract: A normally open thermal switch (200) having a bimetallic disk (18) is configured for operational testing in its installed position when exposed to a changing temperature by a test box (400) having a power source (400a). The in-place testing advantageously confirms triggering action of the switch by an event indicator (400c) at the operational temperatures designed into the switch (200). The temperature of the triggering action is presented on a temperature display (400b) and recorded by a data recorder (400d) of the test box (400). The switch (200) incorporates a heating element (24c) to heat changing the bimetallic disk (18) to snap activate at the operative temperatures. The thermal switch (200) is coupled with the test box (400) to confirm its operation without having to remove the switch from its installed location.

Abstract: A striker pin in a thermal switch configured as a mechanical link between a bimetallic disk and an armature spring. The striker pin includes a pin of molded ceramic material. The pin has a generally cylindrical shape, a first axial end, and a second axial end. The first axial end is fastenable in fixed relation to an armature spring. A metallic film is fused to the second axial end. A metallic/synthetic deposit is fused to the metallic film such that the metallic/synthetic deposit substantially covers the second axial end.

Abstract: A non-resetable, bimetallic thermal switch. The bimetallic thermal switch includes a bimetallic element, first and second electrical contacts, and a component for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second electrical contacts based on movement of the bimetallic element. The switch also includes a non-resetable component configured to disallow electrical reconnection of the first and second electrical contacts after an electrical disconnection has occurred between the first and second electrical contacts.

Abstract: A striker pin in a thermal switch configured as a mechanical link between a bimetallic disk and an armature spring is provided. The striker pin includes a pin of molded ceramic material. The pin has a generally cylindrical shape, a first axial end, and a second axial end. The first axial end is fastenable in fixed relation to an armature spring. A metalizing film is fused to the second axial end. A metallic deposit is fused to the metalizing film such that the metallic deposit substantially covers the second axial end.

Abstract: A fluid flow shutoff device that eliminates exposure to scalding hot water. The device includes a housing with a first and second opening for allowing fluid flow from the first to the second opening and a bimetallic element supported within the housing. When temperature of fluid flowing through the housing passes a threshold temperature, the bimetallic element changes shape causing stoppage of fluid flowing through the housing. The device further includes a flapper valve that is activated by the bimetallic element. When the element changes shape, the flapper valve is repositioned within the housing to stop fluid flow.

Abstract: A striker pin in a thermal switch configured as a mechanical link between a bimetallic disk and an armature spring is provided. The striker pin includes a pin of molded ceramic material. The pin has a generally cylindrical shape, a first axial end, and a second axial end. The first axial end is fastenable in fixed relation to an armature spring. A metalizing film is fused to the second axial end. A metallic deposit is fused to the metalizing film such that the metallic deposit substantially covers the second axial end.

Abstract: A multiple output thermal detection and protection device providing an output signal representative of the temperature sensed by the device, and further providing a positive output signal representative of the sensed temperature reaching a predetermined set point temperature.

Abstract: A thermal switch apparatus having an adapter mount that snaps to a modular thermal switch by hand or with the use of a simple tool. The thermal switch apparatus of the invention is embodied as a thermal switch apparatus including an adapter having a mounting apparatus and a receptacle, the receptacle having a female portion structured internally with a retainer. A modular thermal sensing device includes a male portion sized to enter the female portion of the receptacle, the male portion having an external relief structured to interlock with the internal retainer of the female portion. The male portion of the modular thermal sensing device is installed into the female portion of the receptacle, the retainer of the receptacle being mated with the external relief of the modular thermal sensing device.

Abstract: A fluid flow shutoff device that eliminates exposure to scalding hot water. The device includes a housing with a first and second opening for allowing fluid flow from the first to the second opening and a bimetallic element supported within the housing. When temperature of fluid flowing through the housing passes a threshold temperature, the bimetallic element changes shape causing stoppage of fluid flowing through the housing. The device further includes a flapper valve that is activated by the bimetallic element. When the element changes shape, the flapper valve is repositioned within the housing to stop fluid flow.

Abstract: A non-resetable, bimetallic thermal switch. The bimetallic thermal switch includes a bimetallic element, first and second electrical contacts, and a component for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second electrical contacts based on movement of the bimetallic element. The switch also includes a non-resetable component configured to disallow electrical reconnection of the first and second electrical contacts after an electrical disconnection has occurred between the first and second electrical contacts.

Abstract: An integral resistance element combined with a snap-action thermal switch and coupled to an output thereof, the snap-action thermal switch being structured in a normally-open configuration. The resistance element and the snap-action thermal switch share one or more common terminals. The snap-action thermal switch is structured having a pair of terminals being mutually electrically isolated when the snap-action thermal switch structured in the normally open configuration, and the integral resistance element is electrically coupled to provide an output on the pair of electrically isolated terminals.

Abstract: An integral resistance element combined with a snap-action thermal switch and coupled to an output thereof, the snap-action thermal switch being structured in a normally-open configuration. The resistance element and the snap-action thermal switch share one or more common terminals. The snap-action thermal switch is structured having a pair of terminals being mutually electrically isolated when the snap-action thermal switch structured in the normally open configuration, and the integral resistance element is electrically coupled to provide an output on the pair of electrically isolated terminals.

Abstract: A thermal switch apparatus having an adapter mount that snaps to a modular thermal switch by hand or with the use of a simple tool. The thermal switch apparatus of the invention is embodied as a thermal switch apparatus including an adapter having a mounting apparatus and a receptacle, the receptacle having a female portion structured internally with a retainer. A modular thermal sensing device includes a male portion sized to enter the female portion of the receptacle, the male portion having an external relief structured to interlock with the internal retainer of the female portion. The male portion of the modular thermal sensing device is installed into the female portion of the receptacle, the retainer of the receptacle being mated with the external relief of the modular thermal sensing device.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive indicator 24 in the form of a label or decal is affixed to the outside of a thermal switch 20. The temperature sensitive label provides a permanent record of the temperature limits exposed to the thermal switch. The temperature sensitive material changes colors when the thermal switch is exposed to its predetermined temperature limit. The changed color provides a quick and clear indication of an event that caused switch activation. The color indication on the outside surface of the switch also provides a visual indication that is easy to acquire and inspect without the need to have physical access to the switch itself.

Abstract: An integral resistance element combined with a snap-action thermal switch and coupled to an output thereof, the snap-action thermal switch being structured in a normally-open configuration. The resistance element and the snap-action thermal switch share one or more common terminals. The snap-action thermal switch is structured having a pair of terminals being mutually electrically isolated when the snap-action thermal switch structured in the normally open configuration, and the integral resistance element is electrically coupled to provide an output on the pair of electrically isolated terminals.

Abstract: A multiple output thermal detection and protection device providing an output signal representative of the temperature sensed by the device, and further providing a positive output signal representative of the sensed temperature reaching a predetermined set point temperature.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive indicator 24 in the form of a label or decal is affixed to the outside of a thermal switch 20. The temperature sensitive label provides a permanent record of the temperature limits exposed to the thermal switch. The temperature sensitive material changes colors when the thermal switch is exposed to its predetermined temperature limit. The changed color provides a quick and clear indication of an event that caused switch activation. The color indication on the outside surface of the switch also provides a visual indication that is easy to acquire and inspect without the need to have physical access to the switch itself.