Abstract: A thermostat includes a case assembly with two terminals and movable contacts, one of which is on a resilient blade to open and close a circuit through the terminals. A bimetal disc actuates the blade by heating to open the contacts. A base defines an interface with the case assembly and supports the disc; the interface being deformed or crushed sufficiently to position the blade to define the threshold temperature and to couple the base and case assembly together. The deformable interface is preferably formed by upstanding, curved projections on the base and mating with the case assembly. When deformed, the projections are substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel of the base so that the disc is centered, but is freely movable. Bendable legs secure a cap in position and lock the case assembly and the base together.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a case assembly with two terminals and movable contacts, one of which is on a resilient blade to open and close a circuit through the terminals. A bimetal disc actuates the blade by heating to open the contacts. A base defines an interface with the case assembly and supports the disc; the interface being deformed or crushed sufficiently to position the blade to define the threshold temperature and to couple the base and case assembly together. The deformable interface is preferably formed by upstanding, curved projections on the base and mating with the case assembly. When deformed, the projections are substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel of the base so that the disc is centered, but is freely movable. Bendable legs secure a cap in position and lock the case assembly and the base together.

Abstract: A tuning element for a temperature responsive switch includes a bimetal assembly in the form of an elongated, relatively flat bimetal strip with bending action and including integral tuning webs for adjusting the thermodynamic properties of the element. Multiple apertures are punched in a predetermined pattern in the bimetal strip to form the webs. Each of the webs is also bent in alternate directions to form ribs that reinforce the element. The bimetal strip is formed from a bimetal base portion and extension portion butt welded together; the webs being formed in the strip adjacent the weld joint. The base portion of the strip bends to open the contacts and the extension portion bends to bring the contacts back closer together, thereby controlling overshoot and providing consistent operation within a relatively narrow temperature range.

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 thermostat is provided for controlling a heating apparatus having two individually actuatable heating elements in order to more accurately control the heat output of the apparatus. The thermostat is designed such that at environment of temperatures below a set temperature t.sub.1, less than the desired temperature t, both heating elements are actuated. As the environmental temperature increases beyond the set temperature t.sub.1, the thermostat deactuates the main heating element and the secondary heating element alone is controlled to regulate variations in environmental temperature around the desired temperature level t. Both thermostatic functions are combined in a single device. Means are provided for adjusting the desired temperature level t and the set temperature t.sub.1 simultaneously for maintaining the difference .DELTA. t therebetween at a constant magnitude. Further, means are also provided for adjusting the difference .DELTA. t between the set temperature t, and the desired temperature level t.

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.