Abstract: A bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed which is structured for automated assembly. Such thermostat includes a body with contact supports molded therein in a manner providing sufficient strength so that terminals can be riveted onto the contact supports after assembly. The body and contact support subassembly is structured so that it is symmetrical on opposite sides of a central axis. A disc cup is provided with axial and radial surfaces which accurately locate the disc during and after assembly. Also disclosed is a method of gaging and calibrating the thermostat automatically. Calibration of the spring force of the movable contact is accomplished by sensing the force in a given position and subsequently deforming the spring until a predetermined force exists in such predetermined position. Gaging is accomplished by deforming a projection from the movable contact arm until a predetermined uniform spacing is established between such projection and a gaging surface.

Abstract: A bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed which is structured for automated assembly. Such thermostat includes a body with contact supports molded therein in a manner providing sufficient strength so that terminals can be riveted onto the contact supports after assembly. The body and contact support subassembly is structured so that it is symmetrical on opposite sides of a central axis. A disc cup is provided with axial and radial surfaces which accurately locate the disc during and after assembly. Also disclosed is a method of gaging and calibrating the thermostat automatically. Calibration of the spring force of the movable contact is accomplished by sensing the force in a given position and subsequently deforming the spring until a predetermined force exists in such predetermined position. Gaging is accomplished by deforming a projection from the movable contact arm until a predetermined uniform spacing is established between such projection and a gaging surface.

Abstract: A thermal relay is disclosed which provides a bi-metal snap disc actuator system. The actuator system includes a central divider of material having relatively low thermal conductivity and a metallic disc cup mounted on each side of the central divider. A bi-metal snap disc is located in each disc cup and a separate heater is provided to respectively heat the discs. The discs are mounted so that they tend to move toward each other at normal environmental temperatures and a bumper is interposed between the discs to cause them to move in with snap action in the unison. The actuator operates two switches. In one embodiment, one switch is normally closed and the other switch is normally open. In another embodiment, both switches are normally open.

Abstract: A trip-free manual reset thermostat is disclosed in which a bimetal snap disc is positioned so that one edge portion engages a movable contact support arm and opens the contacts when the disc operates to its operative condition. A manual reset member is operable to apply a force to the center portion of the disc in the direction of contact opening, causing the edge of the disc to engage fixed stops and to thereafter move the disc to its reset position. The resetting force is applied in the same direction as contact opening movement so that the operation of the reset member maintains the contacts in an open condition even when the disc has been pushed through to the reset condition. The manual reset member is, therefore, incapable of causing switch closure.

Abstract: An adjustable thermostat is disclosed which has an operating temperature range and in which detent means is provided to establish a plurality of detent positions of a rotatably adjustable shaft for selected operating temperatures of the thermostat. The detent means includes a radially extending, arcuate flange rotatable with the shaft and cooperating with a post on the base. The flange has a plurality of radial notches to establish the plural detent positions in engagement with a projection on the post. The flange is integral with an arcuately extending wall, the wall having inner and outer arcuate surfaces, and the entire wall is deformed and stressed by radial camming action as the shaft is moved from one detent position to another. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: A bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed in which a steel disc cup is provided for strength and/or environmental resistant properties. Positioned within the disc cup is a disc seat formed of aluminum. A bimetal snap disc is positioned in the disc seat and operates the thermostat switch through an axially movable bumper. A ring of rubber like foam material is positioned between the body assembly and the disc on the side of the disc remote from the disc seat. The aluminum disc seat reduces temperature calibration drift of the disc during the cycling of the disc which occurs during the use of the thermostat. The foam ring also tends to reduce bouncing and thereby tends to reduce temperature calibration drift. Also the ring functions to insure that the disc remains properly seated in its aluminum disc seat.

Abstract: A dual temperature thermostat is disclosed in which two bimetal snap discs are connected to separately operate two switch mechanisms. The snap discs are retained in separate, generally concentric disc seats formed in a retainer cup. The body is provided with first abutment surfaces to maintain the inner disc in its seat and a plurality of symmetrically positioned projections which extend through openings in the inner disc and provide abutments which engage the outer disc and maintain it in its seat. The abutments and the seats are proportioned so that the two discs cannot contact each other during their operation.

Abstract: A structurally simple thermostat is disclosed in which a single rivet provides the mounting of all of the switch elements. The switch elements are located by the rivet and by a portion of the contacts substantially spaced from the rivet to minimize the affect of manufacturing tolerances in the positioning of the switch elements. A single terminal element supports the movable contact, provides a terminal extension and closes the switch cavity. The structure is arranged so that ceramic material can be used for the non-metallic parts with a minimum effect created by the relatively loose dimensional tolerances required in the manufacture of ceramic parts. The terminal member is formed with a shallow dish shaped projection which prestresses the rivet assembly to prevent looseness resulting from differential expansion.

Abstract: A multiple bimetallic snap disc thermostat is disclosed in which two series connected switch mechanisms are respectively operated by two concentric bimetal snap discs having the same diameter. One snap disc is thermally automatic in operation to open and close its associated switch upon reaching its calibration temperatures. The outer disc is a one-shot disc which does not automatically reset and cannot be manually reset after operation. The two discs are mounted in a single, disc retaining cup, and are spaced by a ring positioned between their peripheries. This allows said discs to be formed of the same size and provides easy mounting. A single fixed contact member provides the fixed contact for both switches. The contacts of the switch associated with the automatic disc are capable of repeated operation whereas the contacts of the switch associated with the one-shot disc are not structured for repeated cycling.