Abstract: A condition responsive electric switch system comprises switch means which includes at least one set of contact elements defining a preselected open position, a preselected closed position, and a preselected initial contact make-break position, disposed between the open and closed positions. Switch actuating means is movable in actuating relation with the switch means for operating the contact elements selectively into and out of the three preselected positions. Spring means and temperature responsive means are connected to and impart motion to switch actuating means, with the spring means and temperature responsive means creating opposing forces on the switch actuating means. The condition responsive electric switch system has both positive and negative spring gradients including a force producing means having maximum absolute positive gradient forces F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 in which F.sub.

Abstract: A defrost control device has camming means for rotational movement and gear train means operable generally in a pair of preselected speed modes for effecting the rotational movement of the camming means. Means actuated by the camming means during a part of the rotational movement thereof toward a displaced position is adapted for translating the gear train means from one of the preselected speed modes to the other of the preselected speed modes thereof. Means is selectively operable upon the occurrence of a preselected condition for releasably maintaining the translating means in the displaced position thereof to effect the operation of the gear train means in its other preselected speed mode.A method of operating a defrost control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for reducing the cross-sectional area of a capillary tube to effect its closure in a preselected region thereof. The device has a pair of means movable with respect to each other for crimping and severing the tube. First means is provided for moving the crimping and severing means pair along first and second generally orthogonal paths so as to effect alignment of the crimping and severing means pair with the capillary tube disposed therebetween, and second means is provided for moving the crimping and severing means pair along third and forth generally orthogonal paths to effect the reduction of the cross-sectional area of the tube and the severence thereof, respectively.

Abstract: A method of closing an end portion of a metallic capillary tube. In this method, the tube is crimped to form at least a temporary seal adjacent the end portion thereof, and the tube is then fused at the end portion thereof at least adjacent the at least temporary seal so as to perfect the closure of the end portion.

Abstract: A load controller has a plurality of operating component units adapted for controlling the supply of power from a source thereof to a load. A pair of separable housings are releasably engaged with each other so as to define a chamber in which the unit plurality is enclosed.

Abstract: A toggle device has a fixed support with a pair of fixed abutments thereon, and a toggle arm pivotally mounted in the device is adapted for pivotal movement in response to a variable motive force between the abutments into motion limiting engagement therewith, respectively. A toggle spring engaged with the toggle arm is adapted to be compressed for transmitting a force applied thereto onto the toggle arm generally in opposition to the motive force. Means is mounted to the support and engaged with the toggle spring so as to compress it for establishing the applied force. Means is mounted to the support and engaged with the establishing means for positioning it and the toggle spring so as to angularly direct the applied force through the toggle spring onto the toggle arm.An electric switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal actuator has a pair of means for containing a vaporizable liquid which communicate with each other, and means within one of the containing means effects only the transfer therefrom of vapor toward the other of the containing means upon the vaporization of at least a portion of the liquid in the one containing means under preselected conditions.Another thermal actuator has a pair of means for containing a vaporizable liquid which communicate with each other. Means within one of the containing means permits displacement of only a portion of the liquid in its liquid state therefrom to the other of the containing means and effects transfer of at least a portion of vapor vaporized from the remaining liquid in the one containing means under other preselected conditions toward the other containing means.Methods of controlling the thermal actuators and actuating systems including the thermal actuators are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anticipator for controlling the cycle rate of a thermostat. The anticipator has means for transferring heat supplied thereto, and a negative temperature coefficient resistor is enclosed within the heat transferring means and disposed in heat transfer relation with it for supplying the heat thereto. The resistance of the negative temperature coefficient resistor varies as a function of its temperature wherein the negative temperature coefficient resistor is responsive to current applied thereto to attain an operating temperature appreciably in excess of that of the ambient in which the anticipator may be located for generating the heat.A thermostat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal actuator has means for containing a vaporizable liquid and means for vaporizing the liquid. Means is provided for supplying only a portion of the liquid to the vaporizing means to affect vaporization thereof and for subjecting the remaining liquid in the containing means to the vapor established upon vaporization of the liquid portion by the vaporizing means. A method of driving a thermal actuator and an actuating system including a thermal actuator are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of means adapted to be movable generally sequentially for switching power through the electrical switch. A plurality of means are adapted to be conjointly and relatively movable disposed in cascaded articulated relation between the switching means at least some of the movable means being conjointly movable relative to at least some of the others thereof for effecting the sequential operation of the switching means. Methods and a system for generally effecting sequential operation of the switching means are also disclosed.