Thermally Actuated Patents (Class 335/31)
  • Patent number: 7498913
    Abstract: A thermal trip device in which a bimetal (2) is heated by overcurrent and performs trip operation of a circuit by curvature of the heated bimetal (2), wherein at least one part of the surface of the bimetal (2) is made to be black or matte black (7). Thereby, temperature of the bimetal (2) can be highly accurately measured using a no-contact thermometer. Furthermore, a temperature measurement part (8) of the bimetal is provided with a bending part (11), and the surface of the bending part is made to be matte black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Kawamura, Hiroyuki Akita, Masatoshi Murai, Hirotoshi Yonezawa, Satoru Naito
  • Patent number: 7367134
    Abstract: A mechanized vent for a dishwasher employs a vent plate moving about a hinge axis as driven by a cam mechanism at a surface of the vent plate removed from the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Osvatic, Michael K. Hintz, Joel C. Bragg, Jeffrey J. Krieger, Mark D. Rodaer
  • Patent number: 6940373
    Abstract: A fast engage, slow release electrical actuator combines an electromagnetic actuator with a thermal actuator, the latter which retains the electromagnetic actuator after the former has been actuated to delay the release thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ark-Les Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Hintz, Michael S. Osvatic, Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Patent number: 6621403
    Abstract: An overload tripping device includes a temperature-compensating bimetal operating as a tripping lever and interposed between an output lever of a differential shifter mechanism linked with a main bimetal and a latch receiver of an opening-and-closing mechanism section of a circuit breaker. The temperature-compensating bimetal has an intermediate portion journaled on a bimetal holder. An operating arm made of a light molding material is attached to a tip of the temperature-compensating bimetal so as to push the latch receiver. Additionally, a balance weight may be installed on the temperature-compensating bimetal to balance inertial moments on the opposite sides of the bimetal. Thus, the circuit breaker is prevented from being inadvertently tripped due to external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isamu Nagahiro, Naoshi Uchida, Katsunori Kuboyama, Jun Oyama
  • Patent number: 4714907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple moving contact assembly for a miniature circuit breaker with high ratings and a thermomagnetic trip release. The moving contact part of the circuit breaker includes two independent contact arms connected in parallel and mounted on a transverse spindle of the cradle. The arms are connected to a magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic trip release by two braids situated in symmetrical lateral areas. The contact parts bear on a single stationary contact pad so as to create two contact points enabling the temperature rise to be reduced. The electromagnetic top release has a coil including a tail arranged as an adjustable support device of a bimetallic strip, through whose foot the current flows thicknesswise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: William Bartolo, Louis Boillot, Rene Challande, Patrick De Robertis, Jacky Duchenaud, Jean-Claude Ramaciotti
  • Patent number: 4575706
    Abstract: A combined magnetic and thermal activated relay for use in alarm systems. The relay includes a thermal activated bimetal switch in series with the current through the magnetic coil which activates a magnetic switch. The thermal switch is in a normally closed state and the magnetic switch is in a normally open state. When current passes through the coil the magnetic switch changes from its normally open to a closed state applying voltage potential for an external requirement. The heat generated by the coil's resistance to current flow heats the core of the magnetic coil, and after reaching an elevated temperature level the thermal activated switch changes from its normally closed state to an open state opening the current flow path through the magnetic coil causing the magnetic switch to return to its normal open state removing voltage for the external requirement. The switching operation of the thermal switch cycles with temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: William A. Heidman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4039993
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an over-temperature limit switch for automatically making or breaking an electrical circuit at a predetermined temperature. The actuating force for the switch is provided by a temperature dependent bimetallic spring and the latching function of the switch is provided by a pair of magnets. One of the magnets, a permanent magnet, is secured to the bimetallic spring and the other magnet, a non-permanent or "soft" magnet, is disposed in the base of the switch opposite the permanent magnet. The non-permanent magnet has a transition temperature associated therewith indicating the temperature above which the permeability of the magnet diminishes to such an extent that it can no longer carry sufficient magnetic lines of flux from the permanent magnet to hold it against the force of the bimetallic spring. The bimetallic spring is adapted to exert a bias force tending to open the switch at a temperature below the transition temperature of the non-permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1977
    Assignee: Mechanical Products
    Inventor: Maxwell A. Kerr