With External Or Auxiliary Heating Means Patents (Class 337/102)
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Patent number: 5844465Abstract: A time-delay switch responsive to a sensor 36 having a temperature compensation feature including bimetallic creep-type strip elements (10, 11). Additionally, the switch has an alarm function (A) with a manual reset button (9).Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Eduardo Armenio, Giancarlo Attena, Giuseppe Notaro
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Patent number: 5831508Abstract: A component for a demagnetization circuit includes a thermistor with positive temperature characteristic having a first electrode and a second electrode, another thermistor with negative temperature characteristic having a third electrode and a fourth electrode and being disposed such that the first and third electrodes are opposite to each other, a heat-sensitive switch disposed between these two thermistors, a case which contains the thermistors and a heat-sensitive switch, and terminals which extend outward from inside the case.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yutaka Ikeda
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Patent number: 5808539Abstract: A snap acting thermostatic disc assembly having a thermostatic disc element (20) responsive both to current and to ambient temperature is provided with an electrical contact (22) on a face surface on the disc element at one end thereof and a weld slug (24) at an opposite end of the disc element and has a fulcrum member (28, 28', 28") on the opposite face surface of the disc element in alignment with the weld slug. The fulcrum member is arranged to move the bending location of the disc element member away from the heat affected zone of the thermostatic metal caused by welding. In a second embodiment the snap acting disc element is used as an ambient temperature responsive control member.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Sheldon S. White
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Patent number: 5804798Abstract: A thermal protector having a fixed plate with a fixed contact point at one end, a movable plate having a movable contact point at a position corresponding to the fixed contact point. A bimetal plate which bends when a temperature exceeds a specified level deforms movable plate so as separate the contacts. There are first and second terminals connecting the fixed and movable plates with an external circuit and a heating element connected to the first and second terminals to maintain an open-circuited state. The heating element is flexible and is arranged so as to be deformed following the deformation of the bimetal plate and to always physically contact always with the bimetal plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
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Patent number: 5721525Abstract: A temperature controller (10) having bimetallic switching device (15) which switches at an excess temperature and a heating resistor (23) in the same circuit as this which has the effect of a self-locking function. The heating resistor (23) is designed on a film (22) which is provided for thermal and/or electrical insulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Inventor: Marcel Hofsass
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Patent number: 5675307Abstract: A thin PTC device that includes a layer of PTC material sandwiched between a pair of metal plates is provided with an increased effective thickness by outwardly extending flanges on at least one of the metal plates. This allows a close fit of the PTC device in a pocket that otherwise would be too large for holding the PTC device properly.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, IncorporatedInventors: John J. Krimm, Jeffrey A. West, Robert L. Newman
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Patent number: 5607610Abstract: A compact protector device having a housing 10 with a fixed electrode 18 and terminal member 12 and a movable electrode 26 and terminal member 14 contained therein. The movable electrode 26 includes a thermostatic bimetal member 26a with a movable contact 28 attached thereto positioned to engage and disengage with a fixed contact 20 attached to the fixed electrode 18 upon action of the bimetal member 26c. A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element 24 is positioned in direct heat transfer relationship with the bimetal member 26c and electrically connected between the fixed and movable electrodes 18, 26. The protector further includes an insulating member 22 for compressively holding the movable electrode 26 in electrical contact with the PTC element 24 and forming a fulcrum point for action of said bimetal member 26c.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Hideharu Furukawa
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Patent number: 5528448Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings, the surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environment. The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will thus prevent an overloaded condition due to an oversize bulb.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
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Patent number: 5497286Abstract: An overload protective apparatus has fixed contacts connected to at least one pair of fixed terminals secured on the bottom of a case, a dish-shaped polymetallic element, e.g., a bimetal or trimetal having movable contacts bonded thereon so as to oppose the fixed contacts, and an adjusting bolt supporting a central portion of the polymetallic element for maintaining the polymetallic element at a position separate from the bottom of the case, wherein the polymetallic element and the adjusting bolt are accommodated in the case. The polymetallic element used herein is constructed to make a current density around bonding portions for the movable contacts higher than other regions, such that portions around the movable contacts are more susceptible to rupture when an abnormal current flows through the polymetallic element. The polymetallic element is also constructed to prevent degradation of the spring constant thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1993Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Shimada, Wataru Sugawara
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Patent number: 5321576Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings, the surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environment. The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will then prevent an overheated condition due to an incorrect bulb.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
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Patent number: 5309131Abstract: An easily and preferably fully automatically manufacturable thermal switch having a minimum number of parts is disclosed. The thermal switch has two connecting parts fixed to a support part. One connecting part carries a fixed contact and the other connecting part is connected through a high resistance to a movable contact switchable by a bimetallic element. The support part is a ceramic part forming the high resistance from a PTC material and the connecting parts are almost completely frictionally engage support part.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignees: Ulrika Hofsass, Marcel P. Hofsass, Denis P. Hofsass, Henrik P. Hofsass, Carola R. Hofsass, Benjamin M. HofsassInventors: Peter Hofsass, deceased, by Henrik P. Hofsass, heir, by Carola R. Hofsass, heir, by Benjamin M. Hofsass, heir, Jens Radbruch, Guenter Kruck
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Patent number: 5298876Abstract: A bi-metallic switch element 10 has a contact wire 26 attached thereto by means of a plurality of crimps. A first crimp 28 applied at a first pressure fixes the contact wire to the element and a second crimp 30, formed at a lesser, more controlled pressure aligns the contact wire in a predetermined location.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1993Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Joseph S. Kulik, Robert J. Vincent, Simone P. Bazin
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Patent number: 5235308Abstract: A thermal protector comprises a case having a space surrounded by a bottom surface and a wall surface; a pair of fixed electrodes secured to the bottom surface of the case and located so as to be separated from each other in the space; a disk-shaped bimetal disposed in the space so as to be opposite to the fixed electrodes; a pair of contacts disposed on extremity portions of a surface of the bimetal opposite to the fixed electrodes, the bimetal being either in a conductive state, where the contacts are in contact with the pair of fixed electrodes, or in a non-conductive state, where, the bimetal being deformed, depending on temperature, they are not in contact with the pair of fixed electrodes; and inclined portions disposed on the wall surface with a predetermined interval from the extremity portions of the bimetal when the bimetal is deformed.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Shimada, Morio Kobayashi, Takemi Tada, Hirokazu Yokonaga
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Patent number: 5233325Abstract: A thermostat including a heater without a positive temperature characteristic thermistor or an alumina substrate. The thermostat with a filmy heater includes two terminals (2a, 3a) to be connected with an external circuit, a fixed plate (2) connected with one of said terminals and on which a static contact point (2b) is mounted, a resilient plate (3) connected with the other of the two terminals and on which a movable contact point (3b) is mounted, a bimetal (5) which is so deformed, when temperature of the bimetal exceeds a predetermined temperature, to deform the resilient plate so that the movable contact point is separated from the static contact point, and heater (6) mounted in parallel with said fixed plate and the resilient plate. The heater is an electro-conductive film (6a) on an insulative film (6b), which is incorporated in the thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1992Date of Patent: August 3, 1993Assignee: Uchiya Thermosatat Co.Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
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Patent number: 5221915Abstract: A thermal protector includes a stationary electrode having a contact end connected to the top end of a zigzag plate heater and a snap-acting thermosensitive element having a movable electrode with a contact end connected thereto. The stationary electrode and the movable electrode are opposed to each other and the two contact ends can be open or closed. The stationary electrode and the movable electrode are fixed within a container.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1992Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kensaku Ueda
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Patent number: 5182538Abstract: The bimetal thermoswitch consists of an electrically insulating, flat carrier (1), at least two electric terminals (3, 4), which are secured to the carrier (1) and are respectively connected to a fixed contact (10), which is mounted on the carrier, and to a contact spring (8), which is secured at one end to the carrier (1) and at its other end carries a movable contact element (9), which cooperates with the fixed contact (10). The carrier (1) consists of an alumina ceramic slab.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Limitor AGInventor: Manfred K. Muller
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Patent number: 5177658Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings, the surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environemnt. The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will thus prevent an overheated condition due to an oversize bulb.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1991Date of Patent: January 5, 1993Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
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Patent number: 5157579Abstract: A heat flow detector is described which measures a predetermined rate of heat flow in its surroundings. The surroundings being in the proximity of a recessed incandescent fixture which is designed to operate safely in the designated environment. Should the operating environment change for the fixture it will be sensed by the heat flow detector. If the operating environment becomes more dangerous so that a fire or other damage may occur the heat flow sensor will turn the incandescent lamp off and on at a slow rate to indicate the changed operating environment.The heat flow detector will cause a slow turn off and on if an oversize lamp is inserted in the incandescent fixture. The heat flow detector will then prevent an overheated condition due to an incorrect bulb.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1991Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stanley S. Brenner, James N. Pearse, George E. Johnson
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Patent number: 4924202Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a compensator bimetal and a main bimetal which deflect in the same direction when heated. Each bimetal carries an electrical contact, which are normally in contact with each other. Upon overload, the contacts open. However, opening of the contacts causes electric current to flow through a heater wire wrapped around the armature bimetal, thereby keeping the main bimetal deflected and keeping the contacts apart.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: John L. Schneider, Stephen T. Manchester
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Patent number: 4922373Abstract: An overtemperature protector for an incandescent lamp socket housing comprises a glass enclosed circuit breaker and an electrical heater in proximate heat transfer relationship therewith. The heater is in series with the circuit breaker so that when the circuit breaker is open, there can be no current flow through the heater.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1989Date of Patent: May 1, 1990Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventor: Robert L. Ekowicki
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Patent number: 4878038Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a device suitable for arrangement in a circuit for protection of components in the circuit are disclosed, the device of each embodiment including a temperature responsive electrical regulating component including a conductive polymer or ceramic material having an electrical regulating capability dependent on temperature and at least one series connected switch including trip means also responsive to temperature for opening and closing the circuit in a reliable manner, the device being adapted for connection in the circuit to be protected. The various embodiments include different arrangements of the temperature responsive electrical regulating component and the switch. Certain of the embodiments include a second series connected switch of similar construction. The conductive polymer or ceramic material can be of a variety of types for performing different electrical regulating functions within the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1987Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Inventor: James T. Tsai
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Patent number: 4862132Abstract: A bimetal switch 1 has an insulating base 2 on which a contact spring 3 is arranged, this contact spring having at its unattached end 4 a moving contact 5. In its center area 6, the contact spring 3 supports the bimetal element that activates it. A fixed contact 8 that works in conjunction with the moving contact 5 is arranged on the insulating base and the heating resistor is installed beneath the center area 6 of the contact spring 3. In order to develop a bimetal switch of this kind such that it is simpler to produce and at the same time operates more effectively, the heating resistor 9 is configured as a foil resistor that is arranged on that side of the insulating base that faces the contact spring 3 so as to be flat and in thermal contact with the base, this then forming a laminated body with the insulating base 2.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1987Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: Inter Control Hermann Kohler Elektrik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Walter Hollweck
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Patent number: 4862133Abstract: This invention provides a small-size thermal switch having a base formed of an electrically conductive plastic. The thermal switch is arranged such that, after a bimetallic element deflects in a reverse direction and opens the circuit of the thermal switch, the bimetallic element is self-held in such a reversely deflected state and the self-held state of the bimetallic element is maintained until an electrical power source is switched off. This invention further provides a thermal switch in which one surface of its movable-contact leaf spring is maintained in contact with the surface of its bimetallic element which is formed of a metal having the lower coefficient of expansion. Since the bimetallic element is sandwiched between the base and the movable contact, the stability of the bimetallic element in a recess of the base is improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1988Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: Tobu Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigeru Tabei
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Patent number: 4862306Abstract: A motor protector and starter particularly suited for refrigeration compressor motors are mounted in the recess of a first housing portion with their resilient female sockets disposed in alignment with a pin receiving aperture. Leads are attached to terminals of the motor protector and starter components and directed through lead receiving apertures in the side wall of the first housing portion. A second housing portion is then snapped onto the first housing portion to provide a combination housing which can be installed on a compressor in a one-step on-line operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1988Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Richard J. Lisauskas
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Patent number: 4849729Abstract: A temperature-sensitive switch with a casing having a pot-like lower part and a top part, whereby in the lower part is provided a bimetallic disk and under the action of the latter at least one movable contact part can be connected to a stationary opposite contact, so that it is possible to produce an electrical connection between the lower part, movable contact part and opposite contact part. Between the contact part and the lower part there is a fixed, electrically high-value connection provided by a resistor element, so that the temperature-sensitive switch does not automatically close again after opening unless a master switch is interrupted for the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1988Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Inventor: Peter Hofsass
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Patent number: 4837655Abstract: An overtemperature protector for an incandescent lamp socket housing comprises a glass enclosed circuit breaker and an electrical heater in proximate heat transfer relationship therewith. The heater is in series with the circuit breaker so that when the circuit breaker is open, there can be no current flow through the heater.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1987Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventor: Robert L. Ekowicki
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Patent number: 4823104Abstract: A controlled cycling thermal protector device is provided comprising a snap blade and a PTC resistive heater disposed outside of a bulbous envelope in which the snap blade thermal protector is housed. The snap blade thermal protector and the resistive PTC heater are wired and constructed so as to prevent cycling of the snap blade thermal protector. The PTC heater is disposed upon a sleeve which encircles the bulbous envelope so as to radiate heat onto the snap blade thermal protector to keep it open once the circuit has been broken.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1988Date of Patent: April 18, 1989Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Robert Ekowicki, Richard C. Watson
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Patent number: 4808960Abstract: A thermal cutoff having a metal foil resistance heater circuit bonded to its outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1987Date of Patent: February 28, 1989Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, IncorporatedInventor: Ronald A. Nixon
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Patent number: 4754251Abstract: A housing has a switch chamber in which an electric switch is placed and a recess in which is received a snap acting, thermally responsive disc which actuates and deactuates the switch upon snapping from one configuration to another. A thermal biasing assembly used to modify the operating temperature of the disc has a pair of cylindrical film type resistors electrically connected in parallel circuit relation and physically connected to a pair of rivets. Resistors of a rating chosen for a particular application are dropped into the recess with the leads of the resistors received in bores provided in the housing. A rivet is then inserted into each bore making good electrical connection with the leads without welding by deforming them a selected amount. The rivets are attached to suitable terminals and the disc is then placed over the thermal biasing assembly to provide a multiple temperature operating thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1987Date of Patent: June 28, 1988Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Youn H. Ting, Ronald W. Brown
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Patent number: 4713717Abstract: A motor protector having a thermostat metal element thermally coupled to an electrical motor in a refrigerator compressor motor system has a heater responsive to motor current thermally coupled to the thermostat metal element and has an improved component arrangement to provide locked rotor and ultimate trip protection for the motor without requiring calibration of the operating temperature for the protector after assembly or after incorporation in the motor system.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1985Date of Patent: December 15, 1987Assignee: Texas InstrumentsInventors: Radi Pejouhy, Joseph G. Nield, Jr., John R. D'Entremont, Beggs, Louis C., Fabrizio Rotulo
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Patent number: 4706152Abstract: A motor protector having a thermostat metal element thermally coupled to an electrical motor in a refrigerator compressor motor system has a heater responsive to motor current thermally coupled to the thermostat metal element and has an improved component arrangement to provide locked rotor and ultimate trip protection for the motor without requiring calibration of the operating temperature for the protector after assembly or after incorporation in the motor system.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1985Date of Patent: November 10, 1987Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Pietro DeFilippis, Ciro Calenda, Giuseppe Notaro
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Patent number: 4704595Abstract: A power control includes a thick film resistor on an electrically insulating support plate, for heating a bimetal strip operating switch contacts connecting power to a load, and to the resistor. The support plate is secured and the resistor thereon is electrically contacted by means of a resilient clip at one end, in the vicinity of a fixed end of the bimetal strip. An opposite end of the support is connected to a power source via a movable contact spring. An opposite free end of the bimetal strip acts directly on the switch contacts to disconnect power upon bending of the bimetal strip with heat. The bimetal strip and a control operator for biasing the bimetal strip are shaped like an L, with two legs pivotable around a pin adjacent the base of the bimetal strip.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1986Date of Patent: November 3, 1987Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Gerate Blanc u. FischerInventors: Willi Essig, Siegfried Mannuss
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Patent number: 4703298Abstract: A thermostat comprises a bimetal switch element reacting upon changes in temperatures which on one of its ends is fastened to a frame and on its other end is provided with an electric contact adapted to engage a fixed contact provided on the frame. The frame comprises two mutually parallel sheet-like metallic contact carriers forming a base unit, through which two parallel pins are extending for connection of both contact carriers and on which pins the contact carrierrs, with a tight fit, are slidable to and fro relative to one another while being held in permanent mutually parallel relation during the sliding. The parallel pins in the thermostat are formed of a ceramic material of positive temperature coefficient of resistivity which serve to electrically space the two metallic contact carriers while also serving as a self-regulating external heating means for the thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1986Date of Patent: October 27, 1987Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Philips M. Gerson
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Patent number: 4689595Abstract: A PTC starter that is electrically connected to an asynchronous motor by pins that extend through holes into the starter housing, which includes an open top, generally box shaped base portion and a cover having a downwardly opening recess mountable on the base portion. Support structure is provided in the base portion for loosely retaining a disc shaped PTC resistor and a pair of contact members on opposite sides of the resistor in a loose stacked relationship with the resistor, the support structure including a base portion receptacle for loosely retaining an electrical terminal bushing portion adjacent to a contact member. The cover in having its recessed portion moved downwardly along the contact members and resistor result in the contact members being resilient retained in electrical engagement with the resistor electrode surfaces, and at least two terminals extending upwardly through the cover. Advantageously the housing mounts a thermal protective switch for the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1986Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Geert Jorgensen
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Patent number: 4646051Abstract: A housing has a switch chamber in which an electric switch is placed and a recess in which is received a snap acting, thermally responsive disc which actuates and deactuates the switch upon snapping from one configuration to another. A drop in thermal biasing assembly used to modify the operating temperature of the disc has a pair of cylindrical film type resistors electrically connected in parallel circuit relation and physically connected to a pair of connectors. An assembly having resistors of a rating chosen for a particular application is dropped into the recess before the disc is assembled, the connectors sliding into matching bores formed in the housing. The connectors are attached to suitable teminals and the disc is then placed over the thermal biasing assembly to provide a multiple temperature operating thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1985Date of Patent: February 24, 1987Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Vicki V. Ruszczyk, Youn H. Ting
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Patent number: 4591820Abstract: A housing has a switch chamber in which an electric switch is placed and a recess in which is received a snap acting, thermally responsive disc which actuates and deactuates the switch upon snapping from one configuration to another. A drop in thermal biasing assembly used to modify the operating temperature of the disc has a pair of cylindrical film type resistors electrically connected in parallel circuit relation and physically connected to a pair of connectors. An assembly having resistors of a rating chosen for a particular application is dropped into the recess before the disc is assembled, the connectors sliding into matching bores formed in the housing. The connectors are attached to suitable terminals and the disc is then placed over the thermal biasing assembly to provide a multiple temperature operating thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1984Date of Patent: May 27, 1986Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Vicki V. Ruszczyk, Youn H. Ting
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Patent number: 4580123Abstract: Thermal protective switches (1) that are used for limiting the temperature of electrical appliances by automatic opening of the circuit should only reset themselves again after a large change in temperature. In this respect, when the load (9) is overheated, the contact (5') fixed to the bimetallic strip (5) is moved clear of the counter-contact (4) into its open position so that the current through the contact assembly is interrupted. If the fault is not put right there is continuous switching or hunting and there is a danger of the contacts of the thermal protective switch becoming welded to each other. For this reason, for stopping the contacts closing again, the design is such that in the open position the contact assembly, is shunted by the PTC resistor (6). The parts are kept in the open position until the load (9) is turned off by hand.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1984Date of Patent: April 1, 1986Assignee: Fritz Eichenauer GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hanno Roller, Roland Starck
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Patent number: 4555686Abstract: A snap-acting thermostatic electric switch in which a snap-acting thermostatic disc is physically attached to a heater plate which in turn mounts movable contacts. A stepped rivet loosely mounts the disc and is headed over to tightly mount any one of a series of heater plates having different thicknesses. The heater plate is shaped to allow unimpeded snap motion of the disc yet provide improved heat conduction to the disc. The disc and plate are mounted on a spider support which is adjustably positioned within the switch compartment by means of a combination rivet and screw received in a threaded bore of the base of the switch. An insulator is loosely received on the base and is biased thereagainst by a spring which also biases the spider upwardly to provide positional stability. Another spring is placed between the spider and the heater plate to optimize contact opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1984Date of Patent: November 26, 1985Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Radi Pejouhy, Wilfred W. Cardin
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Patent number: 4533894Abstract: An adjustable bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed which provides conventional resistance-type heaters symmetrically positioned adjacent one side of the snap disc to allow adjustment of the operating temperature of the thermostat. The heaters are supported by heater terminals which extend up through the thermostat body and cover, and connect the cover to the thermostat body. The heaters and heater terminals are connected as a subassembly and subsequently installed as a unit in a device to minimize assembly costs. Further, since the heaters are conventional commercially available heaters, the cost of the heaters per se is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1984Date of Patent: August 6, 1985Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, IncorporatedInventors: Ralph L. Bishop, William N. Rich, Walter C. Kowalski
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Patent number: 4528540Abstract: A thermostat comprising a bimetal switch element reacting at selected temperatures which on one of its ends is fastened on a frame and on the other end is provided with an electric contact adapted to engage a fixed contact provided on the frame, said frame comprising two mutually parallel sheet-like metallic contact carriers forming a base unit, through which two parallel ceramic pins are extending for insulating connection of the two contact carriers and on which pins the contact carriers, with a tight fit, are slidable to and fro relative to one another and are maintained permanently mutually parallel during such mounting, each of said contact carriers having an aperture for lateral exposing of nearly the complete bimetal switch element.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1984Date of Patent: July 9, 1985Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Jan J. Stiekel, Marinus Hagen, Klaas H. Prins, Philips M. Gerson
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Patent number: 4527142Abstract: A delayed-action thermal relay, particularly for starting single-phase induction motors, comprises a case of insulating material, a first, a second, and a third terminal within the case, an actuator unit consisting of a heating element of a material with positive temperature coefficient and of a bimetal member, and first and second contacts that are normally closed carried by the bimetal and by the third terminal respectively, said actuator unit being forcibly and adjustably inserted between the first and second terminals.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1983Date of Patent: July 2, 1985Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Pietro De Filippis, Amedeo Salvatore, Ciro Calenda, Giuseppe Notaro
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Patent number: 4476452Abstract: A miniature motor protector particularly suitable for low current applications has a generally rectangular parallelepiped configured metallic housing open at the top and has a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly therefrom, the side walls having a flange forming a ledge portion at their free ends extending around all four sides. An electrically insulative gasket is disposed on the ledge with a lid having two discrete portions spaced from one another placed on top of the gasket. Extensions of the flange portions are bent over the gasket and lid to clampingly engage them. A heater element having two ends extends between the two portions of the lid with one end electrically and mechanically attached to one portion and the other end electrically and mechanically attached to the other portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1982Date of Patent: October 9, 1984Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: John R. D'Entremont
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Patent number: 4434414Abstract: A thermally operated snap-acting switch uses a switch arm and tension spring for rotating the switch arm. A thermal-responsive element moves the pivot of theswitch arm relative to the centerline of the spring to actuate the switch. Heater means activates the thermal-responsive element for operating the switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1981Date of Patent: February 28, 1984Assignee: Technar, Inc.Inventors: Lon E. Bell, William P. Gruber
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Patent number: 4399423Abstract: A miniature motor protector particularly suitable for low current applications has a generally rectangular parallelepiped configured metallic housing open at the top having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly therefrom, the side walls having a flange forming a ledge portion at their free ends extending around all four sides with at least two opposed flanges have an extended portion to permit them to be bent to clampingly engage an element received on the ledge. An electrically insulative gasket is disposed on the ledge with a plate-like element having a selected electrical resistance placed on top of the gasket. The extended flange portions are bent over the gasket and plate-like element to clampingly engage them. The plate-like element is formed with a first switch element mounting portion, a second heater portion and a third support portion adapted to engage the ledge on all four sides.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1982Date of Patent: August 16, 1983Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Joseph G. Nield
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Patent number: 4357525Abstract: A control for modulating the duty cycle of diesel engine glow plugs has two heat sensitive, normally closed switches each thermally coupled to a respective positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistivity heater in turn thermally coupled to and mounted on a common heat sink. The heat sensitive switches are serially connected to each other, to an ignition switch and to a glow plug relay. The PTC heaters are connected to a point between the heat sensitive switches and the relay and to ground. A third PTC heater is mounted on the heat sink intermediate the first and second heaters and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The third heater is connected to an alternator and serves to cut off power to the glow plugs after a selected after glow stage. The two heat sensitive switches can be selected to open at approximately the same temperature for a random operating mode or at slightly different temperatures for a sequential operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1980Date of Patent: November 2, 1982Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Richard Jenne
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Patent number: 4349726Abstract: The control device has a power regulator for the timed power to the heating system of the electrical apparatus. The heating system is provided with a temperature sensor which, up to a given desired temperature, bridges the power regulator with the aid of a temperature switch, so that full power is supplied to the electrical apparatus heating system. On exceeding the desired temperature, power is supplied to the electrical apparatus via the power regulator.The temperature sensor is additionally heatable by an auxiliary heating system to obtain a variable changeover temperature of the temperature switch (22).The auxiliary heating system is preferably always switched on when the heating system of the power regulator is switched off.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1980Date of Patent: September 14, 1982Assignee: E.G.O. Electro-Gerate Blanc und FischerInventor: Gerhard Gossler
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Patent number: 4337450Abstract: An electric switch having an actuator (24) normally manually operable to close and open a load circuit is provided with an electro-thermal device (42) of the coil (46) heated bimetal (43) type connected to external terminals (16, 17) adapted to be energized by a remote switch and power source to actuate the manual actuator (24) back to its open position.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1980Date of Patent: June 29, 1982Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Alan A. Matthies
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Patent number: 4334209Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a hermetically sealed glass envelope having three lead-in wires extending therethrough. Within the envelope, a stationary contact is fastened to one of the wires, a thermostatic element to another of the wires, and a heater to the third wire. The circuit breaker permits simultaneous protection of two windings of a motor, for example, the main winding and the start winding. The thermostatic element provides protection for one of the windings and the combination of the thermostatic element and heater provides protection for the other.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1980Date of Patent: June 8, 1982Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventor: Philip J. Dennis
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Patent number: 4313102Abstract: A device (1) for sensing the presence of a dielectric liquid at a predetermined level in a tank is described. The main feature of device (1) is that it comprises a first and a second bimetallic strip (23, 44) disposed facing each other and a resistor (48) disposed in proximity to said second strip (14) at a level in said tank equal to said predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1979Date of Patent: January 26, 1982Assignee: Fratelli Borletti S.p.A.Inventor: Costantino Broetto
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Patent number: RE31367Abstract: A combination starting and protecting device particularly useful with split phase motors such as those used with refrigeration compressors is disclosed in which an element of material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistivity characteristic and a thermally responsive switch are disposed in the same housing. A thermal coupling of a preselected value between the PTC element and the thermally responsive switch is provided so that a desired reset or "off" time is obtained for the thermally responsive switch without affecting the "on" time.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1978Date of Patent: August 30, 1983Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: John R. D'Entremont