Abstract: A circuit protection device is configured to protect circuit elements under any one of the following three activation conditions: an over current condition, an over temperature condition, and an activation control current received by a heater element. The circuit element includes first and second electrodes, and the heater element. A sliding contact is connected by a sensing element to the first electrode, second electrode, and heater element, thereby bridging and providing a conductive path between each. A spring element is held in tension by, and exerts a force against, the sliding contact. Upon detection of any one of three activation conditions, the sensing element releases the sliding contact and the force exerted by the spring element moves the sliding contact to another location on the substrate at which the sliding contact no longer provides a conductive path between the first electrode, second electrode, and heater element.

Abstract: A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions.

Abstract: A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions.

Abstract: A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a bimetal member anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. An incoming power wire is connected to the bimetal member near the contact point with the electrical conductor. A heating element, such as a coil, is coupled to the bimetal member, and is controlled by a switch control signal. When the switch control signal is not asserted, the heating element is inactive, and power is delivered through the incoming power wire across the end of the bimetal member to the electrical conductor, from which it can be further distributed to the load. When the switch control signal is asserted, the heating element heats up causing the bimetal to bend until the contact with the electrical conductor is broken. The electrical path from the incoming power wire to the electrical conductor (and hence, to the load) is then broken.

Abstract: A resistance unit has a temperature fuse between a resistance and a terminal for deactivating a resistance circuit when the motor reaches the permissible maximum temperature.The resistance unit having resistance connected in series with a plurality of terminals for controlling the speed of a motor comprises at least one temperature fuse electrically interposed between one of the terminals and one end of a corresponding one of the resistances for deactivating the resistance circuit when the resistance unit is overheated.

Abstract: A thermally responsive load cycling switch assembly user adjustable for varying the time of cycling current to load connecting terminals and having a contact blade cantilevered from an insulator block pivoted in the switch housing. A bimetal blade actuator means is also cantilevered from the block and includes heater means to cause the bimetal to effect movement of the contact blade. A separate blade spring cantilevered from the block enables the block to be pivotably preloaded. A spring blade is cantilevered from the actuator means to enable separate preloading of the bi-metal for temperature calibration. A flexible jumper blade connects the contact blade to one of two load terminal connectors for series and parallel operation. A manually operated arming switch is series connected between one powerline terminal and one of the load terminals. A stationary contact disposed for closing a circuit with the contact blade is connected to the opposite powerline terminal.

Abstract: A motor protector includes a case having an open end, a terminal plate secured to the case and having a pair of fixed contacts, a disc-shaped bimetal supported in the case and having a pair of movable contacts engaged with and disengaged from the fixed contacts respectively, a temperature-sensitive switch disposed so as to close the open end of the case and sensing the temperature of a sensed object to be turned on when the temperature thereof reaches a predetermined value, and a heater disposed in the vicinity of the bimetal and connected in series to the temperature-sensitive switch.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improvement in an electrical circuit-breaker module of the narrow modular type connectible in stacked relationship with a plurality of modules in an electrical distribution panel. Each of the modules is associated with respective electrical distribution branch circuit and is provided with circuit interruption means for interrupting its associated electrical distribution branch circuit upon the occurrence of predetermined fault and overload currents on the branch circuit. The improvement comprises a controlled switch means mounted in at least one of the modules, without altering the thickness of the module in the vertical plane. The controlled switch means is connected in series with the circuit interruption means and is operable by command means exteriorly or interiorly of the module to assume an open or closed contact condition.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electric cigar lighter for use, for example in vehicles, having an improved circuit breaker which includes at least two thermostatic contacts mounted on a bottom of a tubular holder for receiving an igniting unit, an end cap secured to the outer face of the tubular holder, a movable contact unit which is movable in the end cap and a spring mounted in the end cap so as to rearwardly urge the movable contact unit. The thermostatic contacts are adapted to contact a bimetallic latch mounted in the tubular holder, and to rearwardly extend into the end cap. The movable contact unit includes a contact member in a form of a cap which, at a front end portion of a cylindrical wall thereof, a rib which is adapted to be engageable with ribs formed at the rear ends of the thermostatic contacts.

Abstract: A rapid response thermal switch for isolated load control includes a bimetallic switch electrically connected to a controller and operatively connected to a switch follower which controls the operation of a second switch electrically connected to a load so that the load is electrically isolated from the controller. While energization of the bimetallic switch by the controller causes the bimetallic switch to move away from its switch follower, the switch follower is biased to follow the bimetallic switch. The initial movement of the switch follower allows the load current controlling switch to close, energizing the load. The bimetallic element, heated by the controller currents flexes to cycle itself on and off while maintaining the load controlling switch in the closed position. When the bimetallic element sufficiently cools after deenergization, it returns the bimetallic switch to its closed position.

Abstract: An electric time switch mechanism is provided comprising a plurality of units each having an operating thermal expansion member, for example, a bimetallic member. Electrical heating means are provided for the thermal expansion member and a switch is activated by the thermal expansion member. The units are connected in series in such a way that the activation of a switch turns off the heating means of the associated thermal expansion member and turns on that of the following units. The switches remain in the activated state after activation and are resettable by external activation.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an automatic device for closely held temperature control of a body of liquid via an electric heater, as for example via a liquid-immersed heater element. The control device provides an enclosed air space with shared exposure to ambient air and to air that has been heated by the liquid. Thermostatic-switch means and an electrical heater element are contained within the enclosed air space and cooperate to establish an on-off supply of electrical energy to the immersed heater element.