Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A thermal cutoff having a metal foil resistance heater circuit bonded to its outer surface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A thermostat having heat anticipation uses a temperature responsive bimetallic element for effecting a thermostat contact closure during a heating operation controlled by the thermostat with an electrical contact carried by terminal strip positioned adjacent to the bimetallic element and formed from a high resistance stainless steel material. The resistance of the terminal strip is enhanced by lengthening the current path into a convoluted path utilizing notched out areas of the terminal strip. The resistance heat generated in the terminal strip by the current flow therein during the heating operation provides the desired heat anticipation for the operation of the thermostat by the bimetallic element by increasing the temperature sensed by the element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motor protector of the type having a snap acting thermostatic element is shown particularly adapted for use with compressor motors in which a conventional three pin header is mounted on the compressor casing to allow electrical energization of the motor. An improved heat transfer path is formed between the windings of the motor and the thermostatic element of the protector by suspending the protector from one of the motor pins in optimum heat conductive relation therewith and thermally separated from the compressor casing and any component mounted on the other two pins.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A thermally responsive shape memory effect (SME) element (4) is positioned adjacent a fixed heater (40) for moving away from the heater to a switch actuating "memory" position as current induced temperature increases, thereby establishing changes in heat transfer coefficient between the heater (40) and thermally responsive element (4) for each increment of movement. An intermediate switch actuating lever (22) is carried on a movable range adjustment lever (16) to vary pretravel of an SME driven plunger (12). The SME element is resettable against a fixed stop (2c) for achieving accurate repetitive resetting of the device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motor protector having a thermally and electrically conductive housing with a closed end and an opened end and defining a switch cavity therein is hermetically sealed with a header assembly. The header assembly has an outer margin circumscribing a central electrically insulative glass portion through which extends an electrically conductive terminal pin. A thermostatic assembly is mounted on the distal free end portion of the pin within the cavity and includes a heater element which extends from the pin toward the closed end of the housing. A snap-acting thermostatic element is cantilever mounted to the heater intermediate the ends of the heater and has a movable contact disposed on the distal free end thereof. A stationary contact is disposed within the cavity and is physically and electrically connected to the housing adjacent the closed end thereof on a relatively flat shelf formed in the wall of the housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Thin film multilayer technology is used to build microminiature electromechanical switches having low resistance metal-to-metal contacts and distinct on-off characteristics. The switches, which are electrothermally actuated, are fabricated on conventional hybrid circuit substrates using processes compatible with those employed to produce thin-film electrical circuits. In a preferred form, such a switch includes a cantilever actuating member comprising a resiliently bendable strip of a hard insulating material (e.g., silicon nitride) to which a metal (e.g., nickel) heating element is bonded. The free end of the cantilever member carries a metal contact, which is moved into (or out of) engagement with an underlying fixed contact by controlled bending of the member via electrical current applied to the heating element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A time delay relay has a switch assembly, a spring terminal assembly, and an electrical resistance heater unit of an inexpensive construction held together in a reliable and economical manner by a pair of easily mounted metal spring clips.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric temperature setback device which is placed in proximate relation to a conventional thermostat and is operatively controlled by a timing device for providing local warmth to the thermostat at pre-determined times and for pre-determined intervals. The setback device includes spades with integral female lamp connectors for arraying a plurality of incandescent lamps in series across an electrical circuit. By so doing, the voltage to each lamp is proportionally reduced, decreasing the filament temperature of each lamp and thereby increasing the amount of heat energy produced proportional to the amount of light energy produced.

Abstract: An actuator for use as part of an electrically heated thermal delay valve (FIG. 1) or switch (FIG. 2) includes a thermally responsive plate (12) the periphery of which is fixed and the central part of which forms a temperature-dependent control element. The actuator also includes a metal carrier plate (9) which has a PTC element (10) mounted on it and which is free to move in a direction normal to its surface between stop abutments, and at least one spring (11) which electrically contacts the PTC element (10) and biases the carrier plate (9) towards the thermally responsive plate (9) to ensure that it is constantly in thermal contact with the carrier plate (10). This ensures that a direct thermal contact between the PTC element and the thermally responsive plate is constantly maintained which results in consistently reproducible functions being achieved with the apparatus by virtue of this direct thermal contact. The thermally responsive plate (9) may be biased towards the carrier plate (10).

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved anticipator construction for a space heating and/or cooling thermostat in which a heat conductor is positioned in contact with the anticipator resistor heater with a portion thereof in heat exchange relationship to the bimetallic switch actuator of the thermostat. The preferred embodiment includes an elongated resistive heater having a non-linear resistance along its length with a moveable contact mounted within the thermostat for providing a fixed adjustability in the resistance of the resistive heater. The non-linear resistance of the resistive heater compensates, at least partly, for the exponential heat release response with variation in resistance of the resistive heater, thereby providing an expanded range of applications of the thermostat.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly including two separate, temperature-dependent electrical switches, one of the electrical switches being substantially mechanically acting and the second of the electrical switches being a non-mechanical, solid-state switch. The mechanical switch may be a bimetallic switch of various configurations or may consist of a snap or toggle switch actuated by the expansion of a suitable fluid, for example a wax mixture. The solid-state switch element may be a resistive element which inhibits the electrical conduction upon the occurrence of elevated or lowered temperature, depending on the type of material used. Various embodiments of the mechanical portion of the switch assembly are presented.

Abstract: A thermal protector of the type comprising a stationary electrode, a movable electrode having a heat responsive element which is disposed in opposite relationship with the stationary electrode, a block of a thermistor with a positive thermal coefficient and having two axial through holes, and electrically conductive sleeves which are partially inserted into or fully extended through the holes of the block, the stationary and movable electrodes being extended through sleeves. The thermal protector can precisely operate at a predetermined temperature and exhibit high resistance to vibration so that it is highly reliable and dependable in operation.

Abstract: An automatic choke system of modular construction has self-regulating heaters arranged to heat a thermostatic spring to adjust a choke valve during start-up of an automotive engine. Heat storing and transferring means are located between the heaters and spring to provide heat-transfer paths of different lengths between the respective heaters and the spring for providing the thermostatic spring with non-linear heat up to improve the smoothness of initial engine operation while also minimizing the period of fuel-enriched operation during start-up. The same heat storing and transferring means is also provided with a large heat storing capacity for continuing to transfer heat to the spring after termination of engine operation to prevent any substantial fuel enrichment by the choke system if the engine should be restarted before selected portions of the engine cool below selected fuel vaporizing temperatures.

Abstract: A bimetal device with an electrical heating element which serves for temperature-dependent control is provided. The bimetal device has a thin insulating layer, on which is arranged at least one electrical resistance layer which serves as a heating element. The resistance layer can be placed on the base of the bimetal device by means of vapor depositing or by thick film technology. In this manner a plurality of resistance layers can be provided that are insulated from each other and of which one serves for continual heating. It can also be useful to provide only one resistance layer which is connected in series with a PTC resistor and holds the bimetal device at a certain temperature. The embodiment of the electrical heating element as a resistance layer makes possible a very rapid heating of the bimetal.

Abstract: A miniature motor protector device incorporates a flat, open-ended, electrically conductive metal can having a flange around its open end and having a terminal extending from the flange. A generally flat, electrically conductive metal lid is sealed to and electrically isolated from the can by an electrically insulating gasket which fits between the lid and the can flange. A thin electrically insulating film is disposed on the surface of the lid exteriorily of the can and a flat serpentine resistance heater element is positioned in heat transfer relation to the lid on top of the film. One end of the heater element is electrically connected to one end of the lid while the opposite end of the heater element extends from the opposite end of the lid to a second terminal. End portions of the lid and film are crimped over the heater element to secure the element and film to the lid.

Abstract: An improved bimetal actuator is disclosed. A thin film resistor is fixed to the high expansion side of a bimetal element and, when energized, generates sufficient heat to actuate the bimetal. The resistor has a serpentine configuration formed by a continuous series of loops, each successive loop having a greater width from the fixed to the free end of the bimetal, to provide differential heating of the bimetal and thus a greater movement of its free end for the power dissipated in the resistor.

Abstract: An electrically operated door lock has a bolt movable into locking and unlocking positions; a generally cylindrical, positive temperature coefficient resistor; and a bimetal strip formed of a generally circular, open collar continuing in two spaced legs extending away from the resistor. The collar surrounds the resistor along its generally cylindrical surface. One of the two spaced legs constitutes a bolt-actuating terminus connected, directly or indirectly, with the bolt for moving the bolt upon deformation of the bimetal strip resulting from temperature changes caused by the resistor.

Abstract: A thermally operated actuator useful as a relay, flasher, circuit breaker, or the like, in which a bimetal element is movable by heating and cooling in response to an electrical resistance heater and/or current passing through the bimetal element. In one form of the invention ambient compensation is achieved by rigidly clamping one end of the bimetal element to provide a cantilever support, and providing a support at the other end that either clamps or pivotally engages the bimetal element and longitudinally compresses the element, causing the element to buckle into a curved configuration. Heat is applied selectively to the bimetal element adjacent either end to produce a snap action change in the shape of the element between two fixed positions. In an alternative form of the invention, two parallel bimetal elements are linked together to provide ambient compensation while still providing the snap action change in shape in response to selectively applied heat.

Abstract: A bimetallic circuit breaker with an electrical insulating slide interposed between the contacts thereof in the contacts open position in which the terminals, the bimetallic element, the insulator slide, the button (connected to the slide) and the spring biasing the button and the slide to the contacts open position of the circuit breaker are all carried by an insulator frame so that they may all be preassembled together and inserted into the housing for the circuit as one sub-assembly.

Abstract: A thermal timer produces a timed duration output in response to a thermal input to a thermal storage device and a thermal energy leakage parameter from that storage device. The storage device preferably is a metal slug positioned in a silica aerogel insulative powder environment, and the thermal input is supplied by an electrically energized PTC heater. A thermostat output device monitors the temperature of the heater and the storage device to effect a distinguishable output, for example, by completing or opening an electrical circuit, in response to the temperature thereof. The thermal timer may be utilized in a range appliance or the like to effect a warning indication during cool down of that appliance.

Abstract: An electro-thermal isolating switch including an electrically driven, thermally isolated, heat generating semiconductor device; a thermally responsive element thermally connected with the semiconductor device; and contact means electrically isolated from the semiconductor device and electrically isolated from and driven by the thermally responsive element in accordance with heat generated by the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method of assembling a temperature responsive resistance member within a pair of separable housings. This method includes the steps of: mounting the temperature responsive resistance member in both supporting engagement and electrical contacting engagement between a pair of electrical terminals; and joining the separable housings against displacement so that the temperature responsive resistance member in both the supporting engagement and the electrical contacting engagement with the terminals is disposed within the housings in predetermined spaced relation therewith with portions of the terminals extending exteriorly of the housings.

Abstract: A device for heating a room or building thermostat by radiant means or a combination of conduction, convection and radiation in such a manner as to cause localized thermal energy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The temperature of the area controlled by the thermostat is thus caused to be reduced by an amount approximately equal to the rise in temperature in the vicinity of the thermostat. The heater, as shown a small light bulb, is switched on by a timer for the time period during which the building or room temperature is to be reduced. The light is turned off when the area temperature is returned to the thermostat setting.

Abstract: An anticipator for controlling the cycle rate and the drop of a thermostat. The anticipator has means for transferring heat supplied thereto, and means enclosed within the heat transferring means, in preselected space relation therewith for supplying the heat.There is also disclosed a thermostat, a method of making means operable generally for maintaining a desired cycle rate with acceptable droop in a thermostat, a method of making a thermostat, a method of operating a thermostat, and a method of operating an anticipator for a thermostat.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch of low profile comprises a can with a stationary contact attached to the bottom of the can. A movable contact affixed to the end of a snap-acting bimetal member is positioned to make or break contact with the stationary contact. A flat heater has one end secured to a dimpled portion of a can lid and has its other end resting against the lid in insulated relation to the lid to extend generally parallel to the lid. This other end of the heater is also welded to the bimetallic member. The can and lids incorporate terminals. A gasket insulates the lid from the can and is positioned to a positive stop to a lead when inserting the lead into the lid terminal.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed motor protector or the like is disclosed in which a switch chamber is defined by a cylindrical, cup shaped element and a header welded to one end thereof. A pair of insulated pins extend through the header substantially parallel to each other and on opposite sides of the center axis of the device. A switch including a stationary contact mounted on one pin and a movable contact assembly supported by the other pin is arranged so that the line of action of the movable contact is along a diametrical plane inclined with respect to the pins. Such structure facilitates the assembly of the device. The structure is arranged so that the pins supporting the bimetal snap element limits movement of the free end thereof in a direction away from the fixed contact to reduce the tendency for calibration drift and fatigue cracking of the snap element. In one embodiment, a shunt formed of flexible material is connected in parallel to the bimetal snap element to provide greater current carrying capacity.

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: An electrical sequencing relay has an elongated bimetal member with a transverse curvature opposing temperature warp and maintaining the member straight in a longitudinal direction until longitudinal temperature warp forces exceeds the retaining forces of the transverse curvature. A slidable insulative operator is engaged by a free end of the bimetal member to operate an electrical switch when the bimetal member abruptly changes its longitudinal curvature.

Abstract: An electrical switch is provided with means movable in response to heat supplied thereto between circuit controlling positions, and the movable means has a predetermined generally arcuate configuration in one of its circuit controlling positions. Means for heating the movable means is predeterminately provided with a configuration generally corresponding to that of the movable means in its one circuit controlling position, and the heating means is disposed closely adjacent the movable means in its one circuit controlling position.A method of calibrating a bimetal strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-thermally activated liquid level sensor that functions reliably under widely varying conditions of ambient temperature and supply voltage makes use of an elongate bimetal element cantilevered at one end thereof in a heat conductive wall adapted to be contacted by the liquid and heated by an electrical resistance element, e.g. by a resistance wire wound about the bimetal element and grounded through it, so that the free end of the bimetal element will close cntacts for a signalling circuit when liquid is not contacting said wall and will open the contracts in response to the loss of heat through the fixed end when liquid is contacting said wall. The bimetal element is composed of oppositely oriented bimetal strip segments fixed one to an end of the other and proportioned with the windings of the resistance wire, so that the switching action of the free end is not voltage-dependent; i.e.

Abstract: A thermal timer has a pair of means responsive to oppositely acting thermal differentials established therebetween for pivotally moving generally in opposite directions through a predetermined time cycle.A thermal control system, and circuit for operating an electrical device, and a thermal actuator for a thermal timer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal switch assembly for photoelectric control device to switch loads such as street lighting luminaires on and off in response to ambient light levels. Housing having a portion integral with base of photocontrol unit and having a removable cap contains a bimetal relay assembly and positive temperature co-efficient resistor (PTCR) connected to a photocell for actuating the electrical contacts of the relay assembly.

Abstract: A heater on metal composite unit. A strip of metal has a stripe of an electrically insulative and thermally conductive synthetic resin material bonded to one surface along the length thereof. At least one stripe of an electrically conductive material, having a width less than the width of the insulative stripe, is bonded to the surface of the insulative stripe along the length thereof. A strip of electrical resistance material at least partially overlies the stripes of both the conductive and insulative materials thereby providing a path of electrical resistance material from the conductive stripe transversely across a portion of the width of the insulative stripe whereby when electrical current flows through the electrical resistance material it will supply heat to the metal strip. Apparatus and a process for fabricating these composite units are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric heating device is positioned in close proximity with a thermostat. An electrical energizing device energizes the heating device. The energizing device includes a switch for selectively actuating and deactivating the energizing of the heating device. A timer is coupled to the switch. The timer closes the switch thereby energizing the heating device and raising the temperature in the area of the thermostat above room temperature by .DELTA.T determined by the amount of heat generated by the heater and the distance between the heater and the thermostat. The timer opens the switch after a preselected period of time thereby deenergizing the heating device and lowering the temperature in the area of the thermostat to the room temperature whereby the thermostat controls the room temperature in accordance with the setting thereon.