Abstract: The present invention is a clad material for an electric contact, including a base material composed of a Cu-based, precipitation-type age-hardening material, and a contact material composed of an Ag alloy bonded to the base material. On a bonded interface between the contact material and the base material, a width of a diffusion region including Ag and Cu is 2.0 ?m or shorter. The clad material is produced by bonding each other the contact material and the base material having undergone solutionizing and age-hardening beforehand, suppressing the diffusion region from expanding after bonding. The present invention is capable of providing an electric contact, which achieves higher conductivity, without sacrificing property of the Cu-based, precipitation-type age-hardening material.

Abstract: A fastening assembly is for a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a base and a bimetal. The fastening assembly includes a heater element structured to be coupled to the bimetal and the base, and a plurality of fastening members including a nut and a coupling member coupled to the nut. The nut is structured to be disposed between the heater element and the bimetal. The coupling member extends through the heater element and into the nut in order to minimize movement of the heater element with respect to the base.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a frame comprises a bimetal plate having a longitudinal length wherein the bimetal plate is cut along the longitudinal length into a narrow section and a wider section both being parallel to each other such that the bimetal plate is configured to control when and how a trip mechanism of a trip unit activates. The circuit breaker comprises a heating element coupled to the bimetal plate to heat the narrow section and the wider section when a current goes through the heating element. The narrow section and the wider section of the bimetal plate to deflect differently when a same amount of heat is applied in a same amount of time to control when and how the trip mechanism activates such that to allow to have two different current ratings in the frame in that the bimetal plate allows to increment a current protection level from a lower current rating to a higher current rating.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrode material constituting a movable electrode of a thermal fuse, having a five-layer clad structure including a core material layer, an intermediate layer formed on the both sides of the core material layer, and a surface layer formed on the intermediate layer, wherein the core material layer includes Cu, the intermediate layer includes an Ag—Cu-based alloy, the surface layer includes an Ag—CuO-based oxide-dispersed strengthened alloy, and the ratio of the thickness of the intermediate layer to the thickness of the surface layer (intermediate layer/surface layer) is 0.2 or more and 1.0 or less. This electrode material can be manufactured by partially internally oxidizing a three-layer clad material in which plate materials made of an Ag—Cu-based alloy are clad-jointed to both sides of the plate material made of Cu.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator having a base including a first electrode and a flexible membrane including at least two material layers of different materials in contact with each other. At least one of the material layers includes a second electrode electrically isolated from the first electrode. The flexible membrane includes a fixed end connected to the base and a free end opposite the fixed end and spaced apart from the base. The second electrode has at least first and second portions separated by a third portion and in combination defining a first and second step provided in a vicinity of the fixed end.

Abstract: A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. An overcurrent trigger device which includes a bimetallic element heated by an electric current flow is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. A thermal insulator is arranged in the attachment region of the bimetallic element for reducing heat transfer from the bimetallic element as well as for increasing the accuracy and the degree of reproducibility for triggering the switching device. The switching device can be implemented as a circuit breaker.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical actuator includes a pair of elongate layers capable of being heated with an electrical current to thermally expand and to perform work. A pair of spacers separates the elongate layers from each other. The spacers are arranged at respective opposite ends of the elongate layers and are fast with the layers so that the actuator is deflected when one of the layers is heated.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: A method for post-fabrication modification of the snap actuation properties of a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator by exposing a pre-formed bimetallic actuator to laser energy, thereby permanently altering the thermal response properties of the bimetallic actuator, and a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator having snap actuation properties developed according to the method.

Abstract: A thermal switch having a thermally, responsive bimetallic member that exhibits a snap-action response and a pair of relatively movable contacts positioned relative to the thermally responsive bimetallic member such that the thermally responsive bimetallic member is positioned to actuate one of the pair of relatively movable contacts by transitioning between one and another of the first and second stable states, the bimetallic member being a bimetallic material fabricated of two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion and formed in a non-planar shape to achieve a snap-action between first and second stable states as a function of temperature and having an artifact formed as a localized heat-treated area in a surface of a first of the two materials and cooperating with the non-planar shape to achieve the snap-action.

Abstract: A current interrupter (10, 10′) includes bimetallic member (18) as a switching member having a formed portion (18a) providing snap action movement between oppositely dished configurations. An integrally formed extended length portion (18b) having a stiffening feature extends from the formed portion and mounts a movable contact at its free end. Stiffening feature embodiments include folded opposed marginal edges and one or more longitudinally extending ribs formed in the extended length portion. In one embodiment, the bimetallic member is cantilever mounted in a housing member (14). In another embodiment, a bimetallic member (18D) has first and second extended length portions (18b) extending from opposite sides of a formed portion to provide a circuit interrupter with a double break system.

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.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having a rim defining an open top and having a closed bottom defining two slots. A button is pivotally connected to the housing at the open top and is pivotal relative to the housing between two extreme positions. A first blade and a second blade extend from the interior to the exterior of the housing through the slots. A bimetallic strip is held in place in the housing and engaged with the second blade. The bimetallic strip has a U-shaped groove surrounding a tongue portion of the bimetallic strip. The tongue portion is normally engaged with the first blade. Additionally, the button has two legs configured so that the tongue portion of the bimetallic strip may be sandwiched between the legs whenever the button is in any angular position between the two extreme positions.

Abstract: A method for post-fabrication modification of the snap actuation properties of a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator by exposing a pre-formed bimetallic actuator to laser energy, thereby permanently altering the thermal response properties of the bimetallic actuator, and a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator having snap actuation properties developed according to the method.

Abstract: A calibrated bimetallic actuator has contoured areas having either raised or recessed generally annular shaped forms about the locations thereon where the actuator is affixed in assembled position on associated electronic components or other devices or where a contact is affixed to the actuator to prevent loss of calibration by restricting transfer of force stresses in the bimetallic actuator during manufacture and assembly thereof into the associated components or devices. The action of the contoured areas on the actuator enables fabrication and assembly of miniaturized electronic components using bimetallic actuators for use in many applications.

Abstract: The high transient current sustained by arcing during opening of the main contacts of a miniature circuit breaker is commutated out of the bimetal by deflection of the bimetal in response to the overcurrent to close secondary contacts on the free end of the bimetal and on a low resistance by-pass conductor shunting the bimetal. The by-pass conductor can be extended toward the movable contact arm carrying the movable main contact to commutate some of the overcurrent into the by-pass conductor earlier in the opening sequence to reduce the energy input to the bimetal and reduce the force closing the secondary contacts.

Abstract: A creep acting thermostatic switch (30) has an oblong, electrically conductive cup-shaped housing (32) formed with a side wall (32b) extending upwardly from a bottom wall (32a). A generally J-shaped creep acting thermostatic member (38) has a short leg (38a) attached to the side wall, a long leg (38b) extending across the cavity formed in the housing and a bight portion between the legs having a flattened surface portion (38c) to prevent interference with the corner between the side wall and bottom wall. A movable electrical contact (40) is mounted on the free end of the long leg and is movable into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (37) mounted on a lid (36) received on the side wall. This arrangement allows for a thermostatic member having an optimized length to width ratio to provide maximum disc forces for a given housing size.

Abstract: Low voltage current limiting fuses wherein the conventional fusible element is replaced. The fuses of the invention are resettable manually or automatically such that the fuse need not be physically replaced following a fault current or overload current occurrence in the external circuit in which the fuse is incorporated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally controlled electrical switching device including a temperature control (1) having a snap-action switch (2) including a fixed contact (4) and a movable contact (3) connected to a metal snap-action switching spring (9), and having a bimetallic element (5) which influences the movement of the movable contact. In order to minimize the heat produced in the mechanically loaded parts (17, 18) of the snap-action switching spring (9) the switching devices limits the current through these mechanically loaded parts. These devices may include an electrically well conductive layer (30) provided on the non-mechanically loaded parts of the snap-action switching spring or a layer (31) having a high electrical resistance deposited on the mechanically loaded parts (17, 18).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to cause the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

Abstract: A movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to cause the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

Abstract: A thermostat device having a temperature responsive bimetal which permits movement of a permanent magnet between two fixed points to activate a reed switch element. The device includes a magnetic shunt for effecting a positive off position.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch has a bimetallic member formed with an undulated section for causing both an axial and a radial displacement of the bimetallic member such that each time the member expands a first contact wipes across a second contact. By providing sufficient undulations, the wiping action occurs prior to and after separation of the contacts preventing the build-up of a resistive residue which could interfere with switch operation. Utilizing the undulated bimetallic section in a thermostatic switch increases the life of the contacts and reduces variations in temperature responsiveness.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device has a chamber in which is disposed a single break contact system using low contact resistance material mounted on movable and stationary supports arranged in a loop configuration in order to direct arcs between the contacts through an arc chute into a remote portion of the chamber. A push-button is connected through a kinematic linkage which transfers motion using minimal frictional engagement to a movable contact to bring the movable contact into and out of engagement with a stationary contact and to latch the contacts in engagement during normal operation. A cantilevered current carrying bimetal transfers motion caused by I2R heating of the bimetal to an ambient compensating bimetal connected to the latch mechanism. The kinematic linkage includes a latch surface which engages a rollable cylindrical reaction surface of the latch mechanism to cause the movable contact to come into engagement with the stationary contact upon depression of the push-button.

Abstract: A tuning element for a temperature responsive switch includes a bimetal assembly in the form of an elongated, relatively flat bimetal strip with bending action and including integral tuning webs for adjusting the thermodynamic properties of the element. Multiple apertures are punched in a predetermined pattern in the bimetal strip to form the webs. Each of the webs is also bent in alternate directions to form ribs that reinforce the element. The bimetal strip is formed from a bimetal base portion and extension portion butt welded together; the webs being formed in the strip adjacent the weld joint. The base portion of the strip bends to open the contacts and the extension portion bends to bring the contacts back closer together, thereby controlling overshoot and providing consistent operation within a relatively narrow temperature range.

Abstract: An over-the-shoulder automotive safety seat belt system having a latch providing a tensionless comfort setting for the belt during use and having remotely operable thermostat metal means to release the latch and permit automatic belt retraction after use is shown to have an improved electrically operable latch release mechanism providing reliable latching and providing fast and reliable latch release operation at low power levels.

Abstract: An over-the-shoulder automotive safety seat belt system having a latch providing a tensionless comfort setting for the belt during use and having remotely operable thermostat metal means to release the latch and permit automatic belt retraction after use is shown to have an improved electrically operable latch release mechanism providing reliable latching and providing fast and reliable latch release operation at low power levels.

Abstract: An overload protection switch for an electric motor comprises a bimetallic switch-actuating element carrying a moving contact of the switch, a first terminal part having an extension which defines a mounting for the bimetal, and a second terminal part having an extension which mounts a fixed contact of the switch, the first and second terminal parts being received in a moulded plastics switch body portion. In contrast to prior art switches of this type where the terminal parts were manufactured of material having a low electrical resistance, the invention manufactures these parts of high resistance material selected such that under very high overload current levels the resistance heating in the terminal parts does not significantly determine the switching characteristics of the switch on account of the overwhelmingly predominant bimetallic heating, but towards the other end of the overload current scale the self-heating of the terminal parts significantly affects the switch operation.

Abstract: A snap-acting thermally-responsive actuator for an electric switch comprises a pear-shaped dished bimetallic blade having a U-shaped cut-out defining a tongue extending from its root or attached end at the larger end of the pear-shaped blade axially of the blade towards the smaller end of the blade, the tongue extending between outer leg portions of the blade which each have a width which decreases in a direction from the larger towards the smaller end of the blade.

Abstract: An overload circuit breaker has a housing and a tripping device supported in the housing and having a helically wound, current-carrying bimetal strip composed of two face-to-face arranged metal components situated, respectively, at the inside and at the outside of the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip has a tripping portion which executes a tripping motion as the bimetal strip undergoes deformation under the effect of heat generated by an excess current flowing through the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip is formed of two electrically serially connected, oppositely wound bimetal helices each having an outer end constituting the opposite ends of the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip is affixed to the housing at both of its opposite ends. Further, the bimetal helices each have an inner end connected to one another by a coupling part. The coupling part constitutes the tripping portion of the bimetal strip.

Abstract: A snap-acting thermally responsive actuator comprises a bimetal sheet having a U-shaped aperture defining a tongue, the sheet having been deformed to a domed configuration in a die pressing operation so that the actuator reverses its curvature with a snap-action with changes in temperature. The actuator may carry an electrical contact and have sufficient resistance so that current through the actuator heats the actuator to its operating temperature. The electrical resistance may be increased by forming additional apertures in the actuator.

Abstract: A bimetal circuit breaker comprises a frame and a plate-like bimetal component which includes a base part, two U-shaped legs each having a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a U-shaped connecting portion. Each first leg portion is attached to the base part and diverges therefrom in a V shape. The circuit breaker further has a movable contact affixed to each second leg portion; a support tab attached to the base part and extending between the first leg portions; a support member attached to the frame and engaging a free end of the support tab for positioning the bimetal component in the frame; stationary contacts carried by the frame and cooperating with the movable contacts; and a rocker support held in the frame and engaging the base part in an over-the-center arrangement. The bimetal component and the rocker support have first and second stable positions in which the movable contacts are in engagement or out of engagement with the respective stationary contacts.

Abstract: A method of forming a snap-acting thermally responsive bimetallic actuator comprising forming, from sheet bimetal, a member having an aperture with an arcuate outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defining a tongue free at one end, said free end being close to the outer perimeter, the outer and inner perimeters smoothly merging at rounded ends of the aperture adjacent the tongue root, and the radial width of the member at the tongue root being substantially greater than the width opposite the free end of the tongue. The formed member is thereafter pressed between a die shaped to a domed configuration and an incompressible rubber pad to impart a domed configuration to the member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker particularly adapted for use in an oil filled distribution transformer includes an improved bimetal trip actuator which exhibits greater deflection for a given degree of power dissipation. The trip actuator includes a planar bimetal element held relatively stationary at one end and free to deflect at the other end in response to overload current conditions through the circuit breaker. The bimetal element is constructed to have a higher power dissipation in proximity to the stationary end than in proximity to the deflecting end.

Abstract: An elongated bimetal member has a transverse curvature opposing temperature warp and a longitudinal curvature aiding temperature warp. The transverse curvature maintains the member straight in a longitudinal direction until the sum of the longitudinal temperature warp forces and the bias of the longitudinal curvature exceed the retaining forces of the transverse curvature.

Abstract: A motor protector for use in motors having a high operating temperature employs a snap-acting composite thermostat element to actuate the protector wherein the multilayer thermostatic material embodied in the element has an electrical resistivity value from 20 ohms/c.m.f. to 400 ohms/c.m.f. and a flexivity value from 90 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.7 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit to 110 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.7 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit to provide for better calibration, longer life, and better space control in the protector for use in motors having higher operating temperatures.

Abstract: A directly heatable bimetallic strip which can be disposed to carry the load current through a thermal trip.The bimetallic strip comprises an elongate member having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion comprises three or more odd number of parallel arms extending substantially longitudinally of the strip. The arms are connected in meanderline fashion with one arm connected to the first end portion and another arm connected to the second end portion and the junctions of the arms being spaced from the first and second end portions. Two connecting pieces of an insulating material are provided. One connecting piece rigidly joins together the first end portion, the arm connected thereto and the junction or junctions adjacent to, but spaced from, the first end portion, and the other connecting piece rigidly joins together the second end portion, the arm connected thereto and the junction adjacent to, but spaced from, the second end portion.

Abstract: Limited droop thermostats in which a bimetal tongue extends from an end of the main ambient temperature-sensing bimetal. The tongue responds to heat emitted by the thermostat switch and acts to compensate for the incidental exposure of the main bimetal to switch heat. In the preferred embodiment the projecting end of the compensating tongue is mechanically fixed and one end of the main bimetal is unitary with and carried by the base of the compensating tongue. Certain features of the invention are present in another embodiment in which the main bimetal element has a conventional supporting pivot at one end and the set-point adjusting end of the main bimetal carries the compensating tongue whose projecting end is movable and actuates the thermostat switch.