Housing, Casing Or Support Means Patents (Class 337/112)
  • Patent number: 11239037
    Abstract: A breaker has a fixed contact, a movable piece which has an elastic portion formed in a plate shape and being elastically deformable, and a movable contact in one end portion of the elastic portion so as to press the movable contact against the fixed contact, a thermally-actuated element which is deformed in accordance with a temperature change and shifts from a conduction state in which the movable contact contacts with the fixed contact to a shut-off state in which the movable contact separates from the fixed contact, and a case which accommodates the fixed contact, the movable piece, and the thermally-actuated element. The case has a side wall extending in a long direction of the movable piece, and the side wall is provided, in an adjacent portion to the thermally-actuated element, with a convex portion protruding toward the outside of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: BOURNS KK
    Inventor: Masashi Namikawa
  • Patent number: 9972470
    Abstract: A thermally responsive switch is provided with a sealed container having a housing and a cover plate secured to the housing; a couple of conductive thermal pins inserted into a couple of through holes provided on the cover plate and secured by an insulative filler; a stationary contact secured to one of the conductive thermal pins inside the container; a heater having one end connected to the other of the conductive terminal pins inside the container and the other end connected to the cover plate; a thermally responsive plate having one end connected to the housing and being configured to invert a direction of curvature thereof at a predetermined temperature; and a movable contact provided on the other end of the thermally responsive plate. The through holes are configured by cylindrical portions, only the cylindrical portions, the filler, and the conductive terminal pins being covered by an insulative resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: UBUKATA INDUSTRIES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Takashi Adake, Tomohiro Hori
  • Patent number: 9601294
    Abstract: In a fuse unit that includes a bus bar whose bend parts separated from each other are arranged in parallel, and one pair of divided bodies formed by being divided into one side and the other side of the bus bar with the bend parts exposed, and in which the one pair of divided bodies is arranged into an L-letter shape by being bent at the bend parts, a partition wall that is to be arranged between the bend parts in a state of leaving the bend parts bent is provided on one divided body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Mami Nohara
  • Patent number: 9579460
    Abstract: An injection device operable to deliver a dose of medicament from a syringe or cartridge includes a temperature-sensitive arrangement for inhibiting operation thereof under predetermined temperature conditions. This may include a thermally responsive element that adopts a position in which operation of the device is inhibited when a temperature level is passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: OWEN MUMFORD LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeremy Marshall, Toby Cowe
  • Patent number: 9230768
    Abstract: A trip unit is provided for a circuit breaker that includes electrical contacts, a trip mechanism, a bimetallic strip, and an armature. The trip unit includes a first trip bar coupled to the trip mechanism and disposed about a pivot point, and a second trip bar coupled to the first trip bar and disposed about the pivot point. In a first operating condition, the first trip bar rotates about the pivot point substantially independently of the second trip bar, and activates the trip mechanism to open the electrical contacts. In a second operating condition, the second trip bar rotates about the pivot point, causing the first trip bar to rotate about the pivot point and activate the trip mechanism to open the electrical contacts. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephen Scott Thomas, Esteban Sandoval Camacho
  • Publication number: 20150145636
    Abstract: A heater-bimetal apparatus is disclosed. The heater-bimetal apparatus has a heating element having a first portion and a second portion, a bimetal element coupled to the heating element at a third portion between the first and second portions, and a support member coupled to the heating element at the third portion, the support member including registration surfaces adapted to be received in pockets formed in spaced portions of circuit breaker housing. Assemblies including the heater-bimetal apparatus and methods of assembly of heater-bimetal assemblies are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Stephen Scott Thomas
  • Patent number: 9025286
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for assembly of electric motor starter connecting packages that enable increased automation and reduced assembly via top-down assembly of circuit components, thereby allowing robotic placement, connection, and securing of circuit components. The connecting package can include an electric motor starter, with optional overload protector, packaged as one unit. The motor starter can include an electrical circuit containing a triac, current transformer, Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) element, resistor, and a capacitor. A cover and base of the connecting package enclose and firmly secure connected circuit elements without needing a circuit board or filler material. The device design enables quick testing of the motor starter circuit and circuit elements after being enclosed by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies Massachusetts, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Washburn, Christian V. Pellon, Kevin Dropps, Mark C. Carlos, Daniel Quinn
  • Publication number: 20150077211
    Abstract: There is provided a circuit breaker including a heater configured to generate heat due to a conduction current induced to a moving contact of the circuit breaker; a bimetal configured to be deformed due to heat generated by the heater to separate a contact point of the moving contact; a magnet configured to generate a magnetic force to move an amateur bar when a current above a previously set reference current is induced; and a trip case configured to accommodate the bimetal and magnet, at least part of which is made of a synthetic resin material, a magnetic fixing portion integrally formed in the trip case, and made of a synthetic resin material; a magnet fixing means configured to fasten the magnet to the magnet fixing portion; and a bimetal fixing means configured to fix the bimetal to the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki Ho BAEK
  • Patent number: 8576042
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker has a housing formed of a housing base of insulating material and a pot-like housing cover, which is or can be positioned onto the housing base. Two elongate and flat contact arms are partially embedded in the housing base parallel with respect to one another in terms of their longitudinal direction. A fixed contact is arranged at an inner end of a first one of the contact arms. A bimetallic snap-action disk with a free end, forming or bearing a moving contact, is fitted at an inner end of the second contact arm at a fastening point. The fastening point, the moving contact and the fixed contact are in this case on an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the contact arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ullermann
  • Patent number: 8284011
    Abstract: A cap (27) for a temperature-dependent switch (10) having a first connection area (22) and at least one second connection area (23) on the outer surface of its housing (11, 12) for the purpose of electrically connecting leads (25, 26) is designed as a cup-like surrounding housing that can be pushed onto the switch (10), preferably with an accurate fit, such that the connection areas (22, 23) for electrical connection are accessible from the outside after said surrounding housing has been pushed on, whereby a first opening (28) for the first connection area (22) and a second opening (29) for the second connection area (23) are provided in said cap (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Marcel P. Hofsaess
  • Patent number: 8264317
    Abstract: A protector for a three-phase electric motor has a container with a housing and a metal plate secured thereto. A protrusion is provided in the housing. Three conductive terminal pins, each with a fixed contact, protrude into the housing through the metal plate. A thermally responsive plate is connected to the three moveable contacts. The thermally responsive plate is dish shaped and reverses its direction of curvature at a predetermined temperature. Three moveable contacts are secured to the thermally responsive plate. An elastic member extends between the protrusion and the thermally responsive plate. A rotation member prevents the thermally responsive plate from rotating, thereby maintaining the moveable contacts in opposition to the fixed contacts. The conductive terminal pins are located at a neutral point side of phase windings of a three-phase motor so that AC current flowing into the three-phase motor is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ubukata Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Higashikata
  • Patent number: 8174350
    Abstract: A thermal overload relay has a case, a main bimetal bending upon detection of an overload current, a release lever rotatably supported by an adjusting link and rotating according to a shifter displaced in response to the bending of the main bimetals, and a contact reversing mechanism for change-over contacts responsive to a rotation of the release lever. The main bimetal, release lever and contact reversing mechanism are disposed in the case. The contact reversing mechanism has a movable plate, and a reversing spring stretched between the other side of the movable plate and a spring support. The other end of the movable plate and the spring support is positioned opposite a support point. The release lever has a release lever supporting part, a reversing spring pushing part, a cam contact part, and a displacement input part, in which the release lever supporting part is pivoted on the adjusting link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinari Furuhata, Fumihiro Morishita, Takeo Kamosaki
  • Patent number: 8174351
    Abstract: An appliance assembly includes an appliance and an appliance member. The appliance includes a wall defining a plurality of holes. The appliance member is carried by the appliance. The appliance member includes a housing which includes a snap-fit arrangement coupled with the appliance. The snap-fit arrangement includes a first plurality of ears and a second plurality of ears, the first and second plurality of ears snap-fittingly engaging the plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Scheiber, Michael S. Coverstone, Jeremiah Lewis
  • Patent number: 8138879
    Abstract: A thermal overload relay includes main bimetals which bend upon detection of an overload current; a release lever displaced via movement of a shifter moved in response to the bending of the main bimetals; and a contact reversing mechanism for changing-over contacts responsive to a rotation of the release lever. The main bimetals, the release lever and the contact reversing mechanism are all disposed in a case. The contact reversing mechanism includes a pivotable movable plate; a reversing spring reversing the movable plate by coupling with a rotated release lever; and an interlock plate rotating around a support shaft together with the movable plate. Each contact has a normally opened contact piece and a normally closed contact piece and is disposed respectively in the vicinity of a front surface and in the vicinity of a back surface of the interlock plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinari Furuhata, Fumihiro Morishita, Takeo Kamosaki
  • Patent number: 8093984
    Abstract: An installation switching device includes a housing, a main contact point having an arc quenching chamber, an input terminal, an output terminal, an impact-style armature system configured to move the main contact point to an open position, a latching mechanism having a latching point and configured to open an isolating contact point disposed in a secondary current path parallel to a main current path, a main thermostatic bimetallic strip configured to act on the latching point to as to cause the main contact point to remain in the open position, a current limiting resistor disposed in the secondary current path, a selective thermostatic bimetallic strip disposed in the secondary current path and configured to act on the latching mechanism, a handle configured to act on the latching mechanism so as to open and close the main contact point, and a phase connecting rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Manfred Hofmann, Wolfgang Pump, Ralf Wieland, Albert Stieger, Joachim Majewski, Roland Ritz, Klaus-Peter Eppe, Erwin Muders, Joachim Becker, Rainer Ludovici, Heinz-Erich Popa, Wolfgang Suess
  • Publication number: 20110109421
    Abstract: A switch module having a surge absorber is disclosed. In one embodiment according, the switch module includes a casing having an input terminal, an output terminal and an auxiliary terminal, a switch unit installed in the casing for connecting or disconnecting the input terminal to the output terminal, and a surge absorber installed in the casing and between the output terminal and the auxiliary terminal. Therefore, the switch module is capable of absorbing a voltage spike from the input terminal and thus shielding the circuitry of the switch module from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-LUNG LEE, JUNG-HUI HSU
  • Patent number: 7859384
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a wafer that defines an opening. The wafer can be adapted to be operatively installed between a mechanical portion of a circuit breaker and an electronic portion of the circuit breaker. When installed, the wafer can be adapted to receive a protrusion of the mechanical portion of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Solomon R. Titus
  • Patent number: 7839259
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a temperature switch on a compressor of a vehicle air-conditioner is disclosed. The switch has a cylindrical metal container and a thermally responsive element disposed on a container bottom. The structure includes a housing recess for housing the switch, a fixing cover including an upper cover and one or plural band-shaped legs downwardly extending from a peripheral edge of the cover and housed in the recess with the switch, and one or plural claws formed on the fixing cover legs. When the switch is housed in the recess, the claws are engaged with an inner surface of the recess to be locked. An adhesive is interposed between the switch and the recess when the switch is housed in the recess. The legs are constructed so that parts of the legs are buried in the adhesive when the switch is housed in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ubukata Industries Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Takeda, Masahiro Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20100245021
    Abstract: A thermal overload relay has an actuator mechanism that generates an operating force by bending of a main bimetal with a heating wire wound thereon; a switching mechanism that is driven by the operating force from the actuator mechanism; a contact changeover mechanism wherein contacts are changed by the switching mechanism operation; and a casing that contains the actuator, the switching and the contact changeover mechanisms. The casing has main circuit terminals and auxiliary circuit terminals arranged on one side, the main circuit terminals electrically connecting the thermal overload relay to an electric load device, and the auxiliary circuit terminals electrically connecting the thermal overload relay to another electric device. When the casing is viewed in plan, the main circuit terminals are aligned and, the auxiliary circuit terminals are arranged in a position offset from the position of the alignment of the main circuit terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukinari Furuhata, Fumihiro Morishita, Takeo Kamosaki
  • Patent number: 7450018
    Abstract: Temperature sensor device that allows changes of temperature (14) to be detected, as the materials that form said device (1) are deformed, that consists of a body formed by two valves (2) and a structure (8) provided in the hollow interior (7), so that they join together with the aid of a number of bolts (5), it having been envisaged that in one of the bolts (5) and in the structure (8) electrical terminals (4) are positioned, separated a distance (12) from each other, so that when an increase in temperature (14) takes place, it causes the deformation of the components of the device (1), allowing contact of the electrical terminals on having reached the critical temperature (14), and producing the activation of a warning device (13) with the aid of a conductive medium (10)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Gosei Nakagawa, S.A.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawanaka
  • Patent number: 7304561
    Abstract: An enclosed motor protector has a housing formed by a base (10) and a cover (12) received on the base and enclosing a recess (10a) formed in the base. A first terminal (14) extends through an opening in the housing and mounts a stationary contact (14c) within the recess. An elongated movable contact arm (18) is cantilever mounted at one end in the recess and mounts a second movable contact (18a) on a free end of the arm which is adapted to move into and out of engagement with the stationary contact. A heater (20) is mounted in the recess in heat transfer relation with a snap acting thermostatic disc (22) disposed adjacent to the movable contact arm so that upon reaching a preselected temperature the disc will snap from one dished configuration to an opposite dished configuration with its motion transferred to the movable contact arm to move the contacts out of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian W. Lim, Russell P. Brodeur
  • Patent number: 7298239
    Abstract: A thermal protector (1) including two fixed contacts (13A, 13B) provided at the end part of conduction terminal pins (5A, 5B) projecting into a metallic enclosed container (100), a support (6) arranged in a case, an oscillatory heating resistor (8) supported by the support and having two movable contacts (9A, 9B) facing the fixed contacts, and a heat responsive body (10) interposed between the heating resistor and the support and coupled with the heating resistor through a coupler (12). When an overcurrent flows through the heating resistor to generate heat therefrom and the temperature of the heat responsive body reaches a set level, the heat responsive body is inverted. Inverting motion of the heat responsive body is transmitted to the heating resistor through the coupler, and the current path is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ubukata Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 7292129
    Abstract: A switch device includes a body with a switch member pivotably engaged with a top opening of the body and a first terminal and a second terminal respectively extend through a bottom of the body. A bi-metallic plate has a first end fixed to the first terminal and includes a first contact point which is located above a second contact point on the second terminal. A link has an upper end pivotably connected with a protrusion on an underside of the switch member and a lower end of the link clamps the second end of the bimetallic plate. The protrusion includes an engaging hole and an extension slot is in communication with the engaging hole. The upper end of the link has a biasing plate which contacts a contact portion in the body so as to provide a potential force to keep the link upright. When overloaded, the bi-metallic plate is deformed upward and the upper end of the link is moved into the extension slot to ensure that the bi-metallic plate is deformed completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7135954
    Abstract: An electric coupling device includes a housing having a front socket opening and a rear chamber formed by two side wall. Two prongs are disposed in the socket opening of the housing and each has a free end extended out of the housing, and two conductor terminals are electrically coupled to the prongs, and a circuit breaker is coupled between one of the prongs and one of the conductor terminals and includes a conductor blade made of memorized material for selectively terminating or switching off the electric circuit between the conductor terminal and the prong when overheated or overloaded, and a reset knob may selectively and easily and readily switch on the electric circuit again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kuoyuh W.L. Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7102481
    Abstract: A low current motor protector (10, 10?) has an oblong metal housing (12) defining a switch chamber and formed with an open end. The housing has opposing flange portions extending transversely from the open end. Spaced apart lid portions (18a, 18b; 18a?, 18b?) are received on and clamped to the flange portions with an electrically insulating gasket (16) having a central opening interposed between the housing and the lid parts. The lid parts are formed with a recessed ceramic heater seat disposed in the switch chamber having spaced apart contact shelves (18f) which receives a ceramic heater (20) which is maintained in place and provided with contact force by a spring clip (22, 22?) attached to one of the lid parts. In another embodiment a coil heater (30) is electrically connected between lid parts (28a, 28b) and is disposed in a recess formed by a dome configuration (28f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan J. Stiekel, Young-Hwan Park
  • Patent number: 6995647
    Abstract: A low current motor protector (10, 10?) has an oblong metal housing (12) defining a switch chamber and formed with an open end. The housing has opposing flange portions extending transversely from the open end. Spaced apart lid portions (18a, 18b; 18a?, 18b?) are received on and clamped to the flange portions with an electrically insulating gasket (16) having a central opening interposed between the housing and the lid parts. The lid parts are formed with a recessed ceramic heater seat disposed in the switch chamber having spaced apart contact shelves (18f) which receives a ceramic heater (20) which is maintained in place and provided with contact force by a spring clip (22, 22?) attached to one of the lid parts. A thermostatic switch is mounted in the housing and has a movable electrical contact movable into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact on one of the lid parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jan J. Stiekel
  • Patent number: 6801116
    Abstract: Disclosed is an overload protector with a hermetically sealed structure, the overload protector comprising a housing that has an outer peripheral flange and an external connecting terminal and that accommodates a bimetal element having a movable contact and a fixed contact; a conducting plate that is installed to an upper portion of the housing and that has an external connecting terminal and a contact connected to the movable contact of the bimetal element; and an insulating gasket disposed between the housing and the conducting plate, grooves or ribs being formed on the entire flange, and ribs or grooves being formed on a portion of the conducting plate corresponding to the grooves or ribs formed on the flange in such a way that the ribs or grooves of the conducting plate are engaged with the groves or ribs of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Korea Limited
    Inventors: Yong Kyun Oh, Yeon Keun Chung, Young Koo Kim
  • Patent number: 6771159
    Abstract: A switch comprising a molded housing having a cavity, and a set of electrical terminals formed within said cavity, with a displaceable elongated contact arm selectively forming a circuit between said set of terminals, wherein said displaceable elongated contact arm comprises a base having a formed edge which mates with said molded housing inside said cavity, to align said displaceable elongated contact arm with respect to said set of terminals. A method for forming a switch, comprising the steps of providing a molded housing having interior sidewalls defining a cavity, and a set of electrical terminals formed within the cavity; inserting a displaceable elongated contact arm within the cavity, the displaceable elongated contact arm having a base with formed edges which mate with the sidewalls, to align the displaceable elongated contact arm with respect to the set of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Airpax Corporation L.L.C.
    Inventors: Majdi Ramahi, David Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040056750
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a rectangular box-shaped intermediate housing and lower housing; a power supply side fixed contact and a load side fixed contact disposed in the intermediate housing and facing each other; and a movable contact housed in the lower housing for bridging the power supply side fixed contact and the load side fixed contact. The lower housing has arc gas emission holes formed in front and rear walls thereof, and is connected to a lower part of the intermediate housing via an engagement part such that the lower housing covers the lower part of the intermediate housing. A thin wall portion is formed in each of the front and rear walls to eject arc gas by bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Hisao Kawata, Isamu Ohshima, Yoshimi Jumonji, Katsunori Kuboyama, Tatsunori Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040041681
    Abstract: Disclosed is an overload protector with a hermetically sealed structure, the overload protector comprising a housing that has an outer peripheral flange and an external connecting terminal and that accommodates a bimetal element having a movable contact and a fixed contact; a conducting plate that is installed to an upper portion of the housing and that has an external connecting terminal and a contact connected to the movable contact of the bimetal element; and an insulating gasket disposed between the housing and the conducting plate, grooves or ribs being formed on the entire flange, and ribs or grooves being formed on a portion of the conducting plate corresponding to the grooves or ribs formed on the flange in such a way that the ribs or grooves of the conducting plate are engaged with the groves or ribs of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Yong Kyun Oh, Yeon Keun Chung, Young Koo Kim
  • Publication number: 20040004530
    Abstract: A disconnect switch for the load circuit of a vehicle battery, includes a movable contact element (81) and a stationary contact element (64) that are linked with a locking mechanism. For releasing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy release element (4) is used that contracts when heated. For closing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy spring element (110) is provided that induces closure of the mechanism by expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Markus Geuder, Stefan Kautz, Matthias Marondel
  • Patent number: 6624354
    Abstract: The junction box according to the invention includes a housing defined by a lower case and an upper case. A busbar substrate disposed within the housing includes a plurality of busbar substrates. The pier assembly is disposed on at least one of the lower case and one of the plurality of busbar substrates. The pier assembly either accommodates another of the plurality of busbar substrates or supports another of the plurality of busbar substrates. In one embodiment, the pier assembly is disposed on the lower case. In another embodiment, the pier assembly is disposed on one of the busbar substrates. In yet another embodiment, the pier assembly is disposed on the upper case. A method for assembling the junction box according to the invention includes providing a pier assembly for positioning a busbar substrate assembly and disposing a busbar substrate of the busbar substrate assembly in the lower case. The busbar substrate either receives the pier assembly therethrough or is supported on the pier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sews-DTC, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan V. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6590489
    Abstract: A circuit breaker for protecting electrical circuits, particularly in motor vehicles, includes a flat housing, which comprises an insulating material and has two adjacent flat plugs. A bimetal that is embodied as a snap-action element and is fixed to a flat plug serves in contacting the flat plugs together, with the contact end of the bimetal being located in an overlapping position with the counter-contact. During a contact opening as stipulated by an overcurrent, a contact separator automatically travels into the space between the opened contacts, and can be returned from its contact-separating position by the external exertion of a force acting counter to the spring pressure. A manual release device, which diverts the contact end of the bimetal from its contacting position into its contact-opening position, protrudes from the breaker housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ullermann, Ludwig Seiverth
  • Patent number: 6570481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit breaker having a crossbar (7) that is supported swingably onto a base (1B) to hold swingably movable contacts (4), and has the small reduction of overtravel in the elapsed years, and can reduce its size. The bending modulus of elasticity Eb, Ec of the base (1B) and the crossbar (7) at the ordinary temperature/ordinary humidity satisfy following relationships Eb+Ec≧17000 MPa  (1) 8000 MPa≦Eb  (2) 9000 MPa≦Ec  (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shunichi Katsube, Kazunori Fukuya
  • Patent number: 6563414
    Abstract: A switch device includes a switch case having a passage in a top thereof so as to receive a button therein. A non-conductive plate extends laterally from the button. A first terminal plate and a second terminal plate respectively extend from the casing. A first contact point extends from a side of the second terminal plate. A bimetal plate is connected to the first terminal plate and has two legs extending therefrom. A conductive member is connected between the two legs and connected to the second terminal plate when the button is pushed. The non-conductive plate is located between the conductive member and the second terminal plate when the button jumps up and the two legs are deformed away from the second terminal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6525639
    Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a housing in which at least two power source terminals and a conductive piece are disposed such that the conductive piece is fastened at one end with one of the two power source terminals for electrically conducting or interrupting the two power source terminals. The conductive piece is connected with a link structure by which an external force causes the conductive piece to make contact with or separate from other one of the two power source terminals. A spring piece is fastened at one end with the housing and at other end with the link structure. The spring piece enables the conductive piece to jump so as to separate from other one of the two power source terminals at the time when the conductive piece is overheated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Tsang-I Cheng
  • Patent number: 6525640
    Abstract: A resistive thermostat for Motors protection against electrical overcurrents and overtemperature, having a rectangular prismatic body, with a front side cover, and a back side face being provided with a corner lowering having a spherical sector shape, as well as a pair of thin rectangular windows, the rectangular body forming an enlargement of its front edge for fitting of the cover, from which a lower tab is appended, having a locating end cutout with reference to two pins of a three-pins connection plug; and further; inside the prismatic box, corresponding to the pair of thin side windows, it is provided an end pair of metallic supports for an electrical resistor, wherein one of such support projects a balanced metallic blade outside the box, including one of its connection terminals, while in the other inner support having a C shaped attached to the end of the balanced bimetallic blade, immediately subjacent and connected in series with the electrical resistor and with the lower opposite and free end of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Tecumseh do Brasil LTDA.
    Inventor: Homero Cremm Busnello
  • Patent number: 6512441
    Abstract: A push-button switch with overload protection is disclosed. The switch comprises a housing, a conducting unit, and an actuating unit. The conducting unit comprises several terminals, a normal-open first conducting leaf and a thermally deflecting bimetal sheet. The bimetal sheet is of a U shape having a working end and an opening end. The working end can deflect to an overload position from a normal position in the event of overload. The actuating unit comprises a stem, a positioning means, a rocking lever, an enabling lever, and a lever reseating member. By means of the above structure, a trip action could be assured no matter what happens on the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6509823
    Abstract: An electrical functional device for use in the field of aviation, for example, a safety switch, is described. The functional device has a housing out of which a cylindrical fixing neck projects. The fixing neck contains, on an outer circumference thereof, a fine-pitch threading for screwing on a nut, and carries, at a distance from the end thereof that is attached to the housing, a radially protruding bearing flange. The bearing flange serves to hold the device in a fixed position, in which the fixing neck projects through a fastening hole of a wall element and is held therein against the bearing flange by a nut. The fixing neck is a one-piece part made out of plastic. It contains, between the end of the threading thereof and the bearing flange, an unthreaded shaft area, which is coaxial in relation to the fixing neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Meckler, Horst Ellenberger, Ewald Schneider, Lothar Hofmeister
  • Publication number: 20020171531
    Abstract: An electrical functional device for use in the field of aviation, for example, a safety switch, is described. The functional device has a housing out of which a cylindrical fixing neck projects. The fixing neck contains, on an outer circumference thereof, a fine-pitch threading for screwing on a nut, and carries, at a distance from the end thereof that is attached to the housing, a radially protruding bearing flange. The bearing flange serves to hold the device in a fixed position, in which the fixing neck projects through a fastening hole of a wall element and is held therein against the bearing flange by a nut. The fixing neck is a one-piece part made out of plastic. It contains, between the end of the threading thereof and the bearing flange, an unthreaded shaft area, which is coaxial in relation to the fixing neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Meckler, Horst Ellenberger, Ewald Schneider, Lothar Hofmeister
  • Publication number: 20020163416
    Abstract: A restricting wall (53) confronting an inner face wall (32b) of a first divided body (32) is stood on an inner face wall (33b) of a second divided body (33). The restricting wall (53) is provided with an inclined wall surface (53b) inclined away from the inner face wall (32b) of the first divided body (32). A tipping-resistant rib (54) is provided at both end portions of the restricting wall (53). The first divided body (32) is provided with a flexible arm (51) having a latch (57), and the restricting wall (53) of the second divided body (33) is provided with a notch (52), constituting first locking mechanism. The first divided body (32) is provided with an engaging projection, and the second divided body (33) is provided with an engagement groove (56) engageable with the engaging projection, as second locking mechanism. An engagement groove (56) is provided on an extension wall (36) of the second divided body (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norio Matsumura
  • Patent number: 6445273
    Abstract: An overload-protection push-button switch with automatic resetting mechanism is disclosed. The switch is characterized in that a pressing stem actuates a conducting leaf via an enabled rocking lever, and that a wrecking bar is provided to dislocate the position of a positioning unit so that the pressing stem will automatically return back to its reset position in case the rocking lever is disabled due to overload. By means of the above structure, a push-button switch which is capable of exactly functioning and has a simple structure to easily assemble is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6377158
    Abstract: A push button current cut-off safety switch comprising a housing having an opening; a push button mounted within the housing and being fitted to said opening; a push rod being mounted below said push button and including a triangular passage and an insulating element; a spring being inserted into and compressed by the push rod; an interlinking rod having one end pivotally connected to the housing and the other end being connected to the triangular passage of the push rod; a first conductive plate; a second conductive plate being connected to the first conductive plate by a resilient plate such that the downward movement of the push rod electrically connects to the first and the second conductive plates and the upward movement of the push button disconnects the first and the second conductive plates; an alloy metal made of a shape memory alloy which is thermally deformable, said alloy metal being linked to the second conductive plate and connected to the interlinking rod; a third conductive plate being connect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6377159
    Abstract: A circuit breaker switch essentially comprising a push button switch, an alloy metal having one end connected to a contact of a circuit of the switch and the other end being mounted to the circuit of the switch. If the current to the switch does not exceed a predetermined current value, the switch functions as a normal switch. That is, the original position of the switch is in the “OFF” position and a depression to the push button changes its position to the “ON” state. A further depression of the push button restores the push button to the “OFF” state. When the current passed to the switch exceeds the predetermined current valve, the alloy metal is thermally deformed and curved upward, which forms a gap to allow an insulating plate to be inserted to cut off the current supply and open the circuit. The switch restores to its function by resetting the push button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6353380
    Abstract: A power switch device includes a switch body with a switch contact device pivotally connected to a switch cover body. An alloy piece is connected to one of two contact terminals and a second contact joint to which the other contact terminal disengagably contacts when the circuit is closed. The switch contact device has a movable member retractably received therein and the alloy piece contacts one end of the movable member. The end of the movable member is normally supported on a plate in the switch body so that when the current is overloaded, the alloy piece is thermally deformed to push the end of the movable member away from the plate and the switch contact device is therefore pivoted to release a conductive plate pressed by the switch contact device so as to shut the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6335674
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with a push button includes an electrical breaker having a casing having an opening defined therein with a hole defined in each side near the opening. A first prong and a second prong each attached to and extending through the casing. An alloy plate is attached to the first prong and has a free end aligning with the second prong. A seesaw switch is pivotally mounted in the opening of the casing with a shaft extending from the center of each side. Each of the shafts is received in the corresponding hole in the casing. A push block is pivotally attached to the bottom portion of the seesaw switch and has a recess defined therein to receive the free end of the alloy plate. An activation block extends from a top portion of the seesaw switch. A push button is attached to the electrical breaker and has an activation rod movable back and forth therein. The activation rod presses on the activation block of the seesaw switch and has an axis at a right angle with the axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Chao-Tai Huang
  • Patent number: 6326879
    Abstract: A thermal switch arrangement for electromagnetic coils of electric motors, including at least one coil, which has a winding (52, 54) and a coil former (30, 48) in the form of a winding core (32), which is enclosed by two end flanges (36, 38; 56, 58, 60, 62), and flat plugs (26, 28; 74, 76, 78), which are connected with the two ends of the winding and/or the connections of a thermal switch (80), assigned to the winding, and are inserted and locked in pockets (40, 42; 64, 66) in or at at least one end flange (36, 38; 56, 58, 60, 62) from the peripheral edge of the latter and locked. Two tags (82, 84) of the thermal switch (80) enter the pockets (40, 42; 64, 66) of the flat plug (74, 78) from the inner surface of the one end flange (36, 60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Hanning Elektro-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Hangmann, Matthias Paul, Norbert Krogmeier, Walter Wistinghausen
  • Patent number: 6307459
    Abstract: A switch structure comprises a control element, which comprises an alloy piece and a swing contact device. The alloy piece includes an actuating piece with a convex part, which has a upper side normally pushing the lower surface of the end part in the swing contact device so that the actuating piece ejects outwards and escapes from the end part when the alloy piece is overheated because of the current flowing through therein overloaded. Therefore, the end part falls down due to no support force and the head part of the swing contact device deforms upwards and does not press on the elastic contact piece. The elastic contact piece is released from the pressing of the swing contact device to eject upwards. Two joints connected in an electric loop are tripped. The object of rapid response, cutting power source, and safety is therefore achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6307460
    Abstract: A power switch device includes a switch box with a button pivotally connected thereto which is pivotally connected to an actuating member. An engaging member is movably connected to the actuating member and removably engaged with a block. A head connected to the actuating member movably compresses a conduct plate so that when the conduct plate contacts a terminal plate, the circuit is closed. A bimetal plate connected to the terminal plate has a pushing end contacting the engaging member so that when the current is overloaded, the pushing end is thermally deformed to push the engaging member away from the block and the engaging member drops due to gravity. The head is then lifted to release the conduct plate from the terminal plate to open the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Publication number: 20010026207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally controlled, electrical switching device 1, which displays a bimetal element 2, an adjustment apparatus 3, and a switch-contact apparatus 6, which, on the one hand, can be adjusted by means of the bimetal element, and on the other hand, with respect to its switching point, works in conjunction with the adjustment apparatus 3. The fixed end 7 of the bimetal element 2, a fastening end 8 of the switch-contact apparatus 6, a support element 9 for the adjustment apparatus 3, and connection contact lugs 10, 11 are arranged on a carrier device 12. In order to improves the switching device 1 with respect to its mechanical characteristics and with respect to the necessary individual parts, the carrier device 12 consists of a single-piece holding block 13, formed of insulating material, with a number of essentially parallel-running reception slots 14, into which can be inserted the individual parts held by the carrier device 12, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: TSB Thermostat und Schaltgeraetebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Udo Stenzel, Robert Hemberger