Abstract: A MEMS structure including a latch, a first lever, and a second lever. The first lever is designed to move past the latch as a result of flexure in the event of a change in a parameter in a first direction, and to latch in place at the latch if a change in the parameter in a second direction different than the first direction subsequently takes place. The second lever is designed to move past the first lever as a result of flexure in the event of the change in the parameter in the second direction, and to latch in place at the first lever if a change in the parameter in the first direction takes place after the change in the parameter in the second direction.

Abstract: A thermomechanical memory/logic device is disclosed. In embodiments, the thermomechanical device includes a first thermally controlled terminal (e.g., hot terminal); a second thermally controlled terminal (e.g., cool terminal/base); a stem or other structure that can be thermally expanded connected to the cool terminal; and a thermal conductive head coupled to the stem. The head can exchange heat with the hot terminal. The stem and head are between the first thermally controlled terminal and the second thermally controlled terminal, wherein the stem expands or contracts in response to heat absorbed or given off by the thermal conductive head, causing the head to move towards the first thermally controlled terminal or towards the second thermally controlled terminal until a stable state is reached. For example, bistable thermal states can be used to implement logic states (e.g., ZERO or ONE states).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising at least one spray device (20), the spray device having at least one nozzle (10) for discharging washing liquid in the form of a spray jet, where at least one nozzle is adjustable in order to change the characteristics of the spray jet. According the invention the adjustable nozzle (10) is adjustable by an adjusting means comprising a thermal actuator (10, 60).

Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes an LED driver circuit operably coupled to at least one LED and configured to supply a load current to the at least one LED such that an average load current matches a desired current level defined by a drive signal. A temperature measurement circuit is thermally coupled to the LED driver circuit or the LED(s) or both, and is configured to generate, as drive signal, a temperature dependent signal in such a manner that the drive signal is approximately at a higher constant level for temperatures below a first temperature, is approximately at a lower constant level for temperatures above a second temperature but below a maximum temperature, and continuously drops from the higher constant level to the lower constant level for temperatures rising from the first temperature to the second temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a memory device in which the state of the memory may be set by a mechanical action, with or without mains power present. The memory state may be detected by a microcontroller. The state for the memory device may be reset by a microcontroller. The microcontroller may be external to an apparatus containing the memory device, adjacent to or within the apparatus.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, method of operating the MEMS device, and a method of forming the MEMS device are provided. The MEMS device includes a positioning mechanism and a locking mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes a first arm structure having a first surface and a second surface; a second arm structure having a first surface and a second surface; wherein the first surface of the first arm structure faces the first surface of the second arm structure. The positioning mechanism also includes a first actuator disposed adjacent to the second surface of the first arm structure facing away from the second arm structure; and a second actuator disposed adjacent to the second surface of the second arm structure facing away from the first arm structure.

Abstract: A thermal protection module includes a surge absorber, a switch unit, and a pyrocondensation belt connected to the surge absorber and the switch unit. The switch includes a casing, at least one conductive pin, at least one conductive portion, and a moving part. The conductive portion is disposed on the moving part. The moving part is stuck in the casing movably. The conductive pins are stuck in the casing. The pyrocondensation belt is configured to shrink according to the heat conduction from the surge absorber, so as to change the position of the moving part. The conductive portion is in contact with or separated from the conductive pin according to the position of the moving part.

Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted to protect against overload conditions, includes an active material actuator and an active material overload protection device either with or without a manual reset.

Abstract: A heat float switch includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a base member and a carbon nanotube layer formed on a surface of the base member. The heat float switch switches states between a connected state in which the carbon nanotube layer of the first member is in contact with the second member and an unconnected state in which the carbon nanotube layer of the first member is not in contact with the second member.

Abstract: A switch module applied for a power supply system is disclosed. The switch module comprises a power switch, an insulating member, a surge absorber and a pyrocondensation belt. The power switch is connected with the power supply system, the insulating member is set on the power switch, the surge absorber is electrically connected with the power switch and adjacent to the power switch, the pyrocondensation belt is connected with the surge absorber and the insulating member. The pyrocondensation belt shrinks with a temperature of the surge absorber. When the insulating member is in the initial state, the insulating member does not affect the power switch. The insulating member makes the power switch off when the shrinkage degree of the pyrocondensation belt develops enough to block the power switch from being on.

Abstract: A self-recovery circuit breaker has a base, a holder, a self-recovery device and a cover. The base has two conductive pads and a top space with a top opening. The holder is mounted in the top space of the base. The self-recovery device is mounted in the holder and has two pins electrically and respectively connected to the conductive pads. The cover is mounted in the top opening of the base. The self-recovery device interrupts an electric connection between the conductive pads due to abnormally high current and high temperature. When the self-recovery device cools down, the self-recovery device will restore the electric connection between the conductive pads automatically.

Abstract: A motor includes a stator core and windings extending through the stator core. The windings include end turns extending from the stator core that form a coil. A protector is electrically connected to the windings and is positioned adjacent the coil. A bracket is sized and shaped to receive the protector, and includes a spacer in contact with the protector and with the coil. The protector is spaced from the coil by the spacer to reduce heat transfer from the windings to the protector.

Abstract: A thermal protection module includes a surge absorber, a switch unit, and a pyrocondensation belt connected to the surge absorber and the switch unit. The switch includes a casing, at least one conductive pin, at least one conductive portion, and a moving part. The conductive portion is disposed on the moving part. The moving part is stuck in the casing movably. The conductive pins are stuck in the casing. The pyrocondensation belt is configured to shrink according to the heat conduction from the surge absorber, so as to change the position of the moving part. The conductive portion is in contact with or separated from the conductive pin according to the position of the moving part.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling automated activation of a temperature control shaft of a gas valve includes an electric motor having a motor shaft and integral coupler, wired to a relay control circuit and controlled by a standard electric timer device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rapid disconnect device for surge arrestors, in particular plate-type or flat varistors, comprising at least one element that is maintained under a mechanical stress, and a disconnection point for disconnecting the surge arrestor from the respective power grid upon thermal overload, wherein the disconnection point comprises contacts, the positions of which vary relative to one another, wherein one of said contacts is designed to be fixed. According to the invention, the contacts of varying positions relative to one another are electrically connected without the use of solder in such a way that incident current forces act primarily in the contact force direction and such that the moving contacts of the positionally-variable contacts of a lost element located at the surge arrestor and thermally detachable therefrom can be moved from a closed position to the disconnected position.

Abstract: A multi-actuation MEMS switch for high frequency signals includes a substrate, a heater disposed on the substrate, a co-planar waveguide disposed on a lowest metal layer, and a movable membrane including at least two metal layers, and an dielectric layer disposed between the co-planar waveguide and the movable membrane. The movable membrane is a fixed-fixed beam structure with a center indentation. When heat is generated and conducted to the movable membrane or electrostatic force is generated between the movable membrane and the co-planar waveguide or both forces are generated, the movable membrane will bend toward the co-planar waveguide. The position of the movable membrane change capacitance on signal line for switching the RF signal.

Abstract: A circuit protection device having a warning function includes a casing with a button, a first terminal and a second terminal connected thereto. A resilient bi-metallic plate is connected between the two terminals and bends to be separated from the second terminal when the circuit protection device is overheated. A warning light is located within the button and connected to the first terminal. When a main circuit is connected, no current flows through the warning light which is not activated. When the main circuit is overheated, the bi-metallic plate bends to cut off the main circuit and a connection member on the warning light is in contact with the second terminal to form a circuit to light up the warning light.

Abstract: This invention relates to an overcurrent protection device, which comprises a housing having a first side mounted with first and second wire terminals and a second side installed with a button, an elastic element installed therein for abutting against the button, a memory alloy plate disposed therein and having a first end connected to the first wire terminal and a free end having a first contact, and an elastic metal sheet having two ends movably connected to the first and free ends respectively. When the button is pressed, an extended rod thereof can push the first contact and cause the memory alloy plate to be deformed for enabling the first contact to contact a second contact on the second wire terminal. When the button is released and shifted away from the first contact, a space will be provided for the first contact to return an original status prior to deformation.

Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable. The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.

Abstract: The vanadium sesquioxide nanocomposite is useful for applications in thermistors, current switching devices, static charge dissipation devices, and electromagnetic shielding. Vanadium sesquioxide nanoparticles are produced using a sol-gel process that results in a V2O5 gel. The gel is heated in a reducing atmosphere of about 5% H2-95% argon at 850° C. for about four hours. The resulting product is dried at about 50° C. for twenty-four hours to produce V2O3 powder having particles about 23 nm in size. The nanocomposite is prepared by mixing the sesquioxide nanoparticles with epoxy resin and hardener in a centrifuge, casting the mixture in a Teflon mold, heating the mixture at 60° C. for 30 minutes, and curing the product at 150 KN/m2 at 100° C. for two hours. The nanocomposite contains about 80-90 wt % epoxy resin-hardener mixture and about 10-20 wt % vanadium sesquioxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: A lockable MEMS switching architecture provided having a clutch assembly, a switching member, and an actuator. The clutch assembly has one or more engagement features located in proximity to the switching member—particularly one or more receiving features located upon the switching member. The clutch assembly is actuated to disengage the engagement features from the receiving features. The switching member is actuated to move in relation to the clutch assembly. Once the switching member is in a desired position, the clutch assembly is de-actuated, causing the engagement features to re-engage with the switching member, thereby restricting its further movement.

Abstract: An electromechanical switching device is disclosed for protecting electrical wires and/or consumers. In at least one embodiment, the device includes at least one thermal triggering element and at least one switching device-internal heat source. For the at least one thermal triggering element, the electromechanical switching device includes a thermal coupling of at least one of the switching device-internal heat sources. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to the use of a thermal coupling.

Abstract: It is provided a new protection device with a large current capacity, which can sense a relatively low abnormal temperature, and further has a simple construction and is not large in size. The protection device comprises (1) a polymer PTC device (18) having metal electrodes (14, 16) on the both main surfaces, and (2) a shape memory alloy lead (20), wherein the shape memory alloy lead is connected to the polymer PTC device by an electrically conductive adhesive (22) containing a thermoplastic resin and an electrically conductive filler.

Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable, The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.

Abstract: A signal isolating transformer may be arranged such that a first coil of the signal isolating transformer is located in a medium voltage compartment and a second coil of the signal isolating transformer is located external to the medium voltage compartment. The transformer spans an opening defined by a grounded wall to isolate faults in the medium voltage compartment.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with overload and short-circuit protection functions for a motor, on which is mounted a thermally actuated overload tripping device including an adjustment dial to set a value corresponding to a rated current value of the motor on a scale. The dial has a standard setting pointer mark and a correction setting pointer mark side-by-side along a perimeter. The standard setting pointer mark applies to using the circuit breaker as a single item. The correction setting pointer mark applies to using a number of circuit breakers arranged in a line in close contact with each other. By setting a mark selected according to the arrangement of the circuit breaker at the rated current value, the steady state current value of the tripping device can be adequately set to correspond to the rated current value of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for preventing propagation when a ceramic element is failed. An angle is formed such that elastic terminals contacted at both faces of the ceramic element do not face each other and an elastic terminal of one lateral face of the ceramic element is formed without one leg so as not to be contacted with the ceramic element, and therefore when an unsustainable force is applied to the ceramic element by an excessive thermal stress or an excessive current caused by an external abnormal power supply is applied to the ceramic element, the ceramic element performs an immediate failure and thus a rapid cut-off capability of circuit.

Abstract: Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators and switches exhibiting geometries and configurations providing superior operating characteristics and longer lifetimes.

Abstract: A plasma display apparatus includes a selection circuit having a first terminal and a second terminal, a pulse supply unit having a first power source configured to provide a first voltage to the first terminal of the selection circuit, a second power source configured to provide a second voltage to the second terminal of the selection circuit, and a thermal fusible resistor between the first terminal of the selection circuit and the first power source, wherein the selection circuit is configured to selectively provide a first voltage and a second voltage to an electrode of the plasma display apparatus.

Abstract: A heat switch 570 is disclosed as well as a gradiometer having the heat switch. The heat switch is formed from a non-magnetic material such as a semi-conducting material. The semi-conducting material may be provided by way of a Hall effect device. The heat switches are arranged in the gradiometer on a circuit board 856. The circuit board 850 has conducting strips 856 which are connected to conducting strips on a sensor 71 by bridges 852. The heat switch 570 is connected on the opposite side of the circuit board 850 to the strips 856 and processing circuitry 859. A copper substrate 865 is provided on the same side of the circuit board as the heat switch 570 to conduct heat away from the heat switch 570 when the heat switch is closed.

Abstract: A motor includes a stator core and windings extending through the stator core. The windings include end turns extending from the stator core that form a coil. A protector is electrically connected to the windings and is positioned adjacent the coil. A bracket is sized and shaped to receive the protector, and includes a spacer in contact with the protector and with the coil. The protector is spaced from the coil by the spacer to reduce heat transfer from the windings to the protector.

Abstract: A normally open thermal switch (200) having a bimetallic disk (18) is configured for operational testing in its installed position when exposed to a changing temperature by a test box (400) having a power source (400a). The in-place testing advantageously confirms triggering action of the switch by an event indicator (400c) at the operational temperatures designed into the switch (200). The temperature of the triggering action is presented on a temperature display (400b) and recorded by a data recorder (400d) of the test box (400). The switch (200) incorporates a heating element (24c) to heat changing the bimetallic disk (18) to snap activate at the operative temperatures. The thermal switch (200) is coupled with the test box (400) to confirm its operation without having to remove the switch from its installed location.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a substantially straight beam. The beam has a beam length and a beam mid-point. The beam comprises a plurality of beam segments. Each beam segment has a beam segment width, the beam thus forming a corresponding plurality of beam segment widths. The beam segment widths vary along the beam length based on a predetermined pattern. As the beam is heated by an included heating means, the beam buckles. The buckling of the beam, in turn, causes the beam mid-point to translate or move in a predetermined direction. The beam mid-point movement, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The heating means comprises any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a substantially straight beam. The beam has a beam length and a beam mid-point. The beam comprises a plurality of beam segments with beam segment lengths. Each beam segment has a beam segment neutral axis, thus forming a corresponding plurality of beam segment neutral axes. The beam segment neutral axes are offset along the beam length based on a predetermined pattern. As the beam is heated by an included heating means, the beam buckles. The buckling of the beam, in turn, causes the beam mid-point to translate or move in the predetermined direction. The beam mid-point movement, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The heating means comprises any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a plurality of substantially straight and parallel beams arranged to form a beam array. The midpoint of each beam is attached or coupled to an orthogonal coupling beam. Each array beam has a beam heating parameter with a corresponding beam heating parameter value. The beam heating parameter values vary across the beam array based on a predetermined pattern. As the beams are heated by an included heating means, the distribution of beam temperatures in the beam array becomes asymmetric, thus causing the beam array to buckle. The buckling of the beams in the beam array, in turn, causes the attached coupling beam to move in a predetermined direction. The coupling beam motion, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The beams in the beam array are heated by any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A bistable shape memory alloy (SMA) micro-switch includes a single continuous SMA element such as a nitinol wire that provides bi-directional motion for switching functions. Bifunctional contact arms provide a mechanical force to maintain an open state of the micro-switch in addition to conducting current through a circuit. The SMA element includes first and second segments that are alternately heated above a transition temperature to cause the SMA element to alternate between first and second conformations. A cursor attached to the SMA element moves from a first position to a second position as the SMA element moves from its first to its second conformation. To close the SMA micro-switch, the contact arm is moved from an open position to a closed position through sliding contact with the cursor as the cursor moves from its second position to its first position.

Abstract: Electrothermal Self-Latching MEMS Switch and Method. According to one embodiment, a microscale switch having a movable microcomponent is provided and includes a substrate having a stationary contact. The switch can also include a structural layer having a movable contact positioned for contacting the stationary contact when the structural layer moves toward the substrate. An electrothermal latch attached to the structural layer and having electrical communication with the movable contact to provide current flow between the electrothermal latch and the stationary contact when the movable contact contacts the stationary contact for maintaining the movable contact in contact with the stationary contact.

Abstract: A bi-stable microswitch (1) including a pair of contacts (4, 5) and an armature (10,11) movable between a first position and a second position to selectively break or make the pair of contacts, the armature being latched in the second position by a magnetic path including a permanent magnet (3) and a magnetizable element (7) having a first temperature, wherein the armature is resiliently biased towards the first position when latched, and is movable from the second position to the first position upon heating of the magnetizable element to above the first temperature.

Abstract: The thermal protection relay determines a value representative of the thermal image of an apparatus to be protected according to a measured current value, to a previous value of the thermal image and to preset heating and cooling time constants. The relay takes into account a non-zero initial thermal image, determined from experimental thermal resistance curves of the apparatus. In the case of a motor, for example, this enables the cold tripping curve of the relay to be lowered without modifying the hot tripping curve, so as to bring the tripping curves of the relay closer to the thermal resistance curves of the motor.

Abstract: An electric conductor, in particular for connecting the starter relay and starter motor of a motor vehicle, includes an ignition device (5), which is in thermal contact with the conductor (1) and is intended, if a limit temperature is exceeded, for igniting and destroying the conductor (1). The conductor (1) includes one or more strands extending continuously between the ends (3) of the conductor. The ignition device is disposed on the conductor (1) so as to split apart these strands in the event of ignition.

Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, vertical thermal actuator with controlled bending capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator bends generally at the flexure so that the member moves away from the substrate when current is applied to at least the hot arm.

Abstract: A switch structure for a heating device having a passage formed within the main body of the structure, an air inlet, a main flame air outlet, a second air outlet and a thermocouple insertion hole connected to the passage being formed on the main body, and a manual control rod having a stopper being provided within the passage of the main body, two through holes being formed corresponding to the main flame air outlet and the second flame air outlet; characterized in that the main flame air outlet, the thermocouple insertion hole and the second flame air outlet have upward direction openings of similar direction, and the main flame air outlet and the air inlet are located on the same axis, and a stopper is suitably mounted between the main flame outlet and the air inlet, thereby the lighting rod of the switch, the thermocouple and the second air tube are extended in same direction to form an easy assemble, safe and stable switch for the heater.

Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, horizontal and vertical thermal actuator capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The horizontal and vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above and laterally offset from the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator exhibits horizontal and vertical displacement when current is applied to at least the hot arm.

Abstract: A thermal actuator for micro mechanical or micro electro-mechanical devices, the actuator comprising a supporting substrate, an actuator extension portion, a first arm attached at a first end thereof to the substrate and at a second end to the extension portion, the first arm being arranged, in use, to be conductively heatable, a second arm attached at a first end to the supporting substrate and at a second end to the extension portion, the second arm being spaced apart from the first arm, the first arm being arranged, in use, to undergo thermal expansion, thereby causing the actuator to apply a force to the extension portion, and wherein the first arm comprises at least one heat sink element substantially at a point of maximum heating of the first arm, being the point where, in use, maximum heating of the first arm would occur.

Abstract: An overload-protection push-button switch with retractable mechanism is disclosed. The switch is characterized in that a retractable rocker actuator is used to actuate or release a conducting leaf. The rocker actuator comprises a main body and a sub-body. The sub-body is retractable with respect to the main body under a rotation action or a sliding action. When the bimetallic blade is in an overload position, the sub-body will be pushed and make the rocker actuator became disabled. As a result, the conducting leaf goes into a broken position. By means of the above structure, the trip action of the switch is assured and the space occupied by the rocker actuator is as small as possible under a condition without increasing the complication and loading of the bimetallic blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally controlled electric switching device 1, especially a temperature fuse or a temperature limiter, with a switching contact device 2 comprising a fixed contact 3 and a motion contact 4, as well as a meltable element 8 containing a meltable material 7, wherein the meltable material 7 supports a transmission element 9 before being activated when a trigger temperature is exceeded and, when the trigger temperature is exceeded, is forced out of its receptacle 6 by the end of the transmission element 9 impinging upon it, wherein a radially protruding, flat melt material screen 19 is arranged on the transmission element 9.

Abstract: A thermal switch assembly includes a dielectric spacer and a switch blade member of shape memory metal sandwiched between a pair of flat metal plates. The spacer provides a cavity between the plates and the switch blade member has a switch blade portion projecting into the cavity. The switch blade member has a mounting portion engaging one of the metal plates, and the switch blade portion normally is under bending stress in engagement with the other metal plate to provide a current path between the plates. At elevated temperatures, the switch blade portion of shape memory metal moves out of engagement with the other metal plate to interrupt the current path. Fasteners integral with the dielectric spacer cooperate with the metal plates and the switch blade member to hold the switch assembly together with the spacer and the mounting portion of the switch blade member compressively sandwiched between the metal plates.

Abstract: A generally rectangular, planar electrical overcurrent sensing device having a top major surface and a bottom major surface includes a patterned metal foil conductor defined along the top major surface. The metal foil conductor has a first electrode region at one end region, a second electrode region at an opposite end region, and a current-concentrating region extending between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion. The device further includes a planar sheet of a composition which exhibits PTC behavior and which comprises an organic polymer having a particulate conductive filler dispersed therewithin. The planar sheet has a first major surface in thermal contact with the bridging portion and has an opposite second major surface.

Abstract: The thermal protection relay determines a value representative of the thermal image of an apparatus to be protected according to a measured current value, to a previous value of the thermal image and to preset heating and cooling time constants. The relay takes into account a non-zero initial thermal image, determined from experimental thermal resistance curves of the apparatus. In the case of a motor, for example, this enables the cold tripping curve of the relay to be lowered without modifying the hot tripping curve, so as to bring the tripping curves of the relay closer to the thermal resistance curves of the motor.

Abstract: A thermal switch having a current carrying switch blade actuator of shape memory metal has a resistance less than 20 milliohms and a contact force greater than 150 grams. The actuator is deformed to less than about 8% strain, and a very hard high strength dielectric material is used for a spacer.