Abstract: A dispensing switch in an appliance and a method of controlling a dispensing assembly based on a plurality of outputs of the dispensing switch is provided. A dispensing assembly can dispense ice cubes and/or water from the appliance when the dispensing switch is actuated. The dispensing switch can have a plurality of outputs. For instance, the dispensing switch can provide outputs through a common terminal, a normally open terminal, and a normally closed terminal. When the dispensing switch is actuated, a controller can monitor the plurality of terminals to determine whether a change in the outputs has occurred. After the controller determines that a change in the outputs of the dispensing switch has occurred, the controller can control the dispensing assembly based on the outputs of the dispensing switch.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay includes a main bimetal for detection of an overload current, a shifter associated with the main bimetal, a release lever working according to a displacement of the shifter, a contact reversing mechanism for changing-over contacts by reversing action caused by rotation of the release lever, and a manipulation structure for manipulating the release lever and the contact reversing mechanism. The manipulation structure includes a reset bar for returning the contact reversing mechanism to an initial state. The reset bar is arranged to change-over between a manual reset state in which the reset bar can be pushed-in and an automatic reset state in which the reset bar is pushed-in and turned from the manual reset state and held in that state.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of controlling a device having a calibration process. The calibration process has a partial calibration routine and a calibration routine. A detector within the control system is capable of receiving one or more input signals and determining whether a partial calibration or calibration should occur. The first step in the process involves starting the control method where the detector receives input signals or generates it own data within the detector. The detector also determines whether a partial calibration routine or a calibration routine will take place based upon the value of the input signals received. A partial calibration routine will be performed if the input signals to the detector do not favor a calibration.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay is provided with an external case, and an adjustment dial with a cam inserted into an adjustment dial insertion hole provided in the external case for adjusting a settling current. A press-fitting section is provided at one of the adjustment dial and the adjustment dial insertion hole, and a locking section is provided at the other of the adjustment dial and the adjustment dial insertion hole. The press-fitting section is press-fit and retained in the locking section.

Abstract: A temperature responsive switch includes a housing, an actuator arm for movement in response to temperature conditions, a movable contact, and an adjustable contact connected to a defrost terminal for completing a defrost circuit on demand without requiring a separate switch. The movable contact engages and disengages the defrost contact to cycle a defroster on and off in response to temperature changes in an evaporator tube, and also engages a stationary contact to complete a compressor circuit and cycle a compressor on and off in response to changes in an evaporator tube.

Abstract: A condition-responsive electric switch mechanism for use in controlling a compressor of a refrigeration appliance. The switch mechanism includes first, second and third terminals, an actuator movable as a function of a detected condition and a bistable spring switch element electrically connected to the first terminal. The spring switch element includes a movable contact and is adapted for snap-acting movement between an open and a closed position. In the open position, the movable contact of the spring switch element is spaced apart from a fixed contact mounted on the second terminal. In the closed position, the movable contact engages the fixed contact to electrically connect the first and second terminals. The spring switch element also includes a toggle blade operable by engagement with the actuator for motion through a first switch point. At the first switch point, the spring switch element snaps between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) is shown having a movable electrical contact (36) adapted to move into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (38, 40). A current carrying thermostatic trip member (42) has a portion movable in response to changes in temperature with a motion transfer member (46) transferring the motion to latch/catch mechanism (20, 24, 30, 32). The catch portion (30, 32) comprises a generally U-shaped adjustment element (30) formed of thermostatic material whose legs are fixed to the base (32a) of a catch member (32) which in turn is pivotably mounted in the casing of the circuit breaker. The bight (30c) of the adjustment element is free to move in response to temperature changes relative to the catch member. Overcurrent will cause the thermostatic trip member to transfer motion to the bight of the adjustment element causing the adjustment element and catch member to pivot and release a latch to thereby open the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A thermostat for an electric/gas oven includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, a switch spring arm for moving the electrical contacts into and out of engagement and a pair of actuators for coupling forces to the switch spring arm. An enclosure encloses the switch spring arm and the first and second electrical contacts. The enclosure has axially aligned channels extending through opposed walls for slidably receiving the actuators. A temperature responsive subassembly includes a mechanism for movement responsive to changes in oven temperature and a spindle subassembly including mechanism for movement responsive to manual rotation of a spindle. A frame supports the enclosure and supports both the temperature responsive subassembly and the spindle subassembly in operative position with respect to the actuators. A self cleaning temperature calibration mechanism selectively determines a self cleaning oven temperature setting.

Abstract: A condition-responsive electric switch mechanism having a snap-acting bistable spring switch element carrying a movable contact, and an actuator movable in response to a detected condition to operate the bistable spring switch element. The spring switch element is capable of snapping between a circuit open position in which the movable contact is spaced from a fixed contact and a circuit closed position in which the movable contact engages the fixed contact. The spring switch element has a head mounting the movable contact thereon, and a pair of arms extending outwardly from the head being formed free of connection to one another at their distal ends opposite the head. The arms are fixed to a first terminal blade at their distal ends in a configuration deflected from the relaxed position so as to stress the switch element making it capable of snapping between the circuit open and circuit closed positions for a wide variety of preset contact gaps.

Abstract: An assembly method and a thermostat for an electric/gas oven are provided. An enclosure formed by a base and a cover for enclosing a switch subassembly includes axially aligned channels extending through opposed walls and external keying and positioning features. A pair of axially aligned actuators are received within the axially aligned channels. A frame having cooperating keying and positioning features positions and supports the enclosure containing the switch subassembly and supports both a temperature responsive subassembly and a spindle subassembly in operative position with respect to the actuators. The spindle subassembly includes a cam member mounted on a spindle for rotation with the spindle. The cam member provides a cam surface having a first cam rise equivalent in a first range of rotation of the spindle and a second cam rise equivalent in a second range of rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A housing (10), (54) defines a well which holds a diaphragm assembly (12). The diaphragm assembly has a stud portion (14) that extends through an aperture in the housing and is biased into the housing by a spring (16). The stud portion defines a channel (18) which is received in a slot between arms of a calibration plate (20). Movement of the calibration plate transverse to the axis of the stud portion engages a cam surface (24) to position the diaphragm, more particularly a dielectric button (34) which engages a switch control member (50). As a fluid in a bulb (32) expands, it causes the diaphragm to expand, moving the control member (50) and one end of control spring portion (48) causing contacts (46, 52) to open. When the temperature of the bulb reaches the temperature set by the calibration plate, the control spring portion flexes opening the contacts. To reset the switch and close the contacts, a reset member (92) is depressed.

Abstract: An assembly method and a thermostat for an electric/gas oven are provided. An enclosure formed by a base and a cover for enclosing a switch subassembly includes axially aligned channels extending through opposed walls and external keying and positioning features. A pair of axially aligned actuators are received within the axially aligned channels. A frame having cooperating keying and positioning features positions and supports the enclosure containing the switch subassembly and supports both a temperature responsive subassembly and a spindle subassembly in operative position with respect to the actuators.

Abstract: A housing (10), (54) defines a well which holds a diaphragm assembly (12). The diaphragm assembly has a stud portion (14) that extends through an aperture in the housing and is biased into the housing by a spring (16). The stud portion defines a channel (18) which is received in a slot between arms of a calibration plate (20). Movement of the calibration plate transverse to the axis of the stud portion engages a cam surface (24) to position the diaphragm, more particularly a dielectric button (34) which engages a switch control member (50). As a fluid in a bulb (32) expands, it causes the diaphragm to expand, moving the control member (50) and one end of spring portion (48) causing contacts (46, 52) to open. The temperature or degree of diaphragm extension at which the switch contacts open is adjusted by rotating a shaft (60). As the stem is rotated, a cam follower (76) and cam (70) interact causing a dielectric actuator (64 ) to change the bias force, hence pivot point, of spring elements (44).

Abstract: A remotely changeable thermostat for a refrigeration or air conditioning system and method and system employing same. The thermostat has a fluid filled capsule with a diaphragm movably responsive to fluid expansion and contraction for actuating, via lever means, a compressor power switch. The capsule senses temperature via a fluid filled capillary. A separate remote user activated switch energizes an electrical actuator for moving the fulcrum of the lever means to change the sensed temperature of the evaporator at which the power switch is actuated. The user activates a remote switch to energize an electrical heater coil for heating a bimetal strip which moves the fulcrum for the lever means between a high or low temperature setting for compressor power switch actuation in response to user opening or closing the remote heater switch.

Abstract: The thermostat comprises a main housing (10) having a metal sheet cover (12) with a bored and threaded boss (18) and an adjustment shaft (20) threadedly engaged in said boss and entering the housing to interact with internal operative members of the thermostat. According to the invention, a plate (28) of yielding material is affixed against the inside of the metal sheet cover, said plate having a bore (30) aligned with the bored and threaded boss, of a diameter slightly less than the shaft diameter, and that the threaded end of the shaft is in interference fit with said bore.

Abstract: An adjustable electric thermostat comprises a main housing in which an adjustment shaft is threadedly engaged so that the shaft end inside the housing is displaced when the shaft is turned, a heat transducer mounted on the shaft end, and a switch comprising a channel-shaped, rigid member having a base portion attached on a wall of the housing and opposite branches having notches to support a snap-action blade so that the temperature transducer abuts transversely against an intermediate point in the blade. According to the invention, the channel-shaped member is made of a bimetal plate having the most expansible metal on the outside, so that the branches of the channel-shaped member bend toward each other when the channel-shaped member is heated.

Abstract: A pressure switch assembly has a preassembled spring capsule assembled onto a deck structure with a snap switch thereon to form a subassembly which is snap-locked into the cup-shaped housing. A rotary cam drum is provided in the housing with an external shaft for changing the setting. An adjustment lever has a bifurcated portion nested about the inner periphery of the cam drum and a threaded external adjustment is provided for moving the lever position against the spring capsule for calibration. The pressure switch is completely assembled from one side of the housing.

Abstract: In a thermostat type operating temperature setting apparatus, a slider is employed to preset the operating temperatures of electric appliances by sliding the slider along a long sliding path. The operating temperature setting apparatus includes a frame, a converter for converting temperature changes into pressure variations, a thermostat switching member for selectively changing bistable switching positions in response to the pressure variations, a rod for adjusting the operating temperature, a tension spring coupled between the adjusting rod and the switching member, for biasing the adjusting rod in a first direction, a slider, and a cam lever pivotably journaled to a fulcrum fixed on the frame and connected to the adjusting rod, for being slidably in touch with the slider. The setting apparatus further includes a conical compression spring mounted on the adjusting rod, for biasing the adjusting rod in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch having a snap acting switch mounted for actuation between the side walls of a U-shaped bracket. A remote bulb-and-capillary thermal sensing capsule provides output motion to a lever for switch actuation. The lever has an edge portion pivotably engaging a reaction support tab on one bracket wall and a rotatable cam provides an adjustable reaction support on the opposite bracket wall. The cam slidably engages an arcuate groove on the lever to maintain the lever transversely and longitudinally positioned on the bracket for switch actuation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains particularly to low pressure level type switches employed for sensing the water level in washing appliances. The invention employs a slidable strip or tab interposed between the diaphram pre-load spring and the reaction stop for the spring. In one position the thickness of the movable tab increases the pre-load on the spring by an amount equal to the thickness of the tab. In a secod position the pre-load stop extends through a cutout in the tab and contacts the spring reaction member directly.

Abstract: A thermostat for use with an oven of an electric or gas range includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact and an actuating assembly including an actuating spring arm for opening and closing an electrical path between the first and second contacts. The spring arm has a fixed end mechanically and electrically coupled to the first electrical contact by a movable support member and a free end that moves between a contacting position and a noncontacting position with the second electrical contact. The spring arm is positioned for movement responsive to both a manually operable mechanism and a temperature responsive mechanism. The movable support member enables a coaxial alignment of the manually operable mechanism and the temperature responsive mechanism and provides a floating support for the spring arm, whereby the need for an over-travel mechanism is eliminated.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch assembly with a diaphragm responsive to pressure generated in a fluid filled temperature sensing bulb-and-capillary. The diaphragm contacts and moves a pivoted lever having a beam spring cantilevered beam spring adjustably mounted thereon. Movement of the lower about its pivot causes the beam spring to effect actuation of a switch. Upon loss of fluid in the bulb and capillary, the diaphragm recedes and a stop remote from the lower pivot functions as an auxiliary pivot for the beam spring for effecting emergency switch actuations.

Abstract: A fluid bulb-sensing type thermostat having a capillary tube from the sensing bulb connected to an inlet port of a fluid pressure sensing chamber defined in part by an expansible diaphragm which moves in response to fluid pressure in the chamber from the bulb to actuate a snap-acting switch. The diaphragm is mounted on a plate which is cantilevered from the thermostat housing, and the at-rest position of the plate with respect to the housing is adjustable by a cam against which the free end of the plate is biased, for calibrating the thermostat.

Abstract: A switch adjusting mechanism is disclosed having a linearly operable actuator with a rotary adjustment for selectively varying the position of a switch operator of the actuator relative to a movable switch contact. The linearly operable actuator and its rotary adjustment are independently operable and serve dual functions of not only accurately adjusting the operating point of switch actuation but also providing precise facile calibration.

Abstract: A thermostat for refrigerators with a constant switching-on and adjustable switching-off temperature uses only one spring, the switching-on and switching-off temperatures being determined by the position of components of the omega switching system.The switching-on temperature of the thermostat and the difference between the switching-on and switching-off temperatures can be adjusted by means of setting screws, whereas the absolute value of the switching-off temperature can be adjusted by a cam.

Abstract: A condition responsive electric switch system comprises switch means which includes at least one set of contact elements defining a preselected open position, a preselected closed position, and a preselected initial contact make-break position, disposed between the open and closed positions. Switch actuating means is movable in actuating relation with the switch means for operating the contact elements selectively into and out of the three preselected positions. Spring means and temperature responsive means are connected to and impart motion to switch actuating means, with the spring means and temperature responsive means creating opposing forces on the switch actuating means. The condition responsive electric switch system has both positive and negative spring gradients including a force producing means having maximum absolute positive gradient forces F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 in which F.sub.

Abstract: A laundry appliance is provided with a pressure responsive switch operable for detecting fluid levels in a fluid container. The switch is secured to mounting bracketry including a guideway within which a slider member is movable. A cam portion of the slider member contacts a switch adjustment lever and movement of the slider member within the guideway moves the cam portion relative to the adjustment lever and determines the fluid level attainable in the container by changing the switch setting. The slider member is removable from the bracketry and is replaceable with other slider members having modified cam surfaces corresponding to different fluid levels.

Abstract: A thermostat, comprising: a metal casing; a snap switch having a snap spring disposed in the casing; a thermal expansion system, having an expansion member which acts on the snap spring, and having a setting element; an insulator arranged between two side parts of the casing, interconnecting the latter and forming one end face of the thermostat, and having fixed electrical contacts projecting therethrough; and, a contact bridge arranged on the snap spring, but electrically insulated therefrom, the contact bridge being engageable with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A multi-function, pyrolytic self-cleaning oven thermostat for regulating bake and clean temperatures and oven door unlatching. The thermostat includes separate bistable and creep-action switch mechanisms actuated by a single thermally expansive hydraulic wafer responsive to oven temperature changes. An axially movable partially threaded shaft, rotatable between two end positions, is provided for operator adjustment of the temperature switching point of the bistable mechanism. At one end position of the rotative shaft a minimum baking temperature switching point is provided while at the other end position a maximum temperature switching point is established for pyrolytic self-cleaning of the oven. A generally linearly increasing temperature range of bistable mechanism switching points is provided from the minimum to the maximum temperature switching point end positions.

Abstract: A temperature responsive control device is provided for controlling an electric oven. The device is comprised of a housing which contains an electrical switching means which is controlled by a temperature sensitive expansible member through a snap-acting spring mechanism. The expansible member consists of a hydraulic diaphragm, a fluid filled capillary tube and a temperature-sensing bulb. The hydraulic diaphragm is composed of two generally circularly shaped plates which are welded together at their edges. The top of the diaphragm contains a circular stud the top of which is conically shaped and is received into a conical bearing recessed into the shaft of a rotatable temperature setting means. One corner of the diaphragm is formed to fit into a notch in the interior of the housing. One end of the capillary tube is inserted directly into a small inwardly extending channel in the edge of the diaphragm and the other end contains the temperature-sensing bulb.

Abstract: A condition responsive control is disclosed which includes a support housing, a snap switch supported by the housing having first and second control conditions for governing operation of a condition altering device, a condition responsive actuator system supported by the housing remote from the switch and a lever system coacting between the switch and the actuator for enabling operation of the switch between its conditions.The actuator coacts with the lever system via a lost motion mechanism which enables the establishment of a differential between the sensed condition levels at which the switch is operated. The lost motion mechanism is adjustable to alter the sensed condition levels at which the switch is operated throughout a relatively wide range and is also adjustable to permit the extent of the differential to be changed.

Abstract: A thermostatic control as shown and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,849 in which the reed in this new disclosure has a pair of split legs. One leg of a first set of such pair is a flipper leg and the other leg of such first set carries a contact which is designed to be resistant to erosion from arcing and welding. One leg of another set of such pair of legs carries a contact which is designed to carry current in excess of 20 amp. at 250 V, the other leg of said other set is a flipper leg. A lost motion slot in a flipper spring provides a sequential drive for the two contacts carrying legs such that the arc resisting contact both makes and breaks the electrical circuit and the current carrying contact never makes or breaks the circuit but merely carries the current established by the arc resisting contact.The control as shown also eliminates a force multiplying adjusting lever and a pivot interface between such lever and the range lever.

Abstract: An improved thermostatic switch which employs a pressure linear thermal power element and a simplified diaphragm motion translating and amplifying means while dispensing with need for diaphragm loading spring. It features a one piece motion transmitting lever between the diaphragm and electric switch operator, and an improved snap-action switch operating mechanism. A one-piece molded insulating housing, and an improved knob coupling member on the temperature range adjusting shaft are employed.

Abstract: A toggle device has a fixed support with a pair of fixed abutments thereon, and a toggle arm pivotally mounted in the device is adapted for pivotal movement in response to a variable motive force between the abutments into motion limiting engagement therewith, respectively. A toggle spring engaged with the toggle arm is adapted to be compressed for transmitting a force applied thereto onto the toggle arm generally in opposition to the motive force. Means is mounted to the support and engaged with the toggle spring so as to compress it for establishing the applied force. Means is mounted to the support and engaged with the establishing means for positioning it and the toggle spring so as to angularly direct the applied force through the toggle spring onto the toggle arm.An electric switch is also disclosed.