Abstract: A temperature switch comprises a material (14) which melts and concomitantly undergoes a change in an electrical characteristic at a predetermined temperature. The temperature switch also includes at least two electrical contacts (10, 12) for detecting the change in the electrical characteristic. The material (14) comprises an organic cation and an anion and is preferably an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A temperature switch comprises a material (14) which melts and concomitantly undergoes a change in an electrical characteristic at a predetermined temperature. The temperature switch also includes at least two electrical contacts (10, 12) for detecting the change in the electrical characteristic. The material (14) comprises an organic cation and an anion and is preferably an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A thermally activated electrical interrupt device incorporates a thermally activated portion engaging with an electrical interrupt portion. The thermally activated material expands when heated, causing an interrupt control rod to open an electrical contact. When the interrupt device is placed into an interrupt state, a reset mechanism maintains the interrupt control rod in the interrupt state until specifically reset. An actuating shaft is in operational communication with at least one electrical contact. The actuating shaft is maintained in a thermal monitoring position until an interrupt control rod is moved via a thermally expanding material and engages with the actuating shaft, releasing it from the thermal monitoring position. The actuating shaft is projected via a biasing member to cause a change in state of the electrical contact. The actuating shaft remains in the interrupt state until the user resets the switch.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a wall plate unitarily molded of thermoplastic resin, a first metal plate holding a temperature sensing section, and a second metal plate holding a cam shaft. A fulcrum of a lever and a fulcrum of adjusting plate are protected by the wall plate and they are not exposed to the outside. Since both the fulcrums are not exposed to the outside, the fulcrums are free from being touched with foreign matters. This thermostat thus prevents a temperature set therein from changing.

Abstract: A device for preventing the inadvertent rotation of a temperature selection dial associated with the temperature controller of a water heater. The device includes a spring-loaded prong that extends across the face of a rotatable dial so as to prevent rotation of thereof. The force required to pry the prong off of the dial is selected to be greater than what a small child is typically capable of exerting.

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 auxiliary terminal for completing an auxiliary circuit. The movable contact engages and disengages the auxiliary contact to cycle a first element on and off in response to exceedingly large temperature swings a specified location, and also engages a stationary contact to complete a main circuit and cycle a different electrical element on and off in response to relatively modest changes in temperature changes at the same specified location.

Abstract: A temperature regulator operating with a hydraulic expansion capsule or diastat (5) has a lever mechanism (30) for force transmission between the diastat and the switch spring (21) of a snap switch (20). For protecting the switch spring against overloading, into the lever mechanism is integrated a buffer or shock absorber, which is elastically flexible above a limit force associated with the operating force of the switch spring in the switching point and below the limit force is substantially rigid. The standard unit formed by the shock absorber and the lever mechanism is formed by a rocker (31) in the form of a sheet metal bent part, which has a L-shaped pivot lever portion (40), with which is constructed in one piece a stop-limited opening clip spring (41) pretensioned in the opening direction.

Abstract: A temperature sensor has a flexible nylon tube connected by a fluid-tight coupling to a metal bellows within a metal housing. The interior of the tube and bellows is filled with a pressurized liquid whose critical temperature corresponds to a threshold temperature to be sensed. The pressurized liquid holds the bellows extended, holding an actuating piston back against the action of a spring. When the threshold temperature is reached, the liquid in the tube must boil and ruptures the tube, causing the bellows to collapse and the actuating piston to move. A projecting actuator then mechanically initiates a response such as the closing of a damper in an air-conditioning duct.

Abstract: A resilient diaphragm operated pressure switch has a Belleville spring washer with a dished spring disc nested in the center and supported on the inner periphery of the washer resisting movement of the diaphragm. An actuator member is spring biased against the disc and has one end of a toggle spring registered thereon with the other end connected to a movable switch contact blade initially in an open-circuit condition. Upon the diaphragm initially experiencing increasing pressure to a first level, the actuator of the dished disc reverses curvature and moves the actuator to effect movement of the contact blade to a closed circuit condition. Upon further pressure increase to a second level, the Belleville washer snaps over-center and causes further movement of the actuator in the same direction and causes the toggle spring to snap over-center and return the contact blade member to the open-circuit condition.

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: A condition responsive switching apparatus with an alarm feature for use in refrigeration appliances, such as freezers or the like. The switching apparatus includes a contact operator which moves between first, second, and third positions in response to the pressure changes of a bellows. The bellows pressure increases and decreases in response to changes in temperature sensed at the appliance. The apparatus includes a first set of control contacts to provide energization of a compressor and a second set of alarm contacts to provide energization of an alarm circuit. The contact operator has a first dog which opens and closes the control set of contacts as the operator moves through a snap action increment of travel between the first and second positions. An alarm spring opposes the travel of a second dog of the contact operator beyond the second position with a preload force until the excess of the snap action energy of the operator is dissipated.

Abstract: A condition responsive switching apparatus with an alarm feature for use in refrigeration appliances, such as freezers or the like. The switching apparatus includes a contact operator which moves between first, second, and third positions in response to the pressure changes of a bellows. The bellows pressure increases and decreases in response to changes in temperature sensed at the appliance. The apparatus includes a first set of control contacts to provide energization of a compressor and a second set of alarm contacts to provide energization of an alarm circuit. The contact operator has a first dog which opens and closes the control set of contacts as the operator moves through a snap action increment of travel between the first and second positions. An alarm spring opposes the travel of a second dog of the contact operator beyond the second position with a preload force until the excess of the snap action energy of the operator is dissipated.

Abstract: An automotive transmission control is shown having pressure switches to sense the state of actuation of solenoid valves to provide logic signals to a microprocessor type of transmission control. The pressure switches, which sense the pressure of hydraulic fluid controlled by the solenoid valves, use a dished shaped metallic diaphragm characterized in that the pressure-deflection curve of the center of the diaphragm has minimal hysteresis and reflects that the diaphragm is relatively stiff having a positive coefficient of pressure with increasing deflection up to and above a selected pressure level at which level the center accelerates between d.sub.1 and d.sub.2. The diaphragm is loosely held on a conductor at 0 psig with the fluid pressure when it increases forcing the diaphragm into sealing and electrical engagement with the conductor.

Abstract: This pressure sensitive switch includes a bellows made of corrosion resistant material and with a hollow cylindrical body, which defines a pressure receiving surface on the outer surface of its one closed end portion, and with an open end which is fixedly secured to a fixed member in such a manner that the bellows may expand and contract in its longitudinal direction in response to small changes in the pressure difference between its interior space and the space outside it; a plunger mounted so as to reciprocate in response to the expansion and contraction of the bellows by being acted upon by the inner surface of the bottom portion of the bellows; and a switch assembly which is switched to and fro in response to the reciprocating motion of the plunger. This construction is compact and efficiently functional.

Abstract: A trip-free mechanism for resetting an on-off unit, such as a thermostat (1), breakable by the tripping of an actuator element (3) from a first condition to a second condition comprises a resetting button (9) engageable to apply a resetting force to the actuator element (3) to reset the latter in its first condition, and a restraining lever (10) acted upon by the resetting button (9) when it applies the resetting force to the actuator element (3) to maintain the unit in its broken condition until the button (9) is disengaged upon resetting of the actuator element.

Abstract: An automotive transmission control is shown having pressure switches to sense the state of actuation of solenoid valves to provide logic signals to a microprocessor type of transmission control. The pressure switches, which sense the pressure of hydraulic fluid used to actuate the solenoid valves, use a dished shaped metallic diaphragm characterized in that the pressure-deflection curve of the center of the diaphragm has minimal hysteresis and reflects that the diaphragm is relatively stiff having a positive coefficient of pressure with increasing deflection up to and above a range of set point pressures within which the effective spring rate of the diaphragm changes with the diaphragm being relatively supple but having little or no negative coefficient of pressure.In a first embodiment a housing is shown in which a conductive lead pattern is molded in the housing with a plurality of switching stations.

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: An improved fire detector vented to atmosphere, capable of closing or opening an alarm circuit on the happening of either two events, when the rate of rise of the temperature of the ambient atmosphere exceeds a predetermined prescribed rate of rise of temperature and when the temperature of the ambient atmosphere exceeds a predetermined fixed temperature, the detector being of the type comprising a base supporting a diaphragm enclosing a space between the base and diaphragm, a shell secured to the base enclosing the diaphragm, vent apertures through the base from the space between the diaphragm and shell, and between the diaphragm and base, to the back of the detector, and a fin for collecting heat from the ambient atmosphere. The vent aperture permits the spaces between the diaphragm and base, and shell and base to be vented to atmosphere under normal expansion and contraction of the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus, for example a hydraulic temperature regulator or thermal cut-out, comprises three interchangeably interconnected subassemblies, namely: a box-like sheet metal casing with an adjusting mechanism; an operating member comprising a hydraulic expansion box and a transmission lever with overload protection; and, a plurality of switch components to be inserted in holders on the casing. The switch components comprise a snap switch base and a snap switch operationally fitted therein, together with the corresponding flat connecting pieces.One or more of such snap switch subassemblies can be fitted to the casing, in order to provide a single-pole or multipole switch.

Abstract: Temperature limit control having a normally closed contact switch secured to a formed cup with vacuum operated formed diaphragm seal to cup bottom, contacts open on reduced vacuum as by boiling thermal fluid in the linear capillary tube welded to the cup below the diaphragm or boiling of fluid in a sensor bulb welded to the capillary tube end for remote temperature control, with vacuum leakage within lower cup, diaphragm, capillary tube and, or, sensor bulb releasing diaphragm from its pulled down position against inward formed dimples between the cup side and central outlet likewise opening contacts providing fail safe operation.

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: The chamber in the metal body is filled with Freon which starts to vaporize at a temperature below the operating temperature of the switch. The vapor pressure increases substantially as the temperature rises above the refrigerant boiling point and acts against the diaphragm. The force in the diaphragm is opposed by the spring acting on the moveable seat which bears on the diaphragm pad. The pad carries a shorting bar which completes the circuit between the fixed contacts when the spring is overcome.

Abstract: A device (10) for filling a pneumatic tire and sensing the air pressure therein has a check valve (20) disposed within a valve stem (126b) and a pressure sensing switch which is temperature compensated to adjust for air pressure changes within the tire due to changes in ambient temperature. Substantially perfect compensation can be achieved, within a limited range of operation, whereby the set point pressure versus temperature characteristic will track with the related tire pressure versus temperature characteristic. A sealed capsule (110) is assembled and pressurized prior to installation within the device. A manual set point calibration feature is provided. The switch can be employed independently of, as well as in conjunction with, the check valve.

Abstract: A thermal electric switch having a thermally expansible material operating on an elastomeric diaphragm to operate a switch wherein the switch is an electrically conductible spring element and is operated by a force transmitting arrangement from the diaphragm to effect switching operation with or without snap action.

Abstract: A thermally responsive power device is disclosed employing a thermally sensitive unit in which are housed multiple vapor/gas filled capsules which expand and contract in response to temperature changes. The thermally responsive element is connected in a closed system through a conduit or tube to a remote diaphragm power or motion producing unit, and a temperature stable hydraulic fluid filling the space with the system moves the diaphragm in accordance with the expansions and contractions of the capsules. Several different embodiments for the capsules and their housings are shown, and all embodiments contemplate selective use of capsules with different vapor/gas fills to tailor the completed thermally sensitive elements to provide substantially equal temperature sensitivity in two or more regions of their working temperature range.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting heat due to the presence of fire for example. The detecting device includes an open-ended chamber closed by a resilient diaphragm. The diaphragm engages the open end to permit respectively the passage of air via an annular passageway formed between an outer peripheral portion of the diaphragm and a circumferential rim of the open end which it engages for closing the chamber, upon pressure build-up in the chamber due to the external temperature variation. This pressure build-up causes corresponding expansion of the diaphragm to thereby actuate an electrical circuit provided with means for emitting an audible sound. Means are also provided in the detector to make it operative in response to the presence of moving objects.

Abstract: A control apparatus provided with an electromagnetic valve assembly to selectively change the variation rate of a fluid pressure to actuate the clutch in dependence on the degree of opening of the throttle valve for the vehicular engine, a pulse-generating logic circuit governs the operational sequence of the electromagnetic valves, and a temperature sensor which includes a reed relay located close to the clutch, a permanent magnet attached to the flywheel of the clutch and a heat-sensitive element capable of varying the magnetic flux density passing through the reed relay when the temperature of the clutch disc exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An expansible box or bellows or diaphram box comprises two corrugated metal sheets secured together in a sealed manner about their rims. The box is arranged between a transmission lever and an adjusting member. A connection piece has a flange portion which lies against the inside of one metal sheet and a tubular portion which passes through an opening in the metal sheet and through an opening in the transmission lever. The connection piece thereby serves to locate the expansible box on the transmission lever. A capillary tube is soldered inside the tubular portion and leads to a temperature sensor. The transmission lever acts on a snap switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of means adapted to be movable generally sequentially for switching power through the electrical switch. A plurality of means are adapted to be conjointly and relatively movable disposed in cascaded articulated relation between the switching means at least some of the movable means being conjointly movable relative to at least some of the others thereof for effecting the sequential operation of the switching means. Methods and a system for generally effecting sequential operation of the switching means are also disclosed.