Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting striker pin length and armature spring force in a thermal switch. An armature support structure is deformed in order to adjust armature spring force with the result of a spring force which remains constant over time and thermal cycling.

Abstract: A circuit breaker assembly, which is responsive to both current overload and thermal overheat or over-cold, includes a circuit breaker switch containing a current release device arranged in a housing to be responsive to a current overload and operative to permit a respective contact spring to move a corresponding movable contact away from a fixed contact upon the occurrence of a current overload and independently of the position of a switching rocker; and a thermal release actuator received in the housing for can automatically providing an actuating action to operate another respective contact spring to move another corresponding movable contact away from another fixed contact when a temperature of a predetermined surrounding zone is overheated or over-cold.

Abstract: A small-sized simple switch for circuit protection of the present invention is simple in structure and easy to operate, and can be readily switched for safety protection of circuits. An alloy plate of the present invention is highly resilient. When in overload, the alloy plate expands and becomes deformed due to the different thermal expansion coefficient and is deformed upward to become disengaged from a wire connecting pad with which it is originally in contact, causing the switch to be switched from the "ON" condition to the "OFF" condition. The alloy plate pushes a lever pivoted to the moving end of the alloy plate to move up such that the lever pushes one end of a pivoted reset button to move up. A user only has to depress the reset button and the switch will be again in the "ON" condition such that repeated ON/OFF conditions of the protection circuit can be effected.

Abstract: A heat alarm for an electric panel cabinet that mounts a heat sensor in contact with a face surface of the electric panel cabinet to monitor the temperature of the cabinet and sound an alarm if the temperature of the cabinet exceeds an upper temperature limit. The heat alarm includes a mounting arrangement that permits the heat alarm to be mounted to a face surface of the electric panel cabinet. A sensor mounting arrangement within the heat alarm enclosure provides a bias force on the heat sensor to bias the heat sensor into contact with the face surface of the electric panel cabinet.

Abstract: An overheat and overload sensing device includes a thermal sensor (such as a thermal regulator) and a breaker connected in parallel and used to cut off a power supply in case of current overload. The thermal sensor usually disposed near a heat source can respond automatically to cut off a local circuit in time in the case of overheat that will make the breaker become overloaded to break off power supply.

Abstract: A switch has a housing which receives a temperature-dependent switching mechanism and comprises a lower part on whose inner bottom a first countercontact for the switching mechanism is arranged, and a cover part, closing off the lower part, on whose inner side a second countercontact for the switching mechanism is provided. The switching mechanism has an electrically conductive spring disk which carries a movable contact element and operates against a bimetallic snap disk which sits approximately centeredly on the movable contact element, the spring disk being braced at its rim against the countercontacts and pressing the movable contact element against the countercontact when the switching mechanism is below its response temperature. The countercontact against which the spring disk is braced at its rim below the response temperature is magnetic.

Abstract: A thermal switch assembly has a stiffener disc positioned against a support flange that extends inwardly from a peripheral wall of a plastic assembly grommet. An actuator member of shape memory metal is received in a recess in the stiffener disc, and an insulator ring lies against the disc and actuator member on the opposite side of the disc from the support flange. A cap member is positioned against the insulator on the opposite side thereof from the stiffener disc, and a resilient actuator blade on the actuator member extends through a central opening in the insulator into engagement with the cap member. The actuator blade normally completes a circuit between the stiffener disc and the cap member, and automatically disengages from the cap member at an elevated transition temperature to open the circuit.

Abstract: A low cost thermostatic switch (10) has first and second scoop shaped terminal members (12, 14) having flanges (12e, 14e) received on ledges (20f) formed on opposed sidewalls (20e) of a housing (20). The terminal members are spaced apart with the distal end portions (20g) of the sidewalls of the housing bent over to clamp the terminal members to the housing with a strip (16) of electrical insulation placed therebetween. A movable contact arm (22, 22', 22") is cantilever mounted on the bottom wall (14a) of one terminal member (14) movable into and out of electrical engagement with a stationary contact (26) mounted on the bottom wall (12a) of the other terminal member.

Abstract: A switch with a cantilevered leaf spring as the movable bi-metal contact lever can be switched "ON" or "OFF" by a rocker pivoted in the housing. No lost motion plunger is required and no centor terminal is provided in the housing bottom wall. The contact lever also has a temperature sensitive shape so it will bend upwardly toward the rocker to open the switch contacts in response to an overcurrent condition. The rocker is returned to "OFF" by such a shape change in the bi-metal contact lever.

Abstract: An overcurrent trip (1) for circuit breakers or motor safety switches has a very short reaction time. The short reaction time is achieved by connecting a bimetal snap-action disk (8) to the heating device (7) in such a way that its central region is always in contact with the heating device (7), irrespective of creeping movement. This heating device (7) is formed by a ferromagnetic core (5) on which the magnet winding (12) is directly fitted, without a further yoke, which magnetic winding simultaneously serves as the heating winding. The bimetal snap-action disk (8) is held on this heating device (7) with the aid of the electromagnetically actuated rod (21), while a plunger (43) which coaxially surrounds the electromagnetically actuated rod is moved by the bimetal snap-action disk (8).

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism and a housing, receiving the switching mechanism, that has a lower part and an upper part made of insulating material. On the inner side of the upper part there are two stationary contacts, each of which is connected to an external terminal associated with it. A current transfer member is moved by the switching mechanism, which electrically connects the two stationary contacts to one another as a function of temperature. A cavity, into which project two contact surfaces which are each connected to one of the stationary contacts, is located in the upper part.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch has first and second external terminals arranged at an electrically conductive lower housing part and an insulating cover part, respectively. Within said lower housing part there is arranged a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having a bimetallic snap disk and an electrically conductive spring disk carrying a movable contact element that is configured integrally with and as a dome on the spring element. Depending on the temperature of said bimetallic snap disk said spring element is in electrical contact with said first terminal and via said movable contact element with said second terminal.

Abstract: A solenoid type magnetic trip assembly for a molded case circuit breaker includes an armature biased against an adjustable stop by a tension spring to set the initial gap for the magnetic trip, so that the spring bias remains constant for the full range of the initial gap. The armature includes an elongated magnetically permeable member mounted by a frame to slide longitudinally along a pair of guide rails. The frame defines a trip surface axially aligned with the elongated magnetically permeable member which engages a trip arm on a trip bar to trip the circuit breaker in response to a predetermined level of overcurrent. A bimetal providing a thermal trip function is cantilevered from a support spaced from the trip bar by the armature, but has a terminal portion at the free end projecting toward the trip bar and through which the elongated magnetically permeable member of the armature extends.

Abstract: An actuator (144) for initiating a trip of a circuit breaker. Load current passes through a conductor (66) that is electrically coupled to a contact arm (56) by a braid (62). A thermally responsive bi-metal (64) has a first end portion which is disposed against a portion of the conductor (66) and through which at least a portion of load current carried by the contact arm, the braid, and the conductor passes. The bi-metal further has a second end portion that is disposed in spaced relation to the conductor and is cantilever-mounted on the portion of the conductor via the bi-metal's first end portion. The bi-metal is nominally flat and straight, but increasingly warps as thermal energy in the bi-metal increases. Upon attaining a certain degree of warping, the bi-metal initiates a trip of the circuit breaker by causing the contact arm to swing from a circuit-making to a circuit-breaking condition.

Abstract: A thermal actuator includes a thermal detector, an actuator unit and a connecting circuit for electrically connecting the thermal detector and the actuator unit. When a second contact member is normally remained uncontact with a first contact member of the thermal detector, the thermal actuator is an open circuit and not function. However, when the second contact member bends to contact with the first contact member due to an overheated or over-cold temperature around the thermal detector, the thermal actuator is in a close circuit and the electric current flows to an actuator unit thereof. A heat wire wrapped around an actuating piece of the actuator unit generates heat to increase the temperature around the actuating piece. When the temperature around the actuating piece increases to a predetermined extent, the actuating piece bends so as to provide an actuating action.

Abstract: An indicator movable between a set and an alarm position is latched in the set position by a thermally responsive latch disposed to sense ambient temperature within electrical equipment. If a high temperature event occurs, the latch releases the indicator, which moves under resilient bias to its indicating position to present a visible signal that such an event has occurred. Once temperature has dropped below the alarm value within the electrical equipment, the indicator can be moved back to the set position where it is relatched for continued temperature sensing.

Abstract: A temperature controller comprises a bimetallic switching mechanism that switches in response to a predetermined temperature, a lower housing part receiving the switching mechanism, a cover part closing off the lower housing part, and a substantially inert film that is arranged between the lower housing part and the cover part. The substantially inert film comprises a polyimide. The film comprises a mechanical seal between the lower housing part and the cover part.

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

Abstract: A thermally actuatable auxiliary switch (10, 10', 100) used with a refrigerator compressor system (60) has a generally U-shaped bimetallic element (12) mounted at one end on a base plate (16, 16', 102) and with a movable contact (28) mounted on the high expansion side (12a) of the bimetallic element in alignment with a stationary contact (32) mounted on a stationary contact support (18, 18', 116). A thermal generator (34) in the form of a PTC pill (36) wire-wound resistor (28), or other electrically energizable heater or in the form of a discharge tube (60e) of a compressor, provides heat to the bimetallic element (12) causing it to deflect after the solid state starter (50) has switched to its high resistance state to switch out the solid state starter while the compressor motor remains energized.

Abstract: A switch having a housing which receives a temperature-dependent switching mechanism is described, the housing having an electrically conductive lower part as well as an electrically insulating cover part, closing off the lower part and attached thereto, on whose inner side a first countercontact, to which through contact is made externally, is provided for the switching mechanism. The lower part serves as the second countercontact of the switching mechanism and creates, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conductive connection between the two countercontacts. Arranged on the cover part in lossproof fashion are a first connection electrode that is connected electrically to the first countercontact, as well as a second connection electrode that is electrically connected to the lower part as a consequence of the attachment of the cover part to the lower part.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for protecting an electrical device (11) from overtemperature comprises a temperature-dependent switch (22) with a housing (23) on whose base (28) a first connecting contact (51) is provided. A second connecting contact is provided on the housing (23). Also provided is a holder (14) which carries the housing (23) and has an external terminal (27) connected to the second connecting contact. The holder (14) is electrically insulated with respect to the base (28) of the housing (23) and is designed, in the state as mounted on the device (11), to press the base (28) of the housing (23) onto a contact surface (29) provided on the device (11).

Abstract: A device for protecting a fractional-horsepower motor from overheating. The motor is intended to accommodate a high heat load. Its power supply accommodates a make-or-break switch. A bimetal component opens the switch once a certain temperature has been attained. The bimetal component is mounted on a support. The switch, the bimetal component, and its support are electrically connected in series. There is a specific ratio between the electrical impedance and heat capacity of the bimetal component and those of its support, and they are extensively in surface-to-surface contact.

Abstract: A user adjustable switching controller for duty cycle regulating flow of current to an electrical load such as a resistance heater, particularly for cooking appliances. A load current switch, when closed by a user operated cam also energizes a heat motor which includes a resistive strip attached to one active leg of a U-shaped bi-metal member. The load current switch snap spring is attached to the heated leg of the bi-metal. The other leg of the U-shaped bi-metal is anchored to one of the load connecting stationary terminals and serves to provide ambient temperature compensation. User rotation of the cam deflects a bias spring which acts on the portion of the bi-metal attached to the load switch snap spring to effect closing of the load current switch and energization of the heat motor. Heating of the bi-metal causes warpage which overcomes the bias spring to open the load switch and shut off the heat motor. Cooling of the bi-metal allows the load current switch to re-close repeating the cycle.

Abstract: A thermal protector includes a bimetal plate which is prevented from being vibrated by a magnetic field produced by a transformer or a motor. A member made of magnetic material is disposed in the vicinity of the bimetal plate. The fixed member for loosely holding the bimetal plate may be made of magnetic material. The fixed metal fitting for connecting a first fixed plate with a movable plate is extended near to the bimetal plate and is made of magnetic material.

Abstract: A time-delay switch responsive to a sensor 36 having a temperature compensation feature including bimetallic creep-type strip elements (10, 11). Additionally, the switch has an alarm function (A) with a manual reset button (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 temperature-dependent switch comprises a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having an electrically conductive spring element carrying a movable contact element. A first counter-contact is provided that coacts with said movable contact element to constitute a first switching contact pair that is opened and closed as a function of the temperature of the switching mechanism. A first heating resistor is provided for influencing the temperature of the switching mechanism at least in one switching state of the latter. The first heating resistor is provided on the movable contact element.

Abstract: The stray inductance created by the loop formed by voltage sensing conductors connected to opposite ends of the bimetal in a miniature circuit breaker for determining load current is reduced by joining a voltage sense bar to the free end of the bimetal. The voltage sense bar extends beside the bimetal toward the fixed end of the bimetal where an insulated wire connected to the free end of the sense bar forms a twisted pair with an insulated wire secured to the fixed end of the bimetal.

Abstract: A component for a demagnetization circuit includes a thermistor with positive temperature characteristic having a first electrode and a second electrode, another thermistor with negative temperature characteristic having a third electrode and a fourth electrode and being disposed such that the first and third electrodes are opposite to each other, a heat-sensitive switch disposed between these two thermistors, a case which contains the thermistors and a heat-sensitive switch, and terminals which extend outward from inside the case.

Abstract: A circuit overload protective device includes a body having a button pivotally disposed thereto and a bimetallic strip disposed thereto which has a first contact point disengagably contacting a second contact point on the body. A first member and a second member are respectively connected to an underside of the button, wherein the first member has a leg extending therefrom so as to be shifted into a curved recess defined in a first inner side of the body when the bimetallic strip is deformed, and the second member has a distal end thereof connected to the first contact point. A third member is disposed to a second inner side of the body and a spring is biasedly connected between the first member and the third member.

Abstract: A thermostat uses a bimetal plate carried by a rotating knob. Adjustment of the knob to select the thermostat's temperature setting displaces the entire bimetal plate towards or away from the electrical switch being activated. The bimetal plate is contained between protrusions from the knob and the coupling to the electrical switch.

Abstract: A thermally-responsive current-sensitive switch having a molded plastic body containing first and second terminals in the form of metal stampings and having an internal chamber wherein a leaf spring and a snap-acting bimetallic blade of the same shape are together spot-welded to one of the terminals with the leaf spring underlying the bimetal in registry therewith and at its other end carrying a sliver contact which cooperates in switching operations with the other switch terminal. In one embodiment, the spring bias of the leaf spring tends to open the switch and the force generated by the bimetal in its contacts-closing movement is sufficient to overcome the spring bias of the leaf spring, whereas in another embodiment the leaf spring develops either a neutral force or a contacts-opening force. The leaf spring electrically shunts the bimetal, whereby the current-carrying capability of the switch is increased and different switch specifications can use the same bimetal with different leaf springs.

Abstract: A plug with security device, including a housing, several conductive insertion plates adapted to be inserted into a power socket, conductive wires connected to an electric appliance and a security device. The insertion plates are connected with the conductive wires in the housing. The security device is disposed between at least one insertion plate and one conductive wire and includes a casing, a disconnector seat disposed therein, a thermal bimetal blade disposed on the disconnector seat, a movable contact disposed on the bimetal blade, a fixed contact disposed in the casing and connected with the conductive wire to naturally contact with the movable contact, and an insulative separating structure. When an excessively large current passes through the electric appliance, the bimetal plate is bent to separate the movable contact from the fixed contact and open the circuit.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch that utilizes a snap acting bimetal blade that deforms at an actuation temperature and returns to an undeformed state at a reset temperature. Actuation and reset projections, preferably in the form of dimples, are provided to calibrate the switch. The bimetal blade has a centrally located, cupped or dish-like snap acting depression. The reset dimple is spaced below the bimetal blade between the snap acting depression and the free end of the bimetal blade instead of substantially directly below the moveable contact as in the prior art. Accordingly, the thermostatic switch may be used in relatively high voltage settings of up to approximately 600 volts without the occurrence of arcing.

Abstract: An accelerating mechanism in an overcurrent relay for accelerating the speed of moving operation of a resetting bar or the speed of motion in a normally closed contact caused by the resetting bar. In the application of the relay to any resetting mechanism, which effects resetting with a movement of the resetting bar, the relay can eliminate a very hazardous abnormal operation that a resetting operation is stored in a toggle mechanism, thus improving the safety of the resetting mechanism.

Abstract: A thermostat, having a seal structure, prevents contact of a resilient plate with an inner side of the housing, even if an extremely great current flows through the resislient plate. The thermostat has a bulging portion at an inner side of the housing to which the bimetal plate contacts, before the resilient plate contacts to an inner portion of the housing.

Abstract: A temperature controller 10 comprises a bimetallic switching device 35 which switches at an excess temperature to protect an electrical device. The bimetallic switching device is accommodated in a housing 12 which has an electrically conductive base and an electrically conductive cover to close this. The cover and the base are connected by an insulation. A first electrical component 17 is connected in series between terminals of the temperature controller at least when the bimetallic switching device is open. A second electrical component 25 being arranged on the bottom of the base is also provided for the bimetallic switching device. The second electrical component 25 is connected in series with the bimetallic switching device 35 between the terminals 37, 39 of the temperature controller 35 at least when the bimetallic switching device 35 is closed. The first electrical component is a he a ting resistor R.sub.H or an insulator 41 with a comparable mechanical construction.

Abstract: A temperature controller 10 with a bimetallic switching device comprising a bimetallic disk and current-carrying spring disk 22, displaying a first heating resistor assigned to the bi-metallic switching device which has the effect of a self-locking function when the bimetallic switching device is actuated. The bimetallic switching device is assigned a second heating resistor which switches the bimetallic switching device when the current flowing through the temperature controller 10 becomes too high to protect a consumer against excess current. The bimetallic switching device is hereby provided as change-over switch and is connected to both heating resistors 53, 54 in such a way that in each of its switch positions is takes over the current flowing through the temperature 10 controller via a current-carrying part 22.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical switch having a contact system which includes a switching contact and at least one stationary contact. The stationary contact has a body and a contact surface which interacts with the switching contact. Furthermore, the stationary contact is arranged on a contact support which has a first wide side and a second narrow side approximately at right angles thereto and in which a recess is located in the first side, which recess has an opening, which faces the switching contact, on the second side. The body of the stationary contact is inserted into the recess in such a manner that the contact surface of the stationary contact is located on the second side. The stationary contact is designed as a bimetallic contact made of a first material for the body and of a second material in the form of a contact facing on the body. The bimetallic contact is arranged as a prefabricated part, with the contact facing as the contact surface on the contact support.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch has a housing and a temperature responsive bimetallic disc located in the housing and responsive to a predetermined temperature for exerting a flexing action. A fixed contact member is located in the cavity along with a movable contact member which is biased and movable between a switch-closed position in which it makes electrical contact with the fixed contact member and a switch-open position in which it is spaced from the fixed contact member. An actuating member is located in the housing, and is responsive to flexing movement of the disc for moving the movable contact member from the switch-closed position to the switch-open position. A hook portion is mounted within the cavity of the housing, the hook portion engaging an arm portion of the movable contact member upon the movement of the movable contact member to its switch-open position and entering an opening of the arm portion for retaining and maintaining the movable contact member in its switch open position.

Abstract: An energy regulator includes a pivotally mounted, U-shaped bimetallic element, one limb of which acts as an actuator for a microswitch arm, which is pivotally mounted to one end thereof. The other limb acts as a compensating bimetal and has a cam follower that engages a control surface of a control cam. The stressed C spring formed by the microswitch acts to bias the element into a pivotal mount in the housing, to bias the contact arm onto a pivotal seat on the end of the actuator and also generates a moment to bias the cam follower into engagement with its control surface.

Abstract: A trip-free high limit control for a water heater having a source of heat to heat the water. A switch arm is mounted in a control housing for movement in the housing. The switch arm has a first contact portion at one end thereof. A second stationary contact is mounted in the housing. The contact portion on the switch arm is movable relative to the stationary contact between closed and open positions to control the energization and de-energization of the source of heat for the water heater. A bi-metallic snap disk is mounted in the housing and is movable with snap action between first and second positions of stability at a predetermined overheat temperature. A switch arm actuating plunger is mounted in the housing for movement by the snap disk to open the switch contacts at a predetermined overheat temperature. A reset mechanism is provided which includes a reset spring mounted in the housing in operable engagement with the plunger.

Abstract: A bimetallic reed for a circuit protecting device includes an integral fusible portion as a failsafe interrupting mechanism. The bimetallic reed includes a body of electrical conductive materials and having a first end mountable to a terminal and a second end forming an interruptible contact portion. The body is shaped to deform at a central portion of the body when the body is heated to a predetermined temperature. The body includes a plurality of apertures adjacent to the contact portion defining a plurality of electrical conductive pathways connecting the central portion and the contact portion, wherein the plurality of conductive pathways is fusibly responsive to a predetermine electrical load condition to form a fusible link.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thermostat including a protection circuit for protecting a circuit even if contacts of the thermostat are welded. Movable contacts are disposed in both ends of a resilient plate deformed by a thermally responsive member and stationary contacts are disposed to correspond to both the movable contacts. External terminals are disposed to correspond to the stationary contacts. The strength of the spring on the side of one movable contact of the resilient member is made weaker than the strength of the spring on the side of the other movable contact. Normally, the movable contact having the weaker strength of the spring is opened and closed in response to the deformation of the thermally responsive member and if this contact are welded, the other movable contact is opened and closed. In the preferred embodiment, the second thermally responsive member for operating one movable contact is provided.

Abstract: An electrical steam iron having a soleplate, a housing, a thermostat and a temperature control knob connected to a shaft of the thermostat by an adapter. A spring is directly mounted to the adapter and has a deflectable portion between the adapter and the thermostat. The spring is a single wire that has a U-shaped center and crisscrossed L-shaped legs.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heater is positioned adjacent to a bimetal disc in a thermostat for depressing the temperatures at which the disc snaps between oppositely bowed positions to open and close a switch. A thermal insulator interposed between the heater and the thermostat housing protects the housing against overheating and properly locates the heater relative to the disc. A dielectric film on the surface of the disc that faces toward the heater insures adequate electrical spacing between the heater and disc.

Abstract: A capsule containing a precise amount of a substance such as mercury is mounted in an electrode mount assembly on a temperature sensitive member. At elevated temperatures the capsule is moved away from lamp components by the temperature sensitive member to preclude inadvertent release of the mercury into the sealed lamp. After the lamp has cooled, the temperature sensitive member urges the capsule into biased engagement with a cutting wire so that upon supply of current thereto the capsule is melted and opened to release the mercury.

Abstract: An electric switch, particularly a thermostatic switch, includes contacts connected to at least three terminal members having connector terminals aligned along a common axis.

Abstract: A device for indicating that a sensed temperature has reached a certain selected level and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a housing carrying an electrical switch unit for operating an indicator to one condition thereof when the switch unit is closed and to another condition thereof when the switch unit is open. The switch unit comprises a first movable contact unit and a second movable contact unit which when in contact with each other close the switch unit and when out of contact with each other open the switch unit. The first contact unit is moved relative to the second contact unit in relation to the sensed temperature. A selector unit is rotatably carried by the housing for selecting the certain level and has a setting portion operatively interconnected to the second contact unit to position the same relative to the first contact unit in relation to the selected level.

Abstract: An electric circuit interrupter device in which an electric circuit extends through the device. Within the device is a frangible link in the electric circuit. A plunger is engageable with the link. A stack of thermally responsive discs is expandable in length to force the plunger against the link to break the link and to interrupt the electric circuit.