Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch (10) comprises a bimetallic switching mechanism (12) that is arranged in a housing (11) having a first housing part (14) made of insulating material and a second housing part (17). The bimetallic switching mechanism (12) is connected to a first electrode (16) that is guided out of one housing part (14), and coacts with a second electrode (19) that is provided internally on the other housing part (17). The bimetallic switching mechanism (12) comprises a spring element (23), working against a bimetallic disk (29), which carries a movable contact (28) that coacts with the second electrode (19). There is provided laterally on the spring element (23) a retaining extension piece (25) at which it is attached to the first electrode (16).

Abstract: A switch has a housing 12 which receives a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 11, a first housing part 15 on whose inner base 25 a first electrode 24 connected to a first external terminal 23 is arranged, and a second housing part 14, closing off the first housing part 15, that has a second electrode 20 connected to a second external terminal 22. The switching mechanism 11 creates, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conducting connection between the first and the second electrode 24, 20. A parallel resistor 33 is arranged in the housing 12, geometrically and electrically between the two electrodes 20, 24.

Abstract: A switch (10) is provided that has a housing (12), an actuator (20), a contact blade (18), first and second shape-memory wires (28,30), and first and second contact points (70,71). The actuator (20) has a first end portion (52) pivotally coupled to the housing (12), and a second end portion (22) with first and second generally opposed arm portions (24), (26) extending therefrom. The contact blade (18) has the first contact point (70) positioned thereon, and is coupled to and moveable with the actuator (20). The first and second shape-memory wires (28,30) respectively extend between the first and second arm portions (24,26) of the actuator (20) and the housing (12). The second contact point (71) is coupled to the housing (12) and is electrically engageable with the first contact point (70) in response to movement of the actuator (20).

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: An actuator that uses electrothermal energy to switch between a first latching position and a second latching position. The actuator contains a leaf spring capable of latching into two distinct positions and two shape-memory wires. The shape-memory wires contract when heated and direct the leaf spring toward the two latching states. Once positioned in a latching state, the leaf spring will remain latched in that position until directed toward a different latching state by one of the shape-memory wires.

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: An flat casing (10) exhibiting a convex curvature to the outside on all sides, is slid onto the projection (1a) of a base (1). The casing (10) protects a contact device anchored in the base (1). The base (1) protrudes with the peripheral brackets (1b), formed on two sides of the base (1), beyond the projection (1a) into the casing (10) and supports the casing (10) from the insides A U-shaped carrier plate (4) is anchored with its arms (4a) in the brackets (1b). The carrier plate (4) is furnished with longitudinal edges (6), which are bent off at right angles outside of the anchoring, and the longitudinal edges (6) rest force-matchingly at the interior wall of the casing (10).

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a metal housing formed into the shape of a bottomed cylinder and having an open end, a header plate including a metal plate having a through hole and an electrically conductive lead terminal pin inserted through and airtightly fixed in the hole in an electrically insulated state, the header plate being airtightly fixed to the open end of the housing so that the housing and the header plate constitute a hermetic housing, a thermally responsive element formed into the shape of a shallow dish and having a generally central through hole, a fixed contact section provided on a portion of the lead terminal pin located in the hermetic housing, a movable plate support secured to the metal plate of the header plate located in the hermetic housing, a movable plate formed of a leaf spring-shaped conductive metal plate and having one end secured to the movable plate support, and a movable contact fixed to the other end side of the movable plate.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a housing having a cavity formed therein, a temperature responsive bimetallic disc located in the housing, a stationary contact member which is electrically interconnected to a first terminal external to the housing, and a movable contact member which is electrically interconnected to a second terminal external to the housing. The movable contact member movable between a switch-closed position and a switch-open position. 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 reset assembly is provided for resetting the disc, and includes a reset element which is movable between a first position in which it is spaced from the actuating member and a second position in which it is axially moved to engage the actuating member for moving the disc back to its pre-flexed position.

Abstract: A threshold microswitch includes a movable electrode, realizing an initial deflection by a difference in residual stresses; an upper electrode, provided at a fixed distance from the movable electrode; and a support mechanism, including a movable electrode support portion which supports both ends of the movable electrode such that a snap-through buckling phenomenon can be used when the movable electrode receives a threshold load. An upper electrode support portion supports the upper electrode such that switching with the movable electrode is realized when the same undergoes snap-through buckling.

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 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: A switch has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism that is received in a housing. The housing has a first housing part on whose inner base a first countercontact is arranged. Also provided is a second housing part, closing off the first housing part, on whose inner base a second countercontact is arranged, such that the switching mechanism creates, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conductive connection between the two countercontacts, to which contact is made from outside through a respective wall of the associated housing part. At least one housing part is made of insulating material. The countercontact in the housing part made of insulating material is arranged in lossproof fashion, for example by casting or injection-molding, in such a way that it is an integral component of said housing part.

Abstract: A switch comprises a housing which receives a temperature-dependent switching mechanism and has a lower part on whose inner base a first countercontact for the switching mechanism is arranged. Also provided is a cover part, closing off the lower part, on whose inner side a second countercontact for the switching mechanism is provided. The switching mechanism creates, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conductive connection between the two countercontacts, to which contact can be made from outside. The lower part is made of insulating material, and contact can be made from outside with the first countercontact through a wall of the lower part. The cover part is made of electrically conductive material and simultaneously acts as the second countercontact, the cover part being held on an upper rim of the lower part.

Abstract: A manual reset electrical protector (10, 10') has a reset assembly (26, 26') having a guideway (28a, 28a') and track (28c, 28c') in which a slide member (30, 34, 34') is movable between a protracted position interrupting the movement of a movable electrical contact (22) mounted on a thermostatic disc (20) to preventg engagement of the movable contact with a stationary electrical contact (24) and a retracted position in which the movable contact is allowed to move unfettered into the contacts engagement position. A push button (32, 32') has a cam member (32a, 32a') which, when the push button is depressed, rides against a follower (30b, 34b) attached to the slide member, causing the slide member to move to the retracted position against the bias of a spring (30d, 36). The movable contact (22) prevents movement of the slide member to the blocking, protracted position when in the contacts engaged position.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch comprises a housing having a lower housing part and a cover part capping said lower housing part. A first countercontact is provided at an inner surface of said cover part, said first countercontact having a projection pointing into said housing. A second countercontact is provided at an inner surface of said lower housing part. Inside of said housing a temperature-dependent switching mechanism is arranged, said mechanism including an electrically conductive spring element having an opening. Dependent on the temperature said spring element assumes at least two distinct switching positions, whereby in its first switching position the spring element is in contact with both said first and second countercontacts, thereby electrically interconnecting said first and second countercontacts.

Abstract: A snap acting thermostatic disc assembly having a thermostatic disc element (20) responsive both to current and to ambient temperature is provided with an electrical contact (22) on a face surface on the disc element at one end thereof and a weld slug (24) at an opposite end of the disc element and has a fulcrum member (28, 28', 28") on the opposite face surface of the disc element in alignment with the weld slug. The fulcrum member is arranged to move the bending location of the disc element member away from the heat affected zone of the thermostatic metal caused by welding. In a second embodiment the snap acting disc element is used as an ambient temperature responsive control member.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a case assembly with two terminals and movable contacts, one of which is on a resilient blade to open and close a circuit through the terminals. A bimetal disc actuates the blade by heating to open the contacts. A base defines an interface with the case assembly and supports the disc; the interface being deformed or crushed sufficiently to position the blade to define the threshold temperature and to couple the base and case assembly together. The deformable interface is preferably formed by upstanding, curved projections on the base and mating with the case assembly. When deformed, the projections are substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel of the base so that the disc is centered, but is freely movable. Bendable legs secure a cap in position and lock the case assembly and the base together.

Abstract: A thermal protector (70, 70') is shown particularly suitable as a safety back-up mechanism for appliances having electrically energizable resistance heaters. The thermal protector has first (72, 72') and second (74, 74') electrically conductive housing members joined together through an electrically insulating gasket (76). A thermostatic snap acting disc (86) is cantilever mounted on one of the housing members and adapted to move between positions in and out of electrical engagement with the other housing member in dependence upon temperature. The snap acting disc (86) has an actuation temperature selected from approximately 70.degree. C. to 175.degree. C. and, for non-resettable applications, a reset temperature of -35.degree. C.

Abstract: A snap acting control member (10, 10b) having high actuating temperatures comprises metal layers metallurgically bonded together with a low expansion (12) and a relatively high expansion layer (14) each having similar moduli of elasticity and the low expansion layer being formed of a precipitation hardenable stainless steel so that after forming into a dished shaped configuration to make the member snap acting the low expansion layer is heat treated to increase the strength. The control member can be used solely to sense temperature or it can be used as an electrical current carrying member. When used in the latter manner, the electrical resistivity of the member can be adjusted by interposing a selected layer (16) between layers (12) and (14) to thereby increase or decrease the resistivity of the member (10b) depending on the particular metal chosen for the interlayer.

Abstract: A thermal protector for protecting an electrical accessory in a current carrying circuit is actuated when abnormal changes occur for any reason in the ambient temperature about the accessory has, a conductive first terminal defining a stationary contact and is connected to one side of the current carrying circuit, an insulator coacts with the first terminal for isolating the first terminal except for the stationary contact thereon from the other conductive elements of the thermal protector, a conductive actuating assembly having a leaf spring formed thereon and a contact fixedly connected and movable with the leaf spring is aligned for engagement and disengagement with said stationary contact, a second conductive terminal member is connected to the opposite side of said current carrying circuit and has a connector assembly for joining the first conductive terminal, the conductive actuating assembly and the second conductive terminal member to each other, a bimetallic element freely positioned in the thermal p

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch used in enclosed motor-compressors includes a supporter formed of a single metallic plate and including a support arm cantilever mounting a thermally responsive bimetallic or trimetallic element carrying a movable contact at one end, first and second beams disposed in a relation that the support arm is interposed between these beams, and an operative temperature calibration strip integrally extended from the first beam. The calibration strip is slidably inserted between the support arm and the second beam into a wedge structure in the state that the calibration strip is bent at the root portion. Consequently, when the calibration strip is bent with the slidable movement, the support arm is bent so that the contact pressure between the contacts is set, an amount of bending deformation of the support arm corresponding to an amount of bending deformation of the calibration strip.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch is shown in which a movable arm mounting a movable contact and a snap acting thermostatic strip disc are cantilever mounted with the disc adapted to cause the movable contact to move out of engagement with a stationary contact at a selected calibration temperature by engaging the movable arm and moving it and concomitantly the movable contact away from the stationary contact when the disc snaps to its opposite surface configuration.

Abstract: An electric switch, particularly a thermostatic switch, includes a pair of switches having contacts connected to three terminal members having connector terminals aligned along a common axis. The connector terminals include a pair of outside connector terminals and a central connector terminal. One switch has a fixed contact connected with one of the pair of outside connector terminals and a movable contact connected with the central connector terminal. The other switch has a movable contact connected with the other outside terminal and a fixed contact connected with the central connector terminal.

Abstract: This invention provides a snap-action heat responsive device employing a bimetallic strip which is typically used with a thermostat, a temperature-protecting apparatus or the like. Two elongated portions of the bimetallic strip oppose each other so that they may be deflected in the opposite directions to double the amount of displacement of the bimetallic strip and in addition so that they may be urged in the opposite directions. This enables swift reverse of the bimetallic strip and also production of a small-sized bimetallic device suitable for use as a miniature current limiter for handling an electric current of about one ampere. It is therefore possible to produce a snap-action heat responsive device having a high sensitivity with respect to variations in temperature.

Abstract: A fluid pressure switch is shown including first and second discs each having convex-concave surface configurations on opposite sides thereof adapted to invert its configuration upon being subjected to selected pressure levels. A slidably disposed plural stage pressure converter having a flexible membrane on one side thereof is operatively coupled to the discs to transfer force from fluid pressure received by the membrane. A motion transfer member extends from the second disc to an electric switch. At a first range of pressures the first disc prevents actuation of the switch, at a second range of pressures the curvature of the first disc has inverted allowing actuation of the switch while at a third range of pressures the curvature of the second disc has inverted resulting in deacuation of the switch.

Abstract: A dual condition responsive switch is shown including first and second discs each having convex-concave surface configurations on opposite sides thereof adapted to invert its configuration upon being subjected to selected conditions. A motion transfer member extends from the second disc to an electric switch. At a first range of conditions the first disc prevents actuation of the switch, at a second range of conditions the curvature of the first disc has inverted allowing actuation of the switch while at a third range of conditions the curvature of the second disc has inverted resulting in deactuation of the switch.

Abstract: A bistable bimetallic element is captured loosely between a housing cover on the one side, and an interior abutment and an end of a movable contact arm on the other side. A dimple in the housing cover provides a fulcrum for the bistable element, so as to permit a large throw of the compact arm and thus a high breakdown voltage rating.

Abstract: A bimetal circuit breaker switch assembly has two parallel, side-by-side arranged snap switches associated with two circuits independent from one another, a plate-like bimetal element which is, at its arcuately moving free end, operatively connected with the actuating ends of the snap switches, and a desired value setter arranged approximately at right angles to the length dimension of the snap switches. To a freely swinging end of the transmitting element there is secured a snap spring which is biased and which is stamped out of the plate material forming the snap contacts. The movable end of the bimetal element is formed of spaced legs bent generally perpendicularly to the bimetal element. The transmitting element includes a first spring plate in contact with the desired value setter and a second spring plate disposed parallel spaced from the first spring plate and divided into two spring legs having free ends bent generally perpendicularly to the spring legs.

Abstract: A thermal or pressure responsive switch has a base mounting a set of electrical contacts. A metallic snap acting disc support, placed on the base is provided with a bore which receives a pin to transfer motion from a disc mounted on the support to the set of electrical contacts upon snapping of the disc.A first embodiment has a pressure converter received on the disc support. The peripheral edge of the snap acting disc is received on a seat formed in the converter with an annular reaction ridge formed on the support.A second embodiment has a pressure converter with the peripheral edge of the snap acting disc received on a seat formed in the disc support and an annular force ridge on the converter is adapted to contact the upper surface of the disc. In either embodiment a layer of low friction plastic can be placed on both faces of the disc.A third embodiment has a flat metallic disc support with a recessed portion for receiving the disc and a continuous stop surface.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch device includes; a bimetallic plate enclosed within a metallic enclosure in a cantilever manner and having a central dish-shaped portion for snap movement. The bimetallic plate carries a movable contact at one free end to be in making contact relationship with a fixed contact which is placed into the enclosure. A calibrator projection is provided with the enclosure to engage with the dish-shaped portion to exert point pressure between the contacts. A reinforcer extension is disposed in the enclosure and has one end secured to the inner side of the enclosure and its other end sandwiching the dish-shaped portion in cooperation with the projection so as to prevent the cantilever support end of the plate from being deformed irrespective of often repeated snap actions of the plate in response to the ambient temperature or the like.

Abstract: A snap acting thermostat is described which is suitable for miniature construction and utilizes a thermostatic snap acting disc, one edge of which actuates the contacts. The force of the thermostatic disc forces the contacts closed in one temperature condition by acting on the contact end of the contact strip, the entire length of which is resilient. This permits sufficient movement of the contacts for usable voltage and current ratings without excessive metal fatigue in the physically short contact strip.

Abstract: Known thermal switches designed for safeguarding apparatus against overheating have been produced with one driving bimetal snap action disk and a spring snap action disk responsible for the contacting force on the turned-on position of the switch. For operation of the switch the bimetal snap action disks have to be powerful enough for overcoming the full contact-making pressure of the spring snap action disk and to this end it is necessary for the bimetal disk to be made quite large in size or the contact-making forces produced thereby will be so low that the conduction and switching properties are poor.For taking care of this shortcoming of the prior art in the invention a thermal switch has two formed spring snap action disks acting in opposite directions. This makes possible the use of small bimetal snap action disks which nevertheless give high contact-making forces and troublefree operation of such a thermal switch.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch for controlling an electrically heated device, composed of an insulating body carrying a countercontact, a bimetal disc, and a contact spring having a first end secured to the body, a second end which is movable relative to the first end and which carries a contact located to cooperate with the countercontact, and portions mounting the bimetal disc for controlling the movement of the contact as a function of temperature, the contact spring presenting longitudinal edges extending between its ends, wherein the mounting portions include angled extension portions extending from the longitudinal edges of the spring for restraining movement of the disc in the direction transverse to the edges.

Abstract: A domestic range of the electric type includes a cooking platform providing a plurality of "burner" locations constituted by pancake-shaped surface heating elements formed of spirally wound resistance wire. An elongated boxlike control unit extends upwardly from and across the back edge of the cooking platform. An oven chamber of the pyrolytic self-cleaning type is located below the range platform and includes radiant-type heating elements also formed of resistance wire. A heat-sink-mounted electronic module located within the control unit is protected from damaging high temperatures caused by improper operation of the range by a pair of normally closed temperature-sensitive bimetal actuated switches mounted to the module heat sink, the switches being connected in electrical series relationship between the heating elements and their electrical power source.

Abstract: A combined temperature responsive valve construction and an electrical switch construction wherein the valve construction has a thermally responsive device of the piston and cylinder type operating a movable valve member that is engaged by the piston of the device and operates an actuator of the switch construction, the valve member comprising an axially movable valve stem having opposed ends one of which is engaged by the piston of the device and the other of which operates the actuator. A coiled compression spring has one of the opposed ends thereof engaging a spring retaining part of the other end of the valve stem in a retained manner and the other opposed end thereof engaging the actuator whereby axial movement of the valve stem toward the actuator will tend to compress the spring therebetween.

Abstract: First and second fixed terminals are mounted in a casing and have one ends projecting out of the casing. Inside the casing, a bimetal extends between the first and second fixed terminals, the bimetal having one end secured to the first fixed terminal. The other end of the bimetal is held in engagement with one end of a coil spring disposed around a pivotable lever pivotably supported on the casing, the other end of the coil spring engaging the pivotable lever. When a current flowing through the bimetal exceeds a predetermined amount, the bimetal is bent to cause a contact supported on a distal end thereof to move rapidly out of contact with a contact supported on the second fixed terminal under the resiliency of the coil spring acting on the bimetal.

Abstract: A thermally responsive electrical switch for a fast idle control in an automotive engine has two thermally responsive snap acting discs disposed in an open-ended well in a thermally conducting housing. A switch having contacts movable between open and closed circuit positions is disposed in the open end of the well and the discs are arranged to snap at respective first and second temperatures to move the contacts from one circuit position to the other and then to return to the original circuit position in sequence as the disc elements are successively heated to said first and second temperatures. Resilient conductors are mounted on the switch and are electrically connected to the respective contacts. A terminal which completes the low cost assembly is secured to the housing to press terminals of different selected types against the resilient conductors to electrically connect the terminals to the respective switch contacts and to resiliently hold the switch in place in the housing.

Abstract: A heat responsive electrical switch comprises a small, open ended, generally cylindrical housing in which are mounted two spaced plate members extending in parallel directions from a bottom wall into a switch cavity. The first plate member mounts at its distal free end a relatively inflexible movable contact arm which is adapted to move into and out of engagement with a stationary contact mounted on the second plate member. A relatively low spring rate spring is connected between the movable contact arm toward the stationary contact with a selected contact force created by displacing a portion of the spring with a reaction force. The open end of the housing is formed with a plurality of raised plateaus. A thermally conductive cup is received over the open end interfitting with the plateaus. A thermally responsive snap-acting disc and a flexible motion transfer sheet of resinous material can be captured by the cup at the open end of the housing.

Abstract: A heat responsive electrical switch comprises a small, open ended, generally cylindrical housing in which are mounted two spaced plate members extending in parallel directions from a bottom wall into a switch cavity. The first plate member mounts at its distal free end a relatively inflexible movable contact arm which is adapted to move into and out of engagement with a stationary contact mounted on the second plate member. A relatively low spring rate spring is connected between the movable contact arm toward the stationary contact with a selected contact force created by displacing a portion of the spring with a reaction force. The open end of the housing is formed with a plurality of raised plateaus. A thermally conductive cup is received over the open end interfitting with the plateaus. A thermally responsive snap-acting disc and a flexible motion transfer sheet of resinous material can be captured by the cup at the open end of the housing.

Abstract: A creepless, snap action thermostat is formed employing two movable contacts. One of the contacts is mounted to a bimetallic arm which moves as the temperature of the environment in which the thermostat is located increases. The second movable contact is mounted on a spring arm, the spring arm following the motion of the bimetallic arm upon increased heating, so as to maintain firm mating of the two contacts until the snap over point of the bimetal is reached. After snap over, the contact on the spring arm is prevented from following the contact on the bimetallic arm because of a physical stop formed in the thermostat casing.

Abstract: A heat switch which includes a base body having electrical connection elements fixed thereon and insulated from each other, a movable contact member, a fixed contact member, and a bimetallic member for controlling relative positions of the contact members with respect to each other. Each of the contact members is connected with a respective one of the electrical connection elements in an electrically conductive manner. The bimetallic member is operable for conductively connecting or separating the contact members from each other. The movable contact member is relatively resistant to bending and is connected by an electrically conducting articulated connection with one of the electrical connection elements. The articulated connection includes an articulation part formed on one of the connection elements and a movable articulation part formed on the movable contact member.

Abstract: A grounded thermostat comprising a housing of non-conductive material, a cap of conductive material constituting a fixed grounded contact, a live movable contact supported in the housing in spring-biased engagement with the fixed grounded contact, a non-conductive transfer pin mounted with an end in the housing in engagement with the movable contact and with its other end protruding through the cap, and a bimetallic element secured to the cap in a position to engage the protruding end of the transfer pin responsive to predetermined thermal conditions.

Abstract: A temperature control device for use with an aquarium heater, including a control housing, a first contact fastened to the control housing, a second contact responsive to the temperature responsive movement of a bimetallic strip maintained at the control housing and movable between a closed position wherein the second contact abuts the first contact and an open position wherein the second contact is separated from the first contact, a plate spring, the second contact fastened at the free end of the plate spring and with the plate spring mounted on the control housing and movable through an unstable intermediate position between a first stable position wherein the contacts lie abuting one another and a second stable position wherein the contacts are separated from one another, and the plate spring abuting a stop on the control housing and with the bimetallic strip abuting the plate spring and moving the plate spring in response to temperature changes between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A thermal relay construction capable of operating a pair of electrical contacts. The thermal relay includes an electrical heater of the self-regulating PTC type which is mounted upon and thermally coupled directly to a bimetal snap disc so that heat generated by the heater causes the bimetal snap disc to overcenter and operate the electrical contacts. The other electrical connection to the heater is made through a compensating blade which bears against the heater to compensate for ambient temperature effects on the thermal relay. An electric range oven control uses temperature sensitive electrical contacts in conjunction with the thermal relay to control the oven heaters.

Abstract: A thermostatic electrical switch and method of switch assembly are disclosed for a switch which provides an electrically conductive path when the temperature of the switch is below a threshold temperature and which opens the path when the temperature of the switch exceeds the threshold temperature. A conductive base plate has a bimetal thermostatic snap element attached at first end of the snap element to the top of the base plate and making electrical contact therewith. The snap element is generally concave upwardly when its temperature is less than the threshold temperature and snaps to a straightened position when its temperature is above the threshold temperature. An electrical snap contact is mounted on the upper surface of the snap element adjacent a second end of the snap element and is electrically connected to the snap element. A conductive cap covers the snap element and is welded to the base plate around a portion of the periphery of the cap, thereby forming a casing with the base plate.

Abstract: A leaf-spring switch comprising an insulating switch base having parallel upper and lower arms each having a claw on the inside of its free end, upper and lower leaf springs provided midway between and in parallel with the arms, the upper leaf spring being provided at its one end with a tongue-shaped projection and a first contact and at its other end with a terminal, the lower leaf spring being provided at its central portion with a finger plate surrounded by a U-shaped slit larger in width than the upper leaf spring, the finger plate having a second contact at its one end, the lower leaf spring being provided at its one end with a lug and at its other end with a terminal, the upper and lower springs being fixed by the switch base so that the first and second contacts may face each other, a semicircular toggle spring provided at its one end with a forked part which engages the lug and at its other end with a narrow section smaller in width than the U-shaped slit, and the narrow section of the toggle spring h

Abstract: A thermal bimetallic strip relay comprises a case with a cover having fixed contacts attached to it from inside and provided with external leads; located inside the case are an upper and a lower supports made as bent thermal bimetallic elements that have radii of curvature of opposite signs and between which the center of a "clapping" sensitive thermal bimetallic element is located with moving contacts attached to it and arranged opposite to the fixed contacts. Similar bimetal layers of said upper and lower supports as well as those of the sensing element are arranged to face in the same direction with respect to either the lid or the case bottom. The relay is intended to enable and to disable an electric network whenever the ambient temperature of the medium under control deviates from the preset value.

Abstract: A bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed in which a steel disc cup is provided for strength and/or environmental resistant properties. Positioned within the disc cup is a disc seat formed of aluminum. A bimetal snap disc is positioned in the disc seat and operates the thermostat switch through an axially movable bumper. A ring of rubber like foam material is positioned between the body assembly and the disc on the side of the disc remote from the disc seat. The aluminum disc seat reduces temperature calibration drift of the disc during the cycling of the disc which occurs during the use of the thermostat. The foam ring also tends to reduce bouncing and thereby tends to reduce temperature calibration drift. Also the ring functions to insure that the disc remains properly seated in its aluminum disc seat.