Abstract: A protection device includes a movable arm, a fixed terminal, and a bimetallic member, and a casing that accommodates them, the bimetallic member is located either above or below the movable arm, one end of the bimetallic member applies force to one end of the movable arm, thereby holding one end of the movable arm and the fixed terminal in contact.

Abstract: An electronic component device includes an electronic component, a pair of metal terminals, a bonding member, and an expansion member having thermal expansibility. The electronic component includes an element body and a pair of external electrodes. The element body has a pair of end faces opposed to each other. The pair of external electrodes is disposed on the pair of end faces. The pair of metal terminals is electrically connected to the pair of external electrodes. The bonding member bonds one of the pair of external electrodes to one of the pair of metal terminals. The bonding member electrically connects the one of the pair of external electrodes to the one of the pair of metal terminals. The one of the pair of metal terminals includes an opposing face. The opposing face is a flat face.

Abstract: An electrical/mechanical switching having a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is a neutral terminal and has a first terminal power engagement tab and a first terminal engagement tab with a first terminal copper dimple. The second terminal is a neutral terminal and has a second terminal mating engagement tab and a second terminal engagement tab with a second terminal copper dimple. A cam member is provided proximate the first terminal engagement tab and is movable between a first position and a second position to move the first terminal engagement tab into electrical and mechanical engagement with the second terminal engagement tab. An opening projection is provided proximate the first terminal engagement tab and the second terminal engagement tab and is movable between a first position and a second position to separate the first terminal engagement tab and the second terminal engagement tab.

Abstract: A thermal protector has superiority in current responsiveness or thermal responsiveness with a simple configuration that does not need a separate manufacturing step of incorporating a resistor. At a stage of press processing for cutting from an original material, a movable plate body part 16 of a movable plate 4 is partitioned into a narrow-width part 17 and a wide-width part 18 by a slim hole 19. The movable plate 4 is assembled to a fixed conductor 2 with columns 9 of an insulator 3, a bimetal 5 is assembled to the movable plate 4, the entire configuration is pressed down by a resinous block 6, and the entire fixing part is fixed by melting tips of the columns 9. The wide-width part 18 serves as a normal movable plate, whereas the narrow-width part 17 serves as a conductor in a normal state and as a resistor against an overcurrent.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a hermetically sealed container including a metal housing and a header plate, at least one conductive terminal pin hermetically fixed in a through hole, a fixed contact fixed-to the terminal pin in the container, a thermally responsive plate having one end connected via a support to an inner surface of the container and reversing a curvature direction at a predetermined temperature, and at least one movable contact electrically conductively secured to the other end of the thermally responsive plate. Each contact includes a silver-tin oxide-indium oxide system contact. The container is filled with a gas containing helium ranging from 50% to 95% so that an internal pressure of the container ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 atmosphere at room temperature.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a container including a metal housing and a header plate, at least one conductive terminal pin inserted through a hole of the header plate, a fixed contact fixed to the terminal pin, a thermally responsive plate having one of two ends conductively connected via a support to an inner surface of the container and reversing a direction of curvature at a predetermined temperature, and at least one movable contact electrically conductively secured directly to the other end of the thermally responsive plate. Each contact is comprised of a silver-cadmium oxide system contact. The container is filled with a gas containing helium ranging from 50% to 95% so that an internal pressure of the container ranges from 0.38 atmosphere to 0.68 atmosphere at room temperature such that arc generated during opening of the contacts moves on surfaces of the contacts without spreading from the contacts.

Abstract: A breaker is provided with: a movable piece (4) that has an elastically deformable elastic portion (43) and a movable contact on the tip of the elastic portion (43) and that presses the movable contact into contact with a fixed contact; a thermal actuator element (5) that is formed into a shape with a convex surface and is deformed by a change in temperature, thereby actuating the movable piece (4) so that the movable contact separates from the fixed contact; and a resin case (7) which houses the movable piece (4) and the thermal actuator element (5). The bottom surface of the base end (42a) of the movable piece (4) is positioned lower than the top (5a) of the upper surface of the thermal actuator element (5) by a distance (D). Thereby, a stable temperature adjustability and a resistance value are ensured in a breaker used as a protection device for a secondary battery with miniturization brought into realty.

Abstract: A thermal protector has superiority in current responsiveness or thermal responsiveness with a simple configuration that does not need a separate manufacturing step of incorporating a resistor. At a stage of press processing for cutting from an original material, a movable plate body part of a movable plate is partitioned into a narrow-width part and a wide-width part by a slim hole. The movable plate is assembled to a fixed conductor with columns of an insulator, a bimetal is assembled to the movable plate, the entire configuration is pressed down by a resinous block, and the entire fixing part is fixed by melting tips of the columns. The wide-width part serves as a normal movable plate, whereas the narrow-width part serves as a conductor in a normal state and as a resistor against an overcurrent.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprising a mechanical device for electrical switching comprising a first assembly being thermally deformable and having a beam held at at least two different locations by at least two arms, the beam and the arms being metal and disposed within the same metallization level, and further comprising at least one electrically conducting body. The first assembly has a first configuration at a first temperature and a second configuration at a second temperature different from the first temperature. The beam is out of contact with the electrically conducting body in one configuration in contact with the body in the other configuration. The beam establishes or breaks an electrical link passing through the said at least one electrically conducting body and through the said beam in the different configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external operation thermal protector incorporating two thermal plates, each having a first resistance element module having a first polymer PTC element and a second resistance element module having a second polymer PTC element fixed to a body casing together with the fixed end of a movable plate interlocked with a bimetal and a second terminal. Two gaps for absorbing the volume expansion caused when each polymer PTC element generates heat are provided between the plates and the inner walls of the body casing. The current for an external load between a first terminal and the second terminal is interrupted by externally energizing the second terminal and a second connection unit, the current interruption is self-sustained.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes an airtight container including a metal housing and a header plate, conductive terminal pins airtightly fixed to the header plate, a fixed contact fixed to the conductive terminal pin, a thermally responsive plate one end of which is conductively connected to and fixed to the inner surface of the airtight container and the bending direction of which is reversed at a predetermined temperature, and a movable contact fixed to the other end of the thermally responsive plate. In the thermally responsive switch, the movable contact and the fixed contact are composed of a silver tin oxide based contact and gas containing 50% or more and 95% or less of helium is encapsulated in the airtight container in such a manner that gas pressure is equal to or more than 0.35 and equal to or less than 0.7 at ordinary temperature.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes a hermetic container including a housing and a header plate hermetically secured to an open end of the housing, a conductive terminal pin inserted through the header plate, a conductive pin, a thermally responsive plate having one of two ends fixed to the terminal pin, a movable contact secured to the other end of the thermally responsive plate, and a fixed contact fixed via an electrical conductor to the terminal pin, the conductor having a fuse part and a heater. The fixed contact is fixed to a ceramic member disposed between the container and the fixed contact. The housing includes a bottom surface including both lengthwise ends between which the conductive pin is interposed. Both ends of the housing bottom surface are deformed axially relative to the conductive pin from an initial state, so that an operating temperature of the switch is calibratable.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an external operation thermal protector incorporating a polymer PTC element that is operable in a safe state in which a hot spot does not occur even under volume expansion due to thermal expansion at the time of heat generation. A terminal plate of a resistance element module having a polymer PTC element is caulked above a column and fixed to a body casing together with the fixed end of a movable plate interlocked with a bimetal and a second terminal. Another terminal plate of the resistance element module is arranged with a gap, for absorbing the volume expansion caused when the polymer PTC element generates heat, with respect to the inner wall of the body casing. The current for an external load between a first terminal and the second terminal is interrupted by externally energizing the second terminal and a third terminal.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch (10) has a housing (11), on which a first and a second external connection (17, 18) are arranged, and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (33, 29) , which is arranged in the housing (11) and makes an electrically conductive connection between the first and the second external connection (17, 18) as a function of its temperature, wherein the switching mechanism (33, 29) has a spring part (33), which is electrically connected at its first end (37) to an external connection (17) and is fitted at its second end (36) with a moving contact part (32) which interacts with the second external connection (18), and a bimetallic part (29) which electrically disconnects the moving contact part (32) from the second external connection (18) as a function of its temperature. The housing (11) is closed on its upper side by an electrically conductive cover part (12) which is directly connected to the first external connection (17).

Abstract: A protector for a three-phase electric motor has a container with a housing and a metal plate secured thereto. A protrusion is provided in the housing. Three conductive terminal pins, each with a fixed contact, protrude into the housing through the metal plate. A thermally responsive plate is connected to the three moveable contacts. The thermally responsive plate is dish shaped and reverses its direction of curvature at a predetermined temperature. Three moveable contacts are secured to the thermally responsive plate. An elastic member extends between the protrusion and the thermally responsive plate. A rotation member prevents the thermally responsive plate from rotating, thereby maintaining the moveable contacts in opposition to the fixed contacts. The conductive terminal pins are located at a neutral point side of phase windings of a three-phase motor so that AC current flowing into the three-phase motor is interrupted.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a thermal protector, including the rear end of a movable plate fixed to one end of a resin base and a pair of terminals for connection with an external circuit fixed to the other end thereof. Fixed contacts are formed on the fixed portions of the terminals, and the movable contact of the movable plate is disposed opposed to the fixed contacts. A bimetal element engaged with the center of the movable plate is set to project upward at normal temperature, thus bringing the movable contact into pressure contact with the fixed contacts with prescribed contact pressure. The bimetal element consists of an inversion area wherein the inversion area has no portion overlapping the conduction path area of load current.

Abstract: A bimetal part (10) for use as an active switching element in a temperature-dependent switch has at least one inner region (13) and an outer region (12) surrounding the at least one inner region (13), the inner region (13) and the outer region (12) being formed such that in certain portions they are in one piece with one another and in certain portions they are mechanically separated from one another and being stamped in opposite directions, and at least one contact area (21) being provided on the inner region (13).

Abstract: A thermal protector has superiority in current responsiveness or thermal responsiveness with a simple configuration that does not need a separate manufacturing step of incorporating a resistor. At a stage of press processing for cutting from an original material, a movable plate body part 16 of a movable plate 4 is partitioned into a narrow-width part 17 and a wide-width part 18 by a slim hole 19. The movable plate 4 is assembled to a fixed conductor 2 with columns 9 of an insulator 3, a bimetal 5 is assembled to the movable plate 4, the entire configuration is pressed down by a resinous block 6, and the entire fixing part is fixed by melting tips of the columns 9. The wide-width part 18 serves as a normal movable plate, whereas the narrow-width part 17 serves as a conductor in a normal state and as a resistor against an overcurrent.

Abstract: There is provided a circuit protection device with even more possibility of protecting a circuit. In a circuit protection device comprising a circuit switching element which comprises a bimetal element as a circuit switching component and a movable terminal as well as a PTC element, (1) the PTC element and the movable terminal are connected electrically in parallel; (2) the circuit switching element is able to cut off current flowing through the circuit switching element by moving, through the actuation of the bimetal element at its actuating temperature (Top), the movable terminal positioned to pass current, and is able to pass current through the circuit switching element by moving, through the resetting of the bimetal element at its reset temperature (Tcl), the movable terminal positioned to pass current; (3) the actuating temperature (Top) of the bimetal element is at least 20° C.

Abstract: Terminal plates 4 and 33 of respectively a first resistance element module having a first polymer PTC 2 and a second resistance element module having a second polymer PTC 32 are caulked above and below a column 37 and fixed to a body casing 13 together with the fixed end of a movable plate 15 interlocked with a bimetal 14 and a second terminal 17. The other terminal plates 5 and 34 respectively of the first and second resistance element modules are arranged with a gap for absorbing the volume expansion caused when each polymer PTC generates heat with respect to the inner wall of the body casing 13. The current for an external load between a first terminal 34-2 and the second terminal 17 is interrupted by externally energizing the second terminal 17 and a second connection unit 5-1, the current interruption is self-sustained.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: A thermostat has a movable place where a spring point and a securing plate portion are integrally formed. The spring point is provided with a movable contact at a position that faces a fixed contact, a protrusion with which a bimetal that counter turns comes into contact, a hole for inserting the head of a bimetal holding point, and a protrusion for holding the bimetal, and the spring point is valley-folded at a folding point so as to face the securing plate portion. The securing plate portion is integrally constituted of a terminal point connected to one external terminal, a fixation point for securing an insulating plate, which has the fixed contact in a manner to hold the plate from both sides, and a holding point folded and set up, penetrating a central hole of the bimetal to hold the bimetal.

Abstract: A thermal switch includes a low abrasive and wear resistant disc seat for holding a bimetallic disc. The disc seat includes a disc body with a flange extending from a periphery of the disc body. A centralized through opening may be located in the disc body to prevent warping of the disc body during its manufacture. In addition, the disc seat may be made from brass where at least a first surface of the disc body is plated with Teflon Electroless Nickel, which may take the form of sub-micron particles of polytetrafluoroethylene with auto-catalytically applied nickel.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal away from the first terminal, a reverse spring reversing at a set temperature and having an opening part and positioned between the first and second terminals, and a junction spring positioned between the reverse spring and the second terminal without being fixed, integrally having a junction part protrusively positioned and in contact with the first terminal via the opening part, and also having an outer peripheral part in contact with the second terminal. An electric connection between the first and second terminals is formed, and when the reverse spring reverses at the set temperature, a force is applied to the junction part of the junction spring in the direction away from the first terminal, whereby the electric connection is cut.

Abstract: A circuit protector is connected in a circuit to protect the circuit from overloading. The circuit protector includes a casing inside which first and second terminals electrically connected to the circuit are fixed. A first cantilever member is fixed to the first terminal and has a cantilever arm that assumes a first shape in a normal condition and is convertible into a second shape in an overloading condition. A second member is supported in the casing by a pivot and has one end fixed to the second terminal by a fastener and an opposite end forming a contact engageable with the cantilever arm in the first shape and separable from the cantilever arm in the second shape. The fastener has a low melting point whereby an overloading causes the fastener to melt and break and thus allowing the second member to rotate and separating the contact from the cantilever arm. The second member is biased by a spring to facilitate separation of the contact from the second member when the fastener is broken.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: A protector (10) particularly useful for wye-connected three phase electrical motors has a header (12) mounting first and second terminal pins (14) to which L-shaped pin heaters (16) are mounted along with stationary electrical contacts (16b). A generally U-shaped heater and support member (18) has two leg ends welded to the header intermediate to the terminal pins and a snap acting thermostatic disc (20a) is welded through a weld slug to the central portion of the heater and support member. First and second movable electrical contacts (20b) are mounted on the bottom surface of the thermostatic disc positioned to move into and out of engagement with respective stationary contacts upon snapping of the thermostatic disc from one dished configuration to an opposite dished configuration in dependence on temperature of the disc.

Abstract: A switching device includes a strip-shaped actuator element including a shape memory alloy, which is connected to a movable contact part of a switching contact. It is intended that an at least largely extended shape has been impressed into the actuator element at an annealing temperature. It is intended that, in the operating state in which the switching function is not triggered, the element rests on a deflecting element with frictional engagement in such a way that the deflecting element exerts, on the concave inner side of the actuator element, a counterforce partially counteracting the curving of the latter in this state.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a base housing comprising a contact cavity therein, first and second terminals at least partially located within said contact cavity, and a thermal trigger element fixedly coupled to said first terminal and in electrical contact with said second terminal in normal operation is provided. The thermal element is configured to activate and break electrical contact with said second terminal upon a predetermined current condition.

Abstract: There is provided a battery breaker comprising a case, a fixed contact which is mounted to the inner bottom surface of one end of the case and is connected to a terminal extending from the case outwards, an elastic movable piece which is mounted such that its tip end protrudes into the case through the other end of the case and allows a movable contact provided at the tip end to bring into contact with the fixed contact by the spring action, and a convex curved surface-shaped bimetal which has a warping center located in the substantial center or at a position slightly one-sided from the center, is placed between the movable piece and the inner bottom surface except for the above one end of the case so as to cover a projection provided on the above inner bottom surface without interference of an outer periphery of the bimetal with the inner side surfaces of the case, and is warped at a predetermined working temperature to push up the movable piece for separating the movable contact from the fixed contact, whe

Abstract: The invention relates to a bi-stable electric switch comprising a spring (101) that is configured as a bi-stable snap-action spring and carries contact elements (114, 116) on the carrier strip (104) of the spring and comprising at least one drive element made from shape memory material per switch state for actuating the spring, the spring having a plate (110) that is rigidly fixed at one end (102) and that is subjected to a pressure in the direction of its linear extension and evades this by bulging towards one side into one of two stable final states, the regions of the spring in the stable final states taking up different lateral positions and the drive elements (118, 119) acting upon the free end of the plate and as a result of the tilting of free end (104) cause it to snap into the second stable final state.

Abstract: A current interrupter (10, 10′) includes bimetallic member (18) as a switching member having a formed portion (18a) providing snap action movement between oppositely dished configurations. An integrally formed extended length portion (18b) having a stiffening feature extends from the formed portion and mounts a movable contact at its free end. Stiffening feature embodiments include folded opposed marginal edges and one or more longitudinally extending ribs formed in the extended length portion. In one embodiment, the bimetallic member is cantilever mounted in a housing member (14). In another embodiment, a bimetallic member (18D) has first and second extended length portions (18b) extending from opposite sides of a formed portion to provide a circuit interrupter with a double break system.

Abstract: A switching element of a sheet of resilient metal having high and low heat-expansive sides, the switching element having a middle leg carrying an electric contact for making and breaking a circuit with a stationary contact on a substrate below, first and second outer legs each having one end connected to the same end of the middle leg, and an arm of width smaller than ⅓ of the width of said switching arm extended outwards from the connecting area between the middle leg and the outer legs in longitudinal alignment with the middle leg for pulling upwards/pushing downwards by an external force to reverse the middle leg.

Abstract: A thermal switch apparatus having an adapter mount that snaps to a modular thermal switch by hand or with the use of a simple tool. The thermal switch apparatus of the invention is embodied as a thermal switch apparatus including an adapter having a mounting apparatus and a receptacle, the receptacle having a female portion structured internally with a retainer. A modular thermal sensing device includes a male portion sized to enter the female portion of the receptacle, the male portion having an external relief structured to interlock with the internal retainer of the female portion. The male portion of the modular thermal sensing device is installed into the female portion of the receptacle, the retainer of the receptacle being mated with the external relief of the modular thermal sensing device.

Abstract: A switching element of a sheet of resilient metal having high and low heat-expansive sides, the switching element having a middle leg carrying an electric contact for making and breaking a circuit with a stationary contact on a substrate below, first and second outer legs each having one end connected to the same end of the middle leg, and an arm of width smaller than ⅓ of the width of said switching arm extended outwards from the connecting area between the middle leg and the outer legs in longitudinal alignment with the middle leg for pulling upwards/pushing downwards by an external force to reverse the middle leg.

Abstract: A creep acting thermostatic switch (30) has an oblong, electrically conductive cup-shaped housing (32) formed with a side wall (32b) extending upwardly from a bottom wall (32a). A generally J-shaped creep acting thermostatic member (38) has a short leg (38a) attached to the side wall, a long leg (38b) extending across the cavity formed in the housing and a bight portion between the legs having a flattened surface portion (38c) to prevent interference with the corner between the side wall and bottom wall. A movable electrical contact (40) is mounted on the free end of the long leg and is movable into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (37) mounted on a lid (36) received on the side wall. This arrangement allows for a thermostatic member having an optimized length to width ratio to provide maximum disc forces for a given housing size.

Abstract: A hermetic motor protector (10) has a non-current carrying snap-acting thermostatic disc (26) freely disposed on a disc seat (22a) having a tab (22c) projecting through a centrally located aperture (26a) in the disc. An outer peripheral portion of the disc is received under a leg (22e) of the bracket limiting upward motion of the disc at that location and causing the disc to act as a lever pivoting about the disc seat (22a) as a fulcrum so that the outer peripheral portion of the disc diametrically opposite to leg (22e) engages a motion transfer bump (28d) formed on a movable contact arm cantilever mounted on leg (22e) when the disc snaps from its normally contacts engaged configuration to its opposite dished contacts open configuration when the disc is heated to its actuation temperature by a heater element (24) along with heat conducted from a motor with which the protector is used.

Abstract: A protector device (1) has a fixed electrode plate (12) with a fixed contact (12b) attached thereto and a movable electrode plate (14) with a movable contact (14b) attached thereto in which the movable contact (14b) is positioned to be able to make and break contact with the fixed contact (12b). A snap acting thermally responsive bimetallic member (15) is positioned adjacent the movable electrode plate (14) and is movable from a first position to a second position upon being heated to a prescribed temperature for causing either the engagement or disengagement of said fixed contact (12b) and said movable contact (14b). Additionally, an insulator member (13) is provided to insulate said movable electrode (14) and said bimetal member (15) from said fixed electrode plate (12) and an attachment member (17) is used to securely fix both the movable electrode (14) and the bimetal member (15) on the insulator (13).

Abstract: In order to obtain a self-restoring fuse, it is proposed that a planar thermal bimetal snap element (1, 9) is provided that is secured on the circuit substrate (4) with refractory solder on the basis of at least one solder location and that is thermally coupled to the circuit substrate (4), whereby the solder location is fashioned as first contact location (5) for connection to a corresponding circuit contact of the circuit substrate, and that the snap element (1, 9) is mechanically pre-arched hump-like such that, when the fuse is not activated, it electrically conductively touches a second contact location of the circuit substrate (4) but does not touch it when the fuse has triggered and, thus, the hump curvature has reversed.

Abstract: A switch 10 has an insulating support 16 on which a first and a second external terminal 11, 14 are arranged, and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 19 that, as a function of its temperature, makes between the first and the second external terminal 11, 14 an electrically conductive connection for an electrical current to be conducted through the switch 10, and having a switching member 22 that changes its geometric shape in temperature-dependent fashion between a closed position and an open position and in its closed position carries the current. An actuating member is connected electrically and mechanically in series with the switching member 22. The first external terminal 11 is connected to a planar cover electrode 12, to which the actuating member is fastened with its first end 25. The cover electrode 12 has on its inner side 32 a flat self-hold resistor that is electrically connected between the cover electrode 12 and the second external terminal 14.

Abstract: A switch has an insulating support on which a first and a second external terminal are arranged, and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism that, as a function of its temperature, makes between the first and the second external terminal an electrically conductive connection for an electrical current to be conveyed through the switch, and having a switching member that changes its geometric shape in temperature-dependent fashion between a closed position and an open position and in its closed position carries the current, and an actuating member that is connected electrically and mechanically in series with the switching member. The first external terminal is connected to a planar cover electrode, to which the actuating member is fastened with its first end and on whose inner side is arranged a flat series resistor that is electrically connected between the first external terminal and the first end of the actuating member.

Abstract: This invention is related to an auto tripping key switch, comprising a switch housing being formed with at least one guide groove and one slideway at an inner side thereof; a first contact plate and a second contact plate that are fastened to the switch housing, the first contact plate being provided with a first contact and the second contact being connected to a deformable bi-metallic strip provided with a second contact that opposes to and is spaced from the first contact at an appropriate distance. This invention further comprises a key that is provided with a first protrusion engaging the guide groove within the switch housing such that the key is only slidable along the guide groove, the key having an inner serrate edge; and a cylindrical insulative housing that is slidable in the switch housing and has an end being formed with a serrate edge matching the serrate edge of the key so as to subject rotation of the cylindrical insulative housing when the key is being pushed.

Abstract: A switch (10′) has one first and at least one second external terminal (11, 14) as well as a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (19) that makes, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conductive connection between the two external terminals (11, 14) for an electrical current to be conducted through the switch. The switching mechanism (19) has a switching member (22) which changes its geometrical shape between a closed position and an open position as a function of temperature and, in its closed position, carries the current flowing through the switch (10′). The switching mechanism (19) further has a spring element (21) which is permanently connected electrically and mechanically in series with the switching member (22). When a given safety temperature is exceeded for the first time, a safety element (37) keeps the switch in its open condition, irrespective of its subsequent temperature.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch 10 has two connection electrodes 12, 13 mounted on an insulating support 11 as well as a switching mechanism 27 that, as a function of its temperature, makes an electrically conductive connection between the two connection electrodes 12, 13. A resistance element 19 is connected to the two connection electrodes 12, 13 electrically parallel to the switching mechanism 27 and sits on the outside of the insulating support 11 and is retained by it.

Abstract: This invention is related to an auto tripping multi-state key switch, comprising a switch housing being formed with at least one guide groove and one slideway at an inner side thereof; a first contact strip and a second contact strip both fastened to the switch housing, the first contact strip including a first contact and the second contact strip including a second contact; a bi-metallic strip having thereon a third contact and being connected to a connection plate include thereon a fourth contact; a key being provided with at least one first protrusion thereon for engaging the guide groove within the switch housing, the key having an end that is formed with a serrated edge; a rotary housing being provided with at least one second protrusion thereon for engaging the guide groove and the slideway allowing sliding movement of the rotary housing within the switch housing, the rotary housing having a top end being formed with a serrated edge that cooperates with the serrated edge at the bottom of the key, and th

Abstract: A motor starting device (1) has a thermostatic element (14) of a first switch circuit (11), a first resistive heater (13) serially connected to the first switch circuit, a thermostatic element (22) of a second switch circuit (21) and a second resistive heater (23) serially connected to the second switch circuit. The thermostatic element (22) of the second switch circuit is heated by both the first and second resistive heaters and, after actuation, is closer to the first resistive heater (13), thereby bringing the second switch circuit (23) into a de-energized state. When the second switch circuit (21) and the second resistive heater (23) are employed in the motor starting device, it becomes possible to provide a large electric current to the start winding during the start-up phase and to make the electric current that flows to the start winding zero after the start-up phase.

Abstract: A switch comprises a first and a second external terminal as well as a temperature-dependent switching mechanism that creates, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conductive connection between the two external terminals for an electrical current to be conducted through the switch. The switching mechanism comprises a switching member which changes its geometrical shape between a closed position and an open position as a function of temperature and, in its closed position, carries the current flowing through the switch. The switching mechanism further comprises a spring element which is permanently connected electrically and mechanically in series with the switching member. The displacing force of the spring element is substantially temperature-independent, the switching member having a temperature-dependent displacing force which, in its creep phase, is greater than the displacing force of the spring element.

Abstract: A switch is described, having a housing 12 which receives a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 11 and which has a first housing part 15 on whose inner base 25 a first electrode 24 connected to a first external terminal 23 is arranged, as well as a second housing part 14, closing off the first housing part 15, that comprises 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 series resistor 34 is arranged in the housing 12, geometrically and electrically between the switching mechanism 11 and one of the two electrodes 20, 24.

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: 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.