Abstract: A micro electromechanical differential actuator is comprised of a suspension arm structure and/or a bridge structure to make a two-degree-of-freedom and bi-directional motion. The actuator support base can make out-of-plane or in-plane vertical and horizontal motions. The invention is applicable in optical micro electromechanical devices such as optical switches, variable optical attenuators, optical tunable filters, modulators, tunable VCSEL's, grating modulators, micro displays, and RF switches.

Abstract: An overload prevention plug structure has a power line, a plug and an overload shift. The power line has a hot wire and a ground wire. The plug has a hot wire pin and a ground wire pin. The ground wire pin is electrically connected to the ground wire of the power line. The overload shift has a hot wire contacting portion and a pin contacting portion. The hot wire contacting portion is electrically connected to the hot wire of the power line and the pin contacting portion is electrically connected to the hot wire pin of the plug to establish an electric connection. The overload has a dual metal piece that deforms and bends as its temperature increases. Alternatively, the overload is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermstor with a resistance that increases or decreases as its temperature increases or decreases.

Abstract: A simplified snap-action micromachined thermal switch having a bimodal thermal actuator fabricated from non-ductile materials such as silicon, glass, silicon oxide, tungsten, and other suitable materials using MEMS techniques.

Abstract: A thermal switch having a thermally, responsive bimetallic member that exhibits a snap-action response and a pair of relatively movable contacts positioned relative to the thermally responsive bimetallic member such that the thermally responsive bimetallic member is positioned to actuate one of the pair of relatively movable contacts by transitioning between one and another of the first and second stable states, the bimetallic member being a bimetallic material fabricated of two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion and formed in a non-planar shape to achieve a snap-action between first and second stable states as a function of temperature and having an artifact formed as a localized heat-treated area in a surface of a first of the two materials and cooperating with the non-planar shape to achieve the snap-action.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device for a thermal trip element of a switchgear (1), comprising a bimetallic element (3) that is stationarily fixed on a bimetallic support (4). The free end (3b) of said bimetallic element is spaced apart from a trip lever (6) and increasingly impinges the same in the direction of release (D) as a result of the thermal deformation, the distance (A) being adjustable by bending the bimetallic support (4). The adjusting device (4, 12 or 15) is especially suitable for circuit breakers or the like.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay comprises an actuating mechanism for generating power when an abnormal stat is occurred between a power source and an electrical load, and a switching mechanism for switching contacts on state or off state according to the power transferred from the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a plurality of main bimetals arranged in parallel to the bottom surface of the case for being bended when the abnormal state is occurred; a plurality of heating member connected to the power source, each heating member is wound around the corresponding main bimetal for transferring heat occurred due to the abnormal state to the main bimetal; a shifter positioned to be contacted one ends of the main bimetals in parallel to the bottom surface of the case for being horizontally movable by the bending force of the main bimetals; and a lever connected to the shifter for transferring the movement force from the shifter to the switching mechanism.

Abstract: In a thermal protector 15 included, for example, in a hair dryer, a partition wall 28 (28-1, 28-2), which encloses an arrangement portion of a movable contact 23 and a fixed contact 27 from three sides, is adjacent to the contacts in a range that does not inhibit the opening/closing operations of the contacts, and is formed to be higher than the fixed contact 27 and a gap g between the contacts and to have a height that does not exceed the height of one end 22-2 of a movable plate 22 when the contacts are released, is arranged.

Abstract: A circuit breaker switch is disclosed, including a rocker, an actuator, and a dielectric separator element. The rocker is positionable between a first on position and a second off position. The actuator element is coupled to the rocker such that it causes a first electrically conductive contact portion to move into contact with a second electrically conductive contact portion when the rocker is in the on position. The dielectric separator element is urged between the first and second electrically conductive contact portions in the event of excess current being passed between the first and second electrically conductive contact portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an overload protector with a hermetically sealed structure, the overload protector comprising a housing that has an outer peripheral flange and an external connecting terminal and that accommodates a bimetal element having a movable contact and a fixed contact; a conducting plate that is installed to an upper portion of the housing and that has an external connecting terminal and a contact connected to the movable contact of the bimetal element; and an insulating gasket disposed between the housing and the conducting plate, grooves or ribs being formed on the entire flange, and ribs or grooves being formed on a portion of the conducting plate corresponding to the grooves or ribs formed on the flange in such a way that the ribs or grooves of the conducting plate are engaged with the groves or ribs of the flange.

Abstract: A micro electromechanical differential actuator is comprised of a suspension arm structure and/or a bridge structure to make a two-degree-of-freedom and bi-directional motion. The actuator support base can make out-of-plane or in-plane vertical and horizontal motions. The invention is applicable in optical micro electromechanical devices such as optical switches, variable optical attenuators, optical tunable filters, modulators, tunable VCSEL's, grating modulators, micro displays, and RF switches.

Abstract: A disconnect switch for the load circuit of a vehicle battery, includes a movable contact element (81) and a stationary contact element (64) that are linked with a locking mechanism. For releasing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy release element (4) is used that contracts when heated. For closing the locking mechanism a shape-memory alloy spring element (110) is provided that induces closure of the mechanism by expansion.

Abstract: A method for post-fabrication modification of the snap actuation properties of a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator by exposing a pre-formed bimetallic actuator to laser energy, thereby permanently altering the thermal response properties of the bimetallic actuator, and a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator having snap actuation properties developed according to the method.

Abstract: A press button type safety switch is constructed to include a switching mechanism for switching the circuit between on/off positions, a spring-supported press button, a push member pivoted to the spring-supported press button and controlled by the spring-supported press button to slide along two symmetrical sliding tracks and to switch the switching mechanism between on/off positions, and a retaining structure provided between the switching mechanism and the push member and adapted to hold the press button in “on” position when the switch switched on and to release the press button when the switching mechanism tripped off upon an overcurrent.

Abstract: The circuit breaker current/time characteristic value at which the bimetal in a thermal trip assembly actuates a trip mechanism is adjusted by an adjustable coupler that includes first and second pivoted members separately rotatable about a common pivot axis. Deflection of the bimetal by an overload current causes rotation of the first pivoted member, which is coupled by a coupling member extending parallel to the common axis into the second pivoted member which rotates to actuate the trip mechanism. A positioner moves the coupling member toward and away from the common pivot axis to adjust the amount of deflection of the bimetal needed to actuate the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A method of fabricating and the structure of a micro-electromechanical switch (MEMS) device provided with self-aligned spacers or bumps is described. The spacers are designed to have an optimum size and to be positioned such that they act as a detent mechanism for the switch to minimize problems caused by stiction. The spacers are fabricated using standard semiconductor techniques typically used for the manufacture of CMOS devices. The present method of fabricating these spacers requires no added depositions, no extra lithography steps, and no additional etching.

Abstract: A reusable miniature circuit breaker including a fixed contact and a mobile contact carried by a bimetal type arm usually kept in osculation with the fixed contact, both being accommodated in a cylindrical casing in connection with a circuit of electric or electronic devices. On generation of overcurrent, the bimetal type arm exhibits thermal deformation to drive the contacts out of osculation, thereby intercepting the circuit and, on disappearance of the overcurrent, resumes the original configuration to restore osculation of the contacts.

Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, vertical thermal actuator with controlled bending capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator bends generally at the flexure so that the member moves away from the substrate when current is applied to at least the hot arm.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter device protects a load circuit from excessive, or overloading levels of current, provides a visual indication of circuit overload and open circuit, and can be reset. A multi-metallic heat reactive strip is snapped by an overload current to open the load circuit and close a light emitter circuit having a current limiting resistor connected to an indicator lamp that provides a visual indication of the open circuit. The multi-metallic strip is manually reset via a push button to open the light emitter circuit and extinguish the indicator lamp and close the load circuit to reestablish operation therein. The circuit interruption device can be made utilizing currently available technology for miniature fusing in tight, confining spaces and/or assemblies that have unusual shapes that restrict access in automobile electrical systems, test instruments, domestic appliances or many other electronic/electrical circuits.

Abstract: A method for post-fabrication modification of the snap actuation properties of a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator by exposing a pre-formed bimetallic actuator to laser energy, thereby permanently altering the thermal response properties of the bimetallic actuator, and a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator having snap actuation properties developed according to the method.

Abstract: A creepless snap acting bimetallic switch having flexible contact members.

Abstract: An improved structure of a depress-type safety switch comprising a main body, press button, actuating block, the top section of the main body being opened to accommodate the press button and the actuating block, and the bottom panel being provided with a left, center and a right terminal for connection to a socket and a power source wire, the interior of the actuating block being provided with a main spring, characterized in that the right side of the actuating block is a top section with a positioning slot having a V-shaped engaging block, and the right terminal is connected upward to a bi-metallic engaging plate made from two metals of different properties, the top end of the engaging plate is a fastening peg extended to the positioning slot of the actuating block, thereby the depression of the press button allows the fastening of a fastening peg at the bi-metallic engaging plate with the engaging block to form a closed circuit, and if the current is overload or a short circuit is formed as a insult of high

Abstract: A calibrated bimetallic actuator has contoured areas having either raised or recessed generally annular shaped forms about the locations thereon where the actuator is affixed in assembled position on associated electronic components or other devices or where a contact is affixed to the actuator to prevent loss of calibration by restricting transfer of force stresses in the bimetallic actuator during manufacture and assembly thereof into the associated components or devices. The action of the contoured areas on the actuator enables fabrication and assembly of miniaturized electronic components using bimetallic actuators for use in many applications.

Abstract: An advanced circuit breaker system and method includes first and second terminals to electrically couple the advanced circuit breaker to an electrical circuit. A cam applies a first torque to a rotatable contact arm, having an arm contact electrically coupled to the first terminal, from a first position to a second position of the contact arm and a second torque to the contact arm from the second position to a third position. A bimetal blade, having a blade contact electrically coupled to the second terminal, changes shape when electrical current flowing through it exceeds a threshold for at least a predetermined amount of time. The arm contact maintains contact with the blade contact when the first torque occurs and separates from the blade contact when the second torque occurs. The blade contact changes shape to increase separation from the arm contact if electrical current exceeds at least a certain amount above the threshold.

Abstract: A simplified snap-action micromachined thermal switch having a bimodal thermal actuator fabricated from non-ductile materials such as silicon, glass, silicon oxide, tungsten, and other suitable materials using MEMS techniques.

Abstract: The high transient current sustained by arcing during opening of the main contacts of a miniature circuit breaker is commutated out of the bimetal by deflection of the bimetal in response to the overcurrent to close secondary contacts on the free end of the bimetal and on a low resistance by-pass conductor shunting the bimetal. The by-pass conductor can be extended toward the movable contact arm carrying the movable main contact to commutate some of the overcurrent into the by-pass conductor earlier in the opening sequence to reduce the energy input to the bimetal and reduce the force closing the secondary contacts.

Abstract: A safety press-button switch includes a linkage formed of a lever and a switching rod pivoted together, and a press-button cap having a push rod and a hook arm respectively aimed at the switching rod and a positioning rod of the lever and adapted to force the lever to shift a bimetal plate from OFF position to ON position and to hold the lever in position after the bimetal plate switched on, the positioning rod of the lever being forced away from the hook arm by the deformation force of the bimetal plate for enabling the bimetal plate to trip off automatically upon an overload.

Abstract: A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a bimetal member anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. An incoming power wire is connected to the bimetal member near the contact point with the electrical conductor. A heating element, such as a coil, is coupled to the bimetal member, and is controlled by a switch control signal. When the switch control signal is not asserted, the heating element is inactive, and power is delivered through the incoming power wire across the end of the bimetal member to the electrical conductor, from which it can be further distributed to the load. When the switch control signal is asserted, the heating element heats up causing the bimetal to bend until the contact with the electrical conductor is broken. The electrical path from the incoming power wire to the electrical conductor (and hence, to the load) is then broken.

Abstract: A bimetallic switch comprising a bimetallic element having an outer edge and being adapted to snap between an open mode and a closed mode; a movable contact disposed on the bimetallic element; a first terminal in electrically conductively coupled to the movable contact; a fixed contact disposed adjacent the movable contact such that, when the switch is in a closed position, the fixed contact and the movable contact are in engagement with one another, and when the switch is in an open position, the fixed contact and the movable contact define an open contact gap therebetween; a second terminal electrically conductively coupled to the fixed contact; a step disposed adjacent the outer edge of the bimetallic element such that a clearance is defined therebetween when the bimetallic element is in its closed mode, the clearance being positioned and dimensioned such that, when the outer edge of the bimetallic element deforms prior to a snapping open thereof, the clearance isolates a deformation of the outer edge ther

Abstract: A thermal actuator for micro mechanical or micro electro-mechanical devices, the actuator comprising a supporting substrate, an actuator extension portion, a first arm attached at a first end thereof to the substrate and at a second end to the extension portion, the first arm being arranged, in use, to be conductively heatable, a second arm attached at a first end to the supporting substrate and at a second end to the extension portion, the second arm being spaced apart from the first arm, the first arm being arranged, in use, to undergo thermal expansion, thereby causing the actuator to apply a force to the extension portion, and wherein the first arm comprises at least one heat sink element substantially at a point of maximum heating of the first arm, being the point where, in use, maximum heating of the first arm would occur.

Abstract: A service switching device is described. The service switching device has a thermal release, an electromagnetic release, a switching mechanism with a latching point, a contact point with a moving contact piece and a stationary contact piece. When an over-current condition occurs, the thermal release unlatches the latching point so that the contact points are opened permanently and, when a short-circuit current occurs, the electromagnetic release moves the moving contact piece to the open position. The service switching device has a housing and an associated actuator in the form of a piezoelectric bending strip, which likewise acts on the latching point in order to open the contact point permanently, with a fault current detection device being provided, whose output signal drives the actuator when a fault current occurs.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay includes an inversion operation mechanism that is driven by a releasing lever to open or close a contact. The inversion operation mechanism includes a movable plate supported at one end so as to be inverted, and a tension spring for driving the movable plate for inversion. The releasing lever presses a middle of a wire of the tension spring to drive the movable plate for inversion. A projection is formed in the middle of the wire of the tension spring to contact with the releasing lever. Thus, a stable inversion operation can be made regardless of the positioning of an adjustment dial.

Abstract: The invention refers to a micromechanical switching device including at least two contact elements (11, 12, 31, 32), which are provided at least partly movable relative each other and via thermal actuation can be closed and opened, whereby the contact elements (11, 12, 31, 32) at least partly are comprised of at least two materials (14, 15, 16, 17, 34-37) with essentially different thermal expansion coefficients. The contact elements (11, 12, 31, 32) at excitation are arranged to displace essentially in same level and in different directions.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter including a housing, separable main contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism within the housing and interconnected with the separable main contacts. A trip mechanism is disposed within the housing that includes a trip bar assembly rotatable about an axis and that, when rotated, generates a tripping operation causing the operating mechanism to open the contacts. The trip bar assembly includes a trip member translatable along the axis. The trip mechanism includes a tripping actuator movable along a predetermined path of travel as a function of electrical current. The tripping actuator contacts a contact area of the trip member at a predetermined location along the predetermined path of travel of the tripping actuator and causes the trip bar assembly to rotate and generate the tripping operation upon a predetermined current threshold.

Abstract: A push-button switch with overload protection and automatic reset is disclosed. The switch comprises a housing, a conducting unit, and an actuating unit. The conducting unit comprises several terminals, a normal-opened first conducting leaf and a thermally deformed bimetal sheet. The bimetal sheet is of a U shape having a working end and an opening end. The working end can deform to an overload position from a normal position in response to overload occurred in the conducting unit. The actuating unit comprises a stem, a locating cantilever, a rocking lever, an enabling rest, a cantilever pusher, and a lever reseating member. By means of the above structure, even though the stem is jammed, a trip action is still exactly performed in case of overload. Moreover, the switch of this invention will automatically reset when overload occurs by virtue of the cantilever pusher.

Abstract: A circuit breaker (10) has a current carrying bimetallic element (18) which bends upon self-heating and upon being subjected to a selected overload current transfers motion to a connecting plate (32) which displaces a latch surface (42b) from a catch (34a) of a bell crank mechanism (34) allowing a spring biased operating member (28) to move movable contact means (12) out of contact engagement with stationary contact means (14) thereby tripping the circuit breaker. An arc sensing circuit (52) is coupled to the load circuit and upon sensing selected arcs causes an arc responsive actuator (56, 62) to be energized to transfer motion to the latch (42) to trip the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The high transient current sustained by arcing during opening of the main contacts of a miniature circuit breaker is commutated out of the bimetal by deflection of the bimetal in response to the overcurrent to close secondary contacts on the free end of the bimetal and on a low resistance by-pass conductor shunting the bimetal. The by-pass conductor can be extended toward the movable contact arm carrying the movable main contact to commutate some of the overcurrent into the by-pass conductor earlier in the opening sequence to reduce the energy input to the bimetal and reduce the force closing the secondary contacts.

Abstract: Breaker switch arranged on a wall (4) of an electric device (9) including a receptacle (20), containing a thermofusible composition (25) having a softening point &thgr;1, and a flexible metal strip (10) interposed between two studs (2a, 2b) fixed by one end to the wall (4) extending above the receptacle (20) and being provided in its free portion with means (14, 18-19) for the anchoring thereof in said thermofusible composition to bend the strip (10) against the two studs (2a, 2b). The receptacle (20) is advantageously extended by a heat probe (27) going to the core of the device (9). When the temperature of the device (9) exceeds &thgr;1 the anchoring means (14) are released from the thermofusible composition by the elastic return force of the strip (10) thereby opening the contact between the studs (2a, 2b). Application to a battery, in particular of the lithium-ion type.

Abstract: A bistable micromechanical switch that includes a substrate, at least two anchor points formed on the substrate, and a beam structure that includes a two-material beam attached to at least two anchor points. The two-material beam has a first portion, a second portion and a center portion. The first portion of the two-material beam is formed from a first layer of a first material and a second layer of a second material such that the first layer of the first portion is proximate to the surface of the substrate and the second layer of the first portion is remote from the surface of the substrate. The first material has a first coefficient of thermal expansion and the second material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion such that the second coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch (10) has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (12) and a closed housing (11), receiving the switching mechanism (12), which comprises a lower part (14) as well as an upper part (17) made of insulating material. Two stationary contacts (26, 27) are provided on the upper part (17) on its inner side (28), each of which is electrically connected to an external terminal associated with it. Also provided is a current transfer member (29), moved by the switching mechanism (12), which electrically connects the two stationary contacts (26, 27) with one another as a function of temperature. Two connector electrodes (24, 25) are embedded into the upper part (17), each of which is connected to one of the stationary contacts (26, 27) and to one of the external terminals (38, 39).

Abstract: A thermal triggering system includes bimetal strips a switching element for triggering a switching operation, and a differential lever which is fastened to the slide and which shortens its distance from the switching element as a result of the movement of said slide in the pushing direction, the mounting of the differential lever on the slide is improved in terms of adaption to the distance. For this purpose, the differential lever is fastened via a bearing point which is designed as a center of rotation and via which the distance can be set at a predetermined distance value.

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 low energy electromechanical interface for a circuit breaker, magnetic latch, shunt trip device, undervoltage relay, contactor, or other electric switch utilizes a memory wire to initiate the tripping of the circuit breaker. The memory wire is mechanically coupled to a latch which captures a plunger in a biased state. When the memory wire receives energy such as heat or an electric signal, the memory wire contracts and causes the latch to release a spring loaded plunger. When the plunger is released, the plunger engages a trip bar and trips the electric switch. Preferably, the memory metal wire is a nickel-titanium wire. The low cost electromechanical interface may replace more expensive solenoid and magnetic latch devices. The interface may be advantageously retrofitted into existing circuit breaker and switch designs.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay is formed of a case for retaining the relay and having an insertion hole, an adjusting device for adjusting a working current of the relay and situated inside the insertion hole, and a cover for covering the adjusting device and situated in the insertion hole. The case includes a first coupling device formed around the insertion hole. The cover is formed of a transparent plate and includes a smooth upper surface, a second coupling device formed on a side surface and engageable with the first coupling device, and a handle formed on the upper surface of the cover for handling the cover. When the cover is disposed in the insertion hole, the first and second coupling devices are engaged, wherein the upper surface of the cover is located below an upper surface of the case. The cover can be fixed to the case such that the cover can be removed from the case or permanently fixed to the case.

Abstract: A monolithic micromachined temperature switch obviates the necessity of assembling discrete components and also allows the temperature switch to be disposed in a relatively small package. In one embodiment of the invention, the temperature switch includes a bimetallic element operatively coupled to a pair of electrical contacts. In order to minimize contact wear due to contact arcing, a biasing force such as an electrostatic force is applied to the switch which provides snap action of the electrical contacts in both the opening and closing directions which enables the temperature set point to be adjusted by varying electrostatic force biasing voltage. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the biasing force for providing the snap action effect can be eliminated by substituting the movable contacts with a field effect transistor with a movably mounted gate terminal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit breaker overcurrent tripping device. This tripping device includes: a fixed iron core accommodating a bimetallic strip in which a flow of an electric current is present, the bimetallic strip bending when an overcurrent is present; a movable iron core attracted to the fixed iron core when the electric current becomes a short circuit accident current; a tripping mechanism operated both by the movement of the movable iron core or the bending of the bimetallic strip; a fixed contact point connected via a connecting wire to a load terminal; a movable contact point fixed to the movable iron core and connected via a conductor wire to a fixed end of the bimetallic strip; and a flexible conductor for connecting a free end of the bimetallic strip to the load terminal. In this configuration, the fixed iron core is wound with at least one turn of the flexible conductor, thereby increasing the magnetic force attracting the movable iron core to the fixed iron core.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a thermally-sensible overcurrent protective relay, which comprises normally-closed contact means, operation means, a plurality of bimetals, a communicating plate, a heater mounted on each bimetal and electrically coupled to at least one of main circuit terminals for a power-source side and a load side, a bimetal retainer electrically coupled to the other main circuit terminal, a first groove, a second groove and a heater holder having a pin fitted in a through hole formed in the bimetal retainer. The operation means opens or closes the normally-closed contact means. The same current as flows through a main circuit to be controlled flows through the bimetals. The communicating plate transmits mechanical deforming force of the bimetals to the operation means so as to open the normally-closed contact means. The heater, when generating heat, causes a mechanical deformation on the bimetals. The bimetal retainer secures one end of each bimetal.

Abstract: A switch unit for an electric immersion heater for mounting on the wall of a liquid heating vessel, the switch unit including thermally responsive means sensitive to boiling liquid on a body of the switch unit in a position for exposure to vapor emerging from the vessel, the thermally responsive means comprising a snap-acting bimetallic actuator. An overcenter spring mechanism couples the bimetallic actuator to a movable contact of an electrical switch for opening and closing the switch, the overcenter spring mechanism being movable between a first position in which the switch is closed and power can be supplied to the immersion heater and a second position in which said switch is open for interrupting the supply of power to the immersion heater.