Abstract: A bimetallic controller, having a switching device and at least one bimetal device which is or can be actively connected to the switching device such as to allow the switching device to be switched in a temperature-dependent fashion. The bimetal device includes at least one first bimetal element and at least one curved second bimetal element that are connected to each other in a zone of contact and are designed in said zone of contact such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first bimetal element increases from its bottom to the top and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the curved second bimetal element decreases from its bottom to the top, or vice versa.

Abstract: A thermal bend actuator includes: an active beam for connection to drive circuitry; and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the active beam, such that when a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam expands relative to the passive beam, resulting in bending of the actuator. The passive beam has first and second layers with the second layer sandwiched between the first layer and the active beam. The first layer is thicker than the second layer.

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 method of making a Lateral-Moving Micromachined Thermal Bimorph which provides the capability of achieving in-plane thermally-induced motion on a microchip, as opposed to the much more common out-of-plane, or vertical, motion seen in many devices. The present invention employs a novel fabrication process to allow the fabrication of a lateral bimorph in a fundamentally planar set of processes. In addition, the invention incorporates special design features that allow the bimorph to maintain material interfaces.

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: Electronic device for monitoring the temperature of a medium ensures that the temperature has not reached pre-established index limit values. The device includes contacts for closing an electric charge flow circuit when the temperature reaches an index limit value, an electric charge storage component connected to the charge flow circuit when the contacts close, the charges remain stored as long as the temperature does not reach one of its index limit values, and is able to flow through the charge flow circuit when the circuit is closed by the contacts, the charge storage not returning to the charge state which they had before the charge flow circuit closed if the latter opens again, and a provision for reading enabling the charge state to be determined.

Abstract: A switch, comprising a movable part supported at both ends and a contact installed on the movable part, the movable part characterized by further comprising a first bimetal for displacing the contact in a specified direction according to a temperature and a second bimetal for displacing the contact in the direction opposite to the specified direction according to the temperature.

Abstract: A switch comprising a molded housing having a cavity, and a set of electrical terminals formed within said cavity, with a displaceable elongated contact arm selectively forming a circuit between said set of terminals, wherein said displaceable elongated contact arm comprises a base having a formed edge which mates with said molded housing inside said cavity, to align said displaceable elongated contact arm with respect to said set of terminals. A method for forming a switch, comprising the steps of providing a molded housing having interior sidewalls defining a cavity, and a set of electrical terminals formed within the cavity; inserting a displaceable elongated contact arm within the cavity, the displaceable elongated contact arm having a base with formed edges which mate with the sidewalls, to align the displaceable elongated contact arm with respect to the set of terminals.

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 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: An apparatus is described for mounting a bimetal coil in a thermostat having an anticipator operable via an anticipator circuit. The apparatus includes an insulating member configured to insulate the coil from the anticipator circuit. The apparatus also includes a conductive shaft configured for mounting the coil and anticipator thereon. The insulating member is further configured for mounting between the coil and the shaft. This apparatus allows an inner end of a bi-metal coil to be secured easily in a thermostat, thus eliminating a need for more expensive mounting methods and costly insulating parts. The apparatus also simplifies calibration while reducing costs of assembly and materials.

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: 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 switch comprising a molded housing having a cavity, and a set of electrical terminals formed within said cavity, with a displaceable elongated contact arm selectively forming a circuit between said set of terminals, wherein said displaceable elongated contact arm comprises a base having a formed edge which mates with said molded housing inside said cavity, to align said displaceable elongated contact arm with respect to said set of terminals. A method for forming a switch, comprising the steps of providing a molded housing having interior sidewalls defining a cavity, and a set of electrical terminals formed within the cavity; inserting a displaceable elongated contact arm within the cavity, the displaceable elongated contact arm having a base with formed edges which mate with the sidewalls, to align the displaceable elongated contact arm with respect to the set of terminals.

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: 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: 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: Thermal triggering apparatus, for a protection device featuring an electrically conductive bimetallic strip and a plate of thickness (e) which supports the bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip has a first end free that is capable of deforming and a second end or foot which is fitted into a cavity in the plate characterised in that the foot of the bimetallic strip passes through the cavity so that it protrudes below the bottom face of the plate by a length (a) that easily exceeds the thickness (e) of the plate, and the protruding part of the foot has an electrical connection point linked to a conductive part so as to form the direct heating element of the bimetallic strip.

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 movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to cause the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch construction including a housing having a switch arm mounted for movement inside. A bi-metallic disk is mounted in the housing and movable in response to temperature change with snap action between two positions of stability. A switch arm actuating plunger is slidably mounted in the housing with its lower end adapted for contact with the bi-metallic snap disk. A bi-metallic disk mounting assembly is provided in which the disk is mounted. The disk housing serves to isolate the bi-metallic disk from contact with any part of the switch housing. The bi-metallic disk housing assembly is comprised of an aluminum platform member and an aluminum cup-shaped cup member mounted thereon to provide an enclosed space in which the bi-metallic snap disk is mounted.

Abstract: A movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to cause the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

Abstract: A bi-metallic switch element 10 has a contact wire 26 attached thereto by means of a plurality of crimps. A first crimp 28 applied at a first pressure fixes the contact wire to the element and a second crimp 30, formed at a lesser, more controlled pressure aligns the contact wire in a predetermined location.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved thermostatic contact assembly for use in a protector and method of making wherein weld projections are formed on the thin snap-acting bimetal disc for attaching the movable contact member to provide better alignment and reliability for the contact assembly which is economical to produce.

Abstract: Driving element (1) comprising a thin part (2) provided with a zone, ductile in the direction of its thickness in such a way as to occupy at least two positions, in at least one of which said zone is arc-shaped, at least one tab (3,4) fixed at one end to a face of said ductile zone and extending towards the central part of the zone in such a way that, when the zone is moulded, the free end (8,9) of said tab moves away from or towards the face (5) of said thin part, the resulting amplitude of the movement of the free end of the tab being greater than the amplitude of ductility of the thin piece.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device has a chamber in which is disposed a single break contact system using low contact resistance material mounted on movable and stationary supports arranged in a loop configuration in order to direct arcs between the contacts through an arc chute into a remote portion of the chamber. A push-button is connected through a kinematic linkage which transfers motion using minimal frictional engagement to a movable contact to bring the movable contact into and out of engagement with a stationary contact and to latch the contacts in engagement during normal operation. A cantilevered current carrying bimetal transfers motion caused by I2R heating of the bimetal to an ambient compensating bimetal connected to the latch mechanism. The kinematic linkage includes a latch surface which engages a rollable cylindrical reaction surface of the latch mechanism to cause the movable contact to come into engagement with the stationary contact upon depression of the push-button.

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: An inherently mechanically bistable self-supporting blade element for actuating snap-action switches, circuit breakers and devices, and methods and apparatus for producing such elements. The elements are formed from initially flat, unstressed spring material, and comprise two outer legs and a bridging portion integrally connecting them. By progressive coplanar relative displacement of the outer legs the bridging portion is deflected normally to the nominal plane of the element. Detection of this deflection enables attachment together of the outer legs to form a calibrated, inherently bistable blade element.

Abstract: A tuning element for a temperature responsive switch includes a bimetal assembly in the form of an elongated, relatively flat bimetal strip with bending action and including integral tuning webs for adjusting the thermodynamic properties of the element. Multiple apertures are punched in a predetermined pattern in the bimetal strip to form the webs. Each of the webs is also bent in alternate directions to form ribs that reinforce the element. The bimetal strip is formed from a bimetal base portion and extension portion butt welded together; the webs being formed in the strip adjacent the weld joint. The base portion of the strip bends to open the contacts and the extension portion bends to bring the contacts back closer together, thereby controlling overshoot and providing consistent operation within a relatively narrow temperature range.

Abstract: An electrical radiator, particularly for fan-forced heaters, is provided which includes a resistance heating element disposed on an insulating element connected to the housing of the fan-forced heater. The coil winding of the resistance heating element is secured to the insulating element by means of clamping elements and is freely extending therefrom. A bimetallic switch in series with the resistance heating element serves as a heat protective switch and is disposed on a connector bar connected to the insulating element and carrying the electrical connectors for the coil winding. One end of the coil winding is secured on one side of the bar to a first bracket remote from the insulating element and which is rigid with the bar and connected to a first connector. The other end of the coil winding is secured to a second bracket disposed on the other side of the bar near the insulating element and which is rigid with the bar.

Abstract: An improved thermally responsive switch is provided. The switch has a thermally movable arm which moves a substantial degree at a selected response temperature but which moves only a small degree at higher temperatures and also at lower temperatures.

Abstract: A snap-acting mechanism such as a switch is constructed with a generally planar blade assembled between mutually spaced portions of a pair of members forming a base. The base includes means extending from one of the portions to the other which operate to stress the blade with precision to render it mechanically bistable as a result of the process of assembling the parts of the mechanism.

Abstract: An overload circuit breaker has a housing and a tripping device supported in the housing and having a helically wound, current-carrying bimetal strip composed of two face-to-face arranged metal components situated, respectively, at the inside and at the outside of the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip has a tripping portion which executes a tripping motion as the bimetal strip undergoes deformation under the effect of heat generated by an excess current flowing through the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip is formed of two electrically serially connected, oppositely wound bimetal helices each having an outer end constituting the opposite ends of the bimetal strip. The bimetal strip is affixed to the housing at both of its opposite ends. Further, the bimetal helices each have an inner end connected to one another by a coupling part. The coupling part constitutes the tripping portion of the bimetal strip.

Abstract: A snap-acting thermally responsive actuator comprises a bimetal sheet having a U-shaped aperture defining a tongue, the sheet having been deformed to a domed configuration in a die pressing operation so that the actuator reverses its curvature with a snap-action with changes in temperature. The actuator may carry an electrical contact and have sufficient resistance so that current through the actuator heats the actuator to its operating temperature. The electrical resistance may be increased by forming additional apertures in the actuator.

Abstract: A bimetal circuit breaker comprises a frame and a plate-like bimetal component which includes a base part, two U-shaped legs each having a first leg portion, a second leg portion and a U-shaped connecting portion. Each first leg portion is attached to the base part and diverges therefrom in a V shape. The circuit breaker further has a movable contact affixed to each second leg portion; a support tab attached to the base part and extending between the first leg portions; a support member attached to the frame and engaging a free end of the support tab for positioning the bimetal component in the frame; stationary contacts carried by the frame and cooperating with the movable contacts; and a rocker support held in the frame and engaging the base part in an over-the-center arrangement. The bimetal component and the rocker support have first and second stable positions in which the movable contacts are in engagement or out of engagement with the respective stationary contacts.

Abstract: A method of forming a snap-acting thermally responsive bimetallic actuator comprising forming, from sheet bimetal, a member having an aperture with an arcuate outer perimeter and an inner perimeter defining a tongue free at one end, said free end being close to the outer perimeter, the outer and inner perimeters smoothly merging at rounded ends of the aperture adjacent the tongue root, and the radial width of the member at the tongue root being substantially greater than the width opposite the free end of the tongue. The formed member is thereafter pressed between a die shaped to a domed configuration and an incompressible rubber pad to impart a domed configuration to the member.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive member, such as used in a thermostat, is formed of an elongated metal strip coated with a layer of polymer material. Holes are formed through the metal strip over its length and the layer of polymer material extends into the holes. The polymer material layer has a greater thickness than the metal strip. In one embodiment, the member can be formed by helically slitting a tubular member with the ends of the slit spaced inwardly from the ends of the tubular member. The polymer material layer is coated on the interior surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker particularly adapted for use in an oil filled distribution transformer includes an improved bimetal trip actuator which exhibits greater deflection for a given degree of power dissipation. The trip actuator includes a planar bimetal element held relatively stationary at one end and free to deflect at the other end in response to overload current conditions through the circuit breaker. The bimetal element is constructed to have a higher power dissipation in proximity to the stationary end than in proximity to the deflecting end.

Abstract: An elongated bimetal member has a transverse curvature opposing temperature warp and a longitudinal curvature aiding temperature warp. The transverse curvature maintains the member straight in a longitudinal direction until the sum of the longitudinal temperature warp forces and the bias of the longitudinal curvature exceed the retaining forces of the transverse curvature.

Abstract: A motor protector for use in motors having a high operating temperature employs a snap-acting composite thermostat element to actuate the protector wherein the multilayer thermostatic material embodied in the element has an electrical resistivity value from 20 ohms/c.m.f. to 400 ohms/c.m.f. and a flexivity value from 90 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.7 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit to 110 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.7 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit to provide for better calibration, longer life, and better space control in the protector for use in motors having higher operating temperatures.

Abstract: Limited droop thermostats in which a bimetal tongue extends from an end of the main ambient temperature-sensing bimetal. The tongue responds to heat emitted by the thermostat switch and acts to compensate for the incidental exposure of the main bimetal to switch heat. In the preferred embodiment the projecting end of the compensating tongue is mechanically fixed and one end of the main bimetal is unitary with and carried by the base of the compensating tongue. Certain features of the invention are present in another embodiment in which the main bimetal element has a conventional supporting pivot at one end and the set-point adjusting end of the main bimetal carries the compensating tongue whose projecting end is movable and actuates the thermostat switch.

Abstract: An electrical sequencing relay has an elongated bimetal member with a transverse curvature opposing temperature warp and maintaining the member straight in a longitudinal direction until longitudinal temperature warp forces exceeds the retaining forces of the transverse curvature. A slidable insulative operator is engaged by a free end of the bimetal member to operate an electrical switch when the bimetal member abruptly changes its longitudinal curvature.