Abstract: A circuit breaker can minimize a change in a structure of a case when a material forming a stud is changed. A stud includes a base portion provided in the case and a protruding portion protruding from the case. A cross-sectional area of the protruding portion is more than that of the base portion; thereby a thermal conductivity of the protruding portion increases and the thermal conductivity from the protruding portion to an external conductor connected to the stud increases. In addition, since a surface area of the protruding portion increases, an amount of heat dissipated from the protruding portion increases. In the invention, since dimensions of the base portion inserted into a stud insertion hole of the case are not changed, it is not necessary to change the dimensions of the insertion hole of the case.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch 10 has, on the outside on its housing, a first and at least a second connecting surface 22, 23 for directly connecting feed lines and, in the housing, a temperature-dependent switching mechanism, which depending on its temperature produces or opens an electrically conducting connection between the two connecting surfaces 22, 23. The feed lines are directly connected, at their inner ends 27, 28, to the connecting surfaces 22, 23, the switch 10 being encased by an insulating protective layer 32, and the feed lines, at their free ends 29, 31 which are remote from the inner ends 27, 28, are free of the protective layer 32. The feed lines are in the form of connecting lugs 25, 26, which are connected in material-connecting engagement, at their inner ends 27, 28, to the connecting surfaces 22, 23 and, at their free ends 29, 31, are directly forms as plug-type connections.

Abstract: A multiple output thermal switch device comprises a first switch unit having upper and lower surfaces, and a second switch unit having upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of terminal posts partially protrude from the upper surfaces of the first and second switch units. A locating plate supports the first and second switch units, with the locating plate having a top wall and a side wall that define a chamber. First and second actuator buttons protrude from the lower surfaces of the first and second switch units. A bimetallic plate is disposed in the chamber and is configured to contact the first and second actuator buttons when a predetermined temperature is reached. A case surrounds the first and second switch units, and the locating plate. The case has a bottom wall with a temperature sensing surface. The thermal switch device is selectable such that two set points are obtainable from a single snap-action of the bimetallic plate toward the first and second actuator buttons.

Abstract: A cap (27) for a temperature-dependent switch (10) having a first connection area (22) and at least one second connection area (23) on the outer surface of its housing (11, 12) for the purpose of electrically connecting leads (25, 26) is designed as a cup-like surrounding housing that can be pushed onto the switch (10), preferably with an accurate fit, such that the connection areas (22, 23) for electrical connection are accessible from the outside after said surrounding housing has been pushed on, whereby a first opening (28) for the first connection area (22) and a second opening (29) for the second connection area (23) are provided in said cap (27).

Abstract: A bimetallic thermostat with exchange contact is described comprising an external support covering (1) and an internal device (2) made up of a pierced base (3) provided with a packing (4) and with electric contacts (5, 15, 25, 35) with the outside, of a relay (8) electrically connected with said base (3) and of a sensitive thermostatic element (9) electrically connected with said relay (8). Said thermostat comprises in addition a printed circuit (7) interposed between the sensing element (9) and the relay (8).

Abstract: A thermally-actuated switch mounted on an end of a motor coil of a hermetic motor-driven compressor includes a switch body including a metallic pressure-tight hermetic container, a contact mechanism disposed in the container, and an electrically conductive terminal which hermetically extends through the hermetic container and to which a lead wire is connected, and a holder including a base having a mounting face for the coil end and a holding portion located on a face of the base opposed to the mounting face for holding the switch body. The base is sized so as to prevent radiant heat from transferring from the coil end directly to the switch body. The holder has a through hole through which the terminal is inserted. The lead wire is connected to the terminal having been inserted through the hole so that the holder is held between the hermetic container and the lead wire.

Abstract: A steam-responsive switch for use in an electrical water boiling appliance comprises a main body (12) from which extends a tubular portion (13) having at or near its leading end a heat responsive bimetal (16) extending across the mouth thereof which changes shape above a predetermined temperature defining a chamber behind the member and at the opposite face of the main body (12) an electrical contact pair, the bimetal (16) engaging on its rear face a slidable pushrod (20) which extends through the main body (12) in a sealed manner to act on the electrical contact pair, the tubular portion having a steam/air vent (64) at one side thereof adjacent the rear face of the bimetal (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of a HVAC system, where the apparatus is adapted to be releasably connectable to a thermostat sub-base assembly connected to an HVAC system. The apparatus is configured to be releasably connectable to the connector pins in a manner such that the apparatus may be slid onto the sub-base and easily removed without any disconnection of wiring. After completion of all construction, the apparatus may be removed and saved for future use, and a new digital thermostat may then be slid onto the connector pins of the sub-base.

Abstract: An adjustable bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed which provides conventional resistance-type heaters symmetrically positioned adjacent one side of the snap disc to allow adjustment of the operating temperature of the thermostat. The heaters are supported in accurate, very close proximity to the bimetal snap disc to ensure excellent heat transfer thereto. Additionally, the volume of the chamber within which the heaters are supported is reduced by a bridge portion which also serves to further reinforce the outer housing walls. Additionally, guide surfaces for the heater terminals are provided to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A device has an electrical load and a cavity for receiving a temperature-dependent switching mechanism in order to protect the load from overtemperature and/or overcurrent. In the cavity there is a first countercontact for the switching mechanism which is electrically connected to the load, and a second countercontact which is electrically connected to an external terminal for supplying electricity to the load. The cavity is configured for receiving a housingless switching mechanism that, below its response temperature, is in direct contact with the two countercontacts.

Abstract: An adjustable bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed which provides conventional resistance-type heaters symmetrically positioned adjacent one side of the snap disc to allow adjustment of the operating temperature of the thermostat. The heaters are supported in accurate, very close proximity to the bimetal snap disc to ensure excellent heat transfer thereto. Additionally, the volume of the chamber within which the heaters are supported is reduced by a bridge portion which also serves to further reinforce the outer housing walls. Additionally, guide surfaces for the heater terminals are provided to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A plug or grommet fits into the opening in the back plate of a thermostat and blocks or diverts intrusion air from entering the interior of the thermostat housing from the wall penetration for the thermostat wires. The thermostat wires are fed through the grommet, which is a soft rubbery material that closes over the wires and blocks the intrusion air. Alternatively, a wall plate can be used between the back plate of the thermostat and the wall where the thermostat is mounted.

Abstract: A multiple output thermal detection and protection device providing an output signal representative of the temperature sensed by the device, and further providing a positive output signal representative of the sensed temperature reaching a predetermined set point temperature.

Abstract: A thermal switch arrangement for electromagnetic coils of electric motors, including at least one coil, which has a winding (52, 54) and a coil former (30, 48) in the form of a winding core (32), which is enclosed by two end flanges (36, 38; 56, 58, 60, 62), and flat plugs (26, 28; 74, 76, 78), which are connected with the two ends of the winding and/or the connections of a thermal switch (80), assigned to the winding, and are inserted and locked in pockets (40, 42; 64, 66) in or at at least one end flange (36, 38; 56, 58, 60, 62) from the peripheral edge of the latter and locked. Two tags (82, 84) of the thermal switch (80) enter the pockets (40, 42; 64, 66) of the flat plug (74, 78) from the inner surface of the one end flange (36, 60).

Abstract: An electrical safety receptacle (10) including a dielectric housing (12), first electrical contacts (14) in the housing for electrical connection to one side of an electrical power line, second electrical contacts (16) in the housing for electrical connection to the other side of the electrical power line, and power-interruption members (48) provided as part of the second electrical contacts to interrupt the electrical power when an operating and/or environmental temperature exceeds the thermal rating thereof.

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

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

Abstract: A single pole double throw thermostatic switch has a pair of fixed contacts on opposite sides of a movable contact. A U-shaped bimetal member having a pair of spaced end portions has one end portion attached to a switchcase and the other end portion carries the movable contact.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron has a barrel connected to a handle a one end and provided with an electric heating element for heating a tip at its other end. A detachable temperature sensor unit is located within the barrel and includes a tubular housing having a temperature sensor projecting from one end and positioned within a hollow bore in the tip to monitor the temperature thereof and electrical contacts on its other end readily detachably connected to electrical contacts of a heating control unit located within the handle. Either the temperature sensor or the housing is spring biased to urge the temperature sensor into close proximity with the tip.

Abstract: An electrical outlet receptacle is shown having a thermally responsive switch disposed within the receptacle thermally coupled to components of the receptacle and adapted to interrupt power thereto upon the occurrence of overload or overtemperature conditions in the environs of the receptacle.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a thermal protective device on the outer surface of a housing of a recessed lighting fixture includes a plaster frame having a horizontal portion and a depending portion formed integrally with the horizontal portion. The plaster frame is adapted for mounting in a ceiling opening. A housing has a lamp connected to a source of electrical power and is adapted for mounting within the depending portion of the frame. A thermal protective device is connected in series with the lamp for interrupting the current from the source of electrical power when the temperature on the outer surface of the housing exceeds a predetermined temperature. A retaining device is provided for holding the thermal protective device against the outer surface of the housing to sense the temperature thereon.

Abstract: A motor protector of the type having a snap acting thermostatic element is shown particularly adapted for use with compressor motors in which a conventional three pin header is mounted on the compressor casing to allow electrical energization of the motor. An improved heat transfer path is formed between the windings of the motor and the thermostatic element of the protector by suspending the protector from one of the motor pins in optimum heat conductive relation therewith and thermally separated from the compressor casing and any component mounted on the other two pins.

Abstract: A sealed thermostatic electric switch has a heat responsive thermostatic element disposed in good heat transfer relationship with the closed end of a heat conductive cup shaped member. The side wall of the cup shaped member extends upwardly from the closed end and is spaced a selected distance from the housing of the switch. A plastic sleeve has one end tightly received over the side wall and adhesively secured thereto and another end closed except for a tubular portion extending therefrom with electrical leads of the switch extending from the switch through and beyond the tubular portion. The tubular portion has opposed wall portions which are in contact and coalesced with each other and with the aligned plastic insulation of the leads to effectively seal the tubular portion of the sleeve.A mounting plate is welded to the bottom outer surface of the cup shaped member which interfits with a strap or clip for attachment to a surface whose temperature is to be monitored.

Abstract: An electric preheater for an internal combustion engine includes a heater having a metallic base member adapted to be secured to and cover an opening of an engine block and carrying an electric immersion heating element adapted to project through the opening into the coolant passage of the block. The base member has electric terminals for supplying power to the heating element. An electric power supply cable is detachably connected to the terminals by a molded plug having mating connectors embedded in a projecting resilient boss on the plug. A heat sensor, in the form of a thermistor, is embedded in the boss and has an exposed sloping leading surface at the side of the boss to facilitate insertion of the plug into a hollow recess defined by an encircling metallic side wall provided on the base around the heating element terminals.

Abstract: Temperature responsive control apparatus includes a body portion, a socket portion, a circuit portion, a connecting portion, a temperature responsive portion and a fastening portion. The body portion includes a housing member including a front face section, a plurality of sidewall sections and a rear section. The socket portion includes a plurality of openings in the front face section with the openings being arranged into groups of at least two adjacent openings with each group providing a combination of openings mateable with an electrical plug member. The circuit portion includes a contact section within the body portion adjacent each socket opening. The connecting portion includes positive and neutral contact terminals disposed on an outer surface of a sidewall or rear section of the body portion with each contact section of one group of socket openings being connected electrically to a different contact terminal.

Abstract: Temperature responsive control apparatus including a housing portion, a socket portion, a circuit portion, a temperature responsive portion, a connecting portion and a fastening portion; the housing portion including an enclosure member including a major face section, sidewall sections and a cover section forming a chamber; the socket portion including a plurality of openings in the enclosure member, the openings being arranged into groups of at least two adjacent openings with each group providing a combination of openings mateable with an electrical plug member; the circuit portion including at least two spaced buss bar members, each of the buss bar members including a contact section adjacent each end thereof extending in one direction therefrom toward the socket openings and terminating adjacent thereto, one of the contact sections that extends from one of the buss bar members being disposed adjacent a socket opening of each socket opening group and one of the contact sections that extends from another bu

Abstract: A safety receptacle having bimetallic means which will cut off the power line when an electrical appliance connected thereto is overloaded or short-circuited. Further, the safety receptacle may be slightly modified to form a circuit breaker or a safety plug.

Abstract: In a hermetic type thermally responsive switch comprising a fixed contact support having a fixed contact at its end and cantilever disposed in a hermetically sealed vessel, a elongated support supporting a thermally responsive disk which has a movable contact and cantilever disposed in said vessel through a connecting means; said fixed contact support comprises laminated metallic sheets each having different elastic modulus, while a spacer means is interposed in electrically, thermally insulated relationship between said elongated support and said connecting means so as to calibrate the snap temperature of said disk.

Abstract: A thermostat device comprises a thermostat unit having a surface which faces in a first direction and which is preferably disposed in thermally-coupled heat-transfer relation to an object whose temperature is to be monitored so that the thermostat unit is promptly responsive to changes in object temperature, the thermostat unit also having other surfaces which face in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A thermostat device comprises a thermostat unit having a surface which faces in a first direction and which is preferably disposed in thermally-coupled heat-transfer relation to an object whose temperature is to be monitored so that the thermostat unit is promptly responsive to an object temperature, the unit also having other surfaces which face in an opposite direction. A metal mounting bracket plate has a base portion, has a stud secured to the base portion to extend in one direction from the base for securing the plate to the object to be monitored in thermally-coupled heat-transfer relation to the object, and has integral spring portions upstanding from respective opposite ends of the base portion of the plate.

Abstract: A cartridge-type electric immersion heating element having an integrally contained, self-limiting thermostatic control included in its electrical circuit includes an electric resistance heating element embedded in compacted powdered insulating material partially filling a tubular metallic sheath open at one end. A preset thermostat is located within a thermostat sleeve positioned in close proximity with the sheath wall and has an end embedded in the insulating material. The thermostat is connected in series circuit with the heating element and the ends of power supply leads enter the sheath through the open end thereof. A body of potting compound, such as epoxy resin, completely fills the remainder of the sheath, seals the open end thereof and encapsulates the other end of the sleeve and the power supply lead ends whereby the sleeve and thermostat are securely held in position in the sheath.

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

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

Abstract: A thermal protective device for interrupting current to the lamp circuit of an electrical lighting fixture when the temperature at a preselected location in the fixture reaches a predetermined level, comprises a receptacle including a pair of female terminals coupled electrically to the lamp circuit. A normally open switch having a movable contact arm with a hooked end portion is coupled to one of the terminals to maintain the lamp circuit normally open. A plug adapted for joinder with the receptacle includes a pair of male terminals arranged for receipt by the female terminals of the receptacle. A thermal protector included in the plug is operable from a closed to an open condition when the temperature reaches the aforesaid predetermined level. The thermal protector is connected electrically across the male terminals. An actuator and latch arm extending from the plug is received in the receptacle upon joinder of the receptacle and plug.

Abstract: A bimetal snap disc thermostat is disclosed providing a heavy walled, cup-shaped metal housing into which a switch body is press-fitted. The housing is formed with an internal annular groove to mechanically interlock potting material such as epoxy which seals the thermostat and locks the housing and body against relative movement. The housing and body are formed to properly align the parts as they move toward the position of interference fit. In one embodiment, the center terminal is formed of a tubular element which is flattened at one end, with the flattened end bent to provide a lateral contact support portion. A longitudinal opening is formed within the flattened portion to facilitate the formation of a smooth bend and potting material extends through such opening to assist in locking the terminal in position.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled bimetal switch is formed of a flat housing with an upper wall and a lower wall closely spaced apart. A fixed contact is secured to the inner surface of the upper wall and a curved bimetal snap plate and a contact spring are positioned between the upper and lower walls. The housing is formed of a transparent or translucent rigid plastics material permeable to radiant heat. A movable contact is formed on one end of the contact spring and is displaceable into and out of contact with the fixed contact by the snap plate. The snap plate is loosely secured to the contact spring and is positioned so that radiant heat passing through the housing directly impinges on the snap plate.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat features a memory unit receptive of unit values of temperature desired at different times on different days all individually or in various combinations both as to days and times. An output device signals a temperature control system. As controlled by a clock, the memory unit is addressed during different times of the different days to provide a signal representing the corresponding value desired. Existing temperature level is sensed and compared with each value so as to develop an error signal. In response to that error signal, the output is operated in a direction to reduce the difference between actual and desired temperatures. Numerous details as to layout, construction and circuitry are presented.

Abstract: An electrical cigar lighter for automotive vehicles is provided with a socket assembly and a plug assembly including a heater element adapted to be electrically heated when the plug assembly is in a connected position within the socket assembly. Electrical circuitry is provided within the socket assembly to effect electrical heating of the heater element. A bimetallic switch including a snap disc for making and breaking contact with the electrical circuitry in response to the temperature of the heating element is also provided in the socket assembly. A dish-shaped contact member formed as part of the heater element of the plug assembly operates to place the heater element in circuit with the electrical circuitry of the socket assembly.

Abstract: An adapter wall plate for mounting a replacement thermostat on a wall wherein the adapter wall plate attaches to the existing wall plate of the thermostat being replaced thereby eliminating the necessity of disconnecting the wires leading from the existing wall plate to the remote control apparatus.

Abstract: A socket for an electric lamp contains a thermal protector to shut off current flow to the lamp when the socket is heated above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An improved thermostatic electrical cable heater is disclosed which permits more accurate temperature sensing by the thermostat and better control over the temperature of the object being heated. This improved sensing and temperature control is accomplished by isolating the thermostat and its surrounding insulated envelope from the electrical resistance heating elements of the cable heater.