Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature surrounding a circuit, including: a charge storage element; a charge evacuation device; and a thermo-mechanical switch connecting the storage element to the evacuation element, the switch being capable of closing without the circuit being electrically powered, when the temperature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a substantially straight beam. The beam has a beam length and a beam mid-point. The beam comprises a plurality of beam segments. Each beam segment has a beam segment width, the beam thus forming a corresponding plurality of beam segment widths. The beam segment widths vary along the beam length based on a predetermined pattern. As the beam is heated by an included heating means, the beam buckles. The buckling of the beam, in turn, causes the beam mid-point to translate or move in a predetermined direction. The beam mid-point movement, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The heating means comprises any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a substantially straight beam. The beam has a beam length and a beam mid-point. The beam comprises a plurality of beam segments with beam segment lengths. Each beam segment has a beam segment neutral axis, thus forming a corresponding plurality of beam segment neutral axes. The beam segment neutral axes are offset along the beam length based on a predetermined pattern. As the beam is heated by an included heating means, the beam buckles. The buckling of the beam, in turn, causes the beam mid-point to translate or move in the predetermined direction. The beam mid-point movement, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The heating means comprises any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprises a plurality of substantially straight and parallel beams arranged to form a beam array. The midpoint of each beam is attached or coupled to an orthogonal coupling beam. Each array beam has a beam heating parameter with a corresponding beam heating parameter value. The beam heating parameter values vary across the beam array based on a predetermined pattern. As the beams are heated by an included heating means, the distribution of beam temperatures in the beam array becomes asymmetric, thus causing the beam array to buckle. The buckling of the beams in the beam array, in turn, causes the attached coupling beam to move in a predetermined direction. The coupling beam motion, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The beams in the beam array are heated by any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

Abstract: A switch head is disclosed that can be attached to a temperature sensor having elongated expansion elements with different thermal expansion coefficients. The switch head further includes a device for measuring the displacement of the expansion elements relative to each other. Attachment means are provided for attaching at least one additional switch head. At least one opening for receiving a transfer member to transfer the relative displacement of the expansion elements to the at least one additional switch head is provided.

Abstract: A switch head is disclosed that can be attached to a temperature sensor having elongated expansion elements with different thermal expansion coefficients. The switch head further includes a device for measuring the displacement of the expansion elements relative to each other. Attachment means are provided for attaching at least one additional switch head. At least one opening for receiving a transfer member to transfer the relative displacement of the expansion elements to the at least one additional switch head is provided.

Abstract: A control device having a control element that can be actuated by a thermostatic working element has a multipart structure which includes a primary housing which is preferably made of plastic and a secondary housing which is preferably made of metal. The primary housing is generally U-shaped in cross-section and is provided with an exterior shoulder. The secondary housing is also U-shaped and is provided with an edge which is plastically deformed around the shoulder of the primary housing to secure the housings together. A movable working element extends through a wall of the primary housing and contacts the control element. The secondary housing includes a chamber for receiving a thermally expandable material which is positioned adjacent to an end of the working element. An elastic membrane is disposed between the expandable material and the working element and is secured in position by the primary and secondary housings.

Abstract: A differential-temperature-sensitive device particularly useful for controlling an electrical switch in response to a difference in temperature comprises a first lever arm pivotably mounted at one end to a base member, a second lever arm pivotably mounted to the opposite end of the first arm, and a pair of temperature-sensitive elements each coupled to one of said lever arms for pivoting same in response to the temperature sensed, the control member, preferably an electrical switch, being actuated by the opposite end of the second lever arm.