Abstract: A bidirectional shape memory alloy thin film actuator includes a crystalline shape memory alloy thin film, and is formed substantially in a single layer while having a residual stress during deposition, and operates at a temperature equal to or higher than room temperature, and is not required to be applied with a particular bias force.

Abstract: A high voltage fuse which includes at least one fuse terminal located at a distal end of the fuse housing. One face of the fuse terminal includes an elongated groove and an opposite face includes at least two elongated grooves. An aperture extends through the fuse terminal from the first face to the second face. The first face is adapted for use with an eyebolt connector component to attach a single conductor to be in direct contact with the fuse terminal. The second face is adapted for use with a parallel groove connector clamping component to attach a pair of conductors in direct contact with the fuse terminal. Alternatively, the grooves on the first and second faces may be provided on a single face of the fuse terminal. The fuse terminal may also serve the function of a spade connector. Thus, the fuse terminal provides improved versatility to allow a variety of connectors to be used therewith.

Abstract: A striker pin in a thermal switch configured as a mechanical link between a bimetallic disk and an armature spring is provided. The striker pin includes a pin of molded ceramic material. The pin has a generally cylindrical shape, a first axial end, and a second axial end. The first axial end is fastenable in fixed relation to an armature spring. A metalizing film is fused to the second axial end. A metallic deposit is fused to the metalizing film such that the metallic deposit substantially covers the second axial end.

Abstract: A temperature detection and switching assembly comprising a solid state low temperature cut-out, operatively linkable to a remote controller, is provided. Preferably, the solid state low temperature cut-out comprises a plurality of spaced apart programmable temperature switches supported by an elongate flexible substrate. An elongate, flexible yet rugged casing is further provided for housing the solid state low temperature cut-out, as is a mounting fixture comprising a fitting, for receiving the casing, a flange extending therefrom, and a gasket for sealing between the flange and a mounting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally controlled electric switching device 1, especially a temperature fuse or a temperature limiter, with a switching contact device 2 comprising a fixed contact 3 and a motion contact 4, as well as a meltable element 8 containing a meltable material 7, wherein the meltable material 7 supports a transmission element 9 before being activated when a trigger temperature is exceeded and, when the trigger temperature is exceeded, is forced out of its receptacle 6 by the end of the transmission element 9 impinging upon it, wherein a radially protruding, flat melt material screen 19 is arranged on the transmission element 9.

Abstract: A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to the bottom wall to avoid denting of the bottom wall. The spring clip has a flat mounting base attached to the thermostat bottom wall to spread forces over a large area of the bottom wall and to reinforce the bottom wall against deformation.

Abstract: A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to the bottom wall to avoid denting of the bottom wall. The spring clip has a flat mounting base attached to the thermostat bottom wall to spread forces over a large area of the bottom wall and to reinforce the bottom wall against deformation.

Abstract: A temperature controller comprises a bimetallic switching mechanism that switches in response to a predetermined temperature, a lower housing part receiving the switching mechanism, a cover part closing off the lower housing part, and a substantially inert film that is arranged between the lower housing part and the cover part. The substantially inert film comprises a polyimide. The film comprises a mechanical seal between the lower housing part and the cover part.

Abstract: Such switches have current connections for contacts. One contact may be a fixed contact and the other contact may be a mobile contact. A drive opens the mobile contact when a predetermined electric current intensity is exceeded. The electric drive is a thermoelectric drive. For that purpose, the contacts (2,3) are arranged in a closed housing (1) made of an insulating material and a disk-shaped resistive member (4) is arranged between the contacts (2,3). A switch of this type may also be advantageously designed as a bistable limiter.

Abstract: A striker pin device for providing a visual indication of an operated condition of an associated fuse, comprising a tubular housing coaxially arranged within the fuse with an end of the housing in contact with an end of the fuse. The tubular housing has a closure structure comprised of a one-piece integrally formed closure member having a projection protruding out of the housing and an opened end with a cavity. A piston with a central projection received in the opened end of the closure member forms a gas tight enclosure containing pyrotechnic material. An ignition element is attached to a brass pin which extends through the projection of the closure member and is connected to a tubular terminal or electrical conductor member which is attached to a high resistance pilot wire, which is stretched through the fuse.

Abstract: A fuse striker affords a visual or other indication of an operated condition of an associated fuse and is mounted within the fuse and comprises a housing structure coaxially arranged within the fuse with an end of the housing in contact with an end of the fuse, closure structure for the opposite end of the striker housing and comprising mating half sections with a longitudinal groove formed in at least one complementary surface through which an elongated high resistance ignition element extends and which is in shunt with the fusible elements of the fuse so as to contact with pyrotechnic material interposed between the closure means and a cup like piston element having an outwardly flared lip portion whereby ignition of the pyrotechnic element drives the piston toward the opposite end of the housing so as to thrust a striker pin mounted therein through the fuse cap so as to afford a visual indication of the operated condition of the fuse, the pyrotechnic material being ignited upon rupture of the fusible eleme

Abstract: An electric heating appliance such as a coffeemaker, has a metallic base with an upper exposed surface and an electric heater on its lower side for heating the surface by conduction. A thermostat comprising a plastic-walled packaged unit with an opening through which an internal bimetal sensor is exposed is provided for controlling the heater and is mounted in a depressed niche formed in the surface of the heater. A detachable U-shaped metallic cover covers the opening and includes a heat-conducting projection extending through the opening very closely adjacent the sensor. The thermostat is positioned so that the cover faces and abuts the surface of the niche and a flexible clamp secures the thermostat in the niche and biases the projection and sensor closely together for fast thermostat response. The base may be an aluminum casting with the heater comprising a cast-in circular sheathed electric heating element.