Abstract: A high current fusible disconnect switch device includes a switch housing configured to receive a pluggable touch-safe fuse module, and a dual slide bar actuator assembly for opening and closing switch contacts. The dual slide bar elements are each coupled to bias elements that store and release energy to affect switch opening and closing operations. The switch opening and closing operation is multi-staged wherein the only the first slider element is movable in the first stage, and both the first and second slider elements are movable in the second stage.

Abstract: A connector includes a terminal to be connected to a terminal of another connector, a fixed contact, a movable contact provided on one end of a movable plate, a card being in contact with the movable plate, a slide portion, a button that contacts with the card and is pushed down according to a movement of the slide portion, and a spring connected to the button and generates force in a direction of separating a contact between the fixed contact and the movable contact. One of the fixed contact and the movable contact is connected to the terminal. The button is pushed down and the card moves to move the movable plate to cause the movable contact to contact with the fixed contact when the slide portion moves in one direction, and the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact when the slide portion moves in another direction.

Abstract: A representative embodiment of the invention provides a thermal actuator for a MEMS-based relay switch. The thermal actuator has an “active” arm that is movably mounted on a substrate. The “active” arm has (i) a thermal expansion layer and (ii) a resistive heater that is electrically isolated from the thermal expansion layer. The thermal expansion layer is adapted to expand in response to a temperature change induced by a control current flowing through the resistive heater, thereby bending the “active” arm and moving that arm with respect to the substrate. Due to the fact that mechanical and electrical characteristics of the “active” arm are primarily controlled by the thermal expansion layer and the resistive heater, respectively, those characteristics can be optimized independently to obtain better operating characteristics for MEMS-based relay switches of the invention compared to those attained in the prior art.

Abstract: A circuit protection device having a warning function includes a casing with a button, a first terminal and a second terminal connected thereto. A resilient bi-metallic plate is connected between the two terminals and bends to be separated from the second terminal when the circuit protection device is overheated. A warning light is located within the button and connected to the first terminal. When a main circuit is connected, no current flows through the warning light which is not activated. When the main circuit is overheated, the bi-metallic plate bends to cut off the main circuit and a connection member on the warning light is in contact with the second terminal to form a circuit to light up the warning light.

Abstract: A lockable MEMS switching architecture provided having a clutch assembly, a switching member, and an actuator. The clutch assembly has one or more engagement features located in proximity to the switching member—particularly one or more receiving features located upon the switching member. The clutch assembly is actuated to disengage the engagement features from the receiving features. The switching member is actuated to move in relation to the clutch assembly. Once the switching member is in a desired position, the clutch assembly is de-actuated, causing the engagement features to re-engage with the switching member, thereby restricting its further movement.

Abstract: A bistable MEMS microswitch produced on a substrate and capable of electrically connecting ends of at least two conductive tracks, including a beam suspended above the surface of the substrate. The beam is embedded at its two ends and is subjected to compressive stress when it is in the non-deformed position. The beam has an electrical contact configured to produce a lateral connection with the ends of the two conductive tracks when the beam is deformed in a horizontal direction with respect to the surface of the substrate. Actuators enable the beam to be placed in a first deformed position, corresponding to a first stable state, or in a second deformed position, corresponding to a second stable state, and the electrical contact ensures connection of the ends of the two conductive tracks.

Abstract: A substantially straight beam in an unbuckled state is compressed to cause the beam to buckle using an adjustable compressor. The adjustable compressor applies force to one or both ends of the beam and limits compression on the beam to allow the beam to move between a first buckled state and a second buckled state. The first buckled state and the second buckled state comprise substantially equal magnitude and opposite direction buckling movements from the unbuckled state.

Abstract: A switchable thermal circuit breaker (10) has an automatically resettable, current carrying thermostatic disc (14) cantilever mounted in a housing (12) and carries a movable contact (14b) into and out of electrical engagement with a stationary contact (14c). A disc coupling member (16) is pivotally mounted above the disc and has fingers (16e, 16f) to capture opposed sides of the disc so that the disc coupling member pivots concomitantly with movement of the disc. A radially extending blade (18c) of a pivot member is biased by a spring (18k) into engagement with a stop surface (16k) of the disc coupling member when the contacts are in the engaged position and is movable under the stop arm (16g) when the disc moves to the contacts disengaged position to prevent reengagement of the contacts.

Abstract: A substantially straight beam in an unbuckled state is compressed to cause the beam to buckle using an adjustable compressor. The adjustable compressor applies force to one or both ends of the beam and limits compression on the beam to allow the beam to move between a first buckled state and a second buckled state. The first buckled state and the second buckled state comprise substantially equal magnitude and opposite direction buckling movements from the unbuckled state.

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: An apparatus and method for determining the actuation energy generated by a bimetallic actuator during transit between first and second states of stability. The apparatus and method further determining the threshold or set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit between bi-stable states. Accordingly, the apparatus and method directly measure both the snap force F and the set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit.

Abstract: A bistable structure provided by the invention is characterized as including a deflection element that has mechanically constrained end points and a compliant span between the end points that is substantially free to deflect between two stable positions when a force is applied at a point along the span. The deflection element span is provided, as-fabricated, curved in one of the two stable positions and in a mechanically unstressed condition along the length of the span. The as-fabricated curve of the deflection element span includes a curve maxima at a point along the span length that is at least about ¼ of the span length from the end points of the span. The deflection element span is constrained to substantially prohibit development of a second bending mode that is characteristic for the span as the element deflects between the two stable positions.

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 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 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 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 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 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 circuit breaker for protecting electrical circuits, particularly in motor vehicles, includes a flat housing, which comprises an insulating material and has two adjacent flat plugs. A bimetal that is embodied as a snap-action element and is fixed to a flat plug serves in contacting the flat plugs together, with the contact end of the bimetal being located in an overlapping position with the counter-contact. During a contact opening as stipulated by an overcurrent, a contact separator automatically travels into the space between the opened contacts, and can be returned from its contact-separating position by the external exertion of a force acting counter to the spring pressure. A manual release device, which diverts the contact end of the bimetal from its contacting position into its contact-opening position, protrudes from the breaker housing.

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

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: 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: The invention provides a thermal protector comprising an enclosure provided with a cylinder case having one open end and a cover for closing the open end and for fitting on the surface of a protected body, a protector section comprising two fixed terminal plates having fixed contacts respectively and secured on the bottom of the cylinder case, an adjusting screw provided on the bottom of the cylinder case, and the dished main bimetal provided with movable contacts facing to the fixed contacts for switching operation, and pressed and supported onto the head of the adjusting screw by a spring, and a heater wire provided near the main bimetal and connected between the one fixed terminal plate and the heater terminal, and a thermostat section having the bimetal which is disposed nearest to the cover at the position parallel to the surface of the protected body, wherein the protector section and the thermostat section are disposed on the bottom side and on the cover side of the cylinder case respectively and conne

Abstract: A thermal conductor includes a fixing plate which ha a fixing contact at one end and the other end of which is connected to an external circuit via a first terminal. There is a movable plate which has a movable contact contactable with the fixing contact at one end and the other end of which is connected to an external circuit via a second terminal, also included is a bimetal plate which is deformed when the temperature thereof is increased to a preset predetermined value, thereby deforming the movable plate in the direction such that the movable contact is separated from the fixing contact. The Internal conductive parts (e.g. the fixing and movable plates) are formed of a material having an electrical conductivity of 50%IACS and higher.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch 10 has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 11; a housing 12, receiving the switching mechanism 11 and having a lower part 14 and an upper part 15; and two stationary contacts 31, 32, provided on the upper part 15 on its inner side 37, each contact being connected to an associated external termina 35, 36. A current transfer member is arranged on the switching mechanism 11 and moved by it, which transfer member is in contact with the two stationary contacts 31, 32 in temperature-dependent fashion. There is arranged physically in the region of the current transfer member and upper part 15 at least one resistor 38 which is electrically connected between the stationary contacts 31, 32 at least when the current transfer member is in contact with them.

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 has two connection electrodes mounted on an insulating support as well as a switching mechanism that, as a function of its temperature, creates an electrically conductive connection between the two connection electrodes. Also provided is a resistance element that is connected to the two connection electrodes electrically parallel to the switching mechanism and is inserted into the insulating support perpendicular to the connection electrodes, so that it sits inside the insulating support and is retained by it.

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 low cost thermostatic switch (10) has first and second scoop shaped terminal members (12, 14) having flanges (12e, 14e) received on ledges (20f) formed on opposed sidewalls (20e) of a housing (20). The terminal members are spaced apart with the distal end portions (20g) of the sidewalls of the housing bent over to clamp the terminal members to the housing with a strip (16) of electrical insulation placed therebetween. A movable contact arm (22, 22', 22") is cantilever mounted on the bottom wall (14a) of one terminal member (14) movable into and out of electrical engagement with a stationary contact (26) mounted on the bottom wall (12a) of the other terminal member.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism and a housing, receiving the switching mechanism, that has a lower part and an upper part made of insulating material. On the inner side of the upper part there are two stationary contacts, each of which is connected to an external terminal associated with it. A current transfer member is moved by the switching mechanism, which electrically connects the two stationary contacts to one another as a function of temperature. A cavity, into which project two contact surfaces which are each connected to one of the stationary contacts, is located in the upper part.

Abstract: The circuit protector and switch has fixed and movable contacts. The movable contact is provided on the free end of a lever that is made in part from a bi-metallic element. Normally, this lever serves to open or close the contacts as a rocker is moved between "ON" and "OFF" positions. The rocker is biased toward its "OFF" position and has a fixed post that engages the contact lever at least in the "ON" position. The bi-metallic element changes shape to open the contacts in response to an overcurrent/overheat condition.

Abstract: A switchable circuit breaker having a housing, stationary and moveable contacts, a switching member for actuating the contacts to assume a first condition in which the contacts are open and a second condition in which the contacts are closed, and a breaker is disposed within the housing to interrupt current flow through the contacts in response to the current flow exceeding a predetermined level. The switching member includes a pusher moveable between an advanced position in which the pusher acts on the contacts to assume a contact opening condition and a retracted position in which the pusher releases the contacts to assume a contact closing position. The pusher is guided within the housing so as to convert a linear motion of its drive end into a steplike motion of its active end in order to provide a snapping transition between the closing and opening conditions of the contacts, thus assuring "non-teaseability" in the switching operation.

Abstract: An improved safety switch with overload protection circuit includes a housing having a lamp cover and three connecting plates disposed in a receptacle. One connecting plate is provided with a bi-metal plate having a platinum contact, and one is provided with a platinum contact corresponding to the bi-metal plate. When power is overload, the bi-metal plate will trip off so that an electrically insulating baffling plate may slip in between the platinum contacts to cut off power supply. The lamp cover is provided with a control hook which may control the bi-metal plate. The lamp cover further has a leg extending into an elongated notch of the baffling plate. By pressing the lamp cover, displacement of the bi-metal plate and the baffling plate may be controlled to achieve electrical connection or disconnection.

Abstract: A switch including two contact plates spaced in a housing, a bimetallic strip and a stop plate respectively connected to one contact plate, a T-shaped switch handle, a control block mounted around the switch handle, a conductive connecting plate fastened to a neck portion on the switch handle, a cushion mounted around the switch handle a first spring retained between the conductive connecting plate and the cushion, and a second spring supported between the control block and the head of the switch handle, wherein when the switch handle is turned sideways against the stop plate spring, the conductive connecting plate is forced to contact the first and second contact plates, causing the switch switched on; the bimetallic strip is deformed to force the stop plate spring away from switch handle, when the switch is overloaded, causing the switch to trip off.

Abstract: An electrical instrument switch includes a rocker switch for manual on-and-off switching and that is seated in an insulation housing. Depending on the pivot position, the rocker switch moves, with a working end that dips into the housing interior, a contact bridge between the closed position of its contact and the open position of its contact. The contact bridge is electrically connected in series with a contact spring that can be triggered thermally and hence acts as an overcurrent protection. The contact spring can move between its contact position and its open position. The contact spring is mechanically prestressed in the direction of its open position. When overcurrent occurs, it is transferred out of its contact position into its open position by a thermal triggering element. A pivot of the rocker switch counter to the mechanical prestress, in the tipping direction of the contact spring, guides the contact spring from its open position back into its contact position.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch is shown in which a movable arm mounting a movable contact and a snap acting thermostatic strip disc are cantilever mounted with the disc adapted to cause the movable contact to move out of engagement with a stationary contact at a selected calibration temperature by engaging the movable arm and moving it and concomitantly the movable contact away from the stationary contact when the disc snaps to its opposite surface configuration.

Abstract: In an overcurrent protective relay thermally operable by a bimetal, a movable contact mechanism is employed by utilizing a snap inversion mechanism. A normally-closed contact is employed with having an overtravel to achieve the reliable contacting. A manually resettable lever is also employed to open the normally-closed contact after the overcurrent protective relay has been actuated.

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.

Abstract: An actuator for use as part of an electrically heated thermal delay valve (FIG. 1) or switch (FIG. 2) includes a thermally responsive plate (12) the periphery of which is fixed and the central part of which forms a temperature-dependent control element. The actuator also includes a metal carrier plate (9) which has a PTC element (10) mounted on it and which is free to move in a direction normal to its surface between stop abutments, and at least one spring (11) which electrically contacts the PTC element (10) and biases the carrier plate (9) towards the thermally responsive plate (9) to ensure that it is constantly in thermal contact with the carrier plate (10). This ensures that a direct thermal contact between the PTC element and the thermally responsive plate is constantly maintained which results in consistently reproducible functions being achieved with the apparatus by virtue of this direct thermal contact. The thermally responsive plate (9) may be biased towards the carrier plate (10).

Abstract: A temperature control device for use with an aquarium heater, including a control housing, a first contact fastened to the control housing, a second contact responsive to the temperature responsive movement of a bimetallic strip maintained at the control housing and movable between a closed position wherein the second contact abuts the first contact and an open position wherein the second contact is separated from the first contact, a plate spring, the second contact fastened at the free end of the plate spring and with the plate spring mounted on the control housing and movable through an unstable intermediate position between a first stable position wherein the contacts lie abuting one another and a second stable position wherein the contacts are separated from one another, and the plate spring abuting a stop on the control housing and with the bimetallic strip abuting the plate spring and moving the plate spring in response to temperature changes between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A thermal relay construction capable of operating a pair of electrical contacts. The thermal relay includes an electrical heater of the self-regulating PTC type which is mounted upon and thermally coupled directly to a bimetal snap disc so that heat generated by the heater causes the bimetal snap disc to overcenter and operate the electrical contacts. The other electrical connection to the heater is made through a compensating blade which bears against the heater to compensate for ambient temperature effects on the thermal relay. An electric range oven control uses temperature sensitive electrical contacts in conjunction with the thermal relay to control the oven heaters.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a bistable snap-acting mechanism including a bimetallic arm which renders the circuit breaker capable of actuation by either ambient temperature changes or temperature changes generated internally, as by an excessive electric current. An electromagnetic arrangement enables essentially instantaneous actuation in response to an electric current of predetermined amplitude greater than the excessive current which otherwise might actuate the circuit breaker thermally. An actuating lever assembly includes an actuating lever coupled to a link which is normally latched and is unlatched in response to movement of the bimetallic arm, and enables manual actuation, as well as manual reset of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An appliance door lock has a thermally actuable latch regulated by a voltage responsive heater arranged to close the appliance circuit only after the latch has been set, to delay unlatching of the door after interruption of the appliance operation, and to assure safe latch operation when overloading of the appliance may reduce the current available to regulate lock operation.