With Push-button Actuating Means Patents (Class 337/66)
  • Patent number: 11929225
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker, which includes a button mechanism, a circuit breaker housing, and an anti-switching-on mechanism, wherein the button mechanism is arrange at one end of the circuit breaker housing and is in sliding fit with the circuit breaker housing, the anti-switching-on mechanism includes a first locking member, the first locking member is pivotally arranged on the circuit breaker housing, one end of the first locking member is in locking fit with the button mechanism to prevent the button mechanism from moving towards a switching-on direction, and after the miniature circuit breaker is installed to an installed position for the circuit breaker, an external housing of the installed position for the circuit breaker acts on the first locking member, so that after the first locking member is unlocked from the button mechanism, the button mechanism is capable of moving towards the switching-on direction for a switching-on operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kejun Lu, Xiangyi Gu
  • Patent number: 11070010
    Abstract: An overheating destructive disconnecting method for switch, whereby an operating member applies a first elastic force under normal conditions to enable the movable conductive member contacts a first conductive member and a second conductive member to form a conductive circuit; and a second elastic force to enable the movable conductive member to separate from the first conductive member or the second conductive member. The installation position of the overheating destructive member is used to receive heat energy instead of allowing current to flow thereto. When the overheating destructive member is destructed or deformed under a fail temperature condition, lessening or loss of the force applied by the first elastic force towards the movable conductive member causes the movable conductive member to no longer allow electrical conduction to the first conductive member and the second conductive member, thereby breaking the current-carrying circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: GREEN IDEA TECH INC.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Yun I
  • Patent number: 10937614
    Abstract: A switch module with a built-in structure of anti-surge and linkage disconnection, particularly to one that has an anti-surge instant expanding detaching device with a cocoon form protection structure, when an overvoltage occurs, the metal oxide varistor would instantly heat up or explode, and the expanded graphite is linear expanded by absorbing heat and forms a cocoon form protection structure that fill up the containing space like a spider web covering the metal oxide varistor to forms a flame proof layer, when the expanding volume of the expanded graphite reach the predetermined setting, the expansion provides a push force pushing the pushing element forcing the first connecting point detaching from the second connecting point and turning off the switch, and further achieving the effects of easy manufacturing and improving the stability and the accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Yi-Hsiang Wang, I-Ying Wang
  • Patent number: 10840654
    Abstract: An artificial lighted tree is presented with power routed through the trunk and three-wire safety grounding. The tree comprising a fused plug having improved safety features comprising: a body portion surrounding respective first ends of a first, a second and a third electrical wire, the body portion further comprising a fuse holder embedded within an upper region of the body portion, and a fuse adapted to be releasably secured within the fuse holder via releasable securing means, a live blade in communication with the first end of the first electrical wire, a neutral blade in communication with the first end of the second electrical wire, a ground pin receptacle in communication with the first end of the third electrical wire, wherein the body portion surrounds and maintains the live blade, neutral blade, and ground pin receptacle in spaced apart orientation corresponding to polarized sockets on an electrical wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: National Christmas Products LLC
    Inventor: Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 10700478
    Abstract: A heat destructive disconnecting switch comprises a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a movable conductive member, an overheating destructive member, an operating component, and a second elastic member. The movable conductive member conducts electricity to the first conductive member and the second conductive member. The overheating destructive member is formed as an integral body on a limiting member, and a first elastic member is compressed to between a contact member and the overheating destructive member, thereby providing the first elastic member with a first elastic force. The second elastic member is provided with a second elastic force. When the overheating destructive member is destructed due to overheating, the first elastic force is smaller than the second elastic force, causing the movable conductive member to disconnect the first conductive member from the second conductive member to achieve a protective effect from overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: GREEN IDEA TECH INC.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Yun I
  • Patent number: 9593730
    Abstract: A compression spring is disclosed, which is configured to be used for various applications, and in particular for operate accessory linkages. Furthermore, a compression spring retention system is disclosed including a compression spring and a housing in which the compression spring is fixable. The compression spring includes a length of coiled wire having substantially a circular cross-sectional area, wherein at least a first end of the compression spring is formed as a retainer device that is configured to be compressed while being mounted into a recessed chamber of the housing and to expand when inserted into the recessed chamber in a way that the compression spring is fixed at the recessed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Jan Rojko
  • Patent number: 8766761
    Abstract: A rocker switch unit (1) with fuse comprising a housing (2); a rocker switch (3) lodged pivotally in the housing (2); at least a fuse lodged in the housing (2) and at least two connection elements (9) for connecting the rocker switch unit (1) with an external apparatus, wherein the two connection elements (9) are connected to each other by the fuse, when rocker switch (3) is in an ON-position. According to the invention the housing (2) provides at least one blind hole (4) for accommodating the fuse, wherein one terminal of the fuse serves as a first connection element for connecting the rocker switch unit (1) with the external apparatus. The rocker switch unit 1 can be used in any apparatus, in a network filter or as IEC entry plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schaffner EMV AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schwabenland
  • Patent number: 8729415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power switch, which includes a housing, a key pivotally connected to the housing, a first conductive plate having one end in the housing, a thermally actuated metal plate having one end fixed to the first conductive plate and a free end extending within the housing, a C-shaped spring having two ends engaged with the thermally actuated metal plate, a second conductive plate having one end in the housing, an insulating seat accommodated in the housing, a light-emitting unit located in the key and having two electrodes connected to the insulating seat, and a third conductive plate having one end in the housing. Thus, the light-emitting unit can be easily installed in the housing along with the insulating seat, and the electrodes can directly connect with the second and third conductive plates respectively, so as to make the power switch suitable for automated production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8614618
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to displace the switchable contact, as well as multiple other components in the device, in response to a predetermined electrical condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Hundi Panduranga Kamath
  • Patent number: 8576042
    Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker has a housing formed of a housing base of insulating material and a pot-like housing cover, which is or can be positioned onto the housing base. Two elongate and flat contact arms are partially embedded in the housing base parallel with respect to one another in terms of their longitudinal direction. A fixed contact is arranged at an inner end of a first one of the contact arms. A bimetallic snap-action disk with a free end, forming or bearing a moving contact, is fitted at an inner end of the second contact arm at a fastening point. The fastening point, the moving contact and the fixed contact are in this case on an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the contact arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ullermann
  • Patent number: 8154375
    Abstract: This invention relates to an overcurrent protection device, which comprises a housing having a first side mounted with first and second wire terminals and a second side installed with a button, an elastic element installed therein for abutting against the button, a memory alloy plate disposed therein and having a first end connected to the first wire terminal and a free end having a first contact, and an elastic metal sheet having two ends movably connected to the first and free ends respectively. When the button is pressed, an extended rod thereof can push the first contact and cause the memory alloy plate to be deformed for enabling the first contact to contact a second contact on the second wire terminal. When the button is released and shifted away from the first contact, a space will be provided for the first contact to return an original status prior to deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7982577
    Abstract: A safety device for a switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal and a conductive plate connected between the two terminals. A first contact point is connected to an end of the second terminal. The conductive plate has a first end fixed to the first terminal and a second contact point connected to a second end of the conductive plate and corresponding to the first contact point. A push rod is located at a side of the conductive plate and a gap is defined between the distal end of the push rod and the conductive plate. The push rod pushes a mediate portion of the conductive plate when the mediate portion of the conductive plate is overheating to bend toward the push rod under a current overload condition. The push rod applies a force to further separate the first and second contact points so as to ensure the circuit is cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7948351
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7924136
    Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and switchable contacts for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism is provided to disconnect the switchable contacts when predetermined circuit conditions occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Thomas Dowil
  • Publication number: 20110080250
    Abstract: This invention relates to an overcurrent protection device, which comprises a housing having a first side mounted with first and second wire terminals and a second side installed with a button, an elastic element installed therein for abutting against the button, a memory alloy plate disposed therein and having a first end connected to the first wire terminal and a free end having a first contact, and an elastic metal sheet having two ends movably connected to the first and free ends respectively. When the button is pressed, an extended rod thereof can push the first contact and cause the memory alloy plate to be deformed for enabling the first contact to contact a second contact on the second wire terminal. When the button is released and shifted away from the first contact, a space will be provided for the first contact to return an original status prior to deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi CHEN
  • Patent number: 7800477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal protector which is comprised of a bimetal blade, a moving electrical contact, a fixed electrical contact, and a electrical resistor, wherein the bimetal blade has a fixed end and a moving end, wherein the moving electrical contact is positional toward the moving end of the bimetal blade, wherein the moving electrical contact has a minimum volume of 0.0003 in3, wherein electrical resistor generates sufficient heat to keep the bimetal blade above a reset temperature and to maintain the bimetal blade in a bent position wherein the moving electrical contact remains away from the fixed electrical contact during periods of continued application of the electrical current, wherein the reset temperature is above ambient temperature, and wherein the thermal protector is capable of at least 60 cycles of operation at a peak amperage of at least 90 amps at 120 volts of alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Thermtrol Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Komer
  • Patent number: 7688174
    Abstract: An overload protection switch includes a main body and a press button. Several terminals, a conductive plate and other components are arranged in the main body. By means of switching the press button, the switch is switchable between an on state and an off state. In case of overload, the conductive plate will separate from one of the terminals to switch off the switch. The components arranged in the main body will not hinder the conductive plate from separating from the terminal. When switching on the switch, the conductive plate resiliently contacts the terminal. In case of overload, the conductive plate separates from the terminal to switch off the switch so as to provide overload protection effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Zing Ear Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tang-Yueh Hung
  • Patent number: 7683750
    Abstract: A warning device for a circuit breaker includes a casing with a button and a warning light is received in the button. The button is movable relative to the casing and made of transparent or translucent material. When the main circuit is connected, the warning light is not activated. When overheat or overload, the main circuit is cut off and a weak current circuit is formed to light up the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Publication number: 20100039209
    Abstract: An overload protection switch includes a main body and a press button. Several terminals, a conductive plate and other components are arranged in the main body. By means of switching the press button, the switch is switchable between an on state and an off state. In case of overload, the conductive plate will separate from one of the terminals to switch off the switch. The components arranged in the main body will not hinder the conductive plate from separating from the terminal. When switching on the switch, the conductive plate resiliently contacts the terminal. In case of overload, the conductive plate separates from the terminal to switch off the switch so as to provide overload protection effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Tang-Yueh Hung
  • Patent number: 7656268
    Abstract: A switch includes a body and a switch member pivotably engaged with the top opening of the body. A link has one end pivotably connected to a first end of the switch member and the other end of the link is movably received in a guide path is defined in the body. The second end of the link is located at an inner periphery of the guide path when the switch member is in “ON” position to let two contact points be in contact with each other, and a space is defined between the second end of the link and the outer periphery of the guide path so that the second end of the link is allowed to move toward the outer periphery when a contact portion is deformed upward when overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7626482
    Abstract: A safety switch has a housing, a conducting assembly, a switching assembly and a resilient member. The housing has an on-end and an off-end. The conducting assembly is mounted in the housing and has two conductors and a bimetal strip. The conductors respectively correspond to the on and off-ends and are attached respectively to two separated ends of a circuit. The bimetal strip selectively connects the conductors. The switching assembly has a rocker and a connecting arm. The rocker is mounted pivotally on a top of the housing. The connecting arm connects the rocker and a contacting end of the bimetal strip. The resilient member is mounted between the on-end of the housing and the rocker to stably position the rocker when the circuit is on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Patent number: 7589610
    Abstract: An over current cut-off switch has an electric insulating housing, a first conductive foot, a second conductive foot, a reed, an electric wire and a switch button. The housing received upper portions of the first and second conductive feet, the reed and the electric wire. The button is configured on a top of the electric insulating housing. One end of the reed uses a connecting conductor to rivet to the first conductive foot. The other free end of the reed is separately connected to a top of the second conductive foot. The electric wire is mounted between the reed and the first conductive foot to be used as current branch. The switch button is configured on a top of the electric insulating housing. One side of a bottom of the switch button has a bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Patent number: 7583175
    Abstract: A switch includes a body with a switch member on a top thereof, an extension extends from an underside of the switch member, and a substantially inverted L-shaped slot is defined through the extension. Two terminals extend through a bottom of the body, in which one of the terminals is fixed with a contact plate. The contact plate has a tongue with a free end, which contacts the other terminal when the circuit is ON, and is separated from the other terminal when the circuit is OFF. An operation member has a first end movably engaged with the slot and a second end connected with the contact plate. A positioning member having a first end pivotally connected to an inside of the body and a second end biasing the first end of the operation member. Under the current overload condition, the switch member is pivoted by a torsion spring to the OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7583174
    Abstract: A switch includes a body with a switch member on a top thereof, an extension extends from an underside of the switch member, and a substantially inverted L-shaped slot is defined through the extension. Two terminals extend through a bottom of the body, in which one of the terminals is fixed with a contact plate. The contact plate has a tongue with a free end, which contacts the other terminal when the circuit is ON, and is separated from the other terminal when the circuit is OFF. An operation member has a first end movably engaged with the slot and a second end connected with the contact plate. Under the current overload condition, the contact plate deforms, the first end of the operation member move downward along the vertical space of the slot, and the switch member is pivoted by a torsion spring to the OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7570146
    Abstract: An aircraft circuit breaker includes a housing having an opening, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the contacts, and a trip mechanism structured to cooperate with the operating mechanism to trip open the operating mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a first bimetal to trip open the operating mechanism responsive to a thermal fault, a second ambient compensation bimetal to compensate the first bimetal, and an arc fault trip circuit to trip open the operating mechanism responsive to an arc fault. An indicator includes an indicator portion and a leg disposed from the indicator portion. A spring biases the indicator portion. The second bimetal holds the leg of the indicator, thereby holding the indicator against the spring bias. The second bimetal releases the leg of the indicator responsive to the arc fault trip circuit and the arc fault, thereby releasing the indicator to the spring bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Mills, Richard G. Benshoff
  • Publication number: 20090027154
    Abstract: An aircraft circuit breaker includes a housing having an opening, separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the contacts, and a trip mechanism structured to cooperate with the operating mechanism to trip open the operating mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a first bimetal to trip open the operating mechanism responsive to a thermal fault, a second ambient compensation bimetal to compensate the first bimetal, and an arc fault trip circuit to trip open the operating mechanism responsive to an arc fault. An indicator includes an indicator portion and a leg disposed from the indicator portion. A spring biases the indicator portion. The second bimetal holds the leg of the indicator, thereby holding the indicator against the spring bias. The second bimetal releases the leg of the indicator responsive to the arc fault trip circuit and the arc fault, thereby releasing the indicator to the spring bias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: PATRICK W. MILLS, RICHARD G. BENSHOFF
  • Patent number: 7479868
    Abstract: A trip-free manual reset thermostat includes a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact for an electric circuit and a bridging contact having a first end and a second end in contact with the first and second fixed contacts, respectively, in a normally closed position. The bridging contact is tripped open and is not in contact with the first and second fixed contacts at a predetermined higher temperature. When a pushbutton is in a depressed position, the bridging contact is pressed toward the fixed contacts and the second end of the bridging contact is caused to pivot around the first end of the bridging contact. The thermostat does not require a narrow manufacturing and assembly tolerance to achieve a trip-free function and has a simpler structure and is easy to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventor: Derek Rose
  • Publication number: 20090009281
    Abstract: A fuse element comprises a substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to said top surface, and side surfaces, a heat insulation layer including a first surface and a second surface opposite to said first surface, said first surface of said heat insulation layer disposed on said top surface of said substrate, and said second surface having a surface roughness, a protective layer disposed above said heat insulation layer, and a fuse layer disposed between said heat insulation layer and said protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Chung-Hsiung Wang, Yu-Liang Song, Qing-Feng Song, Yu-Qiao Li, Jian-Da Qiu, Meng Liu
  • Patent number: 7405645
    Abstract: A thermally activated circuit interrupter (10) has a cantilever mounted, snap acting thermostatic disc (16) mounting a movable electric contact (18) that is adapted to move between a contacts engaged position and a tripped, contacts disengaged position. A pivot member (24) is rotatably mounted above the thermostatic disc and movably mounts a latch (26d) that is biased by spring arm (26a) against the edge of the free end of thermostatic disc (16) in the contacts engaged position and is moved under the thermostatic disc when the disc moves to the contacts disengaged position. An arm (24b) of the pivot member transfers motion to a trip indicator button (32) pushing the button to an exposed position upon rotation of the pivot member when the thermostatic disc moves to the tripped configuration and the latch moves under the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucien P. Fontaine, Stephen J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7336149
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a bimetallic snap-action disk fixed to a bimetallic connection disposed in the vicinity of a fixed contact connection inside a coverable housing. The bimetallic disk has a contact end with a contact superposed with a fixed contact of the fixed contact connection in such a way that a contact is established. When the contacts are opened, a spring-loaded isolating slide moves between the contacts. The isolating slide has an illuminated push button for reliably identifying a disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ullermann
  • Patent number: 7317375
    Abstract: A switch device includes a body with a switch member pivotably engaged with a top opening of the body and a first terminal and a second terminal respectively extend through two slots in a bottom of the body. A connection member is fixedly connected to an inside of the body and an adjusting member movably extends through a wall of the body and contacts the connection member. A U-shaped biasing member has a first end connected to the second end of a bi-metallic plate and a second end of the biasing member is connected to the connection member. The biasing member provides the bi-metallic plate proper flexibility so as to ensure the deformation of the bi-metallic plate to cut off the switch device when it is overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7312687
    Abstract: A protective switch for protecting a circuit includes an operating element or rocker switch, contact connections projecting from a housing, a contact spring electrically connected to a first contact connection and having a free end covering a second contact connection for making contact. A bimetallic element in the housing runs transversely to a slider longitudinal direction and is electrically connected between the first contact connection and through the contact spring to the second contact connection. A slider slides in the housing and has a contact end bearing against and acting upon the contact spring counter to its restoring force in a contact position. The slider is latched by the operating element in a turned-on position. The bimetallic element is coupled to the slider for thermal tripping and has a first longitudinal section at least partly covering and unlatching the slider upon overcurrent to break contact, and a second longitudinal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ellenberg & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ullermann
  • Patent number: 7310041
    Abstract: The invention relates to a re-settable, single-phase, thermo/electric circuit breaker utilizing a U-shape bimetallic element of substantial resistance properties in the circuit, so that when a predetermined overload current occurs the bimetallic element self heats and moves to trip a mechanism that opens the breaker circuit. The invention replaces the double-contact break configuration normally associated with a breaker of this type, with a single contact break configuration designed to produce a sliding action between contacts during the normal reset operation, providing a more reliable continuity at the moveable and stationary contact interface that is also less expensive to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: MP Hollywood LLC
    Inventors: James Allison, William Pollock
  • Patent number: 7307505
    Abstract: A switch includes a push rod which extends from an underside of a switch member and the push rod selectively pivots an action member in “ON” and “OFF” positions. A bi-metallic contact plate has a first end fixed to one of two terminals and a contact portion splits from the contact plate. A first contact point is connected to an underside of the contact portion so as to contact a second contact point on the other terminal when in “ON” position. A free end of the contact portion is connected with a free end of a spring member which is fixed on the contact plate. There is a sufficient space for the upward movement of the action member when overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7307506
    Abstract: A switch includes a switch member and an extension and a push rod respectively extended from two ends of an underside of the switch member. A bi-metallic contact plate has a first end fixed to one of two terminals and a contact portion splits from the contact plate. A first contact point is connected to an underside of the contact portion and a second contact point is connected to the other terminal. A free end of the contact portion is connected with a free first end of a spring member and a second end of the spring member is connected to the contact plate. When overload, the contact portion and the spring member move upward to cut off the circuit while the push rod extends through a through hole defined in the spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7304560
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a switch member and a push rod is pivotably connected to an inside of the switch member. A biasing member pushes the push rod toward a stop rod extending from the inside of the switch member. A bi-metallic contact plate has a first end fixed to one of two terminals and a contact portion splits from the contact plate. A first contact point is connected to an underside of the contact portion and a second contact point is connected to the other terminal. A free end of the contact portion is connected with a free first end of a spring member and a second end of the spring member is connected to the contact plate. When overloaded, the contact portion and the spring member move clockwise to cut off the circuit while the push rod does not stop the clockwise movement of the spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7292129
    Abstract: A switch device includes a body with a switch member pivotably engaged with a top opening of the body and a first terminal and a second terminal respectively extend through a bottom of the body. A bi-metallic plate has a first end fixed to the first terminal and includes a first contact point which is located above a second contact point on the second terminal. A link has an upper end pivotably connected with a protrusion on an underside of the switch member and a lower end of the link clamps the second end of the bimetallic plate. The protrusion includes an engaging hole and an extension slot is in communication with the engaging hole. The upper end of the link has a biasing plate which contacts a contact portion in the body so as to provide a potential force to keep the link upright. When overloaded, the bi-metallic plate is deformed upward and the upper end of the link is moved into the extension slot to ensure that the bi-metallic plate is deformed completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7283031
    Abstract: A breaker has a first conducting strip and a second conducting strip respectively mounted on a lower end of a shell; a first terminal mounted on the second conducting strip; a bimetal strip securely provided on a first conducting strip; a second terminal mounted on a tip of the bimetal strip and detachably connected to the first terminal; a button provided on an upper end of the shell; a finger pivotally provided under the curved spring; and a lever with a smooth surface provided between the bimetal strip and the finger wherein an end of the lever is bent to form an angle. Hence, the finger can slide on the smooth surface of the lever so that the button can completely return to an original status. Furthermore, when the angle is small, the finger counter clockwise rotates with a small stored power of the bimetal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Patent number: 7259343
    Abstract: A safety switch has a casing, a first circuit prong, a second circuit prong, a switch contact, a rocker, an arm and a latch. The first and second circuit prongs are mounted in and extend through the casing. The switch contact bends upward when temperature of the switch contact increases, is mounted on the first circuit prong and has a distal end selectively contacting the second circuit prong. The rocker is pivotally mounted on the casing and has a deactivating end and an activating end. The arm is formed on and protrudes down from the activating end and connects to the distal end of the switch contact. The latch is mounted in the cavity and selectively locks the arm to prevent the distal end of the switch contact from contacting the second circuit prong as the temperature drops. The safety switch may be used in severely cold environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Patent number: 7248140
    Abstract: A switch device includes a body with switch pivotably connected to a top thereof and two terminals extend through an underside of the body. A first contact point is connected to one of the terminals and a bi-metallic plate has a first end fixed to the other terminal. A second contact point is connected to an underside of a second end of the bi-metallic plate and located above the first contact point. A pull member has an upper end pivotably connected to the switch member and a lower end of the pull member supports the underside of the second end of the bi-metallic plate. An upper end of a push member is pivotably connected to the switch member and a lower end of the push member is in contact with the bi-metallic plate. A spring is biased between the push member and the body so as to provide a push force to the push member. A board movably received in a recess in an inside of the body and movable by an adjusting member extending through a hole through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7236082
    Abstract: An improved structure of a circuit breaker is provided which comprises a housing, a rocker-switch, a push-shaft, a pull-shaft, a bimetallic strip, and other parts. There are three terminals under the rocker-switch inside the housing. A bimetallic strip embedded in a groove under the pull-shaft makes contact with that pull-shaft through a silver point at one end. The bimetallic strip also makes contact with the push-shaft at the other end using another silver point. Both the pull-shaft and the push-shaft are connected with a curved spring installed inside the V-shaped slot on an adjustment strip. The bimetallic strip, curved spring, and both the pull-shaft and the push-shaft constitute the main control mechanism that provides the circuit breaking action under overloading condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Wan-Kuo Kuo
  • Patent number: 7230516
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a body having a neck member integrally connected thereto. A flange extends from an inner periphery of the neck member and a recess is defined in an inner periphery of the flange. Two terminals are connected to the body and a bi-metallic plate has an end fixed to one of the terminals and there other end of the bi-metallic plate is a free end on which a contact point is connected so as to be in contact with another contact point on one of the terminals. A button has a stop plate extending radially therefrom which is sized to move through the first recess of the flange, and the button is then rotated an angle to shift the stop plate away from the first recess. A resilient member is biased between the stop plate and an inside of the body. By the off alignment of the stop member and the flange, the button is not disengaged from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7202769
    Abstract: A protection mechanism includes a first member connected to a switch member pivotably connected to an open top of a case so as to lift a bimetallic plate when the switch device is set to an “OFF” status, and a second member that is pivotably connected to an extension board extending form the switch member. The second member is located above the bimetallic plate and pushes the bimetallic plate downward to set the switch device to an “ON” status. The second member can be pivoted counter clockwise when the bimetallic plate is deformed upward and will not stop the deformation of the bimetallic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7148784
    Abstract: A safety switch device includes a case with a switch pivotally engaged with an open top of the case and a ramp defined in an inside of the case. Two terminals are extended from the bottom of the case and a bimetallic plate having a first end fixed to one of the terminals. A distal end of the bimetallic plate is located above the other terminal. A pull rod is pivotally connected to the switch so as to lift the bimetallic plate by a hook portion thereof when switching to “OFF” status. A control member has a first end pivotally connected to the switch member and a probe extended from a second end of the control member. The probe is movably engaged with the ramp and the second end of the control member is movably located above the second end of the bimetallic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7030726
    Abstract: A protection mechanism for a switch device includes a pull member that has one end pivotably connected to the switch member and the other end which is a hook end for lifting the bimetallic plate to set the switch device to “OFF” status. A push member is pivotably connected to the pull member and includes a lower end which is movably engaged on an inclined surface of a block extending from an inside of the case of the switch device. The lower end of the push member may push the bimetallic plate to its “ON” status. When the bimetallic plate is deformed in an overload situation, the push member is pivoted away from the bimetallic plate in such a way that the bimetallic plate can be completely deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7026906
    Abstract: A circuit breaker has a housing in which two conductive plates, a bimetallic strip and a swing plate with a U-shaped notch are retained, wherein a switch is mounted at the top of the housing. Each conductive plate has an end protruding from a bottom of the body. The bimetallic strip with a movable node connects to one of the conductive plates, where the movable node contacts an immovable node secured at the other conductive plate. The swing plate is attached to near the bimetallic strip near the movable node. A pivot block linked to the bottom of the switch is placed in the U-shaped notch. When current exceeds a predetermined level, the bimetallic strip deforms so that the movable node is separated from the immovable node. Since the pivot block has a lobe configuration, the pivot block can be moved in the notch smoothly and easily separated from the immovable node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Patent number: 7005957
    Abstract: A switch device includes a case with a switch member pivotally engaged with the open top of the case. Two terminals extend from a bottom of the case and a bimetallic plate has a first end fixed to one of the terminals. A distal end of the bimetallic plate is located above the other terminal. A hooking member has one end connected to the switch member and the other end has a hooking portion with which the distal end of the bimetallic plate is engaged. The distal end of the bimetallic plate is lifted when the switch member is pushed to “ON” position. The hook portion is defined between first and second boards and the second board located lower than the first board is shorter so that the bimetallic plate is allowed to be deformed without obstruction when the switch device is overloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 6992559
    Abstract: An overload protection switch has a conductor interconnecting the first primary leg and a second primary leg so that when current passes through the switch, the current not only raises the temperature of the bi-metal plate, but also raises the temperature of the conductor to enhance the deformation of the bi-metal plate such that the electrical appliance connected to the switch and having an ampere tolerance lower than that of the bi-metal plate is protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Patent number: 6984798
    Abstract: A safety switch comprises a hollow body having an opening and a lower end of the hollow body having three slots; a button pivotally installed upon the opening; a first power terminal installed at one of the three slots; a second power terminal installed at another of the three slots; a load terminal installed at the other slot of the three slots; an elastomer being a U shape metal piece; one end of the elastomer being buckled to an upper end of the load terminal and another end thereof being buckled to the press block of the button; and a metal sheet being installed at a lower side of the button; the metal sheet being made of a compound metal having materials of different expansion coefficients; one end of the metal sheet being connected to the a power terminal; and another end thereof being installed with a conductive silver sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Chen Dung Lu
  • Patent number: 6940031
    Abstract: A switching device in which the intermediate part of shape-memory-alloy wire (17) is retained by actuator (9) connected to one end of link mechanism (4), and both ends of shape-memory-alloy wire (17) are fixedly retained by printed-circuit board (13). Both end parts of shape-memory-alloy wire (17) are fixed on printed-circuit board (13). This shape-memory-alloy wire (17) generates heat due to electric power supplied from the circuit, generates the shape-memory effect to deform. This causes actuator (9) to operate. On this occasion, because the electrically connected part is fixed, even for frequent repetitive operations, damage due to fatigue does not occur, thus improving reliability. In addition, the device can be simplified because it dispenses with a separate part such as a current-carrying wire, and not requiring a process such as an installation work for current-carrying wires offers low-cost switching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Uehira