Abstract: A temperature and voltage compensated time delay relay includes first and second bimetallic, contact carrying elements chosen to deflect in a similar manner in accordance with variations in ambient temperature for maintaining the contact gap therebetween substantially constant despite ambient temperature changes. A heater coil is wrapped about a first one of the elements (active element) for controlling the deflection thereof toward the second element (stationary element) for closing the contacts of the elements in a predetermined time period. An automotive flasher circuit having normally closed contacts and a flashing rate "on" time which varies inversely proportionally with an increase in supply voltage, is coupled electrically between the supply voltage and bimetallic element heating coil to control and keep relatively constant the rate of heat rise in the active bimetallic element and thus to maintain the time delay period of the relay relatively constant.

Abstract: A multi-throw switch cooperates with a bi-metallic, thermally actuated electrical contact for converting a continuously operating electrical circuit into one which operates intermittently. Method and apparatus are taught directed toward the use of commercially available, easily replaceable thermally actuated contact devices. In the embodiment disclosed, the familiar flasher unit originally designed to be incorporated in a lamp socket at the base of the light bulb is utilized as the readily available, easily replaceable thermally actuated, intermittent contact device. Method and means for retaining such a readily replaceable device and maintaining it in interconnection with a control switch and an associated electrical switch is disclosed.

Abstract: A flasher device includes a terminal with an inner extension carrying a stationary contact thereon, the extension supporting a conductive heat responsive means connected to another terminal of the device and having a movable contact thereon, an insulating member sandwiched between the heat responsive means and the terminal extension by a metal rivet having a head portion bearing against one of the terminal extension and heat responsive means, a shank passing through the insulating member and in spaced relationship to the defining walls of an aperture in the terminal extension through which it passes, and a staked end bearing against a washer insulating it from the other of same. The insulating member preferably has positioning projections extending into correspondingly sized apertures in the heat responsive means and the terminal extension to fix their relative position thereof. A heating coil is electrically connected across the heat responsive means and the terminal extension.