Bimetal-actuated snap action sequencing relay

Claim 2

In a sequencing relay, a plurality of snap acting switches each biased in an open position, a bimetal actuator including an electrical resistance heater, a motion transmission member operatively connected to said actuator and operative to successively actuate said switches to a closed position as said bimetal actuator is heated, and means carried by said motion transmission member forming an independently adjustable operative connection between each of said switches and said bimetal actuator whereby the time intervals between successive actuation of said switches may be adjusted under operating conditions so as to insure the provision of at least the minimum required delay.

Claim 3

A sequencing relay as claimed in claim 1 in which said snap acting switches each include a flexible switch blade, a stationary contact and a movable contact carried by said flexible blades, said flexible switch blades each having a portion thereof stressed to a nonplanar form and being moved therefrom through a planar form to an opposite nonplanar form by said actuator when it is heated, thereby to effect the snap action operation of said switches from their open position to closed position, and said switch blades being limited in movement beyond their planar form toward an opposite nonplanar form, thereby to effect the successive self-return of said switches in reverse order from closed to open position as said actuator subsequently cools.

Claim 4

A sequencing relay as claimed in claim 1 in which said bimetal actuator comprises two strips of bimetal connected at one end and coextending to free ends in parallel spaced relationship with the high expansion side of one strip and the low expansion side of the other strip facing each other, a casing, means pivotally mounting the connected ends of said bimetal strips on said casing, abutment means on said casing adapted to be engaged by the free end of one of said bimetal strips, the free end of the other strip operatively engaging said motion transmission member, and electrical resistance means for heating one of said bimetal strips.

Claim 5

A sequencing relay as claimed in claim 2 which includes means adjustably mounting said stationary contact for variably limiting the snap acting movement of said blade portion in one direction from a planar form, and adjustable stop means for variably limiting the snap acting movement of said blade portion in an opposite direction from a planar shape.

Claim 6

A sequencing relay as claimed in claim 4 comprising a casing enclosing said switch blades, and in which said adjustable stop means comprises an eccentric member for each of said switch blades having a peripheral surface adapted to be engaged by said blades, and said eccentric members each including a shaft journaled in a bore in at least one of the walls of said casing and having an end portion accessible from the exterior of the casing for adjustably positioning the eccentric.

Claim 7

In a device of the kind described, a casing comprising two open end, boxlike members joined together in fixed relationship with their side walls abutting, a plurality of spaced parallel slots in one side wall of said casing extending transversely across the joining line of said open end, boxlike members, a flat conductive terminal fitted in each of said slots and extending interiorly and exteriorly of said casing, recesses in the end walls of said casing receiving opposite edge portions of said terminal members in close fitting relationship, a generally flat, snap acting switch blade carrying a movable contact and a cooperating stationary contact connected to the interiorly extending portions of alternate terminal members, a bimetal actuator in said casing at one end of the row of terminal members, and an elongated motion transmission member operatively connected to said actuator and successively operatively engaging each of said switch blades when moved in one direction.

Claim 8

In a device of the kind described, a casing comprising two open end, boxlike members joined together in fixed relationship with their side walls abutting, a plurality of spaced parallel slots in one side wall of said casing extending transversely across the joining line of said open end, boxlike members, a flat conductive terminal fitted in each of said slots and extending interiorly and exteriorly of said casing, recesses in the end walls of said casing receiving opposite edge portions of said terminal members in close fitting relationship, a generally flat, snap acting switch blade carrying a movable contact and a cooperating stationary contact connected to the interiorly extending portions of alternate terminal members, a bimetal actuator in said casing at one end of the row of terminal members, and an elongated motion transmission member operatively connected to said actuator and successively operatively engaging each of said switch blades when moved in one direction.

Claim 9

A device as claimed in claim 6 in which said bimetal actuator comprises two strips of bimetal connected at one end and coextending to free ends in parallel spaced relationship with the high expansion side of one strip and the low expansion side of the other strip facing each other, in which said bimetal strips are joined together flatwise and are connected flatwise to a member having a flat central portion and circularly formed end portions, which end portions are journaled in bores in the end walls of said casing.

Claim 10

A device a claimed in claim 6 which includes a guideway formed as a recess in a sidewall opposite to said one sidewall of said casing, and said guideway slidably receiving said elongated transmission member.