US3634803A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Temperature-responsive switch assemblies
Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Co
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Filing: 1969-07-22
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Granted: 1972-01-11
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Expires: 1989-07-22
Abstract
Abstract Temperature-responsive switch assemblies including a control member controlling the position of a movable contact with respect to a stationary contact, the control member being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory and having an initial shape and a distorted shape, means biasing the movable contact into one position when the control member has the distorted shape, and temperature control means for reverting the control member to the initial shape to move the movable contact to another position.
Inventors
- 👤 James R Willson
- 👤 Keith T Krueger
- 👤 Hugh J Tyler
- 👤 Wilbur F Jackson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:53
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H61/00; H01H61/01; H01H61/0107; H01H2061/0115
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
288 words
An electrically operated switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a first position in contact with said stationary contact and a second position spaced from said stationary contact; said stationary contact and said movable contact being electrically connected in a first electrical circuit having a first operative state when said movable contact is in said first position and a second operative state when said movable Contact is in said second position; operator means mounted within said housing and connected with said movable contact, said operator means including a control member constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said control member having an initial shape and being deformable to a distorted shape when its temperature is below a preselected transition temperature and reverting to said initial shape as a result of said temperature-actuated shape memory when its temperature is above said transition temperature, said movable contact being in said first position when said control member has said distorted shape and in said second position when said control member has said initial shape, bias means mounted within said switch housing and engaging said control member, said bias means mechanically biasing said control member to deform the same to its distorted shape when the temperature of said control member is below said transition temperature, and electrical controlling means disposed within said switch housing and connected in a second electrical circuit, said electrical controlling means being selectively energizable to control the temperature of said control member for controlling the shape of said control member whereby the operative state of said first electrical circuit is controlled in response to energization of said second electrical circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
288 words
An electrically operated switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a first position in contact with said stationary contact and a second position spaced from said stationary contact; said stationary contact and said movable contact being electrically connected in a first electrical circuit having a first operative state when said movable contact is in said first position and a second operative state when said movable Contact is in said second position; operator means mounted within said housing and connected with said movable contact, said operator means including a control member constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said control member having an initial shape and being deformable to a distorted shape when its temperature is below a preselected transition temperature and reverting to said initial shape as a result of said temperature-actuated shape memory when its temperature is above said transition temperature, said movable contact being in said first position when said control member has said distorted shape and in said second position when said control member has said initial shape, bias means mounted within said switch housing and engaging said control member, said bias means mechanically biasing said control member to deform the same to its distorted shape when the temperature of said control member is below said transition temperature, and electrical controlling means disposed within said switch housing and connected in a second electrical circuit, said electrical controlling means being selectively energizable to control the temperature of said control member for controlling the shape of said control member whereby the operative state of said first electrical circuit is controlled in response to energization of said second electrical circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a wire.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a double-strand wire.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a bar having a high torsion initial shape and a low torsion distorted shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a bar having a curved initial shape and a linear distorted shape.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a bar having a linear initial shape and a curved distorted shape.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said operator means includes lever means connected with said movable contact and said control member whereby said lever means controls the position of said movable contact in accordance with the shape of said control member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a wire having a first end connected with said switch housing and a second end connected with said operating means, the distance between said first end of said wire and said second end of said wire being greater when said wire has said distorted shape than when said wire has said initial shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said control member is a torsion spring having a loosely coiled initial shape and tightly coiled distorted shape, said torsion spring being directly connected with said movable contact.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said electrical controlling means includes a heating element disposed adjacent said control member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said electrical controlling means includes circuit means connected with said control member to pass an electrical current therethrough to internally heat said control member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said material is an alloy having a composition of 55 percent nickel by weight with the remainder being essentially titanium.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
152 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating meAns including a coiled compression spring control member having a loosely coiled initial shape and a tightly coiled distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
152 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating meAns including a coiled compression spring control member having a loosely coiled initial shape and a tightly coiled distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention as recited in claim 14 wherein said temperature controlling means includes electrical means connected with said coiled spring to pass an electrical current therethrough to internally heat said coiled spring.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as recited in claim 15 wherein said bias means includes a coiled compression spring.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention as recited in claim 14 wherein said operator means includes lever means connected with said movable contact and said coiled spring, and wherein said coiled spring is mounted in compression between said lever means and said switch housing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as recited in claim 17 wherein said bias means includes a helical spring mounted in compression between said lever means and said switch housing.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention as recited in claim 18 wherein said temperature controlling means includes electrical means connected with said coiled spring to pass an electrical current therethrough to internally heat said coiled spring.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as recited in claim 18 wherein said temperature controlling means includes a heating element disposed adjacent said coiled spring.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention as recited in claim 17 wherein said lever means has a first end, a second end connected with said movable contact and a center portion secured to a fulcrum, said coiled spring being mounted in compression between said first end of said lever means and said switch housing, and said bias means being mounted in compression between said second end of said lever means and said switch housing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention as recited in claim 17 wherein said lever means has a first end, a second end connected with said movable contact and a center portion secured to a fulcrum, said coiled spring being mounted in tension between said first end of said lever means and said switch housing, and said bias means is mounted in compression between said second end of said lever means and said switch housing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
198 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions and including a helical spring; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating means including a coiled spring control member having a tightly coiled initial shape and a loosely coiled distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, lever means connected with said movable contact and said coiled spring, said coiled spring being mounted in tension between said lever means and said switch housing, and said helical spring being mounted in compression between said switch housing and said lever means, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape, and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
198 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions and including a helical spring; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating means including a coiled spring control member having a tightly coiled initial shape and a loosely coiled distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, lever means connected with said movable contact and said coiled spring, said coiled spring being mounted in tension between said lever means and said switch housing, and said helical spring being mounted in compression between said switch housing and said lever means, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape, and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
77 words
The invention as recited in claim 23 wherein said lever means has a first end connected with said movable contact, a center portion secured to a fulcrum and a second end, said coiled spring being mounted in compressIon between one side of said second end of said lever means and said switch housing and said bias means being mounted in compression between the other side of said second end of said lever means and said switch housing.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
191 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating means including a torsion spring control member connected directly with said movable contact and having a loosely coiled initial shape and a tightly coiled distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said torsion spring having a first section coiled in a first direction, a second section coiled in a direction opposite said first direction, and a central section directly connected with said movable contact, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape, and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
191 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating means including a torsion spring control member connected directly with said movable contact and having a loosely coiled initial shape and a tightly coiled distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said torsion spring having a first section coiled in a first direction, a second section coiled in a direction opposite said first direction, and a central section directly connected with said movable contact, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape, and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as recited in claim 25 wherein said temperature-controlling means includes electrical means connected with said first and second sections of said torsion spring to pass an electrical current therethrough and internally heat said torsion spring.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
176 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; spring means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating means including a torsion bar control member having a high torsion initial shape and a low torsion distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape, means connecting said movable contact with said torsion bar, said spring means being mounted in compression between said connecting means and said switch housing, and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
176 words
A temperature-responsive switch assembly comprising a switch housing; a stationary contact secured to said switch housing; a movable contact disposed adjacent said stationary contact and having a position in contact with said stationary contact and a position spaced from said stationary contact; spring means biasing said movable contact toward one of said positions; and operator means connected with said movable contact to control the position of said movable contact, said operating means including a torsion bar control member having a high torsion initial shape and a low torsion distorted shape and being constructed of a material having a temperature-actuated shape memory, said movable contact being in said one position when said control member has said distorted shape and in the other position when said control member has said initial shape, means connecting said movable contact with said torsion bar, said spring means being mounted in compression between said connecting means and said switch housing, and said operator means further including means controlling the temperature of said control member to control the shape of said control member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as recited in claim 27 wherein said temperature-controlling means includes an electrical heating element disposed around said torsion bar.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-10 | 1975-07-12 | 1976-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-10 | 1979-07-12 | 1980-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-10 | 1983-07-12 | 1984-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |