US3715697A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal fuse
Assignee: Therm O Disc Inc
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Filing: 1971-05-24
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Granted: 1973-02-06
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Expires: 1991-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A thermal fuse is disclosed in which a bimetallic snap disc operates an elongated cutter causing the cutter to engage and rupture a thin metal conductor. Terminal elements provided with sawtooth-like teeth engage the side of the conductor opposite the cutter to provide points of high localized stress which facilitate the cutting or rupturing operation.
Inventors
- 👤 E Them
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:39
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H37/00; H01H37/74
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A thermostat fuse comprising a body, a pair of terminals on said body, a frangible conductor electrically connecting said terminals, a bimetallic snap disc mounted at its periphery in said body and providing a central portion movable with snap action from a first position to a second position when the environmental temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and an operator member supported in said body movable by said central portion to rupture said conductor and break the connection between said terminals when said central portion moves from said first position to said second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A thermostat fuse comprising a body, a pair of terminals on said body, a frangible conductor electrically connecting said terminals, a bimetallic snap disc mounted at its periphery in said body and providing a central portion movable with snap action from a first position to a second position when the environmental temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and an operator member supported in said body movable by said central portion to rupture said conductor and break the connection between said terminals when said central portion moves from said first position to said second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
93 words
A thermostat fuse comprising a body, a pair of terminals on said body, a frangible conductor electrically connecting said terminals, a bimetallic snap disc mounted at its periphery in said body and providing a central portion movable with snap action from a first position to a second position when the environmental temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and an operator member supported in said body movable by said central portion to rupture said conductor and break the connection between said terminals when said central portion moves from said first position to said second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
93 words
A thermostat fuse comprising a body, a pair of terminals on said body, a frangible conductor electrically connecting said terminals, a bimetallic snap disc mounted at its periphery in said body and providing a central portion movable with snap action from a first position to a second position when the environmental temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and an operator member supported in said body movable by said central portion to rupture said conductor and break the connection between said terminals when said central portion moves from said first position to said second position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 1 wherein said operator member formed with an end shaped to facilitate the rupture of said conductor, said operator member being opEratively connected for movement by said snap disc.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 2 wherein said operator member is an elongated member formed of a non-conductive material with said one end formed with a relatively sharp cutter and the other end engagable with the center of said disc.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 3 wherein said conductor is a thin sheet of metal and at least one terminal includes sharp projections engagable with said metal on the side opposite thereof from said operator member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 4 wherein said operator member and body are provided with interengaging guide surfaces operable to maintain a predetermined orientation of said member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 1 wherein said snap disc remains in said second position when its temperature returns to normal environmental temperatures.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuse as set in claim 6 wherein said conductor is formed of a ductile material, and said operator member non-resiliently bends the ruptured ends of said conductor apart when they move to said operated position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conductor is formed of a ductile material, and said operator member non-resiliently bends the ruptured ends of said conductor apart when they move to said operated position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
51 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conductor is a thin strip of metal, and support means are provided on the side of said conductor opposite said operator member, said support means providing localized high stress in said conductor when said operator member moves to said operated position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 9 wherein said support means includes a plurality of sawtoothed shaped teeth providing points which produce localized high stress when said operator member operates.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 10 wherein said operator member engages the side of said conductor opposite said support means along a narrow line substantially adjacent to said points.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
A fuse as set forth in claim 11 wherein similar support means are provided at two locations spaced along said conductor, and said narrow line is substantially adjacent to one support means and spaced from the other support means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-06 | 1976-08-07 | 1977-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-06 | 1980-08-07 | 1981-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-06 | 1984-08-07 | 1985-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |