Abstract A thermal switch is provided on an insulating support member which includes conductive means carried thereby with two of the conductive means defining stationary contact means at ends thereof spaced from each other. Movable contact means has one end secured to one of the stationary contact means and the free end thereof extends over the other of the stationary contact means. Resistive means has one end connected to one of the two of the conductive means and another end connected to a further conductive means. Means is provided between the stationary contact means and the free end of the movable contact means maintaining the contact means in electrical engagement and to cause the contact means to become disengaged when the heat generated by the resistive means exceeds a predetermined limit.
A thermal switch comprising: a hybrid solid state means including a substrate of dielectric material having first, second and third conductive means secured on surface means thereof; a switch member of resilient material having a first end secured to said first conductive means and a second end disposed along said second conductive means; electrically conductive heat-softenable material securing said second end of said switch member to said second conductive means; and resistive means having one end connected to said third conductive means and another end connected to said first or second conductive means and being disposed adjacent said switch member, said electrically conductive heat softenable material being softened upon heat generated by said resistive means reaching a predetermined limit thereby causing said second end of said switch member to move free of said second conductive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A thermal switch comprising: a hybrid solid state means including a substrate of dielectric material having first, second and third conductive means secured on surface means thereof; a switch member of resilient material having a first end secured to said first conductive means and a second end disposed along said second conductive means; electrically conductive heat-softenable material securing said second end of said switch member to said second conductive means; and resistive means having one end connected to said third conductive means and another end connected to said first or second conductive means and being disposed adjacent said switch member, said electrically conductive heat softenable material being softened upon heat generated by said resistive means reaching a predetermined limit thereby causing said second end of said switch member to move free of said second conductive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A thermal switch according to claim 1 wherein said switch member comprises an arcuate shape in its normally open position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A thermal switch according to claim 1 wherein said resistive means has its central section disposed adjacent and in alignment with said heat-softenable material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A thermal switch according to claim 1 wherein said resistive means extends parallel with respect to said switch member and the central portion of said resistive means is disposed adjacent said heat-softenable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A thermal switch according to claim 1 wherein said resistive means is disposed under said switch member and the central portion of said resistive means is disposed adjacent said heat-softenable material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A thermal switch according to claim 5 wherein insulative means is disposed between said switch member and said resistive means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A thermal switch according to claim 5 wherein said resistive means extends at a right angle with respect to said switch member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A thermal switch according to claim 1 wherein said resistive means is disposed on another surface means opposite to said surface means on which said switch member is located and a central portion of said resistive means is disposed in alignment with said heat-softenable material.