US3845440A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Time delay relay
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1973-12-04
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A time delay relay comprising a set of electrical contacts movable between circuit-making and circuit-breaking positions and thermally responsive means for actuating the contacts to move them from one to the other position at a predetermined temperature. The relay includes thermal storage means in heat exchange relationship with the thermally responsive actuating means. The thermal storage means comprises a body of material which will change from a first to a second physical state at a temperature intermediate that of the ambient of the relay and the predetermined temperature. Heatable means is positioned in heat exchange relationship with the thermal storage means so as to effect a transfer of heat therebetween and cause the body of material to change states so that the transfer of heat between the heatable means and the thermally responsive means is delayed and the period of time required for the thermally responsive means to reach the predetermined temperature is extended.
Inventors
- 👤 E Hunter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 01:33
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H37/00; H01H37/02; H01H37/62; H01H61/00; H01H61/01; H01H61/013
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A time delay relay comprising: a set of electrical contacts movable between circuitmaking and circuit-breaking positions; thermally responsive means for actuating said contacts to move them from one to the other position at a predetermined temperature; thermal storage means in heat exchange relationship with the thermally responsive actuating means, said storage means comprising a body of material which will change from a first to a second physical state at a temperature intermediate that of the ambient of the relay and the predetermined temperature; and heatable means in heat exchange relationship with said thermal storage means adapted to effect a transfer of heat therebetween and cause said material to change states whereby the transfer of heat between said heatable means and the thermally responsive means is delayed and the period of time required for the thermally responsive means to reach the predetermined temperature is extended.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A time delay relay comprising: a set of electrical contacts movable between circuitmaking and circuit-breaking positions; thermally responsive means for actuating said contacts to move them from one to the other position at a predetermined temperature; thermal storage means in heat exchange relationship with the thermally responsive actuating means, said storage means comprising a body of material which will change from a first to a second physical state at a temperature intermediate that of the ambient of the relay and the predetermined temperature; and heatable means in heat exchange relationship with said thermal storage means adapted to effect a transfer of heat therebetween and cause said material to change states whereby the transfer of heat between said heatable means and the thermally responsive means is delayed and the period of time required for the thermally responsive means to reach the predetermined temperature is extended.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein the heatable means is a heater for supplying heat to the thermal storage means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A relay as set forth in claim 2 wherein the heater is a body of electrical resistance material having a positive temperature coefficient.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein the storage means material is one that is a solid at ambient temperatures and a liquid at the predetermined temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein the storage means material is a liquid at ambient temperatures and a gas at the predetermined temperature.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A relay as set forth in claim 4 wherein the storage means material is a wax.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A relay as set forth in claim 4 wherein the material is glycerol.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
A relay as set forth in claim 3 wherein the thermally responsive means is a dish-shaped bimetallic disc which Abruptly changes its curvature as its temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature and will abruptly revert to its original curvature after the temperature thereof falls below the predetermined temperature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A relay as set forth in claim 8 wherein the storage means material is one that is a solid at ambient temperatures and a liquid at the predetermined temperature.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A relay as set forth in claim 9 wherein the relay contacts, thermally responsive means and heater are all enclosed in a housing of thermal insulation material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3575645A
Cited
US3624578A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |