US PATENT SUBCLASS 337 / 131
.~.~.~ Snap-action (e.g., bistable)

Current as of: June, 1999
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337 /   HD   ELECTRICITY: ELECTROTHERMALLY OR THERMALLY ACTUATED SWITCHES

14  DF  ELECTROTHERMALLY ACTUATED SWITCHES {9}
123  DF  .~ With longitudinally expansible solid element (e.g., rod, wire strip, etc.) {7}
126  DF  .~.~ With manual or other mechanical contact actuating means {3}
131.~.~.~ Snap-action (e.g., bistable) {4}
132  DF  .~.~.~.~> With toggle spring
133  DF  .~.~.~.~> With stop means (e.g., motion limiting)
134  DF  .~.~.~.~> With magnetic biasing or holding means
135  DF  .~.~.~.~> With flexible vane or plate {1}

DEFINITION

Classification: 337/131

(under subclass 126) Subject matter including significant details of means whereby the opening or closing contact motion is caused to take place abruptly and is not dependent on the rate of movement of the electrothermal actuating means. The contact movement is usually accomplished by a spring connection between the operator and the movable contact in such a manner that the initial movement of the thermal element or other actuating means places the spring under tension until released whereupon the movable contact is snapped to open or closed position by the energy stored in the spring.

(1) Note. For snap action means utilized in the devices of this class, see the list of subclasses under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 53.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

390, for similar snap action devices utilizing thermally responsive expansible elements. See (1) Note above.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

74, Machine Element or Mechanism,

97.1, and 100.1 for mechanical snap actions. 200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate

402+, under "SNAP" for various mechanical switches of the snap type.

335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and Electromagnets,

188, for snap action contact actuating means in electromagnetic switches.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,

152+, for control circuits for electromagnetic devices which may be of the snap type.