US PATENT SUBCLASS 337 / 55
.~.~.~.~.~ With latching or holding means

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

14  DF  ELECTROTHERMALLY ACTUATED SWITCHES {9}
36  DF  .~ With bimetallic elements (i.e., motion takes place in a plane at right angles to its major axis) {10}
37  DF  .~.~ With manual or other mechanical contact controlling means {12}
52  DF  .~.~.~ With spring or other energy storage device {4}
53  DF  .~.~.~.~ Snap-action {4}
55.~.~.~.~.~ With latching or holding means

DEFINITION

Classification: 337/55

(under subclass 53) Subject matter including means whereby at least one set of contacts may be restrained in one of the two normal conditions (open or closed). The latching or holding means usually consists of a thermal current responsive bimetallic element adopted for mechanically maintaining a snap acting contact actuating means, such as a toggle arrangement, in a given position independently of other control means so that once the contacts are opened closed they will be constrained to remain in this position until the occurrence of an abnormal condition causes the actuating means to be released.

(1) Note. Latches or trips for devices of this class are provided for in many subclasses herein. See under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

46, for a list of subclasses providing for latches, trips or holding means therefor for devices of this class.

343+, for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive bimetallic devices.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

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

167+, for latching means for electromagnetically operated switches.