US PATENT SUBCLASS 337 / 89
.~.~.~ Snap-action

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}
85  DF  .~.~ Bimetallic element unitary with or directly actuates movable contact means {6}
89.~.~.~ Snap-action {2}
90  DF  .~.~.~.~> With magnetic armature or holding means
91  DF  .~.~.~.~> With reset means

DEFINITION

Classification: 337/89

(under subclass 85) Subject matter including means whereby the movable contact, or contacts, may be operated from a first position to a second position quickly, as by a snap action, with the contact motion being independent of the rate of movement of the operator. This may be accomplished by means of a spring, by a permanent magnet or other appropriate means such as an inherent characteristic or structure of the bimetallic element itself.

(1) Note. See the search this class, subclass note below for the line between this subclass and others in this class.

(2) Note. For other snap action mechanisms employed in devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

53+, the structure to be found in this subclass (89) is distinguished from that in subclasses 53+ as follows: In the snap actions provided for in subclasses 53+ the contacts are operated by some manual or mechanical means in addition to being operated by the bimetallic element, the contacts not being directly attached to the bimetallic elements in this and the indented subclasses, that is to say the circuit is either open or closed depending entirely on the operative condition of the element. For other snap action mechanisms employed in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 53.

365, for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive bimetallic elements.