Harper-wyman Company

Joseph C Kadlubowski

Craig M Cors

Lyle B Lund

An assembly method and a thermostat for an electric/gas oven are provided. An enclosure formed by a base and a cover for enclosing a switch subassembly includes axially aligned channels extending through opposed walls and external keying and positioning features. A pair of axially aligned actuators are received within the axially aligned channels. A frame having cooperating keying and positioning features positions and supports the enclosure containing the switch subassembly and supports both a temperature responsive subassembly and a spindle subassembly in operative position with respect to the actuators.

Method of assembling a modular electric/gas oven thermostat

An assembly method and a thermostat for an electric/gas oven are provided. An enclosure formed by a base and a cover for enclosing a switch subassembly includes axially aligned channels extending through opposed walls and external keying and positioning features. A pair of axially aligned actuators are received within the axially aligned channels. A frame having cooperating keying and positioning features positions and supports the enclosure containing the switch subassembly and supports both a temperature responsive subassembly and a spindle subassembly in operative position with respect to the actuators. The spindle subassembly includes a cam member mounted on a spindle for rotation with the spindle. The cam member provides a cam surface having a first cam rise equivalent in a first range of rotation of the spindle and a second cam rise equivalent in a second range of rotation of the spindle.

Modular electric/gas oven thermostat

Modular electric/gas oven thermostat and assembly method

An integral infinite switch is provided for controlling a first coil and a second coil of a radiant heating element. The integral infinite switch includes a first switch assembly for opening and closing an electrical path between a first AC electrical line L1 and a first end of the first coil. The first AC electrical line L1 is directly connected to a first end of the second coil. The integral infinite switch includes a second switch assembly for opening and closing an electrical path between a second AC electrical line L2 and a second opposite end of both the first coil and the second coil. A spindle is rotatable between an OFF position, a first range of ON positions for the second coil and a second range of ON positions for the first coil and the second coil. A cam member is mounted on the spindle for rotation with the spindle. The cam member includes a first cam surface adapted for operative engagement with the first switch assembly and a second cam surface adapted for operative engagement with the second switch assembly.

Dual control infinite switch

A thermostat for use with an oven of an electric or gas range includes a first electrical contact terminal, a second electrical contact terminal and an actuating assembly including an actuating spring arm for opening and closing an electrical path between the first and second contact terminals. The spring arm has a fixed end mechanically and electrically coupled to the first electrical contact terminal by a movable support member and a free end that moves between a contacting position and a noncontacting position with the second electrical contact terminal. The manually operable mechanism is movable to an OFF position and to a plurality of ON positions for selecting an oven operating temperature. The temperature responsive mechanism is movable in response to changes in oven temperature. A positive-off mechanism maintains the noncontacting position of the spring arm responsive to the manually operated mechanism moved to the OFF position. The positive-off mechanism includes an integral pivotable arm having a pair of legs that are pivoted to engage the free end of the spring arm. The positive-off mechanism is arranged to provide effective and reliable operation and to avoid deformation of the spring arm, thereby extending the useful life of the thermostat.

Electric/gas oven thermostat

A thermostat for use with an oven of an electric or gas range includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact and an actuating assembly including an actuating spring arm for opening and closing an electrical path between the first and second contacts. The spring arm has a fixed end mechanically and electrically coupled to the first electrical contact by a movable support member and a free end that moves between a contacting position and a noncontacting position with the second electrical contact. The spring arm is positioned for movement responsive to both a manually operable mechanism and a temperature responsive mechanism. The movable support member enables a coaxial alignment of the manually operable mechanism and the temperature responsive mechanism and provides a floating support for the spring arm, whereby the need for an over-travel mechanism is eliminated. The manually operable mechanism is movable to an OFF position and to a plurality of ON positions for selecting an oven operating temperature. The temperature responsive mechanism is movable in response to changes in oven temperature. A calibration mechanism accurately determines the position of the actuating assembly relative to the temperature responsive mechanism. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the calibration mechanism is constructed and arranged to remain substantially unchanged by an impact to the manually operable mechanism.

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Willowbrook, IL, United States of America

Joseph C Kadlubowski