The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 21, 1981
Filed:
Dec. 20, 1978
Keith Melton, Busslingen, CH;
Olivier Mercier, Ennetbaden, CH;
Brown, Boveri & Cie Aktiengesellschaft, Mannhiem, DE;
Abstract
Thermal switch, including a switching element formed of a coherently structured vitreous metal alloy. The switching element being in a vitreous-amorphous state and having a higher strength at a lower first temperature range, and in a crystalline state and having a lower strength at a higher second temperature range. A tensioning device cooperating with the switching element for exerting a force thereon which is sufficient to break the switching element in the crystalline state and insufficient to break the switching element in the vitreous amorphous state. A device for triggering a switching process in response to the breaking of the switching element in the vicinity of a transition from the first to the second temperature range. An exchangeable cassette assembly for housing the switching element, and a method for protecting circuits against overcurrents using the thermal switch.