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US 4,205,293 AGranted
Thermoelectric switch
AssigneeBBC Brown, Boveri & Company, Limited
InventorsKeith N. Melton, Olivier Mercier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A thermoelectric switch having a current conducting triggering element made from a shape memory alloy exhibiting a two way temperature effect and coupled to a stressing device which exerts a force on the triggering element to thereby determine the switching temperature of the thermoelectric switch. Mechanical switching amplification is actuated by the triggering element to interrupt current flow through the thermoelectric switch.
Claims12
A thermoelectric switch comprising:
- a current conducting triggering element made from a shape memory alloy exhibiting a two way temperature effect such that a thermally controlled transformation occurs when said triggering element passes from a partly matensitic state into an at least partly austenitic state, said triggering element then contracting, and when said triggering element reverses through the said transformation, said triggering element then expanding;
- at least one stressing device operatively connected with said triggering element, said stressing device exerting force on said triggering element with said force determining the switching temperature of the switch;
- means for movably supporting said triggering element;
- and
- circuit means contacting said triggering element as a result of said transformation.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.