Patent ID: 6069551
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: H01H,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A thermal switch comprising a metal contact member having a peripheral portion sandwiched between a pair of metal outer members, a cavity between said outer members inwardly of said peripheral portion of said contact member, said outer members having a central axis that extends through said cavity, a dielectric gasket interposed between said peripheral portion of said contact member and one of said outer members, said contact member having an elongated contact arm extending substantially radially of said axis and inwardly from said peripheral portion into said cavity, said contact arm being of shape memory metal and having a deformed shape below its transformation temperature range and a recovered shape above its transformation temperature range, and said contact arm being in engagement with said one of said outer members in its deformed shape and being out of engagement with said one of said outer members in its recovered shape.