Colin D Hickling from Peru, MA, age 86

Dynamically Optimized Thermostat (Dot) With Tunable Bimetal Element

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US Patent:

46821414, Jul 21, 1987

Filed:

Feb 18, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/830227

Inventors:

Colin D. Hickling - Frankfort KY

Assignee:

Trig, Inc. - Frankfort KY

International Classification:

H01H 3752

US Classification:

337379

Abstract:

A tuning element for a temperature responsive switch includes a bimetal assembly in the form of an elongated, relatively flat bimetal strip with bending action and including integral tuning webs for adjusting the thermodynamic properties of the element. Multiple apertures are punched in a predetermined pattern in the bimetal strip to form the webs. Each of the webs is also bent in alternate directions to form ribs that reinforce the element. The bimetal strip is formed from a bimetal base portion and extension portion butt welded together; the webs being formed in the strip adjacent the weld joint. The base portion of the strip bends to open the contacts and the extension portion bends to bring the contacts back closer together, thereby controlling overshoot and providing consistent operation within a relatively narrow temperature range. A method of tuning the thermodynamic properties of a bimetal strip includes the steps of forming a plurality of spaced tuning webs in the strip and bending the webs to form reinforcing ribs. The size and number of the apertures is selected to optimize the control of the heat flow to the bimetal extension portion.

Self-Calibrating Assembly Method For Snap Disc Thermostat

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US Patent:

57584079, Jun 2, 1998

Filed:

Sep 23, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/717677

Inventors:

Colin D. Hickling - Frankfort KY

Assignee:

Trig, Inc. - Frankfort KY

International Classification:

H01H 1100

US Classification:

29622

Abstract:

A thermostat includes a case assembly with two terminals and movable contacts, one of which is on a resilient blade to open and close a circuit through the terminals. A bimetal disc actuates the blade by heating to open the contacts. A base defines an interface with the case assembly and supports the disc; the interface being deformed or crushed sufficiently to position the blade to define the threshold temperature and to couple the base and case assembly together. The deformable interface is preferably formed by upstanding, curved projections on the base and mating with the case assembly. When deformed, the projections are substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel of the base so that the disc is centered, but is freely movable. Bendable legs secure a cap in position and lock the case assembly and the base together. In the assembly method, the case assembly and base with the bimetal disc in position are heated to a controlled threshold temperature causing the disc to be bowed prior to pressing the case assembly into the base to deform the interface.

Adjustable Thermally-Responsive Circuit-Breaking Device

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US Patent:

39732320, Aug 3, 1976

Filed:

May 30, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/582257

Inventors:

Colin D. Hickling - Woodstock NY

Assignee:

American Thermostat Corporation - South Cairo NY

International Classification:

H01H 6108

US Classification:

337 94

Abstract:

A thermally-responsive circuit-breaking device with an adjustable temperature set-point. The device is provided with a thermally-responsive element controlling an electric switch. In one embodiment, the temperature set-point is dependent on the width of a gap between respective portions of the element and the switch. One of the portions is a surface inclined away from and engagable by the other portion. By adjustably positioning the element and switch relative to one another the portions are aligned to engage at different points along the inclined surface to thereby vary the gap. In the other embodiment, the switch and the element have respective overlapping and engaging portions with the temperature set-point being dependent on the amount of overlap. As the element moves in response to temperature change in a given sense, the overlapping portions slide over each other until at one position of the element the overlap is eliminated causing the switch to open. One of the overlapping portions is contoured so as to alter the amount of overlap as the element and switch are adjustably positioned relative to one another.

Snap Disc Thermostat And Self Calibrating Assembly Method

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US Patent:

55744214, Nov 12, 1996

Filed:

Sep 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/307984

Inventors:

Colin D. Hickling - Frankfort KY

Assignee:

Trig, Inc. - Frankfort KY

International Classification:

H01H 3774
H01H 3712
H01H 3754
H01H 1100

US Classification:

337343

Abstract:

A thermostat includes a case assembly with two terminals and movable contacts, one of which is on a resilient blade to open and close a circuit through the terminals. A bimetal disc actuates the blade by heating to open the contacts. A base defines an interface with the case assembly and supports the disc; the interface being deformed or crushed sufficiently to position the blade to define the threshold temperature and to couple the base and case assembly together. The deformable interface is preferably formed by upstanding, curved projections on the base and mating with the case assembly. When deformed, the projections are substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel of the base so that the disc is centered, but is freely movable. Bendable legs secure a cap in position and lock the case assembly and the base together. In the assembly method, the case assembly and base with the bimetal disc in position are heated to a controlled threshold temperature causing the disc to be bowed prior to pressing the case assembly into the base to deform the interface.

Duplex Thermostat

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US Patent:

41124065, Sep 5, 1978

Filed:

Apr 4, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/784555

Inventors:

Colin D. Hickling - Woodstock NY

Assignee:

American Thermostat Corporation - South Cairo NY

International Classification:

H01H 3752

US Classification:

337338

Abstract:

A thermostat is provided for controlling a heating apparatus having two individually actuatable heating elements in order to more accurately control the heat output of the apparatus. The thermostat is designed such that at environment of temperatures below a set temperature t. sub. 1, less than the desired temperature t, both heating elements are actuated. As the environmental temperature increases beyond the set temperature t. sub. 1, the thermostat deactuates the main heating element and the secondary heating element alone is controlled to regulate variations in environmental temperature around the desired temperature level t. Both thermostatic functions are combined in a single device. Means are provided for adjusting the desired temperature level t and the set temperature t. sub. 1 simultaneously for maintaining the difference. DELTA.

Thermostat With Bimetal Compensating Element

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US Patent:

44954816, Jan 22, 1985

Filed:

Jun 30, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/393810

Inventors:

Colin D. Hickling - Frankfort KY
Marvin Barnes - Stamping Ground KY

Assignee:

Trigometer, Inc. - Frankfort KY

International Classification:

H01H 3712
H01H 3752

US Classification:

337349

Abstract:

An electric switch that is temperature responsive is provided for operation in a temperature range that is substantially above normal ambient temperature. A pair of contacts are mounted on respective first and second spring members. The second spring member includes a bimetal compensating portion at the distal end thereof. The second contact is mounted on the compensating portion so that upon increasing the temperature of the switch structure, the second contact moves toward engagement with the first contact to eliminate initial overshoot and to compensate for variable contact weld size between the contacts. An operating bimetal assembly in direct contact with the heated surface being monitored is used to break the contacts. The bimetal assembly includes a bimetal base element and a metal element butt-welded to the distal end thereof. The metal element carries a ceramic button to engage the first or upper spring member to move the first contact.