An optical device includes a first optically dimmable switch for providing a first transmittance while the first optically dimmable switch is in a first state and providing a second transmittance distinct from the first transmittance while the first optically dimmable switch is in a second state distinct from the first state. The optical device also includes a dynamic heat source thermally coupled with the first optically dimmable switch. The dynamic heat source is at a first temperature at a first time and is at a second temperature distinct from the first temperature at a second time mutually exclusive from the first time. The optical device may operate as an optical dimming device, which may be used in head-mounted display devices or as dimmable windows or shutters.

The present invention provides a relay with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire driven mechanism. Conventional mechanical relays rely on electromagnetic principle to operate. Hence, magnetic fields of electromagnetic relays often interfere with magnetic fields of other electrical components, thus resulting in the components physically interfering with each other. The present invention utilizes the shape memory characteristics of a SMA wire to achieve the purpose of changing the operation of the relay. Specifically, when a SMA wire is heated, it restores to its original shape or original length. Comparing to conventional mechanical relays, the relay provided by the present invention does not magnetically interfere with other electrical components, and thus is able to function effectively. In addition, because the relay of the present invention does not require iron cores or coils, available space therein is increased and may be used to accommodate control circuits with various functions.

The present invention relates to a system and a method for independently controlling a relay using bimetal which allow bimetal to operate based on a signal output from a micro controller unit when current of a predetermined threshold or more flows on a circuit to allow current which flows between a battery and the relay to flow bypassing the bimetal to independently control the relay regardless of whether a circuit pattern is abnormal.

The present invention relates to a system and a method for independently controlling a relay using bimetal which allow bimetal to operate based on a signal output from a micro controller unit when current of a predetermined threshold or more flows on a circuit to allow current which flows between a battery and the relay to flow bypassing the bimetal to independently control the relay regardless of whether a circuit pattern is abnormal.

A method of operating a mechanical switching device is disclosed. The switching device includes a housing, an assembly disposed in the housing, and a body. The assembly is thermally deformable and comprises a beam held in two different places by two arms secured to edges of the housing. The beam is remote from the body in a first configuration and in contact with and immobilized by the body in a second configuration. The assembly has the first configuration at a first temperature and the second configuration when one of the arms has a second temperature different from the first temperature. The method includes exposing an arm of the assembly to the second temperature, and releasing the beam using a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a pointed element comprising a pointed region directed towards the body. The pointed element limits an open crater in a concave part of a projection.

A method for producing an integrated circuit pointed element is disclosed. An element has a projection with a concave part directing its concavity towards the element. The element includes a first etchable material. A zone is formed around the concave part of the element. The zone includes a second material that is less rapidly etchable than the first material for a particular etchant. The first material and the second material are etched with the particular etchant to form an open crater in the concave part and thus to form a pointed region of the element.

A method for producing an integrated circuit pointed element is disclosed. An element has a projection with a concave part directing its concavity towards the element. The element includes a first etchable material. A zone is formed around the concave part of the element. The zone includes a second material that is less rapidly etchable than the first material for a particular etchant. The first material and the second material are etched with the particular etchant to form an open crater in the concave part and thus to form a pointed region of the element.

A bimetal thermal element adapted to assembling into a support. The bimetal thermal element includes: a bimetal strip having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a notch formed at the first end; a heater made of a resistant strip including a linear portion and a wound portion, wherein the linear portion is straight and extending from a first position near the second end of the bimetal strip in a direction parallel to the bimetal strip and the wound portion is wound around the bimetal strip and the linear portion; and an insulating device to insulate the bimetal strip from the heater. With this design, there is also no current within the bimetal strip and its support, so the deflection of the bimetal strip is generated only by the temperature-rise coming from the resistant strip, therefore, it can realize a long tripping time.

The present invention provides a relay with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire driven mechanism. Conventional mechanical relays rely on electromagnetic principle to operate. Hence, magnetic fields of electromagnetic relays often interfere with magnetic fields of other electrical components, thus resulting in the components physically interfering with each other. The present invention utilizes the shape memory characteristics of a SMA wire to achieve the purpose of changing the operation of the relay. Specifically, when a SMA wire is in heat, it restores to its original shape or original length. Comparing to conventional mechanical relays, the relay provided by the present invention does not magnetically interfere with other electrical components, thus is able to function effectively. In addition, because the relay of the present invention does not require iron cores or coils, available space therein is increased and may be used to accommodate control circuits with various functions.

A voltage-controlled resistor is provided. The resistor structure includes first and second resistive elements each including a phase change material that changes resistance in response to a change in temperature of the phase change material. A heating element is arranged in thermal contact with the first and second resistive elements. A control circuit receives a selected input voltage and supplies power based on the selected input voltage to the heating element to heat the first and second resistive elements to a selected temperature. The first and second resistive elements, which are proximate to and electrically isolated from each other, have a selected resistance at the selected temperature. A feedback circuit senses a change in temperature of the first resistive element and adjusts power supplied to the heating element based on the change in temperature of the first resistive element to maintain a resistance of the second resistive element at the selected resistance.