MECHANICAL DISPLACEMENT AMPLIFIER AND THERMOSTAT EMBODYING SAME

A mechanical displacement amplifier is disclosed in which a displacement amplifying spring member essentially in the shape of a shallow V is positioned between a reference point structure and a displacement member so as to buckle in response to movement of the displacement member towards the reference point structure. A dimple is provided adjacent the buckling point of the spring member to prevent it from straightening entirely. A thermostat embodying the mechanical displacement amplifier is also disclosed, in which a push rod between a microswitch and the buckling point of the spring member actuates the microswitch. A temperature adjustment dial positions the reference point structure, and a temperature sensing unit is the displacement member.