The Evolution of the Honeywell Thermal Switch
The History of Honeywell Redmond
1947 - United Control Corporation was created by four Boeing engineers
1967 - United Control was acquired by Sundstrand Data Control
1971 - United Control name was changed to Sundstrand Data Control; Cage Code 97896
1993 - Sundstrand Redmond was acquired by Allied Signal; Cage Code changed to 0YFP0
2001 - Allied Signal acquired Honeywell and changed its name to Honeywell
The Honeywell Redmond Thermal Switch and Sensor Products launched United Control Corporation. The first product, a windshield temperature control thermal switch, remains in production. The thermal switch product is current with the technology of today. The designs are based on continuous improvement.
The applications are in the thousands:Turboprops to jet engines, B52 to B2, Redstone to Delta IV, Gemini to Space Shuttle, Viking to classified defense satellites, Space Station to Mars rovers
The design advances with the technology of the times and is a reflection of those technologies.
The fundamental concept of a "push-to-open" spring is at the basis of the Honeywell Redmond Single Pole Single Throw Thermal Switch designs.
The Sensor history begins with wire wound Nickel and/or Copper alloys and advances to Thin Film Platinum Resistance Temperature Detectors.
Honeywell On Mars: An Example of History In Progress
1976 - We were there on the Viking Landers when “Viking I” took the very first photo (photo A) of the surface of Mars. Our high reliability half-inch thermal switches functioned during the entire mission, lasting over sixyears until 1982. These switches were the predecessor to our current 700 Series Thermal Switch.
2004 - We landed with the Mars Rovers, "Spirit" and "Opportunity." 700 Series Thermal Switches are on board, continuing our support of Mars exploration. On "Opportunity" the mission was saved on the third day by 700 series switches operating as fail safe override.
2006
- The Mars Rover vehicles were designed to last for 90 days on the Martian surface.
- On October 7 they achieved a new milestone by exploring Mars for 1,000 consecutive days.
PHOTO CUTLINE:This bird's-eye view combines a self-portrait of the spacecraft deck and a panoramic mosaic of the Martian surface as viewed by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit.
2010 -NASA continues to extend the Mars Exploration Rover Mission of Opportunity. Honeywell Thermal Switch continues to participate in the next generation Mars Rover “Curiosity”.
PHOTO CUTLINE:This bird's-eye view combines a self-portrait of the spacecraft deck and a panoramic mosaic of the Martian surface as viewed by NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit.
THERMAL SWITCHES exported from the United States must be done in accordance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as applicable.
