US3556012A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic probe for tow trucks
Assignee: FMC Corp
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Filing: 1969-05-20
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Granted: 1971-01-19
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Expires: 1989-05-20
Abstract
Abstract A magnetic switch actuating apparatus for use in a tow truck system includes two horizontal probe mounting members disposed on either side of the tow pin of a truck at the front end of the truck. A series of vertical apertures through the mounting members are provided to receive the switch actuating probes which consist of a double shouldered handle portion secured to the upper end of a magnet supporting spring. The magnet which is disposed proximate the surface of the floor serves to actuate a magnetically responsive reed switch beneath the floor to open a diverting switch and divert the truck from a main slot of the tow truck system to a preselected shunt slot. Smaller diameter holes in the probe supporting members provide elevated inoperative positions for the probes when not in use.
Inventors
- 👤 Bert B Parshall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 03:51
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/34; B65G47/46; B65G47/48; B65G47/49; B65G47/496; B61; B61B; B61B10/00; B61B10/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A switch actuating apparatus for use on a truck in a tow truck system wherein diverting switches disposed in a reference surface are actuated by the said switch actuating apparatus to divert the truck from the main slot in said system to a shunt slot, said apparatus comprising in combination, at least one mounting bracket secured to said truck, said bracket having a plurality of identically sized vertical probe retaining apertures therethrough and at least one probe retaining aperture therethrough of smaller diameter than said identically sized apertures, a switch actuating probe mounted in said bracket and having two supporting shoulders, the lowermost of said shoulders having a diameter greater than the diameter of the smaller aperture but less than the diameter of the larger of said apertures and the uppermost of said shoulders having a diameter greater than the diameter of the larger of said apertures so that when said probe is retained in one of said identically sized apertures it will be supported by the uppermost shoulder and when said probe is retained in the smaller aperture it will be supported by the lowermost shoulder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A switch actuating apparatus for use on a truck in a tow truck system wherein diverting switches disposed in a reference surface are actuated by the said switch actuating apparatus to divert the truck from the main slot in said system to a shunt slot, said apparatus comprising in combination, at least one mounting bracket secured to said truck, said bracket having a plurality of identically sized vertical probe retaining apertures therethrough and at least one probe retaining aperture therethrough of smaller diameter than said identically sized apertures, a switch actuating probe mounted in said bracket and having two supporting shoulders, the lowermost of said shoulders having a diameter greater than the diameter of the smaller aperture but less than the diameter of the larger of said apertures and the uppermost of said shoulders having a diameter greater than the diameter of the larger of said apertures so that when said probe is retained in one of said identically sized apertures it will be supported by the uppermost shoulder and when said probe is retained in the smaller aperture it will be supported by the lowermost shoulder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
119 words
A switch actuating apparatus for use on a truck in a tow truck system wherein diverting switches disposed in a reference surface are actuated by the said switch actuating apparatus to divert the truck from the main slot in said system to a shunt slot comprising in combination, at least one switch actuating probe, and a mounting bracket having a plurality of identically sized probe retaining apertures therethrough for retaining said probe in a lowered operative position and at least one probe retaining aperture therethrough of smaller diameter than said identically sized apertures to retain said probe in a raised inoperative position, said probe having means whereby it is selectively retained in either the larger or the smaller aperture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
119 words
A switch actuating apparatus for use on a truck in a tow truck system wherein diverting switches disposed in a reference surface are actuated by the said switch actuating apparatus to divert the truck from the main slot in said system to a shunt slot comprising in combination, at least one switch actuating probe, and a mounting bracket having a plurality of identically sized probe retaining apertures therethrough for retaining said probe in a lowered operative position and at least one probe retaining aperture therethrough of smaller diameter than said identically sized apertures to retain said probe in a raised inoperative position, said probe having means whereby it is selectively retained in either the larger or the smaller aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said probe is laterally resilient and has a permanent magnet affixed thereto and wherein said diverting switches are magnetically responsive.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said probe is laterally resilient and has a permanent magnet affixed thereto and wherein said diverting switches are magnetically responsive.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-18 | 1974-07-20 | 1975-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-18 | 1978-07-20 | 1979-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-18 | 1982-07-20 | 1983-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |