US3560680A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inertia switch responsive to high and low level shocks
Assignee: CB ASS Ltd
•
Filing: 1969-04-18
•
Granted: 1971-02-02
•
Expires: 1989-04-18
Abstract
Abstract The invention concerns an inertia switch in the form of a sphere supported normally on a seat formed by three pins, two of which form electrical contacts. Upon dislodgement of the sphere upon a vibration of the switch a circuit between two of the contacts is broken whereby to actuate a device, such as a burglar alarm, controlled by the switch. The construction offers a simple and inexpensive yet extremely sensitive switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter W H Clarke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:38
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
An inertia switch comprising a housing, three legs in the housing forming a tripod support, a curved portion of each leg having convex and concave surfaces, an electrically conductive sphere normally seated on the convex surfaces of the curved portions of the legs within the housing, and electrical contacts formed by two of said legs, a circuit between the contacts being momentarily broken upon dislodgement of the sphere upon vibration of the switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
An inertia switch comprising a housing, three legs in the housing forming a tripod support, a curved portion of each leg having convex and concave surfaces, an electrically conductive sphere normally seated on the convex surfaces of the curved portions of the legs within the housing, and electrical contacts formed by two of said legs, a circuit between the contacts being momentarily broken upon dislodgement of the sphere upon vibration of the switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
92 words
An inertial inertia switch including a housing, a sphere within the housing, a support seat for the sphere, said support seat comprising convex surfaces of curved portions of three legs disposed in tripod fashion, electrical contacts formed by the convex surfaces of two of said legs and normally closed by the sphere, at least one of said support seat and sphere being gold plated to provide improved electrical contact therebetween, and a third contact cooperable with the sphere upon dislodgement of the sphere from its support seat upon vibration of the switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
92 words
An inertial inertia switch including a housing, a sphere within the housing, a support seat for the sphere, said support seat comprising convex surfaces of curved portions of three legs disposed in tripod fashion, electrical contacts formed by the convex surfaces of two of said legs and normally closed by the sphere, at least one of said support seat and sphere being gold plated to provide improved electrical contact therebetween, and a third contact cooperable with the sphere upon dislodgement of the sphere from its support seat upon vibration of the switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inertia switch according to claim 2 in which the third contact comprises a cylindrical sleeve within the housing and an inwardly directed flange at one end of said sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An inertia switch according to claim 3 in which the sleeve is axially displaceable within the housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inertia switch according to claim 2 in which the third contact comprises a ring positioned above the sphere and of a diameter less than the diameter of the sphere.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An inertia switch according to claim 5 in which the ring is axially displaceable within the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
An inertia switch according to claim 1, in which the sphere is of ferromagnetic material and a magnet is mounted in the housing to releasably maintain the sphere seated on said convex surfaces.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
An inertia switch according to claim 1, in which at least one of said tripod support and sphere is gold-plated to provide improved electrical contact therebetween.
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) | 1974-02-01 | 1974-08-03 | 1975-02-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-01 | 1978-08-03 | 1979-02-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-01 | 1982-08-03 | 1983-02-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |