US3582590A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sequential switch devices
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-03-14
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Granted: 1971-06-01
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Expires: 1989-03-14
Abstract
Abstract This specification discloses an electric switch characterized by a main electrode having the general form of an elongate member for connecting with one side of a power supply; a plurality of contacts having leads for connecting through loads to another side of the power supply, with the contacts being disposed linearly along, spaced from and closely adjacent the main electrode. The main electrode and the plurality of contacts are disposed within a container having a supply of mercury therein. There is provided means for sequentially immersing the respective contacts and adjacent portions of the main electrode in the mercury such that load elements may be sequentially connected to a power source. Various embodiments are also described.
Inventors
- 👤 Marcus P Eubank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:05
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H29/00; H01H29/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A sequential switch comprising: a. a main electrode of low resistivity conductive material having the general form of an elongate member for connecting to one side of a power source; b. a plurality of contacts having leads for connecting through loads to another side of said power source, said contacts being disposed linearly along, spaced from, and closely adjacent said main electrode; each said contact being adapted for normally conducting a current of at least 10 amperes; c. a container having a supply of mercury therein and housing said main electrode and said plurality of contacts; and d. means for sequentially immersing said respective contacts and adjacent portions of said main electrode in said mercury.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A sequential switch comprising: a. a main electrode of low resistivity conductive material having the general form of an elongate member for connecting to one side of a power source; b. a plurality of contacts having leads for connecting through loads to another side of said power source, said contacts being disposed linearly along, spaced from, and closely adjacent said main electrode; each said contact being adapted for normally conducting a current of at least 10 amperes; c. a container having a supply of mercury therein and housing said main electrode and said plurality of contacts; and d. means for sequentially immersing said respective contacts and adjacent portions of said main electrode in said mercury.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein said main electrode is a rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein said main electrode is an elongated tubular member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein said container comprises a sealed, evacuated chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein said main electrode enters the top of said container and comprises within said container a substantially stRaight rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein said means for sequentially immersing said contacts and portions of said main electrode in said mercury comprises a second chamber contiguous with said container and having means displacing mercury therefrom into said container to increase the height of the column of mercury in said container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The switch of claim 6 wherein said second chamber comprises a bellows having a bottom that can be elevated to displace said mercury into said container.
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) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |