US3592980A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pneumatic step controller with reciprocal cam means
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1969-11-19
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Granted: 1971-07-13
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Expires: 1989-11-19
Abstract
Abstract A pneumatic step controller for use in a control system where a proportional pneumatic signal is to be converted into a sequenced switching action. The step controller includes a substantially rigid, rectangular, reciprocally movable, and molded or stamped cam plate which obviates many individual cam parts and costly cam calibration.
Inventors
- 👤 Leo Alamprese
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:56
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/22; H01H3/24; H01H3/02; H01H3/16; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/21; Y10T74/2101
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A step controller comprising: an actuator having a member driveable in one direction by fluid pressure and returnable in the opposite direction by biasing means; support means; a plurality of switches carried by the support means, each switch including actuating means and cam follower means to close and open the switch when suitably moved; a cam member connected to the actuator member and linearly moveable relative to the support means, the cam member comprising a substantially rigid plate having on at least one face thereof means to operatively engage said cam follower means; said means including first means arranged to sequentially open or close the plurality of switches as the actuator member is driven or returned, and second means arranged to substantially simultaneously open or close the plurality of switches when the fluid pressure reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A step controller comprising: an actuator having a member driveable in one direction by fluid pressure and returnable in the opposite direction by biasing means; support means; a plurality of switches carried by the support means, each switch including actuating means and cam follower means to close and open the switch when suitably moved; a cam member connected to the actuator member and linearly moveable relative to the support means, the cam member comprising a substantially rigid plate having on at least one face thereof means to operatively engage said cam follower means; said means including first means arranged to sequentially open or close the plurality of switches as the actuator member is driven or returned, and second means arranged to substantially simultaneously open or close the plurality of switches when the fluid pressure reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
A step controller according to claim 1 wherein the actuator is adapted to be connected to the branch pressure line of condition responsive means having a predetermined throttling range, and the first means of the cam member is arranged to sequentially open or close the plurality of switches as the branch line pressure increases through the throttling range.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
A step controller according to claim 2 wherein the second means of the cam member is arranged to substantially simultaneously open or close the plurality of switches when the branch line pressure falls below the throttling range and to substantially simultaneously close or open the plurality of switches when the branch line pressure enters the throttling range, whereby a fail-safe condition is provided.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
138 words
A cam member for use in a step controller having a plurality of switch means, the cam member comprising a substantially rigid plate, at least one side of which plate comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface: the first, second and third surfaces being substantially parallel; the first and third surfaces being in substantially the same plane; the second surface being in a plane sufficiently spaced from the plane of said first and third surfaces to provide a differential sufficient to operate the switch means; the first and second surfaces being separated by a first camming means arranged to substantially simultaneously actuate the plurality of switch means to provide a fail-safe condition; and the second and third surfaces being separated by a second camming means arranged to sequentially actuate the plurality of switch means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
138 words
A cam member for use in a step controller having a plurality of switch means, the cam member comprising a substantially rigid plate, at least one side of which plate comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface: the first, second and third surfaces being substantially parallel; the first and third surfaces being in substantially the same plane; the second surface being in a plane sufficiently spaced from the plane of said first and third surfaces to provide a differential sufficient to operate the switch means; the first and second surfaces being separated by a first camming means arranged to substantially simultaneously actuate the plurality of switch means to provide a fail-safe condition; and the second and third surfaces being separated by a second camming means arranged to sequentially actuate the plurality of switch means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
A cam member as described in claim 4 wherein each of the plurality of switch means of the step controller includes can follower means engageable by the first and second camming means to actuate the switch means, the cam member being suitably moveable so that the first and second camming means may eNgage the cam follower means upon such suitable movement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A cam member as described in claim 5 wherein the second camming means comprises a plurality of inclined surfaces, each of the inclined surfaces being constructed and arranged to engage the cam follower means of a switch means.
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) | 1974-07-12 | 1975-01-11 | 1975-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-12 | 1979-01-11 | 1979-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-12 | 1983-01-11 | 1983-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |