Patent US3601729A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3601729A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch assembly
Assignee: WESTERN SALES CORP
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Filing: 1969-11-03
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Granted: 1971-08-24
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Expires: 1989-11-03
Abstract
Abstract A switch assembly for use in an environment requiring automatic switch operation under certain conditions, as when the switch assembly, or the body on which the switch is mounted, is tilted or changed in position beyond a predetermined amount. The assembly includes a housing in which is mounted the switch, preferably of the normally open type. A cavity is formed in the housing and has a point adjacent but spaced from the switch contact elements. Actuating means are disposed in the housing cavity and in one modification includes a magnetic member that moves away from the close adjacency to the switch contact elements when the housing is tilted beyond a predetermined amount. Thus, the switch opens until the magnetic member returns to its adjacent position, as when the housing is righted. In another modification, a magnetic member is fixed in the housing and magnetic-flux-deflecting means are pivotally mounted in the housing and in the cavity. As the housing is tilted, the deflecting means pivots into position between the magnetic member and the switch, thus deflecting the magnetic flux field. The magnetic attraction is removed and the switch opens,. When the housing is righted, magnetic flux is again established to the switch to close the switch contacts.
Inventors
- 👤 Lars J Hierta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 20:40
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/02; H01H35/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A switch assembly comprising: a housing having a vertical axis; switch means in said housing and located on said vertical axis, said switch means being operable from a normally open condition to a closed condition; a cavity in said housing and spaced along said vertical axis from said switch means and having a portion on said vertical axis adjacent said switch means and extending from said vertical axis in opposite directions; and magnetic switch actuation means including a moveable portion, said magnetic actuation means being disposed in said cavity and having a position on said vertical axis generating a magnetic flux field enveloping said switch means and holding said switch means in said closed condition, and said moveable portion moving in said cavity to remove said flux field from said switch means when said vertical axis of said housing tilts beyond a predetermined amount to permit said switch means to operate to said closed condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A switch assembly comprising: a housing having a vertical axis; switch means in said housing and located on said vertical axis, said switch means being operable from a normally open condition to a closed condition; a cavity in said housing and spaced along said vertical axis from said switch means and having a portion on said vertical axis adjacent said switch means and extending from said vertical axis in opposite directions; and magnetic switch actuation means including a moveable portion, said magnetic actuation means being disposed in said cavity and having a position on said vertical axis generating a magnetic flux field enveloping said switch means and holding said switch means in said closed condition, and said moveable portion moving in said cavity to remove said flux field from said switch means when said vertical axis of said housing tilts beyond a predetermined amount to permit said switch means to operate to said closed condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said magnetic actuation means includes a permanent magnet moveable in said cavity from said position on said vertical axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 2, wherein said cavity includes a wall having a point on said vertical axis and adjacent said switch means, said wall being angularly directed away from said switch means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 3, wherein said wall is a cone having the apex thereof adjacent said switch means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 4, wherein said permanent magnet is spherical and adapted to move along said wall from a position at said apex when said housing is tilted more than a predetermined amount.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said magnetic actuation means includes magnetic-flux-deflecting means moveable in said cavity for operating said switch means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 1, wherein said magnetic actuation means includes a permanent magnet fixed in said housing and extending into said cavity, and magnetic-flux-deflecting means adapted to move into a position for deflecting magnetic flux from said magnet away from said switch means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The switch means set forth in claim 7, wherein said magnetic-flux-deflecting means includes a portion moveable between said permanent magnet and said switch means, and pivot means in housing and secured to said portion to permit movement of said portion when said housing is tilted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 8, wherein said portion extends longitudinally of said housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
85 words
The switch assembly set forth in claim 7, wherein said magnetic-flux-deflecting means includes a conical member pivotally secured to said housing and in said cavity for universal movement, said cone having aligned apertures therein receiving said permanent magnet, and an apertured member secured to said conical member and extending between said permanent magnet and said switch means when said housing is in a nontilted position and said apertured member pivoting to deflect magnetic flux flow when said housing is tilted more than a predetermined amount.
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) | 1974-08-23 | 1975-02-22 | 1975-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-23 | 1979-02-22 | 1979-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-23 | 1983-02-22 | 1983-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |