US3622722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering member reversal switch
Assignee: Life Technology Inc
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Filing: 1970-04-20
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Granted: 1971-11-23
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Expires: 1990-04-20
Abstract
Abstract A rim-driven wheel engages a rotatable vehicle steering member. Motion is amplified by a planetary bearing assembly and applied to a lever arm through a clutch assembly. The free end of the arm carries a magnet that actuates magnetically actuated reed switches that are located adjacent to arm stops. Clockwise rotation of the steering member results in closure of one-reed switch; counterclockwise rotation results in closure of the other reed switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Earl L Jackson
- 👤 Werner Sepper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/06; H01H35/12; H01H36/00; H01H36/0006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
Switch apparatus comprising an input shaft, means connected to said shaft for amplifying the angular rotation of said input shaft, a lever arm having a magnet mounted at one end thereof, clutch means for clutchingly coupling the second end of said lever arm to said amplifying means, means to limit the coupled motion of said lever arm between a pair of predetermined limits, and a magnetically actuated reed switch mounted within said predetermined limits for actuation by said magnet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
Switch apparatus comprising an input shaft, means connected to said shaft for amplifying the angular rotation of said input shaft, a lever arm having a magnet mounted at one end thereof, clutch means for clutchingly coupling the second end of said lever arm to said amplifying means, means to limit the coupled motion of said lever arm between a pair of predetermined limits, and a magnetically actuated reed switch mounted within said predetermined limits for actuation by said magnet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
Switch apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said amplifying means comprises, a planetary bearing assembly driven by said input shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said motion limiting means comprises an adjustable bracket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
120 words
Switch apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said clutch means comprises; an output shaft coupled at a first end to said amplifying means, said shaft having an end portion of reduced diameter, defining a shoulder, the second end of said shaft being fluted, a ring washer surrounding said output shaft and adjacent to said fluted end, a nonmetallic ring washer surrounding said output shaft and adjacent said last recited washer, a nonmetallic T-shaped ring washer surrounding said output shaft and adjacent said nonmetallic ring washer, said T-shaped washer having two outside diameters, the smaller diameter portion holding the end of said lever arm, and a biasing spring surrounding said shaft and urging said washers away from said output shaft shoulder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said limiting means comprises two stops, and wherein, a second magnetically actuated reed switch is mounted within said predetermined limits, said first reed switch mounted adjacent one of said stops and said second reed switch mounted adjacent the other of said stops.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
119 words
Switch apparatus comprising an input shaft, means connected to said shaft for amplifying the angular rotation of said input shaft whereby the angular rotation of said input shaft is increased, a lever arm having electrical contact actuating means mounted at one end thereof, clutch means having a shaft for clutchingly coupling said lever arm to said amplifying means with the end of said last mentioned shaft and the second end of said lever arm being frictionally connected, means to limit the coupled motion of said lever arm between a pair of predetermined limits, and electrical contact means mounted within said predetermined limits for actuation by said actuating means when said actuating means and said electrical contact means are adjacent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
119 words
Switch apparatus comprising an input shaft, means connected to said shaft for amplifying the angular rotation of said input shaft whereby the angular rotation of said input shaft is increased, a lever arm having electrical contact actuating means mounted at one end thereof, clutch means having a shaft for clutchingly coupling said lever arm to said amplifying means with the end of said last mentioned shaft and the second end of said lever arm being frictionally connected, means to limit the coupled motion of said lever arm between a pair of predetermined limits, and electrical contact means mounted within said predetermined limits for actuation by said actuating means when said actuating means and said electrical contact means are adjacent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
Switch apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said amplifying means comprises a planetary bearing assembly driven by said input shaft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said motion limiting means comprises an adjustable bracket.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
120 words
Switch apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said clutch means comprises an output shaft coupled at a first end to said amplifying means, said shaft having an end portion of reduced diameter defining a shoulder, the second end of said shaft being fluted, a ring washer surrounding said output shaft and adjacent to said fluted end, a nonmetallic ring washer surrounding said output shaft and adjacent said last recited wasHer, a nonmetallic T-shaped ring washer surrounding said output shaft and adjacent said nonmetallic ring washer, said T-shaped washer having two outside diameters, the smaller diameter portion holding the end of said lever arm, and a biasing spring surrounding said shaft and urging said washers away from said output shaft shoulder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-22 | 1975-05-24 | 1975-11-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-22 | 1979-05-24 | 1979-11-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-22 | 1983-05-24 | 1983-11-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |