US3639877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable-resistance foot control device, for regulating the speed of an electric motor
Assignee: Mefina SA
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Filing: 1970-05-07
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Granted: 1972-02-01
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Expires: 1990-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A variable-resistance foot control device for regulating the speed of an electric motor is particularly useful for sewing machines. It has a casing containing the variable-resistance element and a speed selection slider. The actuating member comprises a cover which pivots on a vertical axle against the action of a return spring which is fixed between the casing and said axle. The casing has a peripheral collar which the skirt of the cover surrounds and an annular support surface provided on the inside of the cover faces the collar. The slider is carried by a hinged lever actuated by turning the foot on the cover, whereby a pin and groove mechanism pivots the lever and moves the slider into contact with the contact points on the variableresistance element.
Inventors
- 👤 Marcel Fresard
- 👤 Jean-Charles Donnat
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:56
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05G; G05G1/00; G05G1/30; G05G1/38; H; H01; H01C; H01C10/00; H01C10/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
A variable-resistance foot control device for controlling the speed of an electric motor, said device comprising, a casing including a variable-resistance element mounted therein, a peripheral cylindrical collar and a centrally located support member, a cover for said casing, said cover having a groove in its lower surface and an annular support surface facing and movably contacting said collar, an axle fixed in said cover and depending therefrom, said axle rotatably mounted in said centrally located support member in the casing, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing eccentrically of said centrally located support member, a pin on the upper surface of said lever, said pin fitted within the groove in said cover, a slider carried by the free end of said lever and selectively engaging said variable-resistance element, a spring acting on said vertical axle such that said cover is normally urged into a position placing said slider in an inactive position, whereby rotation of said cover by the operator''s foot causes said lever to pivot from an inactive position on an insulated portion of said resistance element to an active position in engagement with contact points on the resistance element to place said motor to be controlled in operation and regulate the speed thereof according to the extent of rotation of said cover.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
215 words
A variable-resistance foot control device for controlling the speed of an electric motor, said device comprising, a casing including a variable-resistance element mounted therein, a peripheral cylindrical collar and a centrally located support member, a cover for said casing, said cover having a groove in its lower surface and an annular support surface facing and movably contacting said collar, an axle fixed in said cover and depending therefrom, said axle rotatably mounted in said centrally located support member in the casing, a lever pivotally mounted in said casing eccentrically of said centrally located support member, a pin on the upper surface of said lever, said pin fitted within the groove in said cover, a slider carried by the free end of said lever and selectively engaging said variable-resistance element, a spring acting on said vertical axle such that said cover is normally urged into a position placing said slider in an inactive position, whereby rotation of said cover by the operator''s foot causes said lever to pivot from an inactive position on an insulated portion of said resistance element to an active position in engagement with contact points on the resistance element to place said motor to be controlled in operation and regulate the speed thereof according to the extent of rotation of said cover.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A variable-resistance foot control device according to claim 1, wherein said casing includes an intermediate support plate, said variable-resistance element mounted on said plate, an electrical printed circuit also mounted on said plate, and an electric cable connecting said printed circuit, the motor to be controlled and the variable resistance to a supply of electricity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
A variable-resistance foot control device according to claim 1, wherein said centrally located support member includes a housing in which said spring is located, said spring being of the helical type fixed at one of its ends around a bush attached to the lower part of the axle, the other end of the spring supported in a slot in the bottom of the casing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A variable-resistance foot control device according to claim 1, including an elastic washer mounted on said centrally located support member to facilitate rotation of said cover relative to said casing.
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) | 1975-01-31 | 1975-08-02 | 1976-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-31 | 1979-08-02 | 1980-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-08-02 | 1984-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |