US3688064A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vaccuum operated electrical switch with cup shaped diaphragm normally holding contacts closed
Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Co
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Filing: 1970-08-06
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1990-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A flexible diaphragm being carried by a support means and defining an actuating chamber therewith. A switch blade is carried by the support means and is movable relative thereto, the switch blade being interconnected to the diaphragm to move in unison therewith. A fixed contact blade is carried by the support means. The switch blade has a free end that is arcuate in crosssectional configuration so as to be adapted to engage against the contact blade at the side edge of the switch blade when the diaphragm is in one position thereof relative to the support means.
Inventors
- 👤 Ned C Myers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 00:00
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/24; H01H35/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction comprising support means, a flexible diaphragm carried by said support means and defining a chamber therewith, a switch blade carried by said support means and being movable relative thereto, said switch blade being interconnected to said diaphragm to move in unison therewith, and a fixed contact blade carried by said support means said switch blade having a free end adapted to engage against said contact blade when said diaphragm is in one position relative to said support means, said diaphragm having a natural tendency to move to a certain position relative to said support means, said switch blade making contact with said contact blade before said diaphragm can reach said certain position thereof, said diaphragm having a natural tendency to assume a cup-shape at said certain position thereof, said switch blade contacting and deforming into said cup-shape when in engagement with said contact blade and thereby preventing said diaphragm from assuming a natural cup-shape thereof whereby the natural tendency of said diaphragm to assume said cup-shape assists in normally maintaining said switch blade in contact with said contact blade.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction comprising support means, a flexible diaphragm carried by said support means and defining a chamber therewith, a switch blade carried by said support means and being movable relative thereto, said switch blade being interconnected to said diaphragm to move in unison therewith, and a fixed contact blade carried by said support means said switch blade having a free end adapted to engage against said contact blade when said diaphragm is in one position relative to said support means, said diaphragm having a natural tendency to move to a certain position relative to said support means, said switch blade making contact with said contact blade before said diaphragm can reach said certain position thereof, said diaphragm having a natural tendency to assume a cup-shape at said certain position thereof, said switch blade contacting and deforming into said cup-shape when in engagement with said contact blade and thereby preventing said diaphragm from assuming a natural cup-shape thereof whereby the natural tendency of said diaphragm to assume said cup-shape assists in normally maintaining said switch blade in contact with said contact blade.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 1 wherein said contact blade has a flat side, said free end of said switch blade having a straight end edge and being arcuate so that said end edge is adapted to engage said flat side of said contact blade when said diaphragm is in said one position thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 1 wherein said switch blade deforms at an angle into said cup-shape of said diaphragm when in engagement with said contact blade.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support means comprises two housing members secured together and defining a cavity therebetween, said diaphragm being disposed in said cavity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 4 wherein said contact blade is secured between engaging surfaces of said housing members, part of said contact blade extending into said cavity to be engaged by said switch blade and another part of said contact blade extending outwardly from said housing members to form a terminal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 5 wherein one of said housing members has a rivet-like portion riveted to the other housing member to secure the same together, said contact blade having an opening passing therethrough and receiving said rivet-like portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 4 wherein said switch blade has the end thereof opposite to said free end thereof secured between engaging surfaces of said housing members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 7 wherein one of said housing members has a rivet-like portion riveted to the other housing member to secure the same together, said switch blade having an opening passing therethrough and receiving said rivet-like portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 8 wherein a terminal has a part thereof secured between said engaging surfaces of said housing members and another part thereof extending outwardly from said housing members, said secured part oF said terminal also having an opening passing therethrough and receiving said rivet-like portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cup-shaped diaphragm has a post means extending from the closed end thereof, said switch blade being secured to said post means so as to move in unison therewith.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A vacuum operated electrical switch construction as set forth in claim 10 wherein said switch blade has a key-hole slot passing therethrough and receiving said post means to secure the same together.
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) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |