US3731013A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch control means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-01-07
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Granted: 1973-05-01
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Expires: 1992-01-07
Abstract
Abstract A new and improved switch controller is described which permits any one of a predetermined number of switch controlled devices to be actuated in any one of a predetermined number of states. In the embodiment described, a rotary switch having a predetermined number of positions is interconnected with a plurality of pushbutton switches, so that for any position of the rotary switch one of four push-button switches may be selectively actuated. Each push-button switch can actuate the winding of a relay which in turn closes its associated contacts to provide current to the solenoid of a solenoid activated device. Thus, the rotary switch selects the apparatus to be actuated, while the selected pushbutton switch determines which solenoid winding associated with the selected apparatus will be energized with current. Described in conjunction with the aforesaid switch control device is a particular solenoid actuated device, comprising a unit for operating hydraulic valve box plungers.
Inventors
- 👤 C Nightengale
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:26
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05G; G05G9/00; G05G9/02; G05G9/04; G05G9/047; G05G9/04785; G05G9/04788; G05G9/04792; G05G2009/04703; G05G2009/04707; G05G2009/0474; G05G2009/04744; G05G2009/04781
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A multiple switch operating unit comprising in combination: a. a joy stick control having a shaft free to rotate within a hollow stem and said stem being pivotally mounted; b. rotary switch means insulatedly secured to said hollow stem; c. said rotary switch means being provided with a continuous substantially planar array of contact points; d. contact arm means secured to said shaft for selectively contacting one of said contact points as said shaft is rotated; e. a plurality of individually actuable push-button switch means, actuated in response to a predetermined pivotal movement of said stem; f. said push-button switches being selectively interconnectable with each of said contact points.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A multiple switch operating unit comprising in combination: a. a joy stick control having a shaft free to rotate within a hollow stem and said stem being pivotally mounted; b. rotary switch means insulatedly secured to said hollow stem; c. said rotary switch means being provided with a continuous substantially planar array of contact points; d. contact arm means secured to said shaft for selectively contacting one of said contact points as said shaft is rotated; e. a plurality of individually actuable push-button switch means, actuated in response to a predetermined pivotal movement of said stem; f. said push-button switches being selectively interconnectable with each of said contact points.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
The combination set forth in claim 1, further including a plurality of groups of output devices and circuit means for interconnecting said multiple switch operating unit with said groups of output devices, so that said rotary switch means can select one of said groups and said push button switch means can select one output device within said selected group.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination set forth in claim 2, further including a plurality of contact arms mounted on said stem, equal in number to said push-button switches, for selectively actuating one of said push-button switches when said sleeve is pivotally moved in a predetermined direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination set forth in claim 3, wherein said means for pivotally mounting said sleeve comprises a ball and socket joint.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination set forth in claim 4, further including means for constraining the pivotal movement of said sleeve to one of a plurality of predetermined directions corresponding to the location of said push-button switches.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said output devices comprise solenoid windings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination set forth in claim 6, wherein said solenoid windings comprise the actuating coils of at least one hydraulic valve box actuator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
The combination set forth in claim 7, wherein said hydraulic valve box actuator comprises: a. a plunger normally in a neutral position; b. a first and a second solenoid winding surrounding said plunger; and c. a reciprocable output shaft; so that current flow through said first solenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a first direction and current flow through said second solenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a second direction diametrically opposite to said first direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination set forth in claim 5, wherein said output devices comprise solenoid windings.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination set forth in claim 9, wherein said solenoid windings comprise the actuatinG coils of at least one hydraulic valve box actuator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
84 words
The combination set forth in claim 10, wherein said hydraulic valve box actuator comprises: a. a plunger normally in a neutral position; b. a first and a second solenoid winding surrounding said plunger; and c. a reciprocable output shaft; so that current flow through said first solenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a first direction and current flow through said second solenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a second direction diametrically opposite to said first direction.
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) | 1976-04-30 | 1976-10-30 | 1977-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-30 | 1980-10-30 | 1981-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-30 | 1984-10-30 | 1985-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |