US3733447A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tilt responsive inertia switch with printed circuit and movable ball contact
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1971-12-02
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Granted: 1973-05-15
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Expires: 1991-12-02
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a printed circuit, intermittent, normally open, single pole electric switch designed to become operative upon the receipt of a tilt motion. The device uses a housing means, a printed circuit contact terminal means supported in the housing, a conducting ball having a first radius of curvature, operatively positioned adjacent to the contact terminal means which responsively moves when the switch is tilted, and momentarily closes the contact terminal means; an insulated track means is positioned intermediate to the printed circuit contact terminal means, insulating the housing from the contact terminal means while maintaining the conducting ball operatively adjacent to the contact terminal means.
Inventors
- 👤 C Schneider
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:40
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A printed circuit, intermittent, normally open, single pole electric switch for detecting tilt which comprises: a housing means which includes; a closed end housing cylinder having a central bore and a circular axially aligned sealing flange on the open end; a housing lead header disc, sealed to said sealing flange, for operatively positioning said printed circuit contact terminal means and insulated track means within said housing cylinder; a printed circuit contact terminal means supported in said housing which includes; an insulator substrate; a plurality of etched raised conductors on said substrate separated by insulated land surface substrate; a metallic surface electrically connected to said contact terminals for electrically and mechanically holding a pair of electrical conductors thereto; a conducting ball operatively positioned adjacent to said contact terminal means, responsive to tilting motions, and momentarily closing said contact terminal means; and an insulated track means, positioned intermediate to said housing and said printed circuit contact terminal means, for insulating said housing from said terminal means and maintaining said conducting ball in contact with said terminal means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A printed circuit, intermittent, normally open, single pole electric switch for detecting tilt which comprises: a housing means which includes; a closed end housing cylinder having a central bore and a circular axially aligned sealing flange on the open end; a housing lead header disc, sealed to said sealing flange, for operatively positioning said printed circuit contact terminal means and insulated track means within said housing cylinder; a printed circuit contact terminal means supported in said housing which includes; an insulator substrate; a plurality of etched raised conductors on said substrate separated by insulated land surface substrate; a metallic surface electrically connected to said contact terminals for electrically and mechanically holding a pair of electrical conductors thereto; a conducting ball operatively positioned adjacent to said contact terminal means, responsive to tilting motions, and momentarily closing said contact terminal means; and an insulated track means, positioned intermediate to said housing and said printed circuit contact terminal means, for insulating said housing from said terminal means and maintaining said conducting ball in contact with said terminal means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
An electric switch as recited in claim 1 wherein said insulated track means comprises: a cylindrical insulator having a straight sided outer wall slidably fitting within said housing central bore, an inner wall having first and second partially circular concave divided surfaces, said concave surfaces having a radius of curvature larger than said first radius of curvature of said conducting ball.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electric switch as recited in claim 2 wherein said conducting ball is made of steel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An electric switch as recited in claim 3 wherein said insulated track means is made of Lexan.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An electric switch as recited in claim 4 wherein said plurality of etched conductors have a pie-shaped configuration.
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) | 1976-05-14 | 1976-11-13 | 1977-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-14 | 1980-11-13 | 1981-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-14 | 1984-11-13 | 1985-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |