US3758733A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ric material and conductive particles therein pressure sensitive stepping switches with multi layer spring contact assembly with interposed layers of lubricated non-conductive elastome
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1971-10-04
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1991-10-04
Abstract
Abstract A pressure sensitive stepping switch comprises a stack of resiliently compressible, normally non-conductive elastomeric pads throughout each of which a quantity of electrically conductive particles are dispersed. Straddling each pad is a pair of conductors for connection to a source of electrical potential and to an electrical device to be operated. The pads are rendered electrically conductive in response to compression of the stack, the compressive force required to render each pad conductive being different so as to enable the pads to be rendered conductive in a predetermined sequence. Oil applied to the surface of the pad greatly increases its life.
Inventors
- 👤 G Durocher
- 👤 D Durocher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 06:08
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/12; H01H1/36; H01H1/40; H01H1/403; H01H1/02; H01H1/021; H01H1/029; H01H35/00; H01H35/24; H01H35/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A switch construction comprising a stack of individual pads each of which is formed of an electrically non-conductive, resilient elastomer having electrically conductive particles dIspersed therethrough, each of said pads being responsive to compression thereof to establish an electrically conductive path therethrough; an electrical conductor on opposite sides of each of said pads; and means for applying on and longitudinally through said stack of pads a compressive force of such magnitude as to render a selected number of said pads electrically conductive.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A switch construction comprising a stack of individual pads each of which is formed of an electrically non-conductive, resilient elastomer having electrically conductive particles dIspersed therethrough, each of said pads being responsive to compression thereof to establish an electrically conductive path therethrough; an electrical conductor on opposite sides of each of said pads; and means for applying on and longitudinally through said stack of pads a compressive force of such magnitude as to render a selected number of said pads electrically conductive.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein the compressive force required to render each of said pads conductive is different.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein the resiliency of each of said pads differs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein the quantity of conductive particles contained in each of said pads is different.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein the size of the particles contained in each of said pads is different.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein the thickness of each of said pads differs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 including a liquid lubricant between each of said bodies and the conductors in engagement therewith.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The construction set forth in claim 7 wherein said lubricant is oil.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein said force applying means applies a progressively increasing force on said stack.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein said force applying means releases the force applied to said stack substantially instantaneously.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein said force applying means progressively releases the force applied on said stack.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein said force applying means comprises a rotary cam.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The construction set forth in claim 12 including means for rotating said cam.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The construction set forth in claim 1 wherein said force applying means comprises a reciprocable member bearing against said stack.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The construction set forth in claim 14 including means for reciprocating said member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
51 words
Current control apparatus comprising a body formed of electrically non-conductive elastomeric material throughout which electrically conductive particles are dispersed in such quantity as to establish an electrically conductive path through said body, and a lubricant other than said material and said particles at least on the outer surface of said body.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
51 words
Current control apparatus comprising a body formed of electrically non-conductive elastomeric material throughout which electrically conductive particles are dispersed in such quantity as to establish an electrically conductive path through said body, and a lubricant other than said material and said particles at least on the outer surface of said body.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
117 words
Apparatus for operating in sequence a plurality of electrical devices, said apparatus comprising a stack of resilient, electrically non-conductive pads each of which has a sufficient quantity of electrically conductive particles therein to render it electrically conductive in response to the application of a predetermined compressive force on said pad; means for connecting each of said pads in circuit with a different electrical device and with a source of electrical energy; and operating means for subjecting opposite ends of said stack of pads to a compressive force of such magnitude as to render one after another of said pads electrically conductive and to maintain conductive each pad rendered conductive until all of said pads are rendered conductive.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
117 words
Apparatus for operating in sequence a plurality of electrical devices, said apparatus comprising a stack of resilient, electrically non-conductive pads each of which has a sufficient quantity of electrically conductive particles therein to render it electrically conductive in response to the application of a predetermined compressive force on said pad; means for connecting each of said pads in circuit with a different electrical device and with a source of electrical energy; and operating means for subjecting opposite ends of said stack of pads to a compressive force of such magnitude as to render one after another of said pads electrically conductive and to maintain conductive each pad rendered conductive until all of said pads are rendered conductive.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 17 wherein said operating means is operable to relieve the compressive force on all pads in said stack substantially simultaneously.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 17 wherein said operating means is operable to relieve the compressive force on said pads in sequence.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |