US3787647A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Conducting fluid type gravity safety switch with spiral contacts
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-07-07
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Granted: 1974-01-22
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Expires: 1992-07-07
Abstract
Abstract An improved gravity operated switch includes a movable electrically conductive member in a housing normally on a central seat when in a normal horizontal position out of the circuit. When the housing is tilted, the movable conductive member moves out of the seat to bridge a pair of fixed spaced electrical contacts in an associated electrical circuit to control the flow of fuel to the engine of the vehicles, ignition, or other engine control components. The switch has particular utility in engine powered vehicles, such as tractors.
Inventors
- 👤 B Hughes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:03
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H29/00; H01H29/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
47 words
A switch combination of claim 1, in which said distal ends are connected to said external circuit operatively, and in which said contact elements are each flexible and of spiral shape providing sufficient flexibility for engagement with said globule when the globule is in a bridged position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
23 words
A switch combination of claim 2, in which said fluid globule includes mercury and other electrically-conductive metal granules in a predetermined stabilizing amount.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
A switch combination of claim 3, in which said housing base member includes siad multi-U shaped groove configuration shaped in a ray-configuration of radially outwardly-extending grooves from the central recess or seat, such that the globule moves by pull of gravity to bridge the contacts of at least one of the grooves when the housing is tilted in any direction the predetermined number of degrees of tilt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A switch combination of claim 4, in which said external circuit includes a solenoid coil structure operatively closable of a fuel supply-line valve of an automobile engine, the coil structure being operatively connected to said contact elements such that the coil becomes energized when said globule bridges said contact elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A switch combination of claim 5, in which the external circuit includes an ignition circuit operatively connected to break circuit when the globule bridges the contacts and to re-establish circuit when thereafter the globule moves-off the contacts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A switch combination of claim 6, further including a second external circuit comprising the foot and seat circuit having a solenoid coil arranged to close a fuel line supply to an engine of a vehicle, and being operatively connected to said contact elements such that the second external circuit''s solenoid coil is energized when said globule bridges said contact elements and is de-energized when the globule moves-off the contact elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A switch combination of claim 7, in which said second external circuit is operatively arranged such that when said globule bridges said contacts the circuit thereof is grounded and is thereafter de-energized when said globule is no longer ground-bridg-ing the contacts.
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) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |