US3832503A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Two circuit track lighting system
Assignee: KCS LIGHTING Inc A CORP OF
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Filing: 1973-08-10
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Granted: 1974-08-27
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Expires: 1993-08-10
Abstract
Abstract A device is provided for connecting an electrical fixture to a three-conductor, two-circuit power distribution track. The device includes a housing adapted to be secured to the track containing a fixed contact adapted to engage one conductor and a movable contact adapted to be shifted to a proper position to engage either of the other two conductors. Movement of the second contact is controlled by an indicator which extends outside the housing. The indicator assumes two positions corresponding to the positions of the contact with both positions being readily visible when the device is secured to a track so as to provide a clear indication of the circuit associated with the fixture.
Inventors
- 👤 R Crane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:36
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R25/00; H01R25/14; H01R25/142; F; F21; F21V; F21V21/00; F21V21/34; F21V21/35; F21V21/14; F21V21/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A device adapted to connect an electrical fixture to a threeconductor track of the type having two opposed sides with a first conductor extending longitudinally along one side and second and third conductors spaced vertically apart from each other extending along the opposite side, said device comprising: a housing; means on said housing for mechanically securing said device to said track; a first contact extending from said housing adapted to engage said first conductor when said housing is in said secured position; a second contact extending from said housing, said second contact being vertically shiftable between a first position for engagement with said second conductor and a second position for engagement with said third conductor; means for switching said second contact between positions; and indicator means extending from said housing in control relationship with said switching means, said indicator means assuming a first indicator position when said second contact is in its first position and a second indicator position when said second contact is in its second position, both of said indicator positions being readily visible when said housing is locked to said track.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
184 words
A device adapted to connect an electrical fixture to a threeconductor track of the type having two opposed sides with a first conductor extending longitudinally along one side and second and third conductors spaced vertically apart from each other extending along the opposite side, said device comprising: a housing; means on said housing for mechanically securing said device to said track; a first contact extending from said housing adapted to engage said first conductor when said housing is in said secured position; a second contact extending from said housing, said second contact being vertically shiftable between a first position for engagement with said second conductor and a second position for engagement with said third conductor; means for switching said second contact between positions; and indicator means extending from said housing in control relationship with said switching means, said indicator means assuming a first indicator position when said second contact is in its first position and a second indicator position when said second contact is in its second position, both of said indicator positions being readily visible when said housing is locked to said track.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second contact is constrained to vertical movement within said housing, said indicator means comprises a bar disposed for horizontal movement through said housing, and said switching means comprises cooperating means coupled to said second contact and horizontal bar for translating horizontal movement of said bar to vertical movement of said contact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein said translating means comprises a cam mounted to one of said bar or second contact and a follower mounted to the other of said bar or second contact.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a rod Coupled to said second contact and adapted to move therewith, said rod being interposed between and insulating said first and second contacts from one another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention in accordance with claim 4 wherein said cam comprises an inclined slot carried by said bar and said follower comprises a tab extending from said rod and constrained to ride in said slot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein said bar has a first end section adapted to extend through one end of said housing only when second contact is in its first position and an opposite end section adapted to extend through an opposite end of said housing only when said second contact is in its second position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention in accordance with claim 6 wherein said bar end sections are color coded.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3496518A
Cited
US3737834A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-26 | 1978-02-25 | 1978-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-26 | 1982-02-25 | 1982-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-26 | 1986-02-25 | 1986-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |