Patent US3845446A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3845446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Foot operated rheostat
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-06-06
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A foot-operated rheostat is provided in the form of a flat enclosure for the resistance unit, which may rest on the floor and which is provided with a foot pedal pivoted at one end to the housing and extending thereover. As the pedal is pushed vertically toward the housing against a bias it causes movement of a contact arm horizontally along a resistance element within the housing.
Inventors
- 👤 T Wolf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:02
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01C; H01C10/00; H01C10/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A variable resistance device comprising, a flat rectangular casing, an elongated resistance element within the casing extending in a predetermined plane, an insulated arm within the casing pivotally mounted for movements parallel to said plane, a conductive element on said arm for movements therewith and in contact with the resistance element, a foot-operated control member overlying the casing and mounted thereon for pivotal movements transverse to said plane toward and from the casing, means operated by the control member in its movements for rotating the arm to sweep the conductive element along the resistance element, the foot-operated member comprising a plate element having a depressed portion forming a groove therein, and a shaft extending along the bottom of the groove and supported at its ends by the casing for pivotably mounting the plate to the casing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A variable resistance device comprising, a flat rectangular casing, an elongated resistance element within the casing extending in a predetermined plane, an insulated arm within the casing pivotally mounted for movements parallel to said plane, a conductive element on said arm for movements therewith and in contact with the resistance element, a foot-operated control member overlying the casing and mounted thereon for pivotal movements transverse to said plane toward and from the casing, means operated by the control member in its movements for rotating the arm to sweep the conductive element along the resistance element, the foot-operated member comprising a plate element having a depressed portion forming a groove therein, and a shaft extending along the bottom of the groove and supported at its ends by the casing for pivotably mounting the plate to the casing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A variable resistance according to claim 1 wherein the insulated arm is a resilient member of insulating material for biasing the conductive element against the resistance element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A variable resistance according to claim 2 including means to normally bias the pedal away from the casing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A variable resistance according to claim 3 wherein the foot-operated control member includes a planar top wall and depending side wall, said casing including a top wall and depending side walls, one of the side walls of the casing being in the path of movement of one of the side walls of the pedal member when in its raised position by the spring to form a limit stop therefor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A variable resistance according to claim 1 including spring means between the casing and plate member for normally biasing the plate away from the casing.
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) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |