US3846777A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Warning light for electrical switches
Assignee: Cutler Hammer Inc
•
Filing: 1973-03-13
•
Granted: 1974-11-05
•
Expires: 1993-03-13
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for indicating that the power cord of an electric tool is plugged into a live electric power outlet. A warning light is integrally housed in the trigger switch of an appliance or tool and a transparent plastic window may be located in the trigger switch or tool handle to transmit such light and permit viewing thereof from all directions.
Inventors
- 👤 H Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R19/00; G01R19/145; H; H01; H01H; H01H9/00; H01H9/02; H01H9/06; H01H9/16; H01H9/161
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
The combination in an electrical switch for mounting in the housing of an electric power tool and controlling the supply of electrical power to the driving motor thereof, of terminal means for attachment to a source of electrical power, a trigger actuator operable to initiate closing and opening power circuits to said driving motor, an electric lamp mounted in and movable with said trigger actuator, and resilient conductor means in circuit with said terminal means and said lamp for maintaining circuit therebetween in various positions of said actuator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
The combination in an electrical switch for mounting in the housing of an electric power tool and controlling the supply of electrical power to the driving motor thereof, of terminal means for attachment to a source of electrical power, a trigger actuator operable to initiate closing and opening power circuits to said driving motor, an electric lamp mounted in and movable with said trigger actuator, and resilient conductor means in circuit with said terminal means and said lamp for maintaining circuit therebetween in various positions of said actuator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
An electrical switch according to claim 1 wherein said resilient conductor means includes coacting spring means and plunger means, wherein said trigger actuator is internally formed to mount said spring means and plunger means for relative motion therewith and wherein said spring means are in circuit with said lamp and urge said movable plunger means in circuit with said terminal means for all positions of said actuator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An electrical switch according to claim 1 wherein said actuator includes a window positioned therein to readily transmit light from said lamp to indicate the presence of live power to said switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
An electrical switch according to claim 1 wherein said actuator is constructed of insulating material capable of glowing in response to energization of said lamp to indicate the preseNce of live power to said switch means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
An electrical switch according to claim 1 further including switch means in circuit with said terminal means and said lamp and being operable to deenergize said lamp upon operation of said actuator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
An electrical switch according to claim 5 wherein said switch means includes stationary contact means in said housing in circuit with said conductor means and movable contact means on said actuator in circuit with said lamp and wherein operation of said actuator causes said movable contact means to disengage from said stationary contact means to deenergize said lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
84 words
The combination with an electric motor driven power tool having a housing and a trigger actuator electric switch mounted in said housing for energizing and deenergizing said motor and having terminal means for connection to an external source of electrical power, of a lamp mounted in and movable with the switch actuator, resilient conductor means in circuit with said terminal means and said lamp, and indicating lens means mounted in said housing in alinement with said lamp in extended position of said trigger actuator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
The combination with an electric motor driven power tool having a housing and a trigger actuator electric switch mounted in said housing for energizing and deenergizing said motor and having terminal means for connection to an external source of electrical power, of a lamp mounted in and movable with the switch actuator, resilient conductor means in circuit with said terminal means and said lamp, and indicating lens means mounted in said housing in alinement with said lamp in extended position of said trigger actuator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination according to claim 7 together with switch means in circuit with said terminal means and said lamp and being operable to deenergize said lamp upon actuation of said trigger actuator.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
The combination according to claim 8 wherein said switch means includes stationary contact means in circuit with said terminal means and movable contact means on said trigger actuator in circuit with said lamp and normally engaging said stationary contact means and wherein actuation of said trigger actuator causes said movable contact means to disengage from said stationary contact means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-04 | 1978-05-06 | 1978-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-04 | 1982-05-06 | 1982-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-04 | 1986-05-06 | 1986-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |