US3903383A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Two faced, multiple thumbwheel-type switch assembly having plural actuators and linearly mounting structure
Assignee: Electronic Engineering Company of California
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Filing: 1974-06-17
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Granted: 1975-09-02
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Expires: 1994-06-17
Abstract
Abstract A multiple switch suited for mounting on printed circuit cards in which the switch units are placed side-by-side in an elongated frame. Each unit may have a unique printed circuit held by a rotor. Multiple stationary fingers make contact with the circuit on the rotor and also provide an axial mechanical bias to accomplish detenting in coaction with an axial cam. Two modes of actuation are possible; by a shaft or by a serrated periphery of the rotor. Dual indication of the position of the rotor is supplied by indicia on the disk of the rotor and on a cylindrical portion of the rotor. The structure enables easy assembly and disassembly, either before or after mounting on a circuit card.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry R Marker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:27
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H19/00; H01H19/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A flat, side-by-side, multiple switch structure comprising; a. plural separate rotatable members (2), each having a switching pattern of contacts (29), a separate externally accessible shaft (4) surrounded by axial cam protuberances (26), and an externally accessible serrated periphery (24); b. plural separate stationary linearly aligned groups of spring fingers (31) uniformly spaced within the group to electrically contact a said switching pattern of contacts (29), and to also provide an axial mechanical bias upon a said rotatable member; and c. a multiple stationary frame (1), having companion axial cam protuberances (27), whereby said cam elements and the bias of said fingers provides detent functioning.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A flat, side-by-side, multiple switch structure comprising; a. plural separate rotatable members (2), each having a switching pattern of contacts (29), a separate externally accessible shaft (4) surrounded by axial cam protuberances (26), and an externally accessible serrated periphery (24); b. plural separate stationary linearly aligned groups of spring fingers (31) uniformly spaced within the group to electrically contact a said switching pattern of contacts (29), and to also provide an axial mechanical bias upon a said rotatable member; and c. a multiple stationary frame (1), having companion axial cam protuberances (27), whereby said cam elements and the bias of said fingers provides detent functioning.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The switch of claim 1, which additionally includes; a. a replaceable disk (30) nested in each said rotatable member, and b. a peripheral locking projection (36) formed in said disk; said switching pattern of contacts (29) carried by said disk (30).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
The switch of claim 1, in which; a. said rotatable members (2) have plural identifying indicia circularly disposed upon a removable face (20) locked (23) at substantially right angles to the axis of said externally accessible shaft (4), and b. said frame has corresponding apertures (13) for selective external viewing of one indicum of each said rotatable member that indicates the circumferential position thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
The switch of claim 3, in which; a. said rotor (2) has an inward projection (23), b. said face (20) is a removable disk having a circumferential recess mating with said inward projection, c. said frame (1) has a group of circumferentially arranged holes (38), and d. at least one pin (39) in one Of said holes, to mechanically intercept said inward projection and limit the rotation of said rotor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The switch of claim 1, in which; a. said rotatable members have a cylindrical surface (21) coaxial with said externally accessible shaft (4), b. plural identifying indicia are disposed upon said cylindrical surface, and c. said frame has corresponding apertures (19) for external viewing of one indicum.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
The switch of claim 5, in which; a. said rotatable members (2) have plural identifying indicia upon both a face (20) at substantially right angles to the axis of said externally accessible shaft, and upon said cylindrical surface (21), and b. said frame has two sets of corresponding apertures (13,19) for external viewing of said indicia.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The switch of claim 1, in which; a. said externally accessible shaft (5) extends beyond said frame and is circumferentially knurled (7).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The switch of claim 1, in which said frame (1) includes; a. a removable contact-carrying board (17) having plural apertures (18), and b. plural mating compression-pins (16) to engage said apertures, whereby said frame may be manually removed from said board.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
The switch of claim 8, in which; a. plural contact-carrying boards (17) are assembled upon plural mating compression-pins (16) of plural frames (1) in a staggered manner, in which a said contact-carrying board (17) is attached to more than one said frame, whereby a multiple switch of greater length than the extent of any one said frame is fabricated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The switch of claim 1, in which said spring fingers (31) also include; a. a right angle extension external to said frame to act as external terminals to said fingers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The switch of claim 1, in which said frame also includes; a. a ring (33) circumferentially disposed adjacent to said stationary axial cam (27) to restrict axial displacement of indicia disk (20).
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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) | 1978-09-01 | 1979-03-03 | 1979-09-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-01 | 1983-03-03 | 1983-09-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-01 | 1987-03-03 | 1987-09-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |