US3916133A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical indicator for enclosed operating mechanism
Assignee: Allen Bradley Co LLC
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Filing: 1974-04-22
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-04-22
Abstract
Abstract An optical indicator for observing relative movement between a device enclosed within a housing and the indicator. The indicator is continuous throughout its length and characterized in transmitting incidental light rays from a source, such as ambient light, externally of an enclosed housing into said housing and transmitting light rays from a reflecting surface area on the enclosed device when the reflecting surface area is moved to a position transversely relative to incidental light rays. A specific application resides in detecting operation of electric contacts.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Parker A Bollinger
- 👤 Roland L Krieger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:54
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H50/00; H01H50/08; H01H9/00; H01H9/16; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S200/00; Y10S200/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
In an electrical device including an enclosed housing having an aperture, a stationary contact and a movable contact, said contacts being located internally of said housing, said movable contact movable from one contact operating position to another operating position; the combination therewith of visual indicating means for observing the operation of said movable contact externally of said housing, said visual indicating means including an elongated, solid indicator member disposed internally of said housing and having an end portion thereof seated in the housing aperture with its outer end surface exposed to incidental light rays emanating from an external light source and the opposite, internal end surface in facing relationship with a light reflecting surface conjointly movable with said movable contact transversely relative to said internal end surface, said indicator member arranged to transmit the incideNtal light rays from said outer end surface coextensive of its length to illuminate said internally located light reflecting surface and to transmit reflected light rays received from said reflecting surface outwardly of said housing to thereby provide a visual indication of position of the movable contact relative to the facing end surface of the indicator member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
In an electrical device including an enclosed housing having an aperture, a stationary contact and a movable contact, said contacts being located internally of said housing, said movable contact movable from one contact operating position to another operating position; the combination therewith of visual indicating means for observing the operation of said movable contact externally of said housing, said visual indicating means including an elongated, solid indicator member disposed internally of said housing and having an end portion thereof seated in the housing aperture with its outer end surface exposed to incidental light rays emanating from an external light source and the opposite, internal end surface in facing relationship with a light reflecting surface conjointly movable with said movable contact transversely relative to said internal end surface, said indicator member arranged to transmit the incideNtal light rays from said outer end surface coextensive of its length to illuminate said internally located light reflecting surface and to transmit reflected light rays received from said reflecting surface outwardly of said housing to thereby provide a visual indication of position of the movable contact relative to the facing end surface of the indicator member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
In the electrical device of claim 1, wherein the device is a protective relay including a trip member for operating said movable contact and alternatively actuated from a first operating position to a second operating position under electrical overload conditions, and wherein said trip member includes as a portion thereof said light reflecting surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
In the electrical device of claim 2, wherein said indicator member is relatively flat and the longitudinal axis of which is straight and alternative motion thereof is in a plane substantially normal to the internal facing end surface of said indicator member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
In electrical device of claim 1, wherein there is included an operating member conjointly operable with said movable contact and said light reflecting surface area is on said operating member.
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) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |