US3944762A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key-operated switches
Assignee: Veeder Industries Inc
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Filing: 1974-09-11
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Granted: 1976-03-16
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Expires: 1994-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A key operated switch device in which any one of a set of different keys may be utilized to operate a particular combination of sets of electrical contacts unique to that key, the sets of electrical contacts being provided by reed switches located adjacent a keyway adapted to receive any one of the keys in said set, and the keys incorporating different arrangements of magnets or magnetized zones adapted to actuate different combinations of said reed switches.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur Coleman
- 👤 Andrew Swan
- 👤 David Doig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:12
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/00174; G07C9/00658; G07C9/00722; G07C9/0073; H; H01; H01H; H01H36/00; H01H36/0006; H01H36/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
In a multiple-key switching system having a plurality of different keys, each having a different key body structure, for a plurality of different authorized users respectively, a keyway housing with a keyway for receiving the key body structures of the plurality of keys one at a time, and a plurality of separate switches mounted in association with the keyway housing, each of the key body structures being operable within the keyway for operating different combinations of switches respectively, the improvement wherein the keyway housing is generally tubular, wherein said switches are magnetically operable switches and are mounted in a generally annular arrangement about the tubular housing keyway, and wherein the different key body structures of the plurality of different keys have different generally annular arrangements of magnetic elements respectively for magnetic association with the respective combinations of switches respectively whereby each of the key body structures is operable within the keyway for magnetic operation of the respective switches.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
In a multiple-key switching system having a plurality of different keys, each having a different key body structure, for a plurality of different authorized users respectively, a keyway housing with a keyway for receiving the key body structures of the plurality of keys one at a time, and a plurality of separate switches mounted in association with the keyway housing, each of the key body structures being operable within the keyway for operating different combinations of switches respectively, the improvement wherein the keyway housing is generally tubular, wherein said switches are magnetically operable switches and are mounted in a generally annular arrangement about the tubular housing keyway, and wherein the different key body structures of the plurality of different keys have different generally annular arrangements of magnetic elements respectively for magnetic association with the respective combinations of switches respectively whereby each of the key body structures is operable within the keyway for magnetic operation of the respective switches.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 1 wherein the switches are hermetrically sealed reed switches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 1 wherein the tubular keyway housing has a plurality of angularly spaced switch supports about the keyway for selectively receiving and locating switches therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 3 wherein the switch supports extend generally axially.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 4 wherein the annular arrangement of switches comprises a plurality of axially spaced banks of switches mounted within the generally axially extending switch supports.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the magnetically operated switches is a normally closed switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 1 wherein the annular arrangement of switches comprises at least two axially spaced banks of switches.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 1 wherein each key body structure comprises a magnet housing with an annular arrangement of a plurality of angularly spaced supports, and at least one magnet mounted on one of said supports.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
In a multiple-key switching system according to claim 8 wherein each key body structure further comprises magnet screening rods mounted on the supports on both angular sides of each magnet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2769873A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-16 | 1979-09-15 | 1980-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-16 | 1983-09-15 | 1984-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-16 | 1987-09-15 | 1988-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |