US4250434A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pressure-responsive electric switch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-05-11
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Granted: 1981-02-10
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Expires: 1998-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A pressure-responsive electric switch assembly provided with an elongated pneumatic tube of elastomeric foam material impermeable to air, one end of the tube being plugged and the other having a sleeve therein whose inner end is covered by a membrane to thereby seal the tube. The tube has a relatively thick, deformable wall whereby a slight manual pressure applied thereto gives rise to a substantial change in the internal volume of the sealed tube to dilate the membrane. A microswitch disposed within the sleeve has an actuating element operatively coupled to the membrane such that when manual pressure is applied to the tube, the switch is actuated.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean Valansot
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 20:22
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/22; H01H3/24; H01H3/02; H01H3/14; H01H9/00; H01H9/02; H01H9/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A pressure-responsive electric switch assembly comprising: A an elongated pneumatic tube having a circular cross section and formed of elastomeric cellular foam material impermeable to air, one end of the tube being sealed by a plug; B a sleeve inserted in the other end of the pneumatic tube, the inner end of the sleeve being covered by a membrane to seal the other end of the tube, said tube having a relatively thick deformable wall thereby a slight manual pressure applied thereto gives rise to a substantial change in the internal volume of the sealed tube to dilate said membrane; and C a microswitch disposed within said sleeve and having an actuating element operatively coupled to said membrane whereby when said manual pressure is applied, said switch is actuated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A pressure-responsive electric switch assembly comprising: A an elongated pneumatic tube having a circular cross section and formed of elastomeric cellular foam material impermeable to air, one end of the tube being sealed by a plug; B a sleeve inserted in the other end of the pneumatic tube, the inner end of the sleeve being covered by a membrane to seal the other end of the tube, said tube having a relatively thick deformable wall thereby a slight manual pressure applied thereto gives rise to a substantial change in the internal volume of the sealed tube to dilate said membrane; and C a microswitch disposed within said sleeve and having an actuating element operatively coupled to said membrane whereby when said manual pressure is applied, said switch is actuated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tube is formed of foam rubber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tube is formed of polyurethane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said membrane is formed of natural rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said membrane has a push plate secured thereto which is engaged by said actuating element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tube has an internal diameter of about 4 cm and a wall thickness of about 1 cm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the outer end of the sleeve is closed by a disc confining said microswitch in a sleeve chamber, said disc having an aperture therein to vent said chamber and thereby permit dilation of said membrane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tube is mounted across the headboard of a bed and said microswitch is electrically interposed between a lamp and a power source, whereby said lamp is controlled simply by applying slight pressure to said tube at any point therealong.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
An assembly as set forth in claim 18, wherein said microswitch is also connected to the alarm circuit of an electric alarm clock which, when said switch acts to turn on said lamp, it simultaneously serves to turn off the alarm of the alarm clock.
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) | 1984-02-10 | 1984-08-11 | 1985-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-10 | 1988-08-11 | 1989-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-10 | 1992-08-11 | 1993-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |