US4398168A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switching mechanism
Assignee: Emerson Electric Co
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Filing: 1982-03-10
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Granted: 1983-08-09
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Expires: 2002-03-10
Abstract
Abstract Electrically conductive paths are selectively engaged by a pair of electrical contacts that are carried in a pair of holders. Each holder is pivoted by an actuator. Each holder also carries a spring biased detent plunger that cooperates with V-shaped cavities in a switch housing to provide an over-center feel.
Inventors
- 👤 John W. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 07:11
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H23/00; H01H23/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A switch mechanism comprising: (a) a housing, (b) a pivotally mounted actuator carried in said housing, (c) electrically conductive paths carried by a base of said housing, (d) a pair of electrical contact assemblies each including a holder pivotally carried on said base and spring biased between said base and a wall of said housing, and further engaging said actuator to be pivoted thereby, electrical contact means carried by said holder and selectively engaging said electrically conductive paths, and a spring biased detent plunger carried by said holder, and (e) a pair of detent cavities carried by said wall and adapted to receive said plunger.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A switch mechanism comprising: (a) a housing, (b) a pivotally mounted actuator carried in said housing, (c) electrically conductive paths carried by a base of said housing, (d) a pair of electrical contact assemblies each including a holder pivotally carried on said base and spring biased between said base and a wall of said housing, and further engaging said actuator to be pivoted thereby, electrical contact means carried by said holder and selectively engaging said electrically conductive paths, and a spring biased detent plunger carried by said holder, and (e) a pair of detent cavities carried by said wall and adapted to receive said plunger.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A switch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said detent cavities each include ramp means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A switch mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said ramp means includes a V-shaped member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A switch mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said actuator includes two independently operable members one each engaging said holder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A switch mechanism according to claim 4 further including lost-motion connection means carried by at least one of said independently operable members whereby said member can be selectively pivoted simultaneously.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A switch mechanism according to claim 5 wherein said lost-motion connection means includes a tab carried by said one independently operable members adapted to engage the other of said independently operable members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A switch mechanism according to claim 1 further including a bi-metallic switch means electrically bridging two of said electrically conductive paths.
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) | 1986-08-08 | 1987-02-07 | 1987-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-08 | 1991-02-07 | 1991-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-08 | 1995-02-07 | 1995-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |