Weight or ambient pressure-responsive mechanical pressure switch

Claim 1

A pressure switch for performing a function when subjected to a difference in pressure, said pressure switch comprising a pair of superimposed electrically conductive switch contacts having a modulus of elasticity; electrically non-conductive separating means interposed between the pair of switch contacts, said separating means having a hole formed therethrough; a cover of electrically non-conductive flexible material covering said switch contacts whereby said switch contacts are pressed together into electrical contact with each other, through said hole, by pressure exerted on said cover and are moved into spaced relation with each other by a decrease in pressure on said cover, said cover forming a substantially airtight enclosure; a relief valve in said cover for equalizing the pressure of air therein with the ambient air pressure; and electrically conductive leads electrically connected to, and extending from, said switch contacts, whereby the positions of said switch contacts relative to each other are determined by differences in pressure and control the operation of an electrical circuit electrically connected to said leads to operate a circuit to perform a function.