US4645886A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch for automatically providing a safety function when its contacts are fused together in the "ON" position
Assignee: CUISINARTS CORP
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Filing: 1985-04-02
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Granted: 1987-02-24
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Expires: 2005-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A switch for providing a safety function when its main contacts are fused or stuck together in the "ON" position, comprising a housing containing a pair of main contacts, one being designated an ON contact, and the other main contact being carried by a movable switch arm in the housing. This switch arm has a first end which carries the movable main contact and a second end, and spring means mechanically coupled to the movable switch arm normally bias the movable main contact toward open position away from engagement with the ON contact. Switch operating means including movable actuator means overcome the biasing force of the spring means for moving the movable main contact to closed position into engagement with the ON main contact. There are auxiliary safety contact means positioned proximate to the second end of the movable switch arm for completing a safety circuit and for deenergizing a main circuit in response to abnormal movement of the second end of the movable switch arm under influence of the biasing force of the spring means when the actuator means is moved to OFF position, but the movable main contact remains fused or stuck to the ON main contact. In a further embodiment, safety contact means become triggered and moved from a first to a second position for providing a safety function when the actuator means are moved to OFF position but the main contacts remain fused or stuck together in their ON relationship.
Inventors
- 👤 James E. Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 21:51
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/001; H01H9/00; H01H9/16; H01H9/167; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S200/00; Y10S200/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
336 words
In a switch including a housing having a common terminal and an ON terminal each extending to the exterior of the housing, said ON terminal having an ON contact thereon located within the housing, a movable switch arm having first and second ends in the housing with movable contact means carried by the first end of said movable switch arm, the movable switch arm being movable between open and closed positions, first spring means in the housing for urging the movable switch arm to its normal open position, movable actuator means accessible from the exterior of the housing and operatively associated with the movable switch arm for moving the movable switch arm from its normal open position for causing the movable contact means carried by the first end of the movable switch arm to touch said ON contact when the movable switch arm is in its closed position, the actuator means when released allowing the spring means to return the movable switch arm from its closed to its normal open position, and electrically conductive means in the housing for completing an electrically conductive path between the common terminal and the ON terminal when the movable contact means touches the ON contact, means for automatically producing a safety function in the event the movable contact means becomes welded to the ON contact thus causing the movable switch arm to assume an abnormal position when the actuator means have been released, comprising: safety switch means located within the housing and positioned proximate to said movable switch arm, said safety switch means including at least one terminal extending to the exterior of the housing for connection to a circuit, and said safety switch means being changed for enabling a safety function to be provided in response to said movable switch arm assuming an abnormal position occurring when said actuator means have been released and said spring means attempts to return said movable switch arm to its open position while said movable contact means is welded to the ON contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
336 words
In a switch including a housing having a common terminal and an ON terminal each extending to the exterior of the housing, said ON terminal having an ON contact thereon located within the housing, a movable switch arm having first and second ends in the housing with movable contact means carried by the first end of said movable switch arm, the movable switch arm being movable between open and closed positions, first spring means in the housing for urging the movable switch arm to its normal open position, movable actuator means accessible from the exterior of the housing and operatively associated with the movable switch arm for moving the movable switch arm from its normal open position for causing the movable contact means carried by the first end of the movable switch arm to touch said ON contact when the movable switch arm is in its closed position, the actuator means when released allowing the spring means to return the movable switch arm from its closed to its normal open position, and electrically conductive means in the housing for completing an electrically conductive path between the common terminal and the ON terminal when the movable contact means touches the ON contact, means for automatically producing a safety function in the event the movable contact means becomes welded to the ON contact thus causing the movable switch arm to assume an abnormal position when the actuator means have been released, comprising: safety switch means located within the housing and positioned proximate to said movable switch arm, said safety switch means including at least one terminal extending to the exterior of the housing for connection to a circuit, and said safety switch means being changed for enabling a safety function to be provided in response to said movable switch arm assuming an abnormal position occurring when said actuator means have been released and said spring means attempts to return said movable switch arm to its open position while said movable contact means is welded to the ON contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
100 words
The switch recited in claim 1, wherein: said safety switch means include at least one safety terminal extending into the interior of the housing and having a safety contact located within the housing, a movable contact element is associated with said safety contact and is movable between first and second positions with respect to said safety contact, said movable contact element normally is in said first position with respect to said safety contact, and said movable contact element is moved into said second position with respect to said safety contact in response to said switch arm assuming said abnormal position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
124 words
The switch as claimed in claim 1 wherein: a movable contact element associated with a safety contact and is movable between first and second positions with respect to said safety contact, second spring means located within the housing urge said contact element to move from said first to said second position, and control means within the housing are responsive to the position of said switch arm for normally constraining said second spring means for preventing said contact element from moving from said first to said second position, and said control means release said second spring means to move said contact element from said first to said second position with respect to said safety contact in response to said switch arm assuming said abnormal position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
172 words
The switch recited in claim 1, wherein: said safety switch means include at least one safety terminal extending into the interior of the housing and having a safety contact located within the housing, a movable contact element is associated with said safety contact and is movable between first and second positions with respect to said safety contact, second spring means located within the housing urge said contact element to move from said first to said second position, movable control means within the housing normally engaged with the switch arm for constraining said second spring means against moving said contact element from said first to said second position, and a trigger spring operatively associated with said movable control means for causing said control means to become disengaged from the switch arm in response to said switch arm assuming said abnormal position for releasing said second spring means to move said contact element from said first to said second position with respect to said safety contact for enabling a safety function to be provided.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
The switch recited in claim 3, wherein: said movable contact element is spaced from said safety contact when said movable contact element is in said first position, and said second spring means is released in response to said switch arm assuming said abnormal position to move said contact element from said first position spaced from said safety contact into said second position touching said safety contact for enabling a safety function to be provided.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
109 words
The switch recited in claim 4, wherein: said safety switch means include a pair of spaced safety terminals extending into the interior of the housing and each having a contact located within the housing, the pair of safety contacts being spaced apart, said movable contact element in said first position is spaced from said pair of safety contacts, and said second spring means urge said contact element to move from said first position to said second position in which said contact element bridges across between said pair of safety contacts for completing a conductive path through said pair of safety terminals for enabling a safety function to be provided.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
The switch recited in claim 6. wherein: said pair of spaced safety contacts extend toward each other, said movable contact element is located between said safety terminals, and said second spring means is a compression spring seated against the housing and engaging said contact element for urging said contact element toward said pair of safety contacts for bridging across between said pair of safety contacts for completing the conductive path between them.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
110 words
The switch recited in claim 1, wherein: said safety switch means include first and second safety terminals each extending into the interior of the housing, each of said first and second terminals having a contact portion located within the housing, second spring means positioned in the housing in electrical contact with said contact portion of said first safety terminal and in engagement with said second end of said movable switch arm, and said second spring means assuming an abnormal position when said movable switch arm assumes said abnormal position for engaging said contact portion of said second safety terminal for providing a connection between said first and second safety terminals.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
The switch recited in claim 8, wherein: said second spring means is configured with a short spring arm positioned in engagement with said contact portion of said first safety terminal and a long spring arm engaging said second end of said movable switch arm, and locating pin means in the housing receives said second spring means for positioning it relative to said first and second safety terminals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The switch recited in claim 9, wherein: said second end of said movable switch arm includes a notched portion for engaging said long spring arm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
107 words
The switch recited in claim 1, wherein: said safety switch means include at least one safety terminal extending to the exterior of the housing, said safety terminal having a contact portion located within the housing, second spring means positioned proximate to said contact portion of said safety terminal and normally held in a predetermined relationship with respect to said contact portion by said movable switch arm during normal movement of said switch arm into its closed and open positions, and said second spring means being allowed to move into another predetermined relationship with respect to said contact portion when said movable switch arm assumes said abnormal position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
87 words
The switch recited in claim 1, wherein: said safety means include a pair of terminals each extending into the interior of the housing, each of said terminals of said pair of terminals having a contact portion located within the housing, said contact portions of said pair of terminals being closed by said movable switch arm when said movable switch arm assumes said abnormal position when said movable actuator means has been released and said spring means attempts to return said movable switch arm to its open position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
96 words
The switch recited in claim 1, wherein: said safety switch means include a single terminal extending to the exterior of the housing, said single terminal having a contact portion located within the housing, said contact portion of said single terminal being touched by an extension of said movable switch arm to provide an electrically conductive path between said common terminal and said single terminal when said movable switch arm assumes said abnormal position when said movable actuator means has been released and said spring means attempts to return said movable switch arm to its open position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
192 words
A switch for automatically effecting a safety function when its contacts are fused together in the ON position, comprising: a housing including a pairof contacts arranged therein and spaced relative to one another, one of said pair of contacts being designated an ON contact and the other of said pair of contacts being designated an OFF contact, a movable switch arm positioned in said housing, said movable switch arm having a first end with movable contact means thereon and having a second end, spring means mechanically coupled to said movable switch arm for normally biasing said movable contact means into engagement with said OFF contact, actuator means for overcoming the biasing force of said spring means for moving said movable contact means into engagement with said ON contact, and safety contact means positioned proximate to said second end of said movable switch arm for changing a conductive path for automatically effecting a safety function in response to abnormal movement of said movable switch arm under the influence of the biasing force of said spring means when said actuator means are deactivated and said movable contact means are fused to said ON contact.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
192 words
A switch for automatically effecting a safety function when its contacts are fused together in the ON position, comprising: a housing including a pairof contacts arranged therein and spaced relative to one another, one of said pair of contacts being designated an ON contact and the other of said pair of contacts being designated an OFF contact, a movable switch arm positioned in said housing, said movable switch arm having a first end with movable contact means thereon and having a second end, spring means mechanically coupled to said movable switch arm for normally biasing said movable contact means into engagement with said OFF contact, actuator means for overcoming the biasing force of said spring means for moving said movable contact means into engagement with said ON contact, and safety contact means positioned proximate to said second end of said movable switch arm for changing a conductive path for automatically effecting a safety function in response to abnormal movement of said movable switch arm under the influence of the biasing force of said spring means when said actuator means are deactivated and said movable contact means are fused to said ON contact.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
65 words
The switch for automatically effecting a safety function as recited in claim 14, wherein: said safety contact means includes a pair of safety contacts located within said housing, and said pair of safety contacts become closed in response to the abnormal movement of said movable switch arm when said movable contact means are fused to said ON contact and said movable actuator means are deactivated.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
62 words
The switch for automatically effecting a safety function as recited in claim 14, wherein: said safety contact means includes a single contact located within said housing, said single contact becoming closed with another contact in response to said abnormal movement of said movable switch arm when said movable contact means are fused to said ON contact and said actuator means are deactivated.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
204 words
A method capable of providing a safety function when contacts of a switch are fused together in the ON position wherein the switch includes a pair of contacts spaced relative to one another, one of the pair of contacts being designated an ON contact and the other being designated an OFF contact, said method comprising the steps of: providing safety contact means, positioning a movable switch arm having a first end and a second end proximate to the pair of contacts and proximate to the safety contact means so that the first end engages the ON contact when the switch is in the ON position and the OFF contact when the switch is in the OFF position, biasing the movable switch arm toward a first position for engagement with the OFF contact, applying a deflecting force to the movable switch arm to deflect it into a second position for engagement with the ON contact for completion of a circuit to an electrical load, and changing an auxiliary circuit through the safety contact means in response to abnormal movement of the movable switch arm when the deflecting force is removed and the first end of the movable switch arm remains fused to the ON contact.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
204 words
A method capable of providing a safety function when contacts of a switch are fused together in the ON position wherein the switch includes a pair of contacts spaced relative to one another, one of the pair of contacts being designated an ON contact and the other being designated an OFF contact, said method comprising the steps of: providing safety contact means, positioning a movable switch arm having a first end and a second end proximate to the pair of contacts and proximate to the safety contact means so that the first end engages the ON contact when the switch is in the ON position and the OFF contact when the switch is in the OFF position, biasing the movable switch arm toward a first position for engagement with the OFF contact, applying a deflecting force to the movable switch arm to deflect it into a second position for engagement with the ON contact for completion of a circuit to an electrical load, and changing an auxiliary circuit through the safety contact means in response to abnormal movement of the movable switch arm when the deflecting force is removed and the first end of the movable switch arm remains fused to the ON contact.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method recited in claim 17, wherein: the step of changing the auxiliary circuit includes releasing a spring to change the position of the safety contact means in response to said abnormal movement of the movable switch arm.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
127 words
The method of operating an electrical switch for effecting a safety function when a movable contact welds to another contact in the closed position wherein a movable member carries the movable contact, said member being movable between an open and a closed position in response to operation of an actuator and in which the movable contact normally releasably engages another contact in the closed position comprising the steps of: arranging for the movable member to assume an abnormal position when the movable contact is welded to the other contact in the closed position and the actuator is operated to move the member to the open position, and sensing the abnormal position of said movable member for effecting a safety function due to such malfunction of the switch.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
127 words
The method of operating an electrical switch for effecting a safety function when a movable contact welds to another contact in the closed position wherein a movable member carries the movable contact, said member being movable between an open and a closed position in response to operation of an actuator and in which the movable contact normally releasably engages another contact in the closed position comprising the steps of: arranging for the movable member to assume an abnormal position when the movable contact is welded to the other contact in the closed position and the actuator is operated to move the member to the open position, and sensing the abnormal position of said movable member for effecting a safety function due to such malfunction of the switch.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as claimed in claim 19, including the steps of: extending the effective length of said movable member, and sensing the abnormal position of the effective extension of said movable member..
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method as claimed in claim 19, including the steps of: providing safety contact means movable between a first and a second position, urging said contact means toward said second position by a stressed spring, normally restraining said stressed spring for retaining said safety contact means in said first position, and releasing the stressed spring to move the safety contact means into the second position in response to the movable member assuming the abnormal position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method as claimed in claim 21, including the steps of: providing a trigger force continuously thrusting in a direction for releasing said stressed spring, preventing said trigger force from acting to release said stressed spring so long as said movable member occupies normal positions in moving between said open and closed positions, and causing said trigger force to act to release said stressed spring in response to the movable member assuming the abnormal position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
151 words
An electrical switch for enabling a safety function to be effected when a movable contact welds to another contact in the closed position wherein a movable member in a switch housing carries the movable contact, said member being movable between an open and a closed position in response to operation of an actuator and in which the movable contact normally releasably engages the other contact in the closed position comprising: said movable member capable of assuming an abnormal position when the movable contact is welded to the other contact in the closed position and the actuator is operated to move the member to the open position, responsive means in the switch housing for sensing the abnormal position of said movable member; and at least one element extending from said switch housing connected to said responsive means for enabling a safety function to be effected to protect from malfunction of the switch.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
151 words
An electrical switch for enabling a safety function to be effected when a movable contact welds to another contact in the closed position wherein a movable member in a switch housing carries the movable contact, said member being movable between an open and a closed position in response to operation of an actuator and in which the movable contact normally releasably engages the other contact in the closed position comprising: said movable member capable of assuming an abnormal position when the movable contact is welded to the other contact in the closed position and the actuator is operated to move the member to the open position, responsive means in the switch housing for sensing the abnormal position of said movable member; and at least one element extending from said switch housing connected to said responsive means for enabling a safety function to be effected to protect from malfunction of the switch.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
An electrical switch as claimed in claim 23, in which: said responsive means includes an effective extension of a portion of said movable member, said effective extension moving with said member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
85 words
An electrical switch as claimed in claim 23, in which: said responsive means includes auxiliary contact means movable between a first and a second relationship, a stressed spring urging said auxiliary contact means from said first to said second relationship, and control means normally restraining said stressed spring to keep said auxiliary contact means in said first relationship, said control means releasing said stressed spring for moving said auxiliary contact means to said second relationship in response to the abnormal position of said movable member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
175 words
An electrical switch as claimed in claim 23, in which: said element extending from said switch housing is a safety terminal, said responsive means include a first safety contact within the housing electrically connected to said safety terminal, and a movable switch element which is movable between a first and a second position with respect to said first safety contact, a stressed spring is associated with said switch element for urging said switch element to move from said first to said second position, movable control means within the housing is normally engaged with said movable member for restraining said stressed spring against moving said switch element from said first to said second position, and a trigger spring is associated with said movable control means for disengaging said control means from said movable member in response to said movable member assuming said abnormal position for releasing said stressed spring to move said movable switch element from said first to said second position with respect to said first contact for enabling a safety function to be effected.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
148 words
An electrical switch as claimed in claim 26, in which: there are first and second spaced safety terminals extending from said switch housing, said responsive means include a first safety contact within the housing electrically connected to said first safety terminal and a second safety contact within the housing electrically connected to said second safety terminal, said first and second safety contacts being spaced apart and extending toward each other, said movable switch element being positioned within the housing generally between said first and second safety contacts and having first and second positions, said switch element in said first position being spaced from said first and second safety contacts, and releasing said stressed spring moves said switch element into said second position bridging across between said first and second safety contacts for completing a conductive path between said safety terminals for enabling a safety function to be effected.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
238 words
In a switch having first and second main contacts, switch operating means movable in a first direction for causing said main contacts to touch each other for turning the switch ON, said switch operating means being movable in a second direction for causing said main contacts to separate for turning the switch OFF, switch safety apparatus in said switch comprising: first and second auxiliary contact means, a movable member operatively associated with said first and second auxiliary contact means and with said switch operating means, said first auxiliary contact means normally being held by said movable member in a first relationship with respect to said second auxiliary contact means, spring bias urging said movable member for moving said first auxiliary contact means into a second relationship with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting a safety function, said movable member normally being restrained against said spring bias by said switch operating means, and said movable member being released to become moved by said spring bias in the event that said switch operating means are moved in said second direction for turning the switch OFF but said main contacts do not become separated and thus the switch is actually not OFF, said movable member being released to be moved by said spring bias for moving said first auxiliary contact means into said second relationship with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting said safety function.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
238 words
In a switch having first and second main contacts, switch operating means movable in a first direction for causing said main contacts to touch each other for turning the switch ON, said switch operating means being movable in a second direction for causing said main contacts to separate for turning the switch OFF, switch safety apparatus in said switch comprising: first and second auxiliary contact means, a movable member operatively associated with said first and second auxiliary contact means and with said switch operating means, said first auxiliary contact means normally being held by said movable member in a first relationship with respect to said second auxiliary contact means, spring bias urging said movable member for moving said first auxiliary contact means into a second relationship with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting a safety function, said movable member normally being restrained against said spring bias by said switch operating means, and said movable member being released to become moved by said spring bias in the event that said switch operating means are moved in said second direction for turning the switch OFF but said main contacts do not become separated and thus the switch is actually not OFF, said movable member being released to be moved by said spring bias for moving said first auxiliary contact means into said second relationship with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting said safety function.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
60 words
In a switch, the switch safety apparatus in the switch as set forth in claim 28, wherein: a trigger spring is associated with said movable member for releasing said movable member to become moved by said spring bias in the event that said switch operating means are moved in said second direction but said main contacts do not become separated.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
60 words
In a switch, the switch safety apparatus in the switch as set forth in claim 29, wherein: said movable member is a rod-like member, said spring bias urges said rod-like member for motion generally in a direction longitudinally thereof, and said trigger spring urges said rod-like member for motion generally in a direction laterally with respect to the length thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
188 words
In a switch having first and second main contacts, switch operating means movable in a first direction for causing said main contacts to touch each other for turning the switch ON, said switch operating means being movable in a second direction for causing said main contacts to separate for turning the switch OFF, switch safety apparatus in said switch comprising: first and second auxiliary contact means, said first auxiliary contact means normally being in a first position with respect to said second auxiliary contact means, said first auxiliary contact means being movable into a second position with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting a safety function, a movable member normally operatively associated with said switch operating means in a first relationship, and said member becoming associated with said switch operating means in a second relationship moving said first auxiliary contact means into said second position with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting said safety function when said switch operating means are moved in said second direction but said main contacts do not become separated and thus the switch is actually not OFF.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
188 words
In a switch having first and second main contacts, switch operating means movable in a first direction for causing said main contacts to touch each other for turning the switch ON, said switch operating means being movable in a second direction for causing said main contacts to separate for turning the switch OFF, switch safety apparatus in said switch comprising: first and second auxiliary contact means, said first auxiliary contact means normally being in a first position with respect to said second auxiliary contact means, said first auxiliary contact means being movable into a second position with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting a safety function, a movable member normally operatively associated with said switch operating means in a first relationship, and said member becoming associated with said switch operating means in a second relationship moving said first auxiliary contact means into said second position with respect to said second auxiliary contact means for effecting said safety function when said switch operating means are moved in said second direction but said main contacts do not become separated and thus the switch is actually not OFF.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
95 words
In a switch, the switch safety apparatus in the switch as set forth in claim 31, wherein: a stressed spring is associated with said movable member for moving said movable member to move said first auxiliary contact means into said second position with respect to said second auxiliary contact means, and a trigger spring is associated with said movable member for moving said movable member into said, second relationship with respect to said switch operating means when said switch operating means are moved in said second direction but said main contacts do not become separated.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
50 words
In a switch, the switch safety apparatus in the switch as set forth in claim 32, wherein: said movable member is elongated, said stressed spring moves said elongated member generally in a longitudinal direction, and said trigger spring moves one end of said elongated member generally in a transverse direction.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
298 words
A safety switch having a housing containing a first main contact, a second main contact carried by a movable switch arm and switch operating means being actuatable for moving said movable arm to an ON position in which said second main contact touches said first main contact and said switch operating means being actuatable for moving said switch arm to an OFF position in which said second main contact is separated from said first main contact, said safety switch comprising: a safety contact within said switch housing, a movable conductive safety switch element within said housing movable from a first position to a second position with respect to said safety contact, said switch element being against said safety contact in one of said first and second positions for completing a conductive path through said safety contact and said safety switch element and said switch element being spaced from said safety contact in the other of said first and second positions for interrupting said conductive path, bias spring means in said housing operatively associated with said safety switch element for urging said safety switch element from said first position to said second position, control means within said housing interposed between said switch operating means and said safety switch element normally holding said safety switch element in said first position in spite of the urging of said bias spring means, said control means becoming immediately released from holding said safety switch element in said first position if said switch operating means is actuated for moving said switch arm to its OFF position but said second main contact does not separate from the first main contact, and said bias spring means immediately moving said safety switch element from said first position to said second position upon said control means becoming released.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
298 words
A safety switch having a housing containing a first main contact, a second main contact carried by a movable switch arm and switch operating means being actuatable for moving said movable arm to an ON position in which said second main contact touches said first main contact and said switch operating means being actuatable for moving said switch arm to an OFF position in which said second main contact is separated from said first main contact, said safety switch comprising: a safety contact within said switch housing, a movable conductive safety switch element within said housing movable from a first position to a second position with respect to said safety contact, said switch element being against said safety contact in one of said first and second positions for completing a conductive path through said safety contact and said safety switch element and said switch element being spaced from said safety contact in the other of said first and second positions for interrupting said conductive path, bias spring means in said housing operatively associated with said safety switch element for urging said safety switch element from said first position to said second position, control means within said housing interposed between said switch operating means and said safety switch element normally holding said safety switch element in said first position in spite of the urging of said bias spring means, said control means becoming immediately released from holding said safety switch element in said first position if said switch operating means is actuated for moving said switch arm to its OFF position but said second main contact does not separate from the first main contact, and said bias spring means immediately moving said safety switch element from said first position to said second position upon said control means becoming released.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
141 words
A safety switch as claimed in claim 34, in which: said switch operating means include a movable actuator extending out of said housing, said actuator has an inner end, said inner end of said actuator is normally adjacent to said movable switch arm, said control means includes a control member extending partially between said inner end of said actuator and said movable switch arm, and said control means becomes immediately released by said control member extending further between said inner end of said actuator and said movable switch arm, and said control means become immediately released by said control member extending further between said inner end of said actuator and said movable switch arm if said actuator is moved for moving said switch arm to its OFF position but said second main contact does not separate from said first main contact.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4105882A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-02-23 | 1990-08-25 | 1991-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-08-25 | 1995-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-23 | 1998-08-25 | 1999-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |