US3609635A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-ejecting electric plug
Assignee: PRODUCT DESIGN AND Manufacturing CORP
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Filing: 1968-08-21
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1988-08-21
Abstract
Abstract The plug includes a plunger normally spring retracted between the prongs and a chamber containing thermally expansible material and an electric heater which is the plug cord circuit, a remote switch closure energizing the heater to expand the material against the plunger to drive it outwardly and eject the plug from the receptacle.
Inventors
- 👤 Lee M Harris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:54
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/66; H01R13/70; H01R13/713; H01R13/7132; F; F03; F03G; F03G7/00; F03G7/06; F03G7/061; F03G7/06112; F03G7/06113; H01R13/62; H01R13/629; H01R13/633; H01R13/637; H05; H05B; H05B3/00; H01R2103/00; H01R24/00; H01R24/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
193 words
A thermally actuated device for converting electrical energy rapidly to mechanical energy by volume and pressure increase due to a liquid to gas phase change of a working fluid, comprising body means, a distensible member in sealed engagement with said body means forming a fluid chamber therewith, said distensible member including an annular fold therein projecting into said fluid chamber and adapted for unfolding upon an increase of pressure in said fluid chamber, said distensible member having a central portion supported by said annular fold adapted for substantially linear movement away from and toward said body means, an inert dielectric fluorinated hydrocarbon liquid filling said fluid chamber when said distensible member is in a folded condition, electrical resistance heating means supported in said body means, being disposed in said fluid chamber and completely submerged in said liquid for heating that portion of said liquid in contact therewith to vaporization temperature, thereby to raise the pressure in said fluid chamber and cause movement of said distensible member and further comprising means for confining said distensible member for such substantially linear movement, said confining means being exterior of said body means and rigidly connected thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
A thermally actuated device for converting electrical energy rapidly to mechanical energy by volume and pressure increase due to a liquid to gas phase change of a working fluid, comprising body means, a distensible member in sealed engagement with said body means forming a fluid chamber therewith, said distensible member including an annular fold therein projecting into said fluid chamber and adapted for unfolding upon an increase of pressure in said fluid chamber, said distensible member having a central portion supported by said annular fold adapted for substantially linear movement away from and toward said body means, an inert dielectric fluorinated hydrocarbon liquid filling said fluid chamber when said distensible member is in a folded condition, electrical resistance heating means supported in said body means, being disposed in said fluid chamber and completely submerged in said liquid for heating that portion of said liquid in contact therewith to vaporization temperature, thereby to raise the pressure in said fluid chamber and cause movement of said distensible member and further comprising means for confining said distensible member for such substantially linear movement, said confining means being exterior of said body means and rigidly connected thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A thermally actuated device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a plunger supported for linear movement in said confining means, said plunger being in abutment with said central portion of said distensible member, and a spring in engagement with said plunger for urging same against said distensible member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A thermally actuated device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said distensible member is a rubber diaphragm adapted for distension without stretching, by rolling along said annular fold therein, thereby providing substantially no resistance to movement of said central portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
A thermally actuated device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said body means comprises a rigid cup and said diaphragm is secured at the mouth of said cup, said annular fold being fully received within said cup and adapted for unfolding exteriorly thereof to provide linear movement of said central portion greater than the depth of said cup.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A thermally actuated device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said confining means comprises a cylindrical member rigidly secured to said cup and adapted for support of said plunger and said spring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |