US3689856A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch having opposed dome and flexible bifurcated contacts
Assignee: Inrange Technologies Corp
•
Filing: 1971-09-15
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Granted: 1972-09-05
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Expires: 1991-09-15
Abstract
Abstract In a switch a convex domed contact is opposed to a bifurcated contact consisting of a pair of elements providing contact surfaces spaced from one another and each having a dome contact wiping edge opposed to a portion of the dome contact and supported by a pair of flexible spring supports capable of resilient flexing and twisting so that as the contacts are urged together the spring supports continuously urge each of the contact surfaces into wiping engagement with the dome contact.
Inventors
- 👤 James B Lambert
- 👤 Lewis J Seiden
- 👤 A Henry Morgan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:27
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/12; H01H1/14; H01H1/24; H01H1/26; H01H1/28; H01H1/18; H01H11/00; H01H11/04; H01H11/041; H01H2011/047
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
In a switch employing a pair of contacts at least one of which is supported on a resilient support with an insulating support frame to hold the contact support structure and maintain a predetermined relationship between said contacts and actuator means for moving at least one contact relative to the other contact to change switch condition, the improvement comprising providing one contact with a convex dome shaped contact area with flat portion over said area making the second contact bifurcated and consisting of a pair of elements providing contact surfaces spaced from one another, each having a dome contact wiping edge opposed to a portion of the dome contact and supported by a pair of flexible spring supports capable of resilient flexing and twisting such that as the contacts are urged together the flexible spring supports will continuously urge each of the contact surfaces into wiping engagement with the dome contact, independently flexing, twisting and yielding as needed to accomodate the position of the other while maintaining good contact itself.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
In a switch employing a pair of contacts at least one of which is supported on a resilient support with an insulating support frame to hold the contact support structure and maintain a predetermined relationship between said contacts and actuator means for moving at least one contact relative to the other contact to change switch condition, the improvement comprising providing one contact with a convex dome shaped contact area with flat portion over said area making the second contact bifurcated and consisting of a pair of elements providing contact surfaces spaced from one another, each having a dome contact wiping edge opposed to a portion of the dome contact and supported by a pair of flexible spring supports capable of resilient flexing and twisting such that as the contacts are urged together the flexible spring supports will continuously urge each of the contact surfaces into wiping engagement with the dome contact, independently flexing, twisting and yielding as needed to accomodate the position of the other while maintaining good contact itself.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The switch of claim 1 in which at least the pair of contact wiping surfaces of the bifurcated contact are coated with precious metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The switch of claim 2 in which the bifurcated contacts are integral with their spring supports and comprise conductive spring sheetmetal in an elongated strip whose thickness in the direction of principal movement toward the dome contact is small compared to its width.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The switch of claim 3 in which each resilient support for each of the bifurcated contacts is sufficiently long and narrow relative to its thickness to permit needed twisting to accomodate movement necessary to keep each of the bifurcated contacts in good wiping condition with the dome contact.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The switch of claim 4 in which the bifurcated contacts are made from an integral strip and a slot extending part way along the strip divides the flexible spring supports and defines the separate supports.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3068335A
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US3270156A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-05 | 1976-03-06 | 1976-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-05 | 1980-03-06 | 1980-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-05 | 1984-03-06 | 1984-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |