Dashpot Patents (Class 200/34)
  • Patent number: 11894203
    Abstract: A remote-controlled switch cover assembly is described for converting an existing rocker switch into a remote-controlled switch. The remote-controlled switch cover assembly receives a wireless signal to actuate the existing rocker switch and, in response, activates an electric motor that causes a gear train to turn in a first direction. This causes a wiper to engage an under-surface of a tilt plate located above the existing rocker switch and, in response, an opposing end of the tit plate depresses the existing rocker switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ECOLINK INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Morgan Scruggs
  • Patent number: 10087883
    Abstract: A Stirling engine with internal regenerator and integral geometry for heat transfer and fluid flow has a displacer piston with a plurality of cavities traversing through the displacer piston and arranged in a specific cross sectional geometry. A heater head has heater fin protrusions that are arranged in the specific geometry, and a cooling bridge has cooler fin protrusions that are in the specific geometry. The displacer piston alternates between the heater head and the cooling bridge, with the cavities of the piston alternately enveloping the heater protrusions and the cooling protrusions, providing more efficient heat transfer to and from the working fluid. Each cavity in the displacer also contains a regenerator core, further improving heat transfer efficiency. The heater fin protrusions may also contain thermally conductive cores. A bellows assembly may also be used to seal the displacer piston from the heater head in order to reduce unswept volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Alan Carl Holsapple
  • Patent number: 9901029
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly includes a member that may be rotatably coupled to an output shaft of a lawn mower and the member has a first coupling section and a second coupling section. A pair of blades is provided and each of the blades is removably attached to the member such that each of the blades may cut a lawn. A pair of clips is provided and each of the clips is removably coupled to the member such that each of the clips prevents the blades from being removed from the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Bryan A Wills
  • Patent number: 9903687
    Abstract: Laser systems are provided. In one aspect a laser system has a battery unit and a transistor having a source and a drain in series with the laser and the battery unit with the laser with the transistor having a source, and a gate that allows sufficient current to flow to the laser to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a higher level and that does not allow sufficient current to flow to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a lower level. A microcontroller is operable in an active mode and a reduced power mode having an activation input connected to a switch, a reduced power input connected in parallel with the capacitor and an output connected to the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Mock, John A. Kowalczyk, Jr., Kenneth R. Vorndran, Michael W. Allen, Robert J. MacBlane
  • Patent number: 9784533
    Abstract: Laser systems are provided. In one aspect a laser system has a battery unit and a transistor having a source and a drain in series with the laser and the battery unit with the laser with the transistor having a source, and a gate that allows sufficient current to flow to the laser to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a higher level and that does not allow sufficient current to flow to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a lower level. A microcontroller is operable in an active mode and a reduced power mode having an activation input connected to a switch, a reduced power input connected in parallel with the capacitor and an output connected to the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Mock, John A. Kowalczyk, Jr., Kenneth R. Vorndran, Michael W. Allen, Robert J. MacBlane
  • Patent number: 9773602
    Abstract: A method for operating an electromagnetic actuator (10) with an actuating pin (9) is proposed which comprises the following steps: —determining a pin actuation actual dead time (t11), during which the magnetic armature (15) is substantially immobile while a magnetic coil (12) is supplied with current, wherein the actual dead time ends with the current break-in at the magnetic coil, as a result of counter induction of the magnetic armature overcoming the magnetic force threshold; —determining, before a subsequent pin actuation, the starting time of the magnetic coil current supply, wherein the starting point of the current is advanced compared with that of the target movement start of the pin out of the actuator housing (13) and the determined actual dead time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffer Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: David Vopel
  • Patent number: 9651265
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides an oven appliance. The oven appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chamber. A pair of doors is rotatably mounted to provide selective access to the chamber of the cabinet. A linkage assembly connects the doors of the pair of doors such that the doors rotate open and closed simultaneously. The linkage assembly includes a pair of gears that transfer rotational motion of one door to another door of the pair of doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Adam Yantis, John Mark Chilton, Scott Thomas Kershner, Eric Sugalski, David Schoon, David Perry
  • Patent number: 9579785
    Abstract: A power tool that includes a housing and a transmission assembly. The housing has a pair of mating housing shells that cooperate to define a handle and a pair of first mounts. Each of the first mounts includes a pair of circumferentially spaced-apart ribs. At least one of the circumferentially-spaced apart ribs is contoured to define a notch. The transmission assembly has a transmission sleeve into which a multi-speed reduction gearset is received. The transmission sleeve has a pair of second mounts. Each of the second mounts includes a boss that is configured to be received in an associated one of the notches between a corresponding pair of the circumferentially-spaced apart ribs to thereby inhibit axial and rotational movement of the transmission sleeve relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Clark A. Bixler, Beverly T. Roberts, Jeffrey P. Grant
  • Patent number: 9249857
    Abstract: A liquid (L) sealed in a first mounting member (11) of an anti-vibration apparatus (10) contains a first liquid and a second liquid that are mutually insoluble, the second liquid having a higher vapor pressure and a lower weight percentage (weight %) included in the liquid than those of the first liquid. In the anti-vibration apparatus, the size of a generated abnormal noise can be reduced without complicating the structure and deteriorating a damping performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Ueki, Yasuyuki Nagashima, Yoshinori Matsumoto, Takahiro Saito
  • Patent number: 8796567
    Abstract: A switch conversion apparatus including an interface device, a mounting plate configured to mount to a toggle switch and including at least one aperture for receiving a toggle arm of a toggle switch, and an actuator plate configured to slidably engage the mounting plate and including at least one aperture for receiving and engaging a toggle arm of a toggle switch when engaged by the interface device so as to transition the state of the switch. Other embodiments of a switch conversion apparatus include one or more mechanical, electrical, and/or pneumatic timers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Michael S. Mahle, Mark Patrick Rau, Craig F. Hoffman, Craig Person, John F. Kasper, Daniel John Bentley, Scott D. Reiner, Christopher John Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20080067042
    Abstract: A gassing insulator for the arc chute assembly of a circuit breaker includes a number of insulating members. The arc chute assembly includes first and second opposing sidewalls, and arc plates having first and second ends and first and second legs. Each insulating member includes a first side coupled to one of the first and second opposing sidewalls of the arc chute assembly, a second side disposed generally opposite the first side, a first end disposed at or about the first ends of the arc plates, and a second end disposed distal from the first end of the insulating member and extending toward the second ends of the arc plates. The first side of the insulating member overlays at least one of the first and second legs of the arc plates, in order to electrically insulate them. An arc chute assembly and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Shea, Nathan J. Weister, William C. Pollitt, Aaron T. Kozar
  • Patent number: 7329819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle. The steering column comprises a base housing, at least one switch unit which is arranged in or on the base housing and comprises a mechanism which is coupled to an actuating element, at least one printed circuit board arranged in or on the base housing, and at least one switch which can be displaced on the printed circuit board, the switch being coupled in a displaceable manner to the mechanism of the switch unit. The printed circuit board and the switch are associated with a common pre-mounted unit which is constructed in such a manner that the switch is movingly coupled to the mechanism of the switch unit during mounting of the switch unit to said pre-mounted unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Hasch, Rainer Lipfert, Bernd Binder, Roland Gruener, Karl Simonis, Juergen Suchanek
  • Patent number: 6252185
    Abstract: In the setting operation conducted by the handle 90 which is an operating section, an upper portion of the portion 26a′ of the slidable T-post 26 is pushed by the end portion of the cam 90b, and the slidable T-post 26 is moved. In accordance with the movement of the card 26, the suction cup block 23 is elastically deformed, and the suction cup 23b is held by the body 24 by a holding force of the suction cup 23b. The body 24 is composed of a porous body, and air flows from the ventilation hole 29 into a space formed between the suction cup 23b and the body 24, via the body 24. The slidable T-post 26 is biased ahead by the return spring 27. When the releasing operation is conducted by the handle 90, the cam 90b is rotated, and the end portion of the cam 90b is separated from the end of the portion 26a′ to be pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiwamu Shibata, Hideya Kondo, Takaaki Chuzawa, Jun Saito, Nobuhiro Kitamura, Tetsuyasu Kawamoto, Satoshi Kajiyama, Takeshi Ono
  • Patent number: 6215079
    Abstract: A time switch has a resetting, movable switching member on which there is provided a suction cup which can be pressed against a counterpart body. The cross-section of an air inlet opening (9) into the reduced-pressure space between the counterpart body and the suction cup when pressed against the counterpart body determines the switching time and is preferably adjustable. A venting opening with which a removable closure element is associated additionally opens into the reduced-pressure space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Hagleitner Betriebshygiene Ges.m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Georg Hagleitner
  • Patent number: 6168418
    Abstract: An ignition system for a gas appliance comprises an ignitor for igniting gas, a gas valve which controls the flow of gas to the ignitor, and a delay switch which delays the opening of the gas valve. The delay switch comprises a piston and a cylinder which define a chamber. The piston moves between a first position and a second position in the cylinder. The piston is coupled to the gas valve such that when the piston reaches the second position, the gas valve is opened. The chamber includes a large aperture and a small aperture which influence the rate at which the piston moves. The large aperture includes a sealing member which seals the large aperture when the piston moves from the first position to the second position to resist the motion of the piston. The large aperture is opened when the piston moves in the other direction. The delay switch is connected to the ignitor such that when the ignitor is turned on, the piston moves against air resistance and delays the opening of the gas valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Lionel Monty Levinson
  • Patent number: 4952759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is controlled mechanically by an engagement spring (8), by a disengagement spring (2), and by a hydraulic transmission for transmitting a portion of the energy in the engagement spring to the disengagement spring. The device has circular symmetry about a longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite: Alsthom
    Inventor: Michel Perret
  • Patent number: 4948927
    Abstract: A visco-elastic delayed actuator and system are provided, including a visco-elastic delayed actuator which includes a restorable and collapsible structure having at least two confronting surfaces and a resilient member interconnecting the surfaces. A visco-elastic delay member including visco-elastic adhesive on at least one of the confronting surfaces of the structure provides a visco-elastic holding force when the confronting surfaces come into mutual contact with the visco-elastic adhesive. The delayed actuator system also includes a support section and an operator member mounted in the support section. A resilient member in the structure biases the operator member in a first state while permitting the operator member to be selectively switched to a second state, thereby initiating a visco-elastic delay period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Piezo Electric Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Vic Pajak
  • Patent number: 4737603
    Abstract: An isolation switch comprises a mounting plate with a hub adapted to extend forwardly through a wall of an explosion-proof enclosure. A shaft is journaled for axial movement in the hub. First and second stationary contact members are supported on the mounting plate. The first stationary contact member has input and output power contacts, and the second stationary contact member has first and second grounding contacts. Jumpers connect the output power contacts with the second set of grounding contacts. A moveable contact member is moveable by the shaft between a "closed" position connecting the input and output power contacts; and an "open and load-side-grounded" position disconnecting the input and output power contacts and connecting the output power contacts to ground through the grounding contacts. A handle assembly is eccentrically pivoted on the forward end of the shaft, is guided for forward and backward swinging movement, and has cam bosses guided for transverse movement relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Service Machine Company
    Inventor: Jennings Lycan
  • Patent number: 4681992
    Abstract: A cushioned clamp cylinder with proximity switches includes a cap of square shape defining a plurality of right angularly related end faces with a cushion chamber in the cap and a sensing port in each end face communicating with the cushion chamber. A normally open proximity switch is selectively positioned in one of the sensing ports adjacent the chamber; one sensing port is connected to a pressure conduit and the other two sensing ports are plugged. A piston rod mounting a piston is positioned within the cylinder and mounts an inductive sleeve movable into the cushion chamber to activate the proximity switch. A flexible annular insert ring is positioned within the cap and has a wiping bead which extends into the cushion chamber and seals over the sleeve sealing the cushion chamber providing a pressure build-up and bringing the piston to a smooth stop as it bottoms out within the cylinder. A bleed screw is adjustably threaded into the cap and communicates with the cushion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: C. M. Smillie & Company
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kazmierski
  • Patent number: 4655313
    Abstract: A vehicle seat switch apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be mounted beneath a vehicle seat, a first member supported by the frame for generally reciprocal vertical movement relative to the frame between upper and lower positions, the first member having an upper end adapted to be contacted by the vehicle seat to move the first member to the lower position in response to movement of the seat caused by the weight of a vehicle operator on the seat, a spring for biasing the first member to the upper position, a switch mounted on the frame and adapted to be connected to an ignition circuit for opening and closing the circuit, the switch including a plunger movable upwardly and downwardly for respectively opening and closing the switch, and a second member for closing the switch in response to location of the first member in the lower position and for opening the switch after expiration of a predetermined period of time after the first member moves upwardly from the lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Hicks
  • Patent number: 4596121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in an apparatus for supplying electricity, which can supply the electricity to the compressor after a predetermined time period has passed from an initiation of the acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus includes an outer cylinder, an intermediate cylinder and an inner cylinder. The intermediate cylinder is slidably mounted within the outer cylinder, and the inner cylinder is slidably mounted within the intermediate cylinder. The outer cylinder has a pair of terminals thereon. One of the terminals is connected to a relay, and the other is connected to a battery. A rod of the intermediate cylinder projects from the outer cylinder, and the rod is displaced by the movement of an accelerator pedal or a throttle valve. The intermediate cylinder includes a pair of contacts and a check valve thereof, and the pair of contacts are respectively connected to the pair of terminals. The inner cylinder includes an orifice and a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hikari Ogata
  • Patent number: 4552999
    Abstract: A time delay switch comprising a housing, an actuating device partially in and partially outside of the housing, a switch capable of being rendered to a first and a second state, biasing device and a compressible/expansional pneumatic device disposed in the housing for rendering the switch from a first to a second state; the actuating device is movable within the housing from a first to a second position from a portion of it outside of the housing; the switch is affixed to the actuating device; the biasing device is connected to the actuating device portion inside of the housing and to the housing itself so that the actuating device is biased towards its first position; and, the pneumatic device is aligned with the switch and compresses same causing the switch to be in its first state when the actuating device is in its first position and when the actuating device is in its second position and the pneumatic device is in its fully expanded state, the pneumatic device has a rate of expansion from its compressed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Anteg, Inc.
    Inventor: Dulin L. Annas
  • Patent number: 4488022
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for adjusting the speed of movement of an arcing contact for a switching apparatus for preventing main contacts of the apparatus from being damaged by arcing. A support that supports an arcing contact and a cylinder accommodating a piston secured to the support are formed respectively with nozzle grooves and nozzle holes. The nozzle grooves and nozzle holes serve to communicate the inside and outside of the cylinder and adjust the speed of movement of the arcing contact according to the movement of the arcing contact. The way in which the speed of movement of the arcing contact is adjusted can be varied by varying the shape and length of the grooves formed in the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiaki Yoshizumi
  • Patent number: 4480158
    Abstract: A time-delay switching device which includes a pneumatic timer adapted to be triggered by an electromagnet. The switching device includes at least two switches, with each switch including a movable switching element for controlling switching operations in, for example, a wye-delta control circuit. The time delay switching device is constructed in such a fashion that a specified switching pause occurs between an actuation of the two switches and/or an actuation of a second group of switches. One of the switches includes a movable switch element which is influenced immediately after the expiration of a time delay period by the pneumatic timer. A movable switching element of the other switch is coupled with the first switching element by a buffer which is adapted to transmit a switching movement on a delayed basis. The buffer may take the form of a mechanical or pneumatic compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Westinghouse FANAL-Schaltger/a/ te GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Will
  • Patent number: 4460812
    Abstract: A pneumatically operated switch assembly for controlling an electric current supply to an electric control system in addordance with a value of such a signal pressure as a negative or positive pressure, which comprises a spring-loaded diaphragm piston assembled within a housing to form a first chamber for connection to the signal pressure and a second closed chamber and being arranged to move to and away from its assembled position in accordance with a difference in pressure between the chambers, a check valve assembled with the diaphragm piston to allow the flow of air from the first chamber to the second chamber, an orifice member assembled with the diaphragm piston in parallel with the check valve to throttle the flow of air passing therethrough, and a switch assembly arranged within the housing to control the electric current supply in accordance with movement of the diaphragm piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyonobu Asahi
  • Patent number: 4435626
    Abstract: A pressure responsive reed switch operating mechanism comprises a magnet mounted on a rod which is fixed to a dashpot piston and which is spring urged against a movable stop. The location of the stop is controlled by a pressure responsive system comprising a fluid pressure servo motor, a buckling link, a lever and a coil spring. The stop is stationary and the magnet displaced from its switch actuating location until the predetermined switching pressure is established whereupon the coil spring yields and the buckling link buckles with a snap action so that the stop is moved rapidly away from the rod. The rod follows the stop slowly, due to the combined action of the dashpot and the spring, until it reabuts the stop whereby the magnet is moved into position to actuate the reed switch a predetermined time interval after establishment of the switching pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Alan Cobham Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Christopher J. Coffin
  • Patent number: 4430535
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil damping device intended to be used in operating mechanisms for puffer-type SF.sub.6 breakers where there is a risk that the contact movement is reversed during an opening operation with great current. The damping device comprises a piston which is attached to a piston rod and is movable in a damping cylinder. The damping device is double-acting and the movement is damped against the two end positions of the piston (corresponding to the closed and open position, respectively, of the circuit breaker) by forcing oil to flow out through restricted openings in the damping cylinder. The damping cylinder is movable inside an additional cylinder between a rest position and a lock position. Upon an opening operation, the damping cylinder is automatically brought to the lock position where it is temporarily retained by a latching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: ASEA Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Samuel Berg, Carl E. Solver
  • Patent number: 4394550
    Abstract: A drive element coupled with a mechanical drive is guided out of a switch housing through a through-passage housing containing a liquid bath. In the liquid bath there is immersed a hydraulic damping device containing a cylinder and piston and cooperating with said drive element, so that, with virtually no additional constructional expenditure at the drive, there is achieved a dependable braking of the drive element towards the end of a switching stroke. The piston of the hydraulic damping device is connected by means of a drag connection with the drive element. This drag connection includes at least one entrainment rod connected with the piston and acted upon by an entrainment collar provided at the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Sprecher & Schuh AG
    Inventor: Hubert Wallimann
  • Patent number: 4387280
    Abstract: This hydraulically-actuated operating system comprises a cylinder, a piston movable therein in an opening direction to open a circuit breaker, and an accumulator for supplying pressurized liquid to a breaker-opening piston-actuating space within the cylinder. A normally-closed valve between the accumulator and the actuating space is openable to allow pressurized liquid from the accumulator to flow through the valve into the actuating space to drive the piston in an opening direction. A dashpotting mechanism operating separately from the hydraulic actuating system is provided, thereby reducing flow restriction interference with breaker opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Imdad Iman
  • Patent number: 4342884
    Abstract: A small-sized differential piston unit is disclosed. The piston unit has a cylinder filled with liquid medium and a piston slideably mounted in the cylinder. An operation rod is operatively connected to said piston. An improved sealing member consisting of a membrane is used to completely seal the liquid medium in the cylinder. Control means is provided for imparting fluid resistance caused by the liquid medium to the piston differently between its forward movement and backward movement in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Inventors: Itsuki Ban, Hidenori Kanno
  • Patent number: 4297554
    Abstract: A high voltage switch having a snap-action switching mechanism for effecting opening and closing of relatively movable switch contacts, and having mechanical time delay trip release mechanism operatively associated with the switching mechanism to effect a selected time delayed opening of the switch contacts in response to a predetermined event such as a current overload. The time delay trip release may also be manually actuated to open the switch contacts from a closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: G & W Electric Specialty Company
    Inventor: William R. Rueth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4297544
    Abstract: A delay switch working pneumatically includes a piston and cylinder arrangement with the cylinder compartment being in communication with the outside air through a non-return valve and a throttle bore connected in parallel. The switch contacts include a contact spring connected to the piston and a portion of the inner cylinder wall which is made at least partially conducting. The piston is connected to an axially directed actuating pin through a first compression spring and is supported in the cylinder by a second compression spring which is weaker than the first compression spring. The cylinder may include a metallic sleeve which forms one switch connection and which has an insulating insert which the compact arrangement of a contact spring engages in the off state. In this arrangement, a second switch connection is electrically connected with the contact spring by way of the second compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: Wolfgang Priesemuth
  • Patent number: 4271861
    Abstract: A dishwasher employing a float assembly positioned in a centrally located sump in close proximity laterally and vertically to a horizontally rotating circulation pump impeller inlet area for accurately terminating fill when the liquid level rises slightly above the dynamic prime level thereby enabling lower water usage by eliminating the need to overfill to compensate for inaccuracies in liquid level control. A baffle partially encloses the float to prevent nuisance trips resulting from liquid turbulence in the sump caused by pump operation. A cover is provided over the float mechanism to prevent nuisance trips caused by overspray striking the float. In its preferred form the float assembly comprises a multi-chambered open bottom float portion and an inverted U-shaped stem portion. One end of the U-shaped stem is connected to the float. The free end is slidably supported in a vertical standpipe formed in the bottom of the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John G. Crawford
  • Patent number: 4256933
    Abstract: A switching device for preventing prolonged depression-action type activation includes a housing and a depressible plunger mounted in the housing. This plunger includes an upper portion and a lower portion, with the lower portion being movable with respect to the upper portion. The plunger is adapted to be filled with fluid and has a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. An operable stopper valve is associated with the outlet port for maintaining it closed, with the valve being operatively responsive to depression of the plunger for allowing fluid to escape from the plunger. A first spring associated with the lower portion retracts the same inwardly toward the housing when sufficient fluid has escaped from the plunger and while the upper portion is depressed inwardly. A second spring associated with the upper portion urges the same outwardly from the housing when there is no depression force on the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Man Bo Inc.
    Inventor: Pil Y. Choe
  • Patent number: 4181829
    Abstract: A time delay type of switch actuating mechanism is shown that can be assembled for either an "on delay" or "off delay" operation. A pair of contact carriers are mounted for linear motion, and a pivoted rocker member is joined between them for coordinating their movements. The rocker member has a lost motion connection with each contact carrier, and a catch is provided to restrain movement of the rocker and contact carriers until a timer performs a timing function. At the end of the timing interval the catch is released to permit a loaded spring to move the contact carriers and rocker to complete a switching function that is time delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company
    Inventor: George J. Selas
  • Patent number: 4180095
    Abstract: A float support includes a guide sleeve extending upwardly from a dishwasher chamber sump for slidable reception of a float stem. The support includes a hollow standpipe having an upper portion, partially defined by an external wall of the guide sleeve along part of its axial height, and a lower portion extending down through the sump in an offset manner. The inverted cuplike float includes a plurality of cavities at least one of which is adapted to entrap air to provide buoyance to the float. A remaining one of the cavities defines a combined float damping and overflow cavity which conceals the upper portion of the hollow standpipe such that the standpipe establishes an air break path between the overflow cavity and atmosphere thereby damping the vertical travel of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Woolley, Jon F. Berges
  • Patent number: 4179676
    Abstract: An improved movement for a time delay relay cooperates with an electromagnet and a timer to provide either "On Delay" or "Off Delay" operation of the relay contacts. The movement has an elongated operating plunger that is movable in forward and backward strokes, a latch, and a contact actuator coupling the latch to the relay contacts. A pair of springs are disposed in a spring cage formed in the actuator and at least one spring-compressing flange is carried by the plunger and disposed between the springs. In the on delay mode of operation, one spring is loaded against the actuator upon a forward stroke of the plunger. In the off delay mode of operation, the other spring is loaded against the actuator upon a backward stroke of the plunger. The latch is restrained upon the movement of the plunger to load one of the springs, and is subsequently released from its restraint after a time delay to operate the relay contacts with spring action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company
    Inventor: George J. Selas
  • Patent number: 4178491
    Abstract: A switch actuator of the time-delay type is disclosed for operating an electrical switch having an ON-OFF lever, including a mounting plate upon which is secured a cylinder closed at one end and open at the other end to the atmosphere. A piston is slidably disposed within the cylinder and includes a one-way seal member which defines at the closed end of the cylinder a substantially fluid-tight chamber. The piston, which is normally spring-biased toward the open end of the cylinder, is displaceable against the force of the spring toward a first position adjacent the closed end of the cylinder, thereby to force the fluid quickly out of the sealed chamber past the one-way seal. An operating member movably connected with the switch plate pivots the switch lever to the ON position when the piston is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Assignee: Orscheln Brake Lever Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Don W. Orscheln, Robert D. Bopp
  • Patent number: 4164635
    Abstract: The timer is adapted to be attached to a toggle light switch and comprises a body having a trip slide mounted in the body, with the slide having means for receiving and engaging the switch handle for tripping same to operate the lights. Spring means is provided in the body engageable with the slide for urging the slide to turn the lights off. When the slide is moved to compress the spring the lights are turned on. With the lights on, a latch carried by the slide engages the body to maintain the slide latched with the spring compressed. Fluid responsive timing means, located within the body, is engageable with the latch to operate and release the latch from engagement with the body after expiration of a predetermined time interval. Thereafter the compressed spring means moves the slide in a direction to trip the switch handle, thus turning the lights off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Assignee: Time Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Finch, Charles M. Smillie, III
  • Patent number: 4161241
    Abstract: A dashpot apparatus is shown as having a housing containing a movable diaphragm which, in turn, effectively establishes or defines two variable and distinct chambers at either side thereof within the housing; a movable rod or actuator extending generally through a wall of the housing is operatively connected to the diaphragm; and a porous air bleed member operatively carried by the actuator within the housing serves to permit a controlled rate of air flow from a first of the two variable chambers to the other of the two variable chambers in order to thereby control the velocity of movement of the actuator in the direction of travel toward the first of such chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1979
    Assignee: Colt Industries Operating Corp.
    Inventor: William C. Larson
  • Patent number: 4095566
    Abstract: A vacuum controlled timing system for an electrical accessory circuit of an internal combustion system having a variable vacuum source provides a uniform residual vacuum condition for maintaining a closed circuit for a selected time interval after the engine is rendered inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: Clarence D. Fox
  • Patent number: 4093837
    Abstract: An improved oil-pumping piston-assembly is provided for an oil-type circuit-interrupter to improve the interrupting performance during low-current conditions, having an improved hydraulic-dashpot action occurring during charging and discharging oil, incorporating, additionally, a "floating" piston design, and reducing the mechanical impulse forces exerted on the cylinder when high-current interruptions are made with an improved check-valve construction.The improved oil-pumping piston-assembly of the present invention is particularly adapted for the inclusion therewith of an auxiliary shunting separable-contact structure, which will, when desired, increase the current-carrying capability of the circuit-interrupter. Its inclusion, or exclusion, is optional, depending upon the current rating desired by the utility customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Bohinc, Charles W. Tragesser, Ronald E. Vaill, Francis R. Racki
  • Patent number: 4038619
    Abstract: A pneumatic timer translating the external force of an electromagnetic relay or the like into rotational movement of a camshaft to actuate a set of switch contacts. The rotation of the camshaft is retarded in one direction by an adjustable pneumatic one-way time delay mechanism. The timer is capable of two modes of operation, on delay and off delay, according to choice of camshaft configuration and orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Cutler-Hammer, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Oakland, Edward A. Mallonen
  • Patent number: 4019001
    Abstract: A pneumatic timer is constructed by stacking a calibration subassembly on top of a diaphragm housing stacked above a diaphragm subassembly, and including a filter capsule subassembly interposed between the calibration subassembly and the diaphragm housing. The filter capsule subassembly includes a check valve disposed within a recess so constructed that all air entering the recess must pass through filter screens disposed on opposite sides of the check valve. The biasing spring for the check valve bears against one of the screens and biases the movable valve member to a normal position bearing against the other screen. The second screen is flexible so that at the end of the reset stroke the plunger attached to the timing chamber diaphragm mechanically opens the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Assignee: I-T-E Imperial Corporation
    Inventor: Keith T. Krueger
  • Patent number: 3944030
    Abstract: In a mechano-pneumatic timer device having a vessel, a membrane piston with its skirt fixedly attached to the vessel for defining jointly a variable volume chamber, a spring for urging the piston in its expanding direction, a check valve cooperating with the piston for evacuating air from the chamber to the outside atmosphere when the piston is contracted, a passage for supplementing air from open atmosphere to the chamber when negative pressure prevails in the chamber by virtue of the expanding movement of the piston for a performing predetermined time-limiting operation of the timer, and a device cooperating with the passage for allowing a limited flow rate of the air drawn by the piston, with the device consisting of a composite sheet having a main body formed lengthwise of pervious material such as foamed synthetic resin and a non-pervious cover layer integral with the main body in facial engagement with the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1976
    Assignee: Kawaguchiko Seismitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eisuke Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 3934865
    Abstract: An underwater timer and release device comprising a cylindrical housing sealed at its opposite ends and adapted to receive a slidable spring-loaded piston therein. The piston includes a metering orifice to provide a regulated flow of fluid from a secondary chamber to a primary chamber, thereby actuating a releasing means when the piston shaft is disengaged from a locking means and is allowed to operate. Releasably secured to the housing is a float marker, which rises to the surface of the water, having an interconnecting cord attached to the submerged housing. A one-way check valve is also disposed within the piston, whereby the fluid can be transferred back into the secondary chamber for reloading the release means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Inventor: Edwin J. Wedrall