CA1182895A - Remote control system - Google Patents
Remote control systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1182895A CA1182895A CA000380124A CA380124A CA1182895A CA 1182895 A CA1182895 A CA 1182895A CA 000380124 A CA000380124 A CA 000380124A CA 380124 A CA380124 A CA 380124A CA 1182895 A CA1182895 A CA 1182895A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- input
- switching apparatus
- armature
- cam
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H51/00—Electromagnetic relays
- H01H51/02—Non-polarised relays
- H01H51/04—Non-polarised relays with single armature; with single set of ganged armatures
- H01H51/06—Armature is movable between two limit positions of rest and is moved in one direction due to energisation of an electromagnet and after the electromagnet is de-energised is returned by energy stored during the movement in the first direction, e.g. by using a spring, by using a permanent magnet, by gravity
- H01H51/08—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet
- H01H51/082—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism
- H01H51/086—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism with radial ratchet elements
- H01H51/088—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism with radial ratchet elements moved alternately in opposite directions
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H19/00—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand
- H01H19/54—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand the operating part having at least five or an unspecified number of operative positions
- H01H19/60—Angularly-movable actuating part carrying no contacts
- H01H19/62—Contacts actuated by radial cams
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
- H01H50/14—Terminal arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H83/00—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current
- H01H83/02—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current operated by earth fault currents
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure The present invention teaches a remote control system, also capable of designation as a universal switch receptacle system, which is usable in conjunction with remote control devices as well as ground fault circuit interrupting systems.
Features include, without limitation, a mounting strap which supports ground terminals while also serving as a magnetic circuitry conduit; a novel flip-flop cam arrangement which enables alternate making and breaking of a circuit; and space-saving means for supporting the cam arrangement about an axis of rotation which coincides with a ground prong insertion axis.
Features include, without limitation, a mounting strap which supports ground terminals while also serving as a magnetic circuitry conduit; a novel flip-flop cam arrangement which enables alternate making and breaking of a circuit; and space-saving means for supporting the cam arrangement about an axis of rotation which coincides with a ground prong insertion axis.
Description
The present invention relates to remote control systems and receptacles, and more particularly to a universal switch receptacle system capable of use in conjunction with either remote control systems or ground fault circuit interrupting 5 devices.
The use of electronics to control appliances and lighting in the home and within commercial buildings has been made more accessible by systems such as the control system dis-closed in U.S. Patent No. 4,200,862 entitled "App].iance lO Control", in the names of Campbell and Thompson. Likewise, U.S. Patent No. 4,lB9,713 granted on February l9, 1980 in the narne of Duffy discloses remote control systems.
However, until now, systems such as described in these patents and which are now commercially available in the lS Un.ited States require the use of "modules" which receive the pluss of cord sets attached to lighting or appliance devices and which, in turn, contain their own electrical connectors whereby they are plugged into normal receptacles of the duplex or other types.
A need exists for a receptacle capable of being used in conjunction with such systems, wh.ich can function as an ordinary receptacle if desi.red, and which is small and shallow enough in structure to enable its beiny "piggybacked"
with one or more of a variety of electronic modules which 25 serve predetermined and desired functions. These functions might include ground fault circuit breaking functions, or any other functions of a control nature that the user feels is important.
Accordingly, the present invention teaches a remote 30 control system which, throughout this specification, is also referred to as a universal switch receptacle system~ In order to fit within the confines of the duplex receptacle 1387 P/ll CA
box without departing from standard configurations and dimen-sions, the present invention enables the user to accomplish the foregoing with room to spare for associated electronic and logic circ~itry.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle system which is shallow enough in depth and srnall enough in size, so as to provide switching and circuit breaking functions of a type compatible with either remote control systems or ground ault circuit breaking signals.
The present invention accomplishes these ends and dis-tinguishes from the known prior art by providing a recept-acle having a number of novel and interesting features.
These include, without limitation, the provision of a mo~nting strap which not only serves its traditional mounting function, but additionally serves as a portion of the magnetic circuitry associated with the solenoid-type mechanism; and further serves as the support for integral ground terminals adapted to be engaged by the ground prong of a three-wired plug.
Another feature of the present invention resides in a novel cam arrangement which can only be appreciated from the following more deta:iled description of the drawings and the components of the present i.nvention disclosed therein, but suffice it to say that not only is a flip-flop cam areangement taught by the present invention, but its placement about a
The use of electronics to control appliances and lighting in the home and within commercial buildings has been made more accessible by systems such as the control system dis-closed in U.S. Patent No. 4,200,862 entitled "App].iance lO Control", in the names of Campbell and Thompson. Likewise, U.S. Patent No. 4,lB9,713 granted on February l9, 1980 in the narne of Duffy discloses remote control systems.
However, until now, systems such as described in these patents and which are now commercially available in the lS Un.ited States require the use of "modules" which receive the pluss of cord sets attached to lighting or appliance devices and which, in turn, contain their own electrical connectors whereby they are plugged into normal receptacles of the duplex or other types.
A need exists for a receptacle capable of being used in conjunction with such systems, wh.ich can function as an ordinary receptacle if desi.red, and which is small and shallow enough in structure to enable its beiny "piggybacked"
with one or more of a variety of electronic modules which 25 serve predetermined and desired functions. These functions might include ground fault circuit breaking functions, or any other functions of a control nature that the user feels is important.
Accordingly, the present invention teaches a remote 30 control system which, throughout this specification, is also referred to as a universal switch receptacle system~ In order to fit within the confines of the duplex receptacle 1387 P/ll CA
box without departing from standard configurations and dimen-sions, the present invention enables the user to accomplish the foregoing with room to spare for associated electronic and logic circ~itry.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle system which is shallow enough in depth and srnall enough in size, so as to provide switching and circuit breaking functions of a type compatible with either remote control systems or ground ault circuit breaking signals.
The present invention accomplishes these ends and dis-tinguishes from the known prior art by providing a recept-acle having a number of novel and interesting features.
These include, without limitation, the provision of a mo~nting strap which not only serves its traditional mounting function, but additionally serves as a portion of the magnetic circuitry associated with the solenoid-type mechanism; and further serves as the support for integral ground terminals adapted to be engaged by the ground prong of a three-wired plug.
Another feature of the present invention resides in a novel cam arrangement which can only be appreciated from the following more deta:iled description of the drawings and the components of the present i.nvention disclosed therein, but suffice it to say that not only is a flip-flop cam areangement taught by the present invention, but its placement about a
2~ ground receptacle opening is a unique approach to space saving reliability of functioning.
In the spirit of making known to the U.S. Patent Trademark Office prior art patents other than those already mentioned, but which are really not believed to be relevant as anticipating the present invention, a brief summary of those which are known to the undersigned will be set Eorth herein.
U.S. Patent No. 3,569,890 granted on March 9, 1971 1387 P/ll CA -2-discloses a magnetic latching relay arrangement, wherein an ~ annular permanent magnet is utilized~
U.S. Patent No. 3,584,174, granted on June 3, 1971 discloses a push-button switch arrangement having cam means 5 utilized in conjunction with a light pipe circuit.
tJ.S. Patent No. 3,626,337 dated December 7, 1971 dis-closes anan electro-magnetic relay wherein permanent magnet latching is accomplished via a diaphragm as part of the electro-magnetic circuit.
U.S. Patent No. 3,646,297 granted on February 29, 1972 teaches a push switch arrangement wherein step-by-step advance-ment of a rotary cam is controlled.
U.S. Patent No. 3,646,233 granted on February 29, 1972 teaches a multistation switch assembly which controls a 15 number of switch models.
U.S. Patent NOn 3,665,128 granted on March 23, 1972 discloses an electrical switch having a rotary carriage controlable by pushing action.
U.S. Patent No~, 3,666,900 granted on May 30, 1972 dis-20 closes a cam structure ac~uated by a combination of a push-button switch and a joystick.
U.S. Patent No. 3,676,759 granted on July 11, 1972 teaches a triggered contro~ for photographic apparatus.
U.S. Patent No. 3,694,603 granted on September 26, 1972 25 teaches a make and break latching mechanism for remote control of lighting.
UOS. Patent No. 3,694,779 granted on September 26, 1972 discloses a latching relay assembly wherein a cam roller is utilized~
U.S. Patent No. 3,717,737 granted on February 22, 1973 teaches an omnidirectional push-button for making and breaking an electrical circuit~
1387 P/ll CA -3-U.S. Patent No. 3,721,927 granted on March 20, 1973 teaches a bistable electromagnetic relay wherein the state of the relay armatures is altered and contrvlled.
U.S. Patent No. 3,727,013 dated April 10, 1973 teaches an interlocked push button switch utilizing actuator indexing rneans.
U.S. Patent No. 3,728,651 granted on April 17, 1973 teaches an impulse relay.
U.S. Patent No. 3,735,068 granted on ~ay 22, 1973 teaches a push button switch.
U.S. Patent No. 3,740,501 granted on June 19, 1973 discloses a modular contact assembly capable of being stacked to provide programs.
U.S. Patent No. 3,751,618 granted on August 7, 1973 15 discloses a push button switch for use with keyboards, wherein a plunger is utilized to enable electrical contact programs.
U.S. Patent No. 3,805,008 granted on April 16, 1974 discloses a rocker switch actuator wherein highly efficient mechanical fvrce reductions required to actuate the switch are provided.
U.S. Patent No. 3,827,313 granted on August 6, 1974 discloses a master control swltching mechanism.
U.S. Patent No. 3,852,554 granted in December 3, 1974 discloses a multiposition push button switch cooperative 25 with rotatable gears, U.S. Patent No. 3,869,684 granted on March 4, 1975 discloses a latching relay utili~ing a magnetic circuitry in conjunction with reed contacts.
U.S. Patent No. 3,889,088 granted on June 10, 1975 30 discloses an electrical push button switch actuator.
U.S. Patent No. 3,896,283 granted on July 22, 197S
teaches a two-stage push button switch and spring arrangement.
1387 P/ll CA - 4 -U.S. Patent No. 3,914,723 granted on Cctober 21, 1975 teaches a magnetic latching relay utilizing reversal of current flGw.
U.S. Patent No. 3,932,830 granted on January 13, 1976 teaches a thermal cycle switch for use with damestic coo]~ing ranges.
U.S. Patent No. 4,090,167 granted on May 16, 1978 teaches a potentiometer and switch assembly utilizing camming surfaces.
The invention is broadly em~cdied in accordance with one aspect thereof in switehing apparatus for selectively campleting or interrupting an eleetrical connection between input and output conductors, or the like, which camprises, in ccmbination, a housing and a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of the housing. The armature is movable between first and second positions by an electramagnet coil disposed within the housing when energizedfrOm afirst position to a second position. An input contaet is electrically conneeted to the input conductor and an output eontact is electrically conneeted to said output conductor. A strap is provided for mounting the switehing apparatus upon a seleeted surfaee, the strap ineluding portions thereof whieh define a path of the magnetic field generated by the coil means to influence the position of the arm~lture.
Preferably the apparatus further includes a movable cam disposed within the housing for separating the input and output contacts, thereby interrupting an electrical connection between them. Desirably there is further provided a movable actuating means having portions thereof in contact with the armature for influenclng the position o the cam. In acooIclanoe witth a still further preferred embodiment, the cam means is supportecl for rotary movement about an axis which substantially coincides with an axis of entry of an electrical connector to be joinecl with the switching apparatus.
The invention also broadly provides in aceordance with a further aspect thereof a system for controlling lighting and eleetrical apparatus within an electrically wired building camprising in combination a pc~er main of the building, at least one power outlet of the main, and a transmitter ~mit having an input means for entering of any of a plurality of addresses into the transmitter unit~ and means for generating synchronously 1387 P/ll CA - 5 --~
th the mains voltage a multibit digital signal cc~nprising a multibi-t digital a~dress signal representing an entered address. The digital signal is modulated on a carrier, the frequenc~ of which is a plurali-ty of tim~s greater than mains frequency, so that the bits of the digital sicJnal comprises predetermined numbers of ~ycles of the carrier, the predetermined numbers depending upon the bit values, and a peric~ wi-thin each bit occurring near a zero crossing point of the mains voltage. Output means is provided for coupling the modulated digital signal onto the main, and at least one slave unit for controlling the supply of power to apparatus and having means for defining an address fcr that slave unit, a power input coupled to the main within -the building, means for receiving frcxn the power input the digital signal., means for recognizing the logical values of the bits of -the .received digital signal by counting during the periocl the number of cycles of the carrier and determining the value of the bit in dependence upon which of two non-overlapping number ranges contains the counted number, and means for c~mparing the digital acldress signal received by the receiving means with ~he address of the defining means and for rendering the slave unit operable to effect an apparatus power supply control operation when correspondence is found between said address and the digital address signal. The transmitter is coupled to a pc~Yer outlet of the m~L~I so as to be usable optionally at various places wi~hin the building, a switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting an electrical connect.ion between input and output conductors. The switching apparcatus comprises a housing .including a normally accessible face portion; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of the housing and be.ing movable between first and second posi.tions; electromagnet coi.l disposed within the housing for moving the armature when energized from the first position to the second position;
an input contact electrically connected to said input conductor; an output contact electricallv connected to said output conductor. A strap i5 provided for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, the strap including portions thereof which define a path of the magnetic field generated by tlle coil so as to influence the position of the arma-ture.
1387 P/ll CA - 6 -In accordance with a s~ill further aspect of the invention, -there is prcvided a slave unit for use in connection with a domestic electrical power rnain, or the like, canprising, in combinationi means for connecting the power input of an electrical apparatus to the uni-ti a current con-trol means for controlling the energization of the apparatus means for defining an address for the unit; and means responsive to a r~ultibit digital signal arriving at the unit, r~dulated on a carrier having a frequency a plurali-ty of times greater than mains frequency, the responsive means including counting means for counting the number of cycles of the carrier in periods which are short in relation to a half-cycle of the mains voltage and which are substantially near zero crossing points of the ma n voltage. m ere is further provided means for determining the values of the bi-ts in dependence upon which of two non-overlapping ranges contains the counted numbers of the periods; and a canparator for comparing the address defined by the defining means with one portion o-f -the digi.tal signal and for produc.ing a signal to control the current control device in dependence upon a;nother portion of the digital signal when correspondence is found between the address and the one portion of the digital signal. m e said slave unit further includes a switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting an electrical connection between input and output conductors, the swi-tching apparatus c~mprising a housing including a normally accessible face portion; a magne-tizable armature disposed within a port.ion of the housing and being movable between first and second positions, an electromagnet coil disposed within said housing for moving the armature when energized from the first position; and .Lnput contact electrically connected to the input conductor; an output contact electrically connected to the output conductor~ A strap is provided for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, the strap including portions thereof which define a path of the magnetic field generated by the coil to influence the position of said armature.
In accordan oe with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting 1387 P/ll CA - 7 -an electrical connection between input and output conductoxs, or the like, eomprising, in combination a housing; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of the housing and being movable between first and second positions;
an electromagnet coil disposed within the housing for moving the armature when energized frcm the firs-t position to the seeond positions. m e apparatus further ineludes an inpu-t contact elec~rically connected to the input conductor, and an output contact electrically connected to said output conductor. Means is provided for defining a path of the magnetic field generated by the eoil to influenee the position of the armature. l'he apparatus further eomprises movable cam means disposed within t.he housing for separating the input and output eontaets, thereby interrupting an electrieal eonnection between them.
A better appreeiation for the subjeet invention will be reali~ed frcm a reading of the following speeifieation in eonjunetion with the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspeeti~e view of the remote eontrol system or receptacle switeh system aeeording to the present inv~ntion;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the system of Fig. 1, with the eover housing portion removed showing the mounting strap therewithin;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the system shcwn in Figs. l and 2, wherein the mounting strap has been removed -to show eomponents lying beneath iti FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sec-tional elevational view -taken along ~le line 4-4 of Fig. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 2, FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the system of Fig. l, showing ec~onents of the invention after strap and solenoid ccmponents have been removed;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a next sequential step after coil actuation.
1387 P/ll CA - 8 -FIG. 9 is a view sumlar to Fiy. 8 showing a next sequential step after coil actuation;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, shc~ing the next sequential step after coil actuation;
FIG. ll is a view similar to Fig. lO showing the next sequential step after coil deenergization;
FIG. 12 is a perspective-type view of -the moun-ting strap according to the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective-type view of the cam according to the present invention; and FIG. 14 is an exploded-type view of the actuating components utilized in the system aecording to the present invention.
Before referring in more detail to the drawings of the present specificationS it is impor-tant here to e~phasize the universality of the switch receptaele system being descri~ed he~e. By that, what is meant is that the basic switching arrangement described belc~ may be utilized not only in conjunction with remote control wireless switching systems, but also in conjunetion with cireuit breaking mechanisms and systems, sueh as of the ground fault circuit interrupting type. F~rthermore, in the form to be deseribed belc~w, costs and extraneous features aside, the universal switeh reeeptaele system aceording to the present invention may be used simply as an aordinary household reeeptaele under eireumstanees making this desirabl~.
ReEerring now in detail to -the clrc~wings, reference e~k~raeter 10 shall be used throughout this speeifieation to deseribe the overall universal switeh reeeptaele system o~ the present i~vention. Figure 1, depieting a perspeetive view of the present invention, illustrates a preferred embodiment o our invention wherein three distinet housing portions 12, 1~ and 16, respeetively, when assembled, make up the overall systern lO housing.
Installed, the faee or cover housing portion 12 will be visible, and includes ent~y ports 18 for reeeiving norrnal or polarized pronys of a male plug normally found at the end of a lamp or appliance eord set (not shown), as well as an opening 20 for receiviny the ground prong of a three-wired plug. As shcwn in Fig. l, a cluplex-type receptaclP is shc~n 1387 P/ll Q - g _ wherein c~ second pair of receptacle ports 18 and a second ground-receiving opening 20 are provided.
A unique mounting strap or yoke 22 is shcwn in Flg. 1 sandwiched between face or cover housing portion 12 and its adjoining housing portion 14. While strap or yoke 22 includes external features similar in appearance to conventional mounting straps or yokes normally used in the -trade today, a further reading of the specification will enlighten the rea~er as to its unique configuration and functioning according to the present invention.
Face portion 12 is further formed wi-th a pair of through openings 24 and 26, which accommcdate charnel selecting controls tha-t will be described further within this specification. Suffice it to say that the provisions of openings 24 and 26 in the face of portion 12 enables the user of the universal switch receptacle system 10 to gain access -to and manipulate the controls being referred to.
Four housing shoulders 28 of face portion 12 nest with and engage housing portion 14 during assembly of the system 10. The shape of shoulders 28 and their cooperative alignment with corresponding surfaces of housing portion 14 assure proper alig~ment oE the en-tire assembl~ and the sub-assemblies and ccmponents contained therein. Provision is made for conventional-type fasteners, such as screws (not shcwn), which are used to join housing portions 12 and 14 together, as well as portlons 14 c~nd 16 together.
At the risk of stressing the universality of system 10, the present invention contemplates housing portion 16 enclosing the electronics circuitry adapting the switch receptacle of this system to the particular purpose and function desired. For example, in the emtodiment of the invention that will be described in this specification, electronic com~onents compatible with a remote control system described in U.S. Patents 30 No. 4,200,862 granted on April 29, 1980 and No. 4,189,713 granted on FebruaLy 19, 1980 are housed and mounted within the enclosure defined by the inner surfaces of housing portion 14 and the inner confine surfaces of housing portion 16.
1387 P/ll CA - 10 -Housing portions 12,~14 and 15 are preferably injection ~ molded of a plastic ma~erial having characteristics of dura-bility and reliability. ~he outer configurations of these housing portions are such as to provide rellefs or accessways 5 30 for facilitating the use of tools to install and assemble the components of this sytemO
Fig. 2 may best be described as being a view of ihe system 10 from the front after removing the face or cover housing portion 12 from the rest of the assembly. While 10 this view does not reveal some of the more critical components and features of this invention, it does serve to illustrate the position of the mounting strap 22 with respect to its neighboring components. Mounting screws 3~ are shown extending through mounting slots 34 of strap 22 to orient the reader 15 insofar as the mounting of the entire assembly 10 within a duplex receptacle box is concerned.
Strap 22 is formed with a pair of end tab portions 36 and 38, the latter unlike the former including a generally square opening 30 formed therethrough. A second opening 42 20 is formed through relatively central body portion 44 of strap 2~, each of openings 40 and 42 being defined by surfaces of strap 22 which are adjacent rivet posts 46 integrally formed with the strap. Th~ reader is referred to Fig. 12 which, in a perspective-type view, more clearly illustrates 25 the strap 22 configuration.
Strap 22 is created from blanked steel sheet metal by means of a progressive die stamping and forming procedure, and further includes a pair of relatively upstanding boundary ribs 48 and 50 located on opposite sides of a coil opening 30 52 formed therethrough.
When assembled and positioned with respect to housing portion 14 and its cover portion 12, neck portions 54 and 56 1387 P/ll CA
of strap 22 fit snugly between opposing surfaces 58 and 60 - on one hand and 62 and 64 on the other, of generally U-shaped walls 66 and 68 on one hand and 70 and 72 on the other, respectively. These U-shaped walls are more easily seen within the larger view of Fig. 3, which depicts the universal switch receptacle system with the strap 22 just described removed from the said assembly. At this point it is worth mentioning that rivet posts 46 formed in strap 22 are provided to receive and secure ground contacts (not shown) which electrically communicate with the strap 22 and are held integrated with it when placed. A grounding connec-tion is assured by means of mounting screws 32 which secures strap 22 to a supporting structure which is grounded, and the integral ground contacts located within openings 40 and 42 form a grounding communication between the ground male terminal of a three-wired plug to the grounded strap 22.
The generally U-shaped cutouts of the material forming strap 22 at either end, so as to define neck portions 54 and 56, cooperate with the U-shaped walls 66, 68, 70 and 72, thereby restricting the movement of strap 22 within the assembly. A coil or stator 74 is mounted centrally within housing portion 14, and is located with respect to strap 2~
such that the coil or stator 74 and i~s windings are disposed within the opening 52 bounded on either side by ribs 48 and 50 of the strap. Coil 74 includes a predetermined number of wire windings held upon a spool formed with end flanges 76 and 78, the latter flange being formed with an integral locating rib 80 extending upwardly as depicted in Fig. 3.
End flange 76, on the other hand, is formed with a pair of integral and spaced locating tabs 82 and 84 which extend outwardly from the coil in th~ direction opposite from that of rib 80.
1387 P/ll CA -12-Rib 80 is held within a recess defined by a hollow ~ generally cylindrical post 86, through which an opening B~
commun4icative with opening 20 in housing portion 12 e~tends.
At this point ~or the sake of clarity it should be stated that opening 88 accommodates the entry of a grounding prong of a three-wired plug of ~he type already described in con-juction with housing portion 12 and opening 42 ~ithin strap 22. Opening 42 overlies and is in substantial alignment with opening 88.
Locating tabs 82 and 84 normally are situated within recesses formed within bosses 90 and 92 which are integrally formed with U-shaped walls 70 and 72 at their upper ends.
This three point anchoring and locating of outer portions of coil 74 provide relatively accurate alignment of the coil with respect to the rest of the components to be described herein. It further assures proper registration with the opening 5~ in strap 22 as well as the location of coil 74 with respect to upstanding ribs 48 and 50 of the strap.
Coil 74 functions in a manner similar to that oE a solenoid stator or coil, and has associated with it a plunger 94 supported for reciprocating movement within a central opening of coil 74. Plunger g4, shown in Fig.s 3 and perhaps more clearly in Fig. 4, includes a generally cylindrical body 96 froM which a hook portion 98 extends outwardly and then at approximately 90 degrees from the body 96. The spool 100 whose end ~langes 76 and 78 have already been described~ includes a generally central opening 102 within which body portion 96 of plunger 94 is able to extend and reciprocatel as will be described in more detail below.
An actuating member 104, sometimes more affectionately known as a ~kickern, is,located beneath coil 74 and its associated plunger 94. Actuating member 104 includes a relatively upstanding leg 106 formed with a recess 108 into 1387 P/ll CA -13- ~
which hook portion 98 of plung~r 94 normally extends and is - held. Yet another recess to which a reference character has not been assigned captively holds an end 110 of a helical spring 112 whose opposite end 114 overlies a locat.ing protu-berance 116 extending integrally from flange 76 of spool100. Helical spring 112 functions in compression and, as shown in Fig. 4, normally biases a leg 106 of actuating member 104 away from coil 74 toward housing wall 118, which serves as a limiting surface.
Actuating member of kicker 104 further includes a horizon-tally extending leg 120 which extends at approximately 90 degrees f.rom leg 106, and which rides upon a generally planar surface ;22 of housing 1~. Surface 122 is interrupted by a recess 124 into which an alignment boss 126 extends.
Alignment boss 126 and the surfaces of the housing 14 which define recess 124 serve a realignment function during recipro-cation of actuating member 104, as will be more c].early understood from a reading of the following portions of this specification.
Viewed in ~ig. 4, it should now be obvious to the reader that reciprocation of plunyer 94 as a result of alternate energization and deenergization of coil 74 will result in like reciprocation of actuating member 104, first toward coil 74 when the coil is actuated~ and thereafter away from 25 coil 7~ under the biasing forces of spring 112 when the coil is deenergized.
While we are looking at F.ig. ~, the reader will note that an assembly of electronic components are shown supported by housing portion wall 128 and extending into a chamber 30 designated reference character 130, which, in turn, is defined by wall 128 and housing portion 16. No ef~ort will be made within the present specification to either defined in detail or by function the various electronic components shown 1387 P/ll CA
existing within chamber 130. However, the present invention J contemplates an ability to "piggy-back" upon the switch mechanism distinct ele~tronic assemblies having distinct functions, such that their functions can be adapted to and include the features of the switching and circuit breaking characteristics of the universal switch receptacle system lD
being described within this specification.
Before going on to a description of other components of the present invention and system, i~ is very strongly empha-sized here that a novel feature of the present inventionincludes the use of and provision of the strap and its up-standing ribs 48 and 50 to serve as means by which the magnetic circuit associated ~ith coil 74 and plunger 94 flows and is conducted. In other words, portions of strap 22 in the form 15 of its configuration and disposition with respect to the coil 74 serve as a path and an inducement of the magnetic circuit which enables coil 74 and its plunger 94 to act in a solenoid-like fashion. Strap 22 serves the function of a coil frame and actually includes part of the magnetic circuit 20 upon the firing of coil 74. This is the same mounting strap 22 which also supported riveted integral ground terminals.
The reader's attention is now turned to a novel cam arrangement which s~rves a~: a flip-flop reciprocating rotor.
A cam 132 shown in perspective in Fig. 13, is also shown in 25 plan views within Fig. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Cam 132, as viewed in Fig. 7, is preferably a single, unitary,member which i5 formed by injection molding and which includes a generally central cylindrical bore or opening 134 whose diameter is very slightly larger than the outer diameter of 30 post 86. Cam 132 is actually mounted over and encircles post 86 when assembled such that the surfaces defining bore 134 slida~ly engage the o~lter surfaces of post 86 with suficient 1387 P/ll CA -15 -clearance to avoid undesirable wear. At what is arhitrarily ~ be called a forward end 136, a pair of ràmp surfaces 138 and 140 converge, these ramp surfaces extending away from forward end 136 to pockets 142 and 144 defined by curvilinear surfaces which likewise define opposite shoulders 146 and 148, respectively~
Cam 132, at a side or end opposite tha~ of end 146 is formed with an upstanding spring tab lS0 which is placed a predetermined distance from an upstanding hub 152 encircling post 86 (see Fig. 4). Interference between the outer surfaces of spring tab 150 and inner surfaces of housing portion wall 154 result in most stable orientations of cam 1~2 in the position shown in Fig. 7, on one hand, and in Fig. 10 on the other, wherein spring tab 150 lies within clearance defined by the housing configuration and its relationship to cam lS 132. At this point it should be emphasized that cam 132 is free to rotate between positions shown in Figs. 7 and 10, for example, as will become more readily apparent below.
Cam 132 is further formed with a pair of oppositely extending wing members 156 and lS8 whose outer cam surfaces 160 and 162 are adapted to bear against and move surfaces 164 and 166, respectively, of leaf spring contact supporting members 168 and 170.
Rotary movement o cam 132 is limited by interference between stop surfaces and 172, 174 and 176, with upstanding housing wall surfaces 178, 180 and 182, respectively.
Thus, as shown in Fig. 7, counter clockwise rotation of cam 132 about post 86 is limited by interference between surfaces 172 and 178 as well as between surfaces 176 and 182. In the case of clockwise rotation of cam 132~ this directional movement is limited, as can best be seen in Fig. 10, by interference between surfaces 174 and 180.
_~6_ Referrin~ now in a bit more detail to the leaf spring - contact supporting members 168 and 170, Fig. 7 illustrates their being anchored between respective opposing pairs o wall fingers 184 and 186, between which these members are force-fit and held. Electrical connections are acco~plished via conductors 188, 190, 192 and 194. Conductor 190 carries an e]ectrical connection to member 168 and, thus, the movable contact 196 which it supports. Likewise, conductor 194 carries an electrical connection to member 170 and, in turn, the movable contact 198 which it supports. Contacts in all cases as concerns the present invention are of the silver type, and in the case of movable contacts 196 and 198 are riveted or otherwise fastened to the ends of support ~embers 168 and 170~ Conductor 188 elecrically interconnects 15 contact 196 and its support member 168 with electronic com~onents beneath blade-receiving terminal 200. Likewise, conductor 192 electrically interconnects contact 198 and its support member 170 with electronic components beneath blade receiving terminal :202.
Terminals 200 and 202, together with optional but provided opening 204 accept the blades and grounding prong, respectively, of a male plug which is plugged into the system 10. Blade~
receiving terminals 206 and 208 are, respectively, electrically joined by conductors, such that a second of the duplex receptacles 25 will accommodate entry of the blades of a plug into engagement with terminals 206 and 208, with a grounding prong being accepted within opening 88.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, fixed contacts 214 and 216 are mounted upon conducting strips 30 218 and 220, respectively, such that electrical continuity is provided as between terminal 206, fixed contact 214, and terminal 200.
Still referring to Fig. 7, it can be seen that electronic 1387 P/ll CA _17_ channel selector shafts 222 and 224 extend upwardly through cylindrical openings aefined by housing walls 226 and 228;
respectively, these shafts extending from connections to the electronic components beneath this mechanical assembly out-5 wardly to the openings 24 and 26 already described for theface housing portion 12. In this way, the user is able to manipulate these shafts 222 and 224, such as by means of a screwdriver, and appropriate channel selection is easily accomplished.
Also visible in Fig. 7 are guide walls 230 and 232, which limit the left-to-right movement of kicker leg 120 Other walls serve a variety of functions which include spacing, holding, and movement limiting functions with respect to the various components of system 10 being described here.
15 Pads 234, 236 and 238 serve as support surfaces for the end tab portions 36 and 38 of mounting strap 22.
In operation, assuming a normal condition wherein fixed contacts 214 and 216 are engaged by their movable respective counterparts, 196 and 198, thereby providing current flow to 20 a lamp or appliance, for example, actuation of coil 74 in response to a signal generated by the electronic components heretofore described, will result in retraction of the body portion 96 ~f plunger ~ toward the center of opening 102 within coil 74. This retraction occurs against the b.iasing forces~of helical spring 112 with the resulting movement of actuating member 104 and its kicker leg 120 in the same direction as plunger 94 due to the engagement of hook 98 within recess lU8 of leg 106.
Referring to Fig. 8, this movement of kicker leg 120 is 30 shown from the position depicted in phantom outline within Fig. 8 in the direction of the arrow shown in that view toward the position shown in Fig. 8 wherein leg 120 engages ramp surface 138 of cam 132. Yet further movement of kicker 1387 P/ll ~A -18 ~
leg 120 as a result of the pulling magnetic forces generated _ by coil 74 result in sliding movement of the end of ley 1~0 upwardly along ramp surface 138 un?cil the end of leg 120 engages pocket 142 and adjoining shoulder 146. This next intermediary position is best seen in Fig. 9, wherein the position just described is shown in full line depiction~
Yet further movement of kicker leg 120 under the influence of hook 98 results in clockwise rotation of cam member 120 about post 86 due to the pushing of the end of kicker leg 120 against shoulder 146 until surfaces 174 and 180 interfere with one another and the cam 132 comes to rest in the position shown in Fig. 10.
In moving from the positi~n shown in Fig. 9 to that of Fig. 10, the cam surfaces 160 and 162 of cam 132 have engaged and forcibly urged surfaces 164 and 166, together with their respective contact-carrying members lS8 and 170, outwardly away from the axis of rotation of cam 132 (which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of post 86~, with the result that movable contacts 196 and 198 have been moved away from their respective contacted fixed contacts 214 and 216 to the po~ition shown in Fig. 10. This clockwise motion of cam 132 as a result of the actuation of coil 74 has thus resulted in breaking the electrical circuit as between the fixed and movable contacts herein described. It should also be noted that in the rest position shown in Fig. 10, cam 132 and its wings 156 and 158 maintain disconnection of the electrical connec?cion as between the fixed and movable contacts at all times until the next sequential actuation o~ coîl 74.
Before turning to the next actuation of coil 74, it should be emphasized that upon cam 132 assuming the position shown in Fig~ 1~, the coil 74 is deenergized, with the result that the compressed helical spring 112 ~rges actuating member 1387 P/ll CA 19_ 104 and its kicker leg 120 back to the rest position from ~ which it started its ~ravel. It shoul~ also be noted that the location of forward end 136 of cam 132 has shifted across the longitudinal center line of system 10 such that it is off center and exposes ramp 140 to the next actuation of kicker leg 120. Thus, upon the next sequential actuation of coil 74, kicker leg 120 comes into contact with ramp 140 in much the same manner as it engaged ramp 138, and thereafter engages pocket 144 and adjoining shoulder 148 such that cam 132 is urged n a counter clockwise direction to the position originally described for Fig. 7. Further counter clockwise movement is prevented by means of interference between surfaces 176 and 182, as well as surfaces 172 and 178.
With this counter clockwise shifting of cam 132, înter-ference between surfaces 160 and 162 with their respectivesurfaces 164 and 166 is eliminated~ such that movable contacts 196 and 198 are able to return under the inward biasing influsnce of spring members 168 and 170 until these contacts come into engagement and electrical communication with their fixed contacts counterparts, contacts 214 and 216.
The cycles just described may be repeated any numher o times as a result o~ signals generated either remotely or via other means.
The embodiment of the present invention here;n described and disclosed is presented merely as an example~of the invent;on. Other embodiments, forms and structures coming within the scope of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and shall be deemed to come within the scope of the appended claims.
1387 P/11 CA _20
In the spirit of making known to the U.S. Patent Trademark Office prior art patents other than those already mentioned, but which are really not believed to be relevant as anticipating the present invention, a brief summary of those which are known to the undersigned will be set Eorth herein.
U.S. Patent No. 3,569,890 granted on March 9, 1971 1387 P/ll CA -2-discloses a magnetic latching relay arrangement, wherein an ~ annular permanent magnet is utilized~
U.S. Patent No. 3,584,174, granted on June 3, 1971 discloses a push-button switch arrangement having cam means 5 utilized in conjunction with a light pipe circuit.
tJ.S. Patent No. 3,626,337 dated December 7, 1971 dis-closes anan electro-magnetic relay wherein permanent magnet latching is accomplished via a diaphragm as part of the electro-magnetic circuit.
U.S. Patent No. 3,646,297 granted on February 29, 1972 teaches a push switch arrangement wherein step-by-step advance-ment of a rotary cam is controlled.
U.S. Patent No. 3,646,233 granted on February 29, 1972 teaches a multistation switch assembly which controls a 15 number of switch models.
U.S. Patent NOn 3,665,128 granted on March 23, 1972 discloses an electrical switch having a rotary carriage controlable by pushing action.
U.S. Patent No~, 3,666,900 granted on May 30, 1972 dis-20 closes a cam structure ac~uated by a combination of a push-button switch and a joystick.
U.S. Patent No. 3,676,759 granted on July 11, 1972 teaches a triggered contro~ for photographic apparatus.
U.S. Patent No. 3,694,603 granted on September 26, 1972 25 teaches a make and break latching mechanism for remote control of lighting.
UOS. Patent No. 3,694,779 granted on September 26, 1972 discloses a latching relay assembly wherein a cam roller is utilized~
U.S. Patent No. 3,717,737 granted on February 22, 1973 teaches an omnidirectional push-button for making and breaking an electrical circuit~
1387 P/ll CA -3-U.S. Patent No. 3,721,927 granted on March 20, 1973 teaches a bistable electromagnetic relay wherein the state of the relay armatures is altered and contrvlled.
U.S. Patent No. 3,727,013 dated April 10, 1973 teaches an interlocked push button switch utilizing actuator indexing rneans.
U.S. Patent No. 3,728,651 granted on April 17, 1973 teaches an impulse relay.
U.S. Patent No. 3,735,068 granted on ~ay 22, 1973 teaches a push button switch.
U.S. Patent No. 3,740,501 granted on June 19, 1973 discloses a modular contact assembly capable of being stacked to provide programs.
U.S. Patent No. 3,751,618 granted on August 7, 1973 15 discloses a push button switch for use with keyboards, wherein a plunger is utilized to enable electrical contact programs.
U.S. Patent No. 3,805,008 granted on April 16, 1974 discloses a rocker switch actuator wherein highly efficient mechanical fvrce reductions required to actuate the switch are provided.
U.S. Patent No. 3,827,313 granted on August 6, 1974 discloses a master control swltching mechanism.
U.S. Patent No. 3,852,554 granted in December 3, 1974 discloses a multiposition push button switch cooperative 25 with rotatable gears, U.S. Patent No. 3,869,684 granted on March 4, 1975 discloses a latching relay utili~ing a magnetic circuitry in conjunction with reed contacts.
U.S. Patent No. 3,889,088 granted on June 10, 1975 30 discloses an electrical push button switch actuator.
U.S. Patent No. 3,896,283 granted on July 22, 197S
teaches a two-stage push button switch and spring arrangement.
1387 P/ll CA - 4 -U.S. Patent No. 3,914,723 granted on Cctober 21, 1975 teaches a magnetic latching relay utilizing reversal of current flGw.
U.S. Patent No. 3,932,830 granted on January 13, 1976 teaches a thermal cycle switch for use with damestic coo]~ing ranges.
U.S. Patent No. 4,090,167 granted on May 16, 1978 teaches a potentiometer and switch assembly utilizing camming surfaces.
The invention is broadly em~cdied in accordance with one aspect thereof in switehing apparatus for selectively campleting or interrupting an eleetrical connection between input and output conductors, or the like, which camprises, in ccmbination, a housing and a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of the housing. The armature is movable between first and second positions by an electramagnet coil disposed within the housing when energizedfrOm afirst position to a second position. An input contaet is electrically conneeted to the input conductor and an output eontact is electrically conneeted to said output conductor. A strap is provided for mounting the switehing apparatus upon a seleeted surfaee, the strap ineluding portions thereof whieh define a path of the magnetic field generated by the coil means to influence the position of the arm~lture.
Preferably the apparatus further includes a movable cam disposed within the housing for separating the input and output contacts, thereby interrupting an electrical connection between them. Desirably there is further provided a movable actuating means having portions thereof in contact with the armature for influenclng the position o the cam. In acooIclanoe witth a still further preferred embodiment, the cam means is supportecl for rotary movement about an axis which substantially coincides with an axis of entry of an electrical connector to be joinecl with the switching apparatus.
The invention also broadly provides in aceordance with a further aspect thereof a system for controlling lighting and eleetrical apparatus within an electrically wired building camprising in combination a pc~er main of the building, at least one power outlet of the main, and a transmitter ~mit having an input means for entering of any of a plurality of addresses into the transmitter unit~ and means for generating synchronously 1387 P/ll CA - 5 --~
th the mains voltage a multibit digital signal cc~nprising a multibi-t digital a~dress signal representing an entered address. The digital signal is modulated on a carrier, the frequenc~ of which is a plurali-ty of tim~s greater than mains frequency, so that the bits of the digital sicJnal comprises predetermined numbers of ~ycles of the carrier, the predetermined numbers depending upon the bit values, and a peric~ wi-thin each bit occurring near a zero crossing point of the mains voltage. Output means is provided for coupling the modulated digital signal onto the main, and at least one slave unit for controlling the supply of power to apparatus and having means for defining an address fcr that slave unit, a power input coupled to the main within -the building, means for receiving frcxn the power input the digital signal., means for recognizing the logical values of the bits of -the .received digital signal by counting during the periocl the number of cycles of the carrier and determining the value of the bit in dependence upon which of two non-overlapping number ranges contains the counted number, and means for c~mparing the digital acldress signal received by the receiving means with ~he address of the defining means and for rendering the slave unit operable to effect an apparatus power supply control operation when correspondence is found between said address and the digital address signal. The transmitter is coupled to a pc~Yer outlet of the m~L~I so as to be usable optionally at various places wi~hin the building, a switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting an electrical connect.ion between input and output conductors. The switching apparcatus comprises a housing .including a normally accessible face portion; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of the housing and be.ing movable between first and second posi.tions; electromagnet coi.l disposed within the housing for moving the armature when energized from the first position to the second position;
an input contact electrically connected to said input conductor; an output contact electricallv connected to said output conductor. A strap i5 provided for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, the strap including portions thereof which define a path of the magnetic field generated by tlle coil so as to influence the position of the arma-ture.
1387 P/ll CA - 6 -In accordance with a s~ill further aspect of the invention, -there is prcvided a slave unit for use in connection with a domestic electrical power rnain, or the like, canprising, in combinationi means for connecting the power input of an electrical apparatus to the uni-ti a current con-trol means for controlling the energization of the apparatus means for defining an address for the unit; and means responsive to a r~ultibit digital signal arriving at the unit, r~dulated on a carrier having a frequency a plurali-ty of times greater than mains frequency, the responsive means including counting means for counting the number of cycles of the carrier in periods which are short in relation to a half-cycle of the mains voltage and which are substantially near zero crossing points of the ma n voltage. m ere is further provided means for determining the values of the bi-ts in dependence upon which of two non-overlapping ranges contains the counted numbers of the periods; and a canparator for comparing the address defined by the defining means with one portion o-f -the digi.tal signal and for produc.ing a signal to control the current control device in dependence upon a;nother portion of the digital signal when correspondence is found between the address and the one portion of the digital signal. m e said slave unit further includes a switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting an electrical connection between input and output conductors, the swi-tching apparatus c~mprising a housing including a normally accessible face portion; a magne-tizable armature disposed within a port.ion of the housing and being movable between first and second positions, an electromagnet coil disposed within said housing for moving the armature when energized from the first position; and .Lnput contact electrically connected to the input conductor; an output contact electrically connected to the output conductor~ A strap is provided for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, the strap including portions thereof which define a path of the magnetic field generated by the coil to influence the position of said armature.
In accordan oe with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting 1387 P/ll CA - 7 -an electrical connection between input and output conductoxs, or the like, eomprising, in combination a housing; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of the housing and being movable between first and second positions;
an electromagnet coil disposed within the housing for moving the armature when energized frcm the firs-t position to the seeond positions. m e apparatus further ineludes an inpu-t contact elec~rically connected to the input conductor, and an output contact electrically connected to said output conductor. Means is provided for defining a path of the magnetic field generated by the eoil to influenee the position of the armature. l'he apparatus further eomprises movable cam means disposed within t.he housing for separating the input and output eontaets, thereby interrupting an electrieal eonnection between them.
A better appreeiation for the subjeet invention will be reali~ed frcm a reading of the following speeifieation in eonjunetion with the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspeeti~e view of the remote eontrol system or receptacle switeh system aeeording to the present inv~ntion;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the system of Fig. 1, with the eover housing portion removed showing the mounting strap therewithin;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the system shcwn in Figs. l and 2, wherein the mounting strap has been removed -to show eomponents lying beneath iti FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sec-tional elevational view -taken along ~le line 4-4 of Fig. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 2, FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the system of Fig. l, showing ec~onents of the invention after strap and solenoid ccmponents have been removed;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a next sequential step after coil actuation.
1387 P/ll CA - 8 -FIG. 9 is a view sumlar to Fiy. 8 showing a next sequential step after coil actuation;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, shc~ing the next sequential step after coil actuation;
FIG. ll is a view similar to Fig. lO showing the next sequential step after coil deenergization;
FIG. 12 is a perspective-type view of -the moun-ting strap according to the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective-type view of the cam according to the present invention; and FIG. 14 is an exploded-type view of the actuating components utilized in the system aecording to the present invention.
Before referring in more detail to the drawings of the present specificationS it is impor-tant here to e~phasize the universality of the switch receptaele system being descri~ed he~e. By that, what is meant is that the basic switching arrangement described belc~ may be utilized not only in conjunction with remote control wireless switching systems, but also in conjunetion with cireuit breaking mechanisms and systems, sueh as of the ground fault circuit interrupting type. F~rthermore, in the form to be deseribed belc~w, costs and extraneous features aside, the universal switeh reeeptaele system aceording to the present invention may be used simply as an aordinary household reeeptaele under eireumstanees making this desirabl~.
ReEerring now in detail to -the clrc~wings, reference e~k~raeter 10 shall be used throughout this speeifieation to deseribe the overall universal switeh reeeptaele system o~ the present i~vention. Figure 1, depieting a perspeetive view of the present invention, illustrates a preferred embodiment o our invention wherein three distinet housing portions 12, 1~ and 16, respeetively, when assembled, make up the overall systern lO housing.
Installed, the faee or cover housing portion 12 will be visible, and includes ent~y ports 18 for reeeiving norrnal or polarized pronys of a male plug normally found at the end of a lamp or appliance eord set (not shown), as well as an opening 20 for receiviny the ground prong of a three-wired plug. As shcwn in Fig. l, a cluplex-type receptaclP is shc~n 1387 P/ll Q - g _ wherein c~ second pair of receptacle ports 18 and a second ground-receiving opening 20 are provided.
A unique mounting strap or yoke 22 is shcwn in Flg. 1 sandwiched between face or cover housing portion 12 and its adjoining housing portion 14. While strap or yoke 22 includes external features similar in appearance to conventional mounting straps or yokes normally used in the -trade today, a further reading of the specification will enlighten the rea~er as to its unique configuration and functioning according to the present invention.
Face portion 12 is further formed wi-th a pair of through openings 24 and 26, which accommcdate charnel selecting controls tha-t will be described further within this specification. Suffice it to say that the provisions of openings 24 and 26 in the face of portion 12 enables the user of the universal switch receptacle system 10 to gain access -to and manipulate the controls being referred to.
Four housing shoulders 28 of face portion 12 nest with and engage housing portion 14 during assembly of the system 10. The shape of shoulders 28 and their cooperative alignment with corresponding surfaces of housing portion 14 assure proper alig~ment oE the en-tire assembl~ and the sub-assemblies and ccmponents contained therein. Provision is made for conventional-type fasteners, such as screws (not shcwn), which are used to join housing portions 12 and 14 together, as well as portlons 14 c~nd 16 together.
At the risk of stressing the universality of system 10, the present invention contemplates housing portion 16 enclosing the electronics circuitry adapting the switch receptacle of this system to the particular purpose and function desired. For example, in the emtodiment of the invention that will be described in this specification, electronic com~onents compatible with a remote control system described in U.S. Patents 30 No. 4,200,862 granted on April 29, 1980 and No. 4,189,713 granted on FebruaLy 19, 1980 are housed and mounted within the enclosure defined by the inner surfaces of housing portion 14 and the inner confine surfaces of housing portion 16.
1387 P/ll CA - 10 -Housing portions 12,~14 and 15 are preferably injection ~ molded of a plastic ma~erial having characteristics of dura-bility and reliability. ~he outer configurations of these housing portions are such as to provide rellefs or accessways 5 30 for facilitating the use of tools to install and assemble the components of this sytemO
Fig. 2 may best be described as being a view of ihe system 10 from the front after removing the face or cover housing portion 12 from the rest of the assembly. While 10 this view does not reveal some of the more critical components and features of this invention, it does serve to illustrate the position of the mounting strap 22 with respect to its neighboring components. Mounting screws 3~ are shown extending through mounting slots 34 of strap 22 to orient the reader 15 insofar as the mounting of the entire assembly 10 within a duplex receptacle box is concerned.
Strap 22 is formed with a pair of end tab portions 36 and 38, the latter unlike the former including a generally square opening 30 formed therethrough. A second opening 42 20 is formed through relatively central body portion 44 of strap 2~, each of openings 40 and 42 being defined by surfaces of strap 22 which are adjacent rivet posts 46 integrally formed with the strap. Th~ reader is referred to Fig. 12 which, in a perspective-type view, more clearly illustrates 25 the strap 22 configuration.
Strap 22 is created from blanked steel sheet metal by means of a progressive die stamping and forming procedure, and further includes a pair of relatively upstanding boundary ribs 48 and 50 located on opposite sides of a coil opening 30 52 formed therethrough.
When assembled and positioned with respect to housing portion 14 and its cover portion 12, neck portions 54 and 56 1387 P/ll CA
of strap 22 fit snugly between opposing surfaces 58 and 60 - on one hand and 62 and 64 on the other, of generally U-shaped walls 66 and 68 on one hand and 70 and 72 on the other, respectively. These U-shaped walls are more easily seen within the larger view of Fig. 3, which depicts the universal switch receptacle system with the strap 22 just described removed from the said assembly. At this point it is worth mentioning that rivet posts 46 formed in strap 22 are provided to receive and secure ground contacts (not shown) which electrically communicate with the strap 22 and are held integrated with it when placed. A grounding connec-tion is assured by means of mounting screws 32 which secures strap 22 to a supporting structure which is grounded, and the integral ground contacts located within openings 40 and 42 form a grounding communication between the ground male terminal of a three-wired plug to the grounded strap 22.
The generally U-shaped cutouts of the material forming strap 22 at either end, so as to define neck portions 54 and 56, cooperate with the U-shaped walls 66, 68, 70 and 72, thereby restricting the movement of strap 22 within the assembly. A coil or stator 74 is mounted centrally within housing portion 14, and is located with respect to strap 2~
such that the coil or stator 74 and i~s windings are disposed within the opening 52 bounded on either side by ribs 48 and 50 of the strap. Coil 74 includes a predetermined number of wire windings held upon a spool formed with end flanges 76 and 78, the latter flange being formed with an integral locating rib 80 extending upwardly as depicted in Fig. 3.
End flange 76, on the other hand, is formed with a pair of integral and spaced locating tabs 82 and 84 which extend outwardly from the coil in th~ direction opposite from that of rib 80.
1387 P/ll CA -12-Rib 80 is held within a recess defined by a hollow ~ generally cylindrical post 86, through which an opening B~
commun4icative with opening 20 in housing portion 12 e~tends.
At this point ~or the sake of clarity it should be stated that opening 88 accommodates the entry of a grounding prong of a three-wired plug of ~he type already described in con-juction with housing portion 12 and opening 42 ~ithin strap 22. Opening 42 overlies and is in substantial alignment with opening 88.
Locating tabs 82 and 84 normally are situated within recesses formed within bosses 90 and 92 which are integrally formed with U-shaped walls 70 and 72 at their upper ends.
This three point anchoring and locating of outer portions of coil 74 provide relatively accurate alignment of the coil with respect to the rest of the components to be described herein. It further assures proper registration with the opening 5~ in strap 22 as well as the location of coil 74 with respect to upstanding ribs 48 and 50 of the strap.
Coil 74 functions in a manner similar to that oE a solenoid stator or coil, and has associated with it a plunger 94 supported for reciprocating movement within a central opening of coil 74. Plunger g4, shown in Fig.s 3 and perhaps more clearly in Fig. 4, includes a generally cylindrical body 96 froM which a hook portion 98 extends outwardly and then at approximately 90 degrees from the body 96. The spool 100 whose end ~langes 76 and 78 have already been described~ includes a generally central opening 102 within which body portion 96 of plunger 94 is able to extend and reciprocatel as will be described in more detail below.
An actuating member 104, sometimes more affectionately known as a ~kickern, is,located beneath coil 74 and its associated plunger 94. Actuating member 104 includes a relatively upstanding leg 106 formed with a recess 108 into 1387 P/ll CA -13- ~
which hook portion 98 of plung~r 94 normally extends and is - held. Yet another recess to which a reference character has not been assigned captively holds an end 110 of a helical spring 112 whose opposite end 114 overlies a locat.ing protu-berance 116 extending integrally from flange 76 of spool100. Helical spring 112 functions in compression and, as shown in Fig. 4, normally biases a leg 106 of actuating member 104 away from coil 74 toward housing wall 118, which serves as a limiting surface.
Actuating member of kicker 104 further includes a horizon-tally extending leg 120 which extends at approximately 90 degrees f.rom leg 106, and which rides upon a generally planar surface ;22 of housing 1~. Surface 122 is interrupted by a recess 124 into which an alignment boss 126 extends.
Alignment boss 126 and the surfaces of the housing 14 which define recess 124 serve a realignment function during recipro-cation of actuating member 104, as will be more c].early understood from a reading of the following portions of this specification.
Viewed in ~ig. 4, it should now be obvious to the reader that reciprocation of plunyer 94 as a result of alternate energization and deenergization of coil 74 will result in like reciprocation of actuating member 104, first toward coil 74 when the coil is actuated~ and thereafter away from 25 coil 7~ under the biasing forces of spring 112 when the coil is deenergized.
While we are looking at F.ig. ~, the reader will note that an assembly of electronic components are shown supported by housing portion wall 128 and extending into a chamber 30 designated reference character 130, which, in turn, is defined by wall 128 and housing portion 16. No ef~ort will be made within the present specification to either defined in detail or by function the various electronic components shown 1387 P/ll CA
existing within chamber 130. However, the present invention J contemplates an ability to "piggy-back" upon the switch mechanism distinct ele~tronic assemblies having distinct functions, such that their functions can be adapted to and include the features of the switching and circuit breaking characteristics of the universal switch receptacle system lD
being described within this specification.
Before going on to a description of other components of the present invention and system, i~ is very strongly empha-sized here that a novel feature of the present inventionincludes the use of and provision of the strap and its up-standing ribs 48 and 50 to serve as means by which the magnetic circuit associated ~ith coil 74 and plunger 94 flows and is conducted. In other words, portions of strap 22 in the form 15 of its configuration and disposition with respect to the coil 74 serve as a path and an inducement of the magnetic circuit which enables coil 74 and its plunger 94 to act in a solenoid-like fashion. Strap 22 serves the function of a coil frame and actually includes part of the magnetic circuit 20 upon the firing of coil 74. This is the same mounting strap 22 which also supported riveted integral ground terminals.
The reader's attention is now turned to a novel cam arrangement which s~rves a~: a flip-flop reciprocating rotor.
A cam 132 shown in perspective in Fig. 13, is also shown in 25 plan views within Fig. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Cam 132, as viewed in Fig. 7, is preferably a single, unitary,member which i5 formed by injection molding and which includes a generally central cylindrical bore or opening 134 whose diameter is very slightly larger than the outer diameter of 30 post 86. Cam 132 is actually mounted over and encircles post 86 when assembled such that the surfaces defining bore 134 slida~ly engage the o~lter surfaces of post 86 with suficient 1387 P/ll CA -15 -clearance to avoid undesirable wear. At what is arhitrarily ~ be called a forward end 136, a pair of ràmp surfaces 138 and 140 converge, these ramp surfaces extending away from forward end 136 to pockets 142 and 144 defined by curvilinear surfaces which likewise define opposite shoulders 146 and 148, respectively~
Cam 132, at a side or end opposite tha~ of end 146 is formed with an upstanding spring tab lS0 which is placed a predetermined distance from an upstanding hub 152 encircling post 86 (see Fig. 4). Interference between the outer surfaces of spring tab 150 and inner surfaces of housing portion wall 154 result in most stable orientations of cam 1~2 in the position shown in Fig. 7, on one hand, and in Fig. 10 on the other, wherein spring tab 150 lies within clearance defined by the housing configuration and its relationship to cam lS 132. At this point it should be emphasized that cam 132 is free to rotate between positions shown in Figs. 7 and 10, for example, as will become more readily apparent below.
Cam 132 is further formed with a pair of oppositely extending wing members 156 and lS8 whose outer cam surfaces 160 and 162 are adapted to bear against and move surfaces 164 and 166, respectively, of leaf spring contact supporting members 168 and 170.
Rotary movement o cam 132 is limited by interference between stop surfaces and 172, 174 and 176, with upstanding housing wall surfaces 178, 180 and 182, respectively.
Thus, as shown in Fig. 7, counter clockwise rotation of cam 132 about post 86 is limited by interference between surfaces 172 and 178 as well as between surfaces 176 and 182. In the case of clockwise rotation of cam 132~ this directional movement is limited, as can best be seen in Fig. 10, by interference between surfaces 174 and 180.
_~6_ Referrin~ now in a bit more detail to the leaf spring - contact supporting members 168 and 170, Fig. 7 illustrates their being anchored between respective opposing pairs o wall fingers 184 and 186, between which these members are force-fit and held. Electrical connections are acco~plished via conductors 188, 190, 192 and 194. Conductor 190 carries an e]ectrical connection to member 168 and, thus, the movable contact 196 which it supports. Likewise, conductor 194 carries an electrical connection to member 170 and, in turn, the movable contact 198 which it supports. Contacts in all cases as concerns the present invention are of the silver type, and in the case of movable contacts 196 and 198 are riveted or otherwise fastened to the ends of support ~embers 168 and 170~ Conductor 188 elecrically interconnects 15 contact 196 and its support member 168 with electronic com~onents beneath blade-receiving terminal 200. Likewise, conductor 192 electrically interconnects contact 198 and its support member 170 with electronic components beneath blade receiving terminal :202.
Terminals 200 and 202, together with optional but provided opening 204 accept the blades and grounding prong, respectively, of a male plug which is plugged into the system 10. Blade~
receiving terminals 206 and 208 are, respectively, electrically joined by conductors, such that a second of the duplex receptacles 25 will accommodate entry of the blades of a plug into engagement with terminals 206 and 208, with a grounding prong being accepted within opening 88.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, fixed contacts 214 and 216 are mounted upon conducting strips 30 218 and 220, respectively, such that electrical continuity is provided as between terminal 206, fixed contact 214, and terminal 200.
Still referring to Fig. 7, it can be seen that electronic 1387 P/ll CA _17_ channel selector shafts 222 and 224 extend upwardly through cylindrical openings aefined by housing walls 226 and 228;
respectively, these shafts extending from connections to the electronic components beneath this mechanical assembly out-5 wardly to the openings 24 and 26 already described for theface housing portion 12. In this way, the user is able to manipulate these shafts 222 and 224, such as by means of a screwdriver, and appropriate channel selection is easily accomplished.
Also visible in Fig. 7 are guide walls 230 and 232, which limit the left-to-right movement of kicker leg 120 Other walls serve a variety of functions which include spacing, holding, and movement limiting functions with respect to the various components of system 10 being described here.
15 Pads 234, 236 and 238 serve as support surfaces for the end tab portions 36 and 38 of mounting strap 22.
In operation, assuming a normal condition wherein fixed contacts 214 and 216 are engaged by their movable respective counterparts, 196 and 198, thereby providing current flow to 20 a lamp or appliance, for example, actuation of coil 74 in response to a signal generated by the electronic components heretofore described, will result in retraction of the body portion 96 ~f plunger ~ toward the center of opening 102 within coil 74. This retraction occurs against the b.iasing forces~of helical spring 112 with the resulting movement of actuating member 104 and its kicker leg 120 in the same direction as plunger 94 due to the engagement of hook 98 within recess lU8 of leg 106.
Referring to Fig. 8, this movement of kicker leg 120 is 30 shown from the position depicted in phantom outline within Fig. 8 in the direction of the arrow shown in that view toward the position shown in Fig. 8 wherein leg 120 engages ramp surface 138 of cam 132. Yet further movement of kicker 1387 P/ll ~A -18 ~
leg 120 as a result of the pulling magnetic forces generated _ by coil 74 result in sliding movement of the end of ley 1~0 upwardly along ramp surface 138 un?cil the end of leg 120 engages pocket 142 and adjoining shoulder 146. This next intermediary position is best seen in Fig. 9, wherein the position just described is shown in full line depiction~
Yet further movement of kicker leg 120 under the influence of hook 98 results in clockwise rotation of cam member 120 about post 86 due to the pushing of the end of kicker leg 120 against shoulder 146 until surfaces 174 and 180 interfere with one another and the cam 132 comes to rest in the position shown in Fig. 10.
In moving from the positi~n shown in Fig. 9 to that of Fig. 10, the cam surfaces 160 and 162 of cam 132 have engaged and forcibly urged surfaces 164 and 166, together with their respective contact-carrying members lS8 and 170, outwardly away from the axis of rotation of cam 132 (which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of post 86~, with the result that movable contacts 196 and 198 have been moved away from their respective contacted fixed contacts 214 and 216 to the po~ition shown in Fig. 10. This clockwise motion of cam 132 as a result of the actuation of coil 74 has thus resulted in breaking the electrical circuit as between the fixed and movable contacts herein described. It should also be noted that in the rest position shown in Fig. 10, cam 132 and its wings 156 and 158 maintain disconnection of the electrical connec?cion as between the fixed and movable contacts at all times until the next sequential actuation o~ coîl 74.
Before turning to the next actuation of coil 74, it should be emphasized that upon cam 132 assuming the position shown in Fig~ 1~, the coil 74 is deenergized, with the result that the compressed helical spring 112 ~rges actuating member 1387 P/ll CA 19_ 104 and its kicker leg 120 back to the rest position from ~ which it started its ~ravel. It shoul~ also be noted that the location of forward end 136 of cam 132 has shifted across the longitudinal center line of system 10 such that it is off center and exposes ramp 140 to the next actuation of kicker leg 120. Thus, upon the next sequential actuation of coil 74, kicker leg 120 comes into contact with ramp 140 in much the same manner as it engaged ramp 138, and thereafter engages pocket 144 and adjoining shoulder 148 such that cam 132 is urged n a counter clockwise direction to the position originally described for Fig. 7. Further counter clockwise movement is prevented by means of interference between surfaces 176 and 182, as well as surfaces 172 and 178.
With this counter clockwise shifting of cam 132, înter-ference between surfaces 160 and 162 with their respectivesurfaces 164 and 166 is eliminated~ such that movable contacts 196 and 198 are able to return under the inward biasing influsnce of spring members 168 and 170 until these contacts come into engagement and electrical communication with their fixed contacts counterparts, contacts 214 and 216.
The cycles just described may be repeated any numher o times as a result o~ signals generated either remotely or via other means.
The embodiment of the present invention here;n described and disclosed is presented merely as an example~of the invent;on. Other embodiments, forms and structures coming within the scope of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and shall be deemed to come within the scope of the appended claims.
1387 P/11 CA _20
Claims (17)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting an electrical connection between input and output conductors, or the like, comprising, in combination:
a housing; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of said housing and being movable between first and second positions; electromagnet coil means disposed within said housing for moving said armature when energized from the first position to the second position; an input contact electrically connected to said input conductor; an output contact electrically connected to said output conductor; and strap means for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, said strap means including portions there-of which define a path of the magnetic field generated by said coil means to influence the position of said armature.
a housing; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of said housing and being movable between first and second positions; electromagnet coil means disposed within said housing for moving said armature when energized from the first position to the second position; an input contact electrically connected to said input conductor; an output contact electrically connected to said output conductor; and strap means for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, said strap means including portions there-of which define a path of the magnetic field generated by said coil means to influence the position of said armature.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, further including movable cam means disposed within the housing for separating said input and output contacts, thereby interrupting an electrical connection between them.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, further including movable actuating means having portions thereof in contact with said armature means for influencing the position of said cam means.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said cam means includes portions thereof disposed in the path of said actuating means.
-21- .
-21- .
5. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said cam means is supported for rotary movement about an axis which substantially coincides with an axis of entry of an elec-trical connector to be joined with the switching apparatus.
6. A system for controlling lighting and electrical apparatus within an electrically wired building comprising in combination: a power main of the building, at least one power outlet of the main, a transmitter unit having: input means for entering of any of plurality of addresses into the transmitter unit, means for generating synchronously with the mains voltage, a multibit digital signal, com-prising a multibit digital address signal representing an entered address, the digital signal being modulated on a carrier the frequency of which is a plurality of times greater than mains frequency, so that the bits of the digital signal comprise predetermined numbers of cycles of the carrier, the predetermined numbers depending upon the bit values, and a period within each bit occurring near a zero crossing point of the mains voltage, and output means for coupling the modulated digital signal onto the main, and at least one slave unit for controlling the supply of power to apparatus and having: means for defining an address for that slave unit, a power input coupled to the main within the building, means for receiving from said power input said digital signal, means for recognizing the logical values of the bits of the received digital signal by counting during said period the number of cycles of the carrier and deter-mining the value of the bit in dependence upon which of two non-overlapping number ranges contains the counted number, and means for comparing the digital address signal received by the receiving means with the address of the defining means and for rendering the slave unit operable to effect an apparatus power supply control operation when correspondence is found between said address and the digital address signal, said transmitter being coupled to a power outlet of the main so as to be usable optionally at various places within the building, a switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting an electrical connection between input and output conductors, the switching apparatus comprising: a housing; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of said housing and being movable between first and second positions; electromagnet coil means disposed within said housing for moving said armature when energized from the first position to the second position; an input contact electrically connected to said input conductor;
an output contact electrically connected to said output conductor; and strap means for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, said strap means including portions thereof which define a path of the magnetic field generated by said coil means to influence the position of said armature.
an output contact electrically connected to said output conductor; and strap means for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, said strap means including portions thereof which define a path of the magnetic field generated by said coil means to influence the position of said armature.
7. A system as defined in Claim 6 wherein said housing includes a normally accessible face portion.
8. A system as defined in Claim 6 wherein said switching apparatus further includes movable cam means disposed within the housing for separating said input and output contacts, thereby interrupting an electrical connection between them.
9. A system as defined in Claim 8 wherein said switching apparatus further includes movable actuating means having portions thereof in contact with said armature means for influencing the position of said cam means.
10. Switching apparatus as defined in Claim 9 wherein said cam means includes portions thereof disposed in the path of said actuating means.
11. Switching apparatus as defined in Claim 8 wherein said cam means is supported for rotary movement about an axis which substantially coincides with an axis of entry of an electrical connector to be joined with the switching apparatus.
12. A slave unit for use in connection with a domestic electrical power main, or the like, comprising, in combination: means for connecting the power input of an electrical apparatus to the unit; a current control means for controlling the energization of the apparatus means for defining an address for the unit; and means responsive to a multibit digital signal arriving at the unit, modulated on a carrier having a frequency a plurality of times greater than mains frequency, the responsive means including counting means for counting the number of cycles of the carriers in periods which are short in relation to a half-cycle of the mains voltage and which are substantially near zero crossing points of the main voltage; means for determining the values of the bits in dependence upon which of two non-overlapping ranges contains the counted numbers of said periods; and a comparator for comparing the address defined by the defining means with one portion of the digital signal and for producing a signal to control the current control device in dependence upon another portion of the digital signal when correspondence is found between said address and said one portion of the digital signal, said slave unit including a switching apparatus for selectively completing or interrupting an electrical connection between input and output conductors, the switching apparatus comprising a housing; a magnetizable armature disposed within a portion of said housing and being movable between first and second positions; electromagnet coil means disposed within said housing for moving said armature when energized from the first position to the second position; an input contact electrically connected to said input conductor; an output contact electrically connected to said output conductor; and strap means for mounting the switching apparatus upon a selected surface, said strap means including portions thereof which define a path of the magnetic field generated by said coil means to influence the position of said armature.
13. A slave unit as defined in Claim 12 wherein said housing includes a normally accessible face portion.
14. A slave unit as defined in Claim 12 wherein said switching apparatus further includes movable cam means disposed within the housing for separating said input and output contacts, thereby interrupting an electrical connection between them.
15. A slave unit as defined in Claim 14 where said switching apparatus further includes movable actuating means having portions thereof in contact with said armature means for influencing the position of said cam means.
16. A slave unit as defined in Claim 15 wherein said cam means includes portions thereof disposed in the path of said actuating means.
17. A slave unit as defined in Claim 14 wherein said cam means is supported for rotary movement about an axis which substantially coincides with an axis of entry of an electrical connector to be joined with the switching apparatus.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000426574A CA1182896A (en) | 1980-11-17 | 1983-04-22 | Remote control system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/207,534 US4386338A (en) | 1980-11-17 | 1980-11-17 | Remote control system |
| US207,534 | 1980-11-17 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000426574A Division CA1182896A (en) | 1980-11-17 | 1983-04-22 | Remote control system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1182895A true CA1182895A (en) | 1985-02-19 |
Family
ID=22770991
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000380124A Expired CA1182895A (en) | 1980-11-17 | 1981-06-18 | Remote control system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4386338A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1182895A (en) |
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| US4630015A (en) * | 1985-01-10 | 1986-12-16 | Slater Electric, Inc. | Ground fault circuit interrupter |
| FR2598849B1 (en) * | 1986-05-15 | 1988-08-12 | Hager Electro | BISTABLE ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS |
| US5309310A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1994-05-03 | Felchar Manufacturing Corporation | Combined ground fault interrupter circuit and remote control on/off device |
| US5278512A (en) * | 1992-05-15 | 1994-01-11 | Richard Goldstein | Apparatus and method for continuously monitoring grounding conductor resistance in power distribution systems |
| US5541800A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1996-07-30 | Hubbell Incorporated | Reverse wiring indicator for GFCI receptacles |
| FR2753000B1 (en) * | 1996-09-02 | 1998-10-02 | Schneider Electric Sa | DEVICE FOR ACTUATING ELECTRICAL CONTACTS |
| US7400477B2 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2008-07-15 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Method of distribution of a circuit interrupting device with reset lockout and reverse wiring protection |
| US7463124B2 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2008-12-09 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Circuit interrupting device with reverse wiring protection |
| US6771152B2 (en) * | 2001-03-21 | 2004-08-03 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Pivot point reset lockout mechanism for a ground for fault circuit interrupter |
| US6437700B1 (en) * | 2000-10-16 | 2002-08-20 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Ground fault circuit interrupter |
| US6288882B1 (en) | 1998-08-24 | 2001-09-11 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Circuit breaker with independent trip and reset lockout |
| CA2428361C (en) * | 2002-05-09 | 2009-04-28 | Hubbell Incorporated | Gfci that cannot be reset until wired correctly on line side and power is applied |
| US6954125B2 (en) * | 2002-10-09 | 2005-10-11 | Zhejiang Dongzheng Electrical Co., Ltd. | Ground fault circuit interrupter with reverse wiring protection |
| US6949994B2 (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2005-09-27 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | GFCI without bridge contacts and having means for automatically blocking a face opening of a protected receptacle when tripped |
| US7737809B2 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2010-06-15 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Circuit interrupting device and system utilizing bridge contact mechanism and reset lockout |
| US7944331B2 (en) * | 2003-02-03 | 2011-05-17 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Circuit interrupting device with reverse wiring protection |
| US20070014058A1 (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2007-01-18 | Chan David Y | Neutral switch test mechanism for a circuit interrupter |
| WO2005099393A2 (en) * | 2004-04-08 | 2005-10-27 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Circuit interrupting device with a single test-reset button |
| US7195500B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2007-03-27 | Huadao Huang | Ground fault circuit interrupter with end of life indicators |
| US7289306B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2007-10-30 | Huadao Huang | Ground fault circuit interrupter containing a dual-function test button |
| US7633726B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2009-12-15 | Huadao Huang | Ground fault circuit interrupters with miswiring or reverse wiring protection and end of life alarm signal |
| US7317600B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2008-01-08 | Huadao Huang | Circuit interrupting device with automatic end of life test |
| US7315227B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2008-01-01 | Huadao Huang | Ground fault circuit interrupters providing end of the life test |
| US7538993B2 (en) | 2005-02-25 | 2009-05-26 | Huadao Huang | Receptacle circuit interrupting devices providing an end of life test controlled by test button |
| US7295415B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2007-11-13 | Huadao Huang | Circuits for circuit interrupting devices having automatic end of life testing function |
| US7265956B2 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2007-09-04 | Huadao Huang | Ground fault circuit interrupter containing a dual-function test button |
| US7455538B2 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2008-11-25 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Electrical wiring devices with a protective shutter |
| US7515058B2 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2009-04-07 | William Normand | Carbon monoxide detector and method of installation |
| CN201018127Y (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2008-02-06 | 黄华道 | Novel leakage protection socket |
| US7411766B1 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2008-08-12 | Huadao Huang | Circuit interrupting device with end of life testing functions |
| CN201112994Y (en) * | 2007-07-10 | 2008-09-10 | 黄华道 | Electric leakage protecting socket |
| US7834560B2 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2010-11-16 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Dimming system powered by two current sources and having an operation indicator module |
| US8300368B2 (en) * | 2007-09-30 | 2012-10-30 | Huadao Huang | Circuit interrupting device with end-of life testing, reverse wiring and high voltage surge capability |
| US8462471B2 (en) * | 2007-09-30 | 2013-06-11 | Huadao Huang | Circuit interrupting device with high voltage surge protection |
| US8233251B2 (en) * | 2007-09-30 | 2012-07-31 | Huadao Huang | Circuit interrupting device with interconnecting reset and test buttons |
| US7940498B2 (en) * | 2007-09-30 | 2011-05-10 | Huadao Huang | Circuit interrupting device with high voltage surge protection |
| CN103474300B (en) * | 2008-07-07 | 2016-03-09 | 立维腾制造有限公司 | A kind of fault circuit interrupter device |
| US7938676B1 (en) * | 2009-10-30 | 2011-05-10 | Leviton Mfg. Co. | Receptacle with antenna |
| US8444309B2 (en) | 2010-08-13 | 2013-05-21 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Wiring device with illumination |
| US8526144B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2013-09-03 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Reset lockout with grounded neutral test |
| TWM445249U (en) * | 2012-08-08 | 2013-01-11 | Tatung Co | A switch linkage mechanism and a large current breaker switch using the same |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3590271A (en) * | 1969-04-07 | 1971-06-29 | Daniel Peters | Remote control system |
| US4024528A (en) * | 1975-10-30 | 1977-05-17 | Boggs Luther M | Remote switching system |
| US4215276A (en) * | 1978-03-20 | 1980-07-29 | Janeway William F | Remote control of electrical power distribution system and method |
-
1980
- 1980-11-17 US US06/207,534 patent/US4386338A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1981
- 1981-06-18 CA CA000380124A patent/CA1182895A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4386338A (en) | 1983-05-31 |
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