Multiple pole mercury switch particularly adapted for thermostat applications
US4536727A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 1984 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H37/56
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
There is disclosed a mercury switch for use in thermostat applications. The switch has a hollow housing fabricated from glass and is positioned in the horizontal plane when in an operating orientation. The switch has a first common electrode within said housing and extending parallel to the horizontal plane with a terminal end extending from the housing. Positioned above the first electrode is a second shorter electrode with a third longer electrode positioned above said second electrode said third electrode being longer than said second but shorter than said first. Positioned above the third electrode is a longer fourth electrode. Essentially, major portions of the electrodes within the housing are parallel to each other. A charge of mercury is in the housing and operates to make contact between the electrodes in four operating modes indicative of thermostat operation for control of a heat pump, furnace and air conditioner. In a first mode the first electrode is in contact with the second to activate a furnace or air conditioner. In the second mode, based on a further tilt of the switch, the first electrode is in contact with the third to activate a heat pump. In the third mode th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.