Environmentally sealed piezoelectric switch assembly
US5332944A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/964
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical switch assembly for use in a warm, humid environment to initiate operation of electrical equipment such as hot tub or spa pumps, blowers and heaters. The assembly includes a hollow enclosure having an access opening. An actuator extends through and is movable within the access opening. A rigid circuit board fixed in position within the enclosure supports a piezoelectric subassembly which is deformable by the actuator to generate an electrical signal. Resiliently deformable potting material fills all the open spaces around the circuit board, the piezoelectric subassembly and the actuator. The potting material prevents moisture intrusion but is resiliently deformable to allow operational movement of the piezoelectric subassembly and the actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.