Multi-position switch with switch actuator movement inhibitor assembly
US5434378A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S362/802
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switch inhibitor assembly provided with a multi-position switch is operable for inhibiting movement of an actuator of the switch to a predetermined one of the multiple positions, such as an ON position of a succession of OFF, AUTO and ON positions, of the switch. The actuator is movable between the multiple positions along an elongated channel. The switch inhibitor assembly includes a slide actuator movable along an elongated slot which extends in a generally transverse relationship to the elongated channel. The slide actuator is movable between blocking and unblocking positions relative to and toward and away from the elongated channel. At the blocking position, a portion of the slide actuator extends across a portion of the elongated channel and thereby prevents movement of the switch actuator from the other positions of the switch along the portion of the elongated channel to the predetermined one position thereof. At the unblocking position, the portion of the slide actuator is retracted from across the portion of the elongated channel and thereby permits movement of the switch actuator from the other positions of the switch along the portion of the elongated channel to the p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.