Light switch cover plate with mechanical timer mechanism
US5828018A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H23/16
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A light switch cover plate with a mechanical timer mechanism that includes a linear rack member for engaging the existing light switch actuator and that includes a cover plate member defining a timer mechanism cavity wherein the linear rack member is slidably installed within the timer mechanism cavity and guided along a predetermined path between a fully upward position and a fully downward position by an upper rack guide and a left and right lower rack guide, the linear rack member being biased toward the fully downward position by a helical spring attached between the linear rack member and the cover plate member, the linear rack having gear teeth formed along a side edge thereof in meshing relationship with a spring loaded mechanical drive mechanism including a spring drive assembly, a spring drive gear, a reduction gear assembly and an anchor escapement gear, the spring loaded mechanical drive mechanism providing a resistance against movement of the linear rack toward the fully downward position under the tensional force of the helical spring in a manner such that a predetermined period of time is required for the linear rack to move from the fully upward position to the fully…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.