Electrical switch assembly encapsulated against moisture intrusion
US5883459A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H9/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical switch assembly that is especially useful in a damp or moisture laden atmosphere. It can be used to operate remotely located electrical equipment, including household garbage disposers, hot tubs, spas and swimming pools. The assembly includes a receptacle and a piezoelectric element that is carried by an insert slidably fitted within the receptacle. Conductive wires in engagement with the element extend into a recess in the insert for engagement with a plug in the recess. Resiliently deformable potting material is poured through passageways in the insert to fill the insert and the receptacle, and to surround the element and the plug to prevent moisture entry. An end wall of the receptacle can be depressed to deform the element to generate electrical signals which are picked up by the plug and transmitted to an exterior control to operate the electrical equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.