User operated switch and speed control device for a wet/dry vacuum
US6008608A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H19/001
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A switch and speed control assembly for use in a wet/dry utility vacuum or blower is disclosed. The switch and speed control assembly provides a single rotary control actuator for turning the vacuum or blower on and off, for infinitely varying the speed of the motor, and for providing a momentary boost control. The switch and speed control assembly includes a thumb wheel fitted to the shaft of a voltage varying potentiometer, a snap action switch in operable relation to the exterior edge of the thumb wheel, and a compression spring contained beneath the thumb wheel. As the thumb wheel is rotated in an increasing "on" direction, the contacts of the snap action switch are closed, allowing electric current to flow to the motor of the wet/dry utility vacuum or blower. The voltage levels in the motor, and correspondingly the speed of the motor, are controlled by varying the potentiometer voltage through rotation applied to the thumb wheel. During boost operating conditions, the thumb wheel engages the compression spring such that when the force engaging the momentary boost condition abates, the thumb wheel returns to a normal operating condition. Additional features incorporated in the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.