Pneumatic switch operator
OwnerDavid N. Carlsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A self-contained pneumatic switch operating system for operating a conventional toggle switch is disclosed which includes a source of compressed air, a switch positioner including a linear pneumatic operator connected to the source of compressed air and to a pair of spaced switch operating members for operating a toggle switch situated therebetween. A housing for containing components of the switch operating system including a base member adapted to replace a conventional wall switch plate and a controller for controlling the operation of the switch positioner and a self-contained power supply for operating the switch positioner and the controller are also provided.
Claims12
A self-contained pneumatic switch operating system for operating a conventional toggle switch comprising:
- (a) a source of compressed air;
- (b) a switch positioner comprising a linear pneumatic operator connected to said source of compressed air and to a pair of spaced switch operating members for operating a toggle switch situated therebetween;
- (c) a housing for containing components of the switch operating system including a base member adapted to replace a conventional wall switch plate;
- (d) a controller for controlling the operation of the switch positioner;
- and
- (e) a self-contained power supply for operating said switch positioner and said controller.
Reserved.
A self-contained pneumatic switch operating system for operating a conventional toggle switch comprising:
- (a) a miniature air pump for providing a source of compressed air;
- (b) a switch positioner further comprising a single acting air cylinder having a piston connected to operate a ram, said ram further carrying a pair of spaced switch operating members for capturing and positioning a toggle switch;
- (c) a spring-biased catch and repel mechanism for holding said ram in an extended position after a first power stroke in which a toggle switch is operated to a first position and causing said ram and said piston to retract after a second power stroke thereby operating a toggle switch to an opposite second position;
- (d) a controller for controlling a operation of said switch positioner, said controller further comprising a solenoid valve for turning on said air pump when energized and turning off said air pump and venting said pump and cylinder when de-energized and timing means for timing the operation of said switch positioner;
- (e) a source of DC power;
- and
- (f) a housing for containing components (a)-(e) of the switch operating system, said housing having a bottom plate adapted to replace a conventional switch plate without disturbing the switch.
A method of automatically operating a toggle switch comprising the steps of:
- (a) pneumatically operating the switch from the “OFF” position to the “ON” position;
- and
- (b) using a spring-biased catch and repel device to operate said switch from the “ON” position to the “OFF” position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.