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US 4,742,188 AGranted
Sliding electrical control
AssigneeLutron Electronics Co., Inc.
InventorsDavid L. Buehler, Michael J. Rowen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sliding electrical control provides a method for controlling the power to electrical systems, such as lamps, motors, etc. from more than one location. The control is designed to be mounted on one side of a plate and operated from the other side. It thus permits a slide for operating the control to be mounted closer to a wall than was possible before. In a preferred embodiment, the control includes a biasing spring, which reduces any tendency to rock, rather than slide, when the motion of the slide is begun.
Claims8
A sliding electrical control comprising, in combination:
- (a) a mounting plate having a first and second surface and an elongated slot through it;
- (b) a stationary electrical conductor spaced apart from and supported by the mounting plate first surface;
- (c) a slidable electrical conductor mounted for sliding parallel to the elongated slot, while maintaining electrical contact with the stationary electrical conductor;
- (d) a switch between the mounting plate first surface and the slidable electrical conductor, coupled to the slidable electrical conductor and having two opposite ends that secure switch actuators facing in opposite directions, parallel to the elongated slot;
- (e) a cap comprising
- (i) a top section, between the mounting plate first surface and the switch, for sliding along the mounting plate first surface and
- (ii) an end section adjoining each of the actuators for transmitting forces to operate the actuators and to slide the switch;
- and
- (f) coupling means for transmitting a force through the slot to the cap.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.