US3378797A

US3378797A - Sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial-condition relay

Info

Publication number: US3378797A
Application number: US567780A
Authority: US
Inventors: Dante A Caputo
Original assignee: Dante A. Caputo
Current assignee: DANTE A CAPUTO
Priority date: 1966-07-25
Filing date: 1966-07-25
Publication date: 1968-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 1985-04-16

Description

pm i6, 1968 D. A. cAPUTo SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIAL-CONDITION RELAY 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 25, 1966 Apri i6, 1968 D. A. CAPUTO 3,378,797

SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIALCONDITION RELAY Filed July 25, 1966 2 sheets-sheet a J f/ /zm /0061 f4@ 56A@ fm /42 #5a/M4 j /eja 9M gaa/@Zay 1044 I y (MZ (M8 *'16 /A/l/fA/m/e. A/vrf A. (Apure United States Patent C) 3,378,797 SLIDING ACTION, MULTIPLE CONTACT, MULTllPLE-lNltTIAL-CONDITION RELAY Dante A. Caputo, Los Angeles, Calif. (8129 Greenbush Ave., Van Nuys, Calif. 91402) lliled July 25, 1966, Ser. No. 567,780 l Claims. (Cl. 335-72) Generally speaking, the present invention relates to the relay art and, more particularly, to a sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial-condition relay including initial-condition-selecting means (in one preferred form, electrically energizable motor means, although not so limited in all forms) .for selecting and adjusting the initial relative positioning of multiple first and second electrical contact means of the relay, usually at times other than during normal operation and energization of the relay for relative movement of first and second electrical contact means from such a preselected initial condition to a different temporary relationship normally existing only during operation of an electrically energizable main operating motor means `also comprising a part of the relay.

When the above-mentioned multiple-initial-condition selecting means has adjusted the relationship of said first and second electrical contact means into one selected position, any desired number of the multiple contacts may be arranged to be normally open except when the main operating motor means is energized, normally closed except when said main operating m-otor means is energized, normally open under either condition, normally closed under either condition, or any combination thereof.

It should be noted that certain of the contacts may be arranged to be in electrical engagement when the main operating motor means is energized or de-energized while 'at the same time others of the contacts may be connected or disconnected when said main operating motor is energized or is de-energized, respectively, or vice versa. In other words, various permutations and combinations of interconnections of the multiple contacts, and/or various circuit elements which may be connected thereto, are contemplated with the above-mentioned multiple-initialcondition selecting means in only one of its possible alternate positions.

Therefore, it will readily be understood that the possible permutations and combinations of interconnections of the multiple contacts are greatly increased in accordance with the number 4of different multiple initial conditions of the first and second electrical contact means permitted by the multiple-initial condition selecting motor means, which may, in a broad sense, be said to have the effect of making one relay equivalent to two or more different relays, each having different initial closure conditions of the first and second electrical contact means, which can be achieved in a single relay of the present invention by merely causing operation of the multiple-initial-condition selecting means so as to bring about an initial change-ofclosure condition of the various contacts of the first and second electrical contact means before the relay is operated in a conventional manner by the main operating motor means thereof.

The type of relative movement provided by the multiple-initial-condition selecting motor means lreferred to above for changing the initial closure condition of the multiple contacts of the first and second electrical contact means of the relay prior to conventional operation of the relay by energization of the main operating means, may be a translatory or rectilinear movement or may be a rotary movement or otherwise-in fact, any type of relative movement which changes the initial relationships of first and second electrical contact means prior to normal operation and relative movement thereof by the main op- FCice erating motor means may be employed within the broad scope of the present invention.

Applicants co-pending application, Ser. No. 567,698, filed concurrently herewith, broadly claims all such structures within the broad scope of the generic invention as just broadly defined above and specifically discloses and specifically claims certain exemplary and representative but non-specifically-limiting forms of the invention wherein the multiple-initial-condition selecting motor means produces a translatory or rectilinear relative movement of the first or second electrical contact means with respect to the second or first electrical contact means, or vice versa. The present application specifically discloses and claims certain exemplary but non-specifically-limiting forms of the invention wherein the above-mentioned-multiple-initial-condition selecting motor means produces a rotative relative movement of the first or second electrical contact means with respect to the second or first electrical contact means7 or vice versa.

Thus, it will be understood that irrespective of what type of initial-condition-selecting movement is produced by the multiple-initial-condition selecting motor means, it has the effect of changing into la desired relationship the positionings of the first electrical contact means with respect to the second electrical conta-ct means and is com pletely independent of the subsequent main operating movement of either said first or said second electrical contact means produced by energization of the main operating motor means of the relay.

Additionally, it should be noted that the above-mentioned main operating motor means of the relay is not limited to one such main operating motor means such as one solenoid, for example, but, if desired, two opposed main operating motor means may be employed for sliding certain of the multiple contacts of the relay in either of two directions during the main operating energization of the relay for appropriate connection or disconnection of various of the contacts with respect to other stationary one-s of said electrical contacts and, if desired, centering or opposing biasing spring means may comprise a portion of the main operating motor means. Also, in forms of the relay wherein only one electrically energizable solenoid, or the like, is employed as part of the main operating motor means, and an opposing biasing spring means effectively comprising a return spring is also employed, it may be said to comprise a portion of said main operating motor Imeans since it produces 'a portion of the main operating movement.

Additionally, if desired, various types of latching means may be employed in connection with either the main operating movement or the multiple-initial-condition-selecting movement of the means mounting either the first or second electrical contact means for holding same in any adjusted position produced by operation of the corresponding motor means until subsequent release thereof.

lt will be understood that the various forms of the present invention, as briefly outlined above, produce an extremely flexible type of relay capable of providing a great variety of different types of circuit interconnections in one relay, and, thus, comprises a relay which lends itself exteremely well to multiple control purposes such as in either pre-programmed, tape-operated or remotely operated control systems for missiles or aircraft having multiple control elements such as attitude and orientation thrusters, rockets, jets, or the like, or control surfaces such as ailerons, rudders, elevators, and the like, in the case of an aircraft adapted to fly in atmosphere, so that information can be fed into various control circuits to operate various control elements in an appropriate manner for maintaining a desired course of travel. The information fed into such control circuits, as previously mentioned, may be programmed information prerecorded on suitable recorded media and supplied to the control system at the proper time rate corresponding to the travel and flight path of the missile or aircrait, or may be information derived from sensors sensing the location, attitude, orientation, position, etc., of the missile or aircraft at any given instant and compared with the preprogrammed or intended location, attitude, orientation, position, etc., of the missile or aircraft so that the measured error therebetween can operate through the control circuits for bringing about appropriate operation of corrective thrustcrs, rockets, jets, or aircraft control elements or means to bring the missile or aircraft back onto the direct path of travel. Also, information may be remotely supplied to the aircrafts or missiles control circuits to bring about appropriate operation of the control elements thereof whereby to bring about a desired flight path of the missile or aircraft. Since multiple switching operations will be required in such a control circuit, it will readily be understood that the novel multiple-initial-condition relay of the present invention lends itself very advantageously to use in such control circuits for bringing about the great variety of different switching operations required therein.

It should also be noted that the novel multiple-initialcondition relay of the present invention lends itself ideally to use in an electrical power distribution and/or transmission system such as is employed for supplying large amounts of electrical energy to cities, factories, homes, and the like, since excessive demand in such a system may cause one or more circuit breakers to be thrown, or one or more generators to be overloaded, or some other equivalent type of temporary overload to occur in one or more circuit elements of such a power distribution and transmission system, with the consequent complete failure and breakdown of the distribution function thereof with respect to certain areas, which may be extremely inconvient or even dangerous in some certain circumstances. It will be understood that one means for providing adequate overload protection for such system would be to provide for a plurality of stand-by overload circuits and/or generators or other power-supplying means arranged to be added to or substracted from the main system in response to powed demand, and that power-demand sensing means can be employed for operating a multiple-initial-condition relay in accordance with the principles of the present invention (although preferably of an extremely heavy-duty type) for automatically electrically connecting to (or disconnecting from) the main power system one or more such additional power-supplying circuits or generators as needed.

Also, it should be noted that various sequencing apparatuses and equipment, wherein an initial triggering operation produces a sequence of subsequent operations in a predetermined sequential and usually timed relationship are needed with greater and greater frequency in modern complex automated and/ or electronic equipment. For example, the predetermined sequential ring of a plurality of rockets or other projectiles, or the like, in a predetermined sequential (and usually timed) relationship after the firing of an initial rocket, is of considerable military importance and, for another example taken from the industrial field, consider the programmed performance of a series of dilferent machine operations in accordance with a specitication or drawing to produce a nal machined part. This usually involves a timed sequence of operations analogous in a way to the timed sequential firing of the rockets referred to in the military example mentioned above. In either case, the novel mutiple-initialcondition relay of the present invention lends itself very advantageously to use in such a system because of the multiplicity of switching interconnection arrangements made possible by the novel multiple-initial-condition relay of the present invention.

The present invention is an improvement over applicants earlier invention as set forth in U.S. Patent No. 3,246,161, and it should be noted that any of the various relay structures shown in said patent may be improved in accordance with the teachings of the present invention so as to include multiple-initial-condition selecting means of any of the various types referred to hereinabove, and all such improved composite structural arrangements are intended to be included and comprehended herein as fully as if described and illustrated in very specific and vary particularized detail.

It should be noted that the novel relay of the present invention is particularly advantageous from the standpoint of minimizing arcing and pitting of the multiple contacts thereof because of the novel sliding engagement and disengagement cooperation of said contacts.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the novel relay of the present invention is highly advantageous for use under environmental conditions which might undesirably affect conventional relays. For example, the novel relay of the present invention, in one exemplary form, may comprise a closed structure and, therefore, variations in atmospheric pressure will have little effect upon the action of the relay. Also, undesirable arcing (and consequent pitting) of the contacts will not occur at low atmospheric pressures as frequently ocurs in conventional prior art relays when operated under low atmospheric pressure conditions. lf desired, the relay can comprise a completelysealed structure having an optimum interior pressure and, in some cases, may be interiorly provided with an inert gas and, under such conditions, virtually no arcing or pitting of any sort will occur irrespective of environmental conditions.

Furthermore, the novel relay of the present invention, when properly oriented, is relatively non-subject to vibration and acceleration forces-that is, false operation of the relay will not occur under such conditions as frequently occurs under such conditions with any conventional prior art relays.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel multiple-contact relay of a cultiple-initial-condition selection type of the character referred to herein which includes any or all of the features referred to herein, generically and/or specifically, either individually or in combination, and which is of simple, inexpensive construction adapted for ready mass manufacture at a relatively low cost per unit and which is extremely versatile and flexible in use, whereby to be conducive to widespread production, distribution, and use of the invention for any or all of the purposes outlined herein or for other relay-switching purposes.

` Further objects are implicit in the -detailed description which follows hereinafter (which is to he considered as exemplary of, but not specifically limiting, the present invention), and said objects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art after .a careful study of the detailed de- -scription which follows hereinafter.

For the purpose of clarifying the nature of the present invention, several exemplary embodiments thereof are illustrated in the hereinbelow-described figures of the acq companying two sheets of drawings and are described in detail hereinafter.

FIG. l is a central plane, longitudinal View taken substantially along the plane indicated by the arrows 1-'1 of FIG. 3 and is partly in section and partly in elevation. This View shows one exemplary embodiment of the invention wherein a first contact mounting portion is of generally hollow cylindrical annular shape surrounding a second con-tact mounting portion which is of generally cylindrical shape and wherein the initial-condition-selecting motor means is arranged to rotate said rst contact mounting outer portion or means rotatively around the second contact mounting inner portion or means for changing an initial contact closure condition, and wherein the second contact mounting portion or means may be said to comprise a plunger adapted to be longitudinally shifted by -a main operating motor. In this view one initial condition of the first and second electrical 4contact means is shown and the main operating motor is shown in deenergized relationship.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the plane indicated by the arrows 2--2 of FIG. l, with certain po-rtions of the apparatus behind the plane of the View removed for reasons of drawing simplifica tion and clarity.

IFIG. 3 is a fragmentary view similar to the central portion of FIG. 2, but shows the rotative displacement of the first contact mounting means from the first initial counter-clockwise extreme position of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 into a 90-degree clockwise displaced second clockwise extreme initial condition.

FIG 4 is another cross-sectional view taken substantially along the plane indicated by the arrows 4-4 of FIG. 1 and with the initial-condition-selecting motor means broken away from the drive shaft thereof and not shown for drawing space-saving reasons.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrates a modified form of the invention wherein the centrally positioned plunger, or second contact mounting portion or means, is the one which is adapted to be initially rotated by the initial-condition-selecting motor means for chang* ing the initial condition of contact closure of the relay when the main operating motor means is -de-energized, as is shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a View taken substantially along the plane indicated by the arrows 6 6 of FIG. 5.

lFIG. 7 is a fragmentary View similar to the central portion of FIG. 6 but shows the rotative displacement of the central plunger, comprising the second contact mounting means from the second initial condition of FIGS. 5 and 6 (indicated in phantom in FIG. 7) into a 90degree counter-clockwise -displaced first initial condition, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 6.

=FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view taken substantially along the plane indicated by the arrows 8--8` of FIG. 5, but with the initial-condition-selecting motor means broken away at an intermediate portion of the drive shaft thereof for drawing space-saving reasons.

One exemplary first embodiment of the invention is i1- lustrated in FIGS. 1 4 and may be said to comprise a first contact mounting means or portion, indicated generally at 20, which may be said to comprise la generally cylindrically-shaped centrally hollow annular member of plastic or other type of insulating material Z2 which has circular end flanges 24 longitudinally spaced apart and separated by an outer annular recess 26 primarily for the purpose of lightening the structure, `and with said t circular end flanges 24 being provided with O-rings 28 positioned between the outer circular periphery 3f) of each of said circular iian ges 24 and the corresponding inside surface 32 of the circular outer housing wall 34 0f ythe housing generally indicated by lthe reference numeral 36.

The structure just defined mounts the complete first contact mounting means 20 in an axially and longitudinally centralized position within cylindrical side wall 34 and the longitudinally spaced circular disc-shaped end walls 138 of the cylindrical housing means 36 in la manner which allows said first Contact mounting means 2li to be readily rotated relative to the housing 36 around the longitudinal common central axis thereof.

The first contact mounting means or portion 2i) also has a cylindrical, centrally-positioned, longitudinal through aperture or bore 40 extending therethrough from end to end and adapted to longitudinally slidably receive and mount therein a second Contact mounting means or portion, such as is generally designated -by the reference numeral 412, which, in the example illustrated, is shown as comprising a longitudinal cylindrical member made of plastic or other electrical insulating material '44 provided 6 With a left end shaft 46 and a right end shaft 43. each slidably mounted in a closely-tting correspondinglyshaped aperture or hole 50 and 52, respectively, in the left housing end wall 38 and the right housing end wall 38, respectively.

It should be noted that various means may be provided for causing the second contact mounting means 42 and the shafts 46 and dit thereof to be freely longitudinally movable relative to the housing 36, but to be non-rotatable around the longitudinal axis thereof. In the example illustrated, this comprises key means S4 on the left shaft 46 cooperating with a corresponding key slot means 56 in the left end wall 38 of the housing 36. However, as pointed out above, various other key, spline, or rotativemovement-immobilizing means may be employed in lieu thereof.

In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the first contact mounting means or portion, indicated generally at 20, is provided with rst electrical conta-ct means comprising a first set of two longitudinally aligned electrical contact members 58A and a second set of two longitudinally aligned electrical contact members 58B displaced rotatively substantially 90 degrees around the inside surafce 6d of the first contact mounting means 26 from the first set of two electrical contact members 53A and also in the example illustrated, longitudinally displaced therefrom a distance equal to the normal operating stroke of the second contact mounting means 42, which may be said to comprise the plunger of the complete relay adapted to `be operated when the main operating motor means, generally designated by the reference numeral 62, is electrically energized ywhereby to move the plunger, or second contact mounting means 42, from the solid-line position thereof shown in FIG. 1 leftwardly toward the leftward extreme position shown in phantom lines in FIG. l.

Said four

electrical contact members

58A and 58B are generally designated by the reference numeral 5S and are embedded within the plastic or electrical insulating material 22 of the first contact mounting means 20 at the inner face junction thereof comprising the inner surface 60 thereof immediately around the longitudinal central bore or aperture 40 longitudinally extending therethrough and are positioned for opposition to and electrical engagement with either of two radially outwardly projecting electrical contacts 64, which may be said to comprise second electrical contact means, carried by said second contact mounting means or plunger 42, and positioned for normal electrical engagement with the corresponding first electrical contact means 58A when the plunger 42 is in the rightward extreme position corresponding to de-energization of the main operating motor means 62 and when the first contact mounting means 20 is in the first initial condition or position (of two QO-degree rotatively displaced different initial conditions or positions which may be selected by a user of the device).

In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated, each of the previously-mentioned contacts of the first electrical contact means 58 is provided with electrically conductive effective lead means, such as indicated at 66, passing leftwardly therealong to the left end of the first contact mounting means 20 and there being individually connected to a corresponding projecting electrically conductive wiping electrical Contact member 63, which is positioned in longitudinal electrical engagement with a corresponding one of four radially differently sized and concentric electrically conductive slip rings mounted on the inside surface of the left end wall 38 of the housing 36 and individually provided with four exterior electrically conductive leads '72, which may be connected in any suitable manner to various desired exterior circuit elements (not shown) for various different types of control purposes.

I desired, the wiping electrical contacts 68 and engaged slip rings '70 may be eliminated and the electrically conductive lead means 66 may extend leftwardly from the end of the first contact mounting means and may each `be provided with a flexible excess-length portion of wire (or resilient electrically conductive elements such as Phosphor bronze, or the like, for example) positioned within the housing 36 -between the left end wall 38 thereof and the left end of the first contact mounting means 20 so that the excess length of each of said electrically conductive lead means 66 within the housing 36 will permit the desired 90-degree rotative displacement of the iirst contact mounting means 20 from the first initial condition or position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 to the second initial condition and position thereof, which merely comprises a 90-degree clockwise rotation of said outer positioned first contact mounting means 20 from the counter-clockwise extreme position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, to the clockwise extreme position shown in FIG. 3, thus making it possible for the outer or exterior leads 72 to be solidly and non-movably mounted with respect to the left end wall 38 of the housing 36.

Each of the contacts 64 comprising the second electrical contact means, also designated by the reference numeral 64, is provided with electrically conductive lead means for providing a desired type of interconnection of said contacts 64, the contacts 58A and/or the contacts 58B. In the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated, said electrical lead means is designated by the reference numeral 74, and it will be noted that it is embedded Within the plastic insulating material 44 of the second electrical contact mounting means comprising the plunger 42 and connects the first and second electrical contacts 64 to each other. However, this arrangement, the number of said contacts 64, and various other types of possible interconnections thereof, all lie within the broad scope of the present invention, and the specific arrangement illustrated in lFIG. 1 is not to be construed as limiting the invention thereto.

It should be noted that, in the exemplary first form of the invention illustrated, the two contacts comprising the second electiical contact means 64 are positioned so as to be capable of being in electrical engagement with the two longitudinal contacts 58A of the rst electrical contact means 58, in the manner clearly shown in FIG. 1, when the main relay-operating motor means 62 is deenergized as it is in FIG. 1, and so as to be capable of being moved into electrical relative disengagement when said main operating motor means 62 is energized so as to move the second contact mounting means or plunger 42 from its rightward extreme solid-line position shown in FIG. 1 into its leftward extreme, fully-operated position as shown in phantom in FIG. l. Of course, the above is only true when the rst contact mounting means or portion 20 remains in the counter-clockwise extreme initial condition or position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 (best shown in FIG. 2), which is the condition of the apparatus during the initial description thereof until I note hereinafter a change of initial condition of said first mounting means or portion 20.

The main operating motor means 62, generally referred to above, comprises a translatory type of electrically energizable motor means adapted to produce translatory movement of the second contact mounting means or plunger 42 from its normal de-energized rightward extreme position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 into its energized leftward extreme position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1.

In the example illustrated, said electrically energizable translatory main operating motor means 62 comprises a solenoid means, generally designated by the reference numeral 76, including a solenoid coil 78 mounted on an annular ferromagnetic armature 84, which is normally maintained by an opposed biasing coil compression spring means 8S in the rightward extreme position shown clearly in solid lines in FIG. 1.

The solenoid coil 78 has input leads 86 connected to input terminals 88 adapted to controllably apply thereto various different types of electrical energy, either from a local source and under local control, or from a local source and under remote control, or any combination of such arrangements, whereby to cause energization of the relay coil 78 and to attract the ferromagnetic armature 84 toward the left as far as it may travel, which, of course, causes the spring abutment member 90 to compress the biasing coil compression spring 85 against the corresponding part of the right end Wall 38 of the housing 36. It will be understood that whenever the supply of electrical energy to the input terminals 88 is interrupted (in any desired manner, either under local or remote control), the relay coil 78 will be de-energized and the biasing spring 85 will cause movement of the ferro-magnetic armature 84 toward the right into its normal position shown in solid lines in FIG. l. Incidentally, it should be noted that the spring abutment member 90 is made of a non-ferromagnetic material so as to not -be affected by the magnetic field produced by the solenoid 76.

It will be noted that the armature shaft 82 is connected by a pin 92 to a second shaft 94 which extends through the hole 52 in the right end wall 38 of the housing 36 and into fastening engagement with respect to the right end of the previously-mentioned second contact mounting means or plunger 42 at the location indicated by the reference numeral 95.

As previously mentioned, the O-rings 28 rotatively mount the rst Contact mounting means 20 for rotation between the first counterclockwise extreme initial condition or position thereof as shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 4, and the second clockwise extreme initial condition and position thereof as shown in fragmentary form in FIG. 3-said movement being accomplished by the initial-condition-selecting motor means generally designated by the reference numeral 96, which will be described hereinbelow.

The exemplary first initial-condition-selecting motor means 96 is of a rotative reversible movement type comprising a reversible electric motor 98 adapted to rotate in either of two directions a worm 100 of a rotative movement actuator means, such as is generally designated at 102, which effectively comprises the worm 100 just mentioned and the engaged worm gear or worm wheel 104 exteriorly carried by the right end of the first contact mounting means 20.

Thus, it will be understood that when the motor 98 is energized in one direction of rotation, by operation of the snap-action switch means generally designated at 106 of the control electric circuit means generally designated at 108, the rotation of the worm 100 in that direction will cause the worm gear or worm wheel 104 and the first contact mounting means 20 attached thereto to rotate in either a clockwise direction toward the second clockwise extreme initial condition or position shown in FIG. 3 or in the opposite counter-clockwise direction toward the counter-clockwise extreme initial condition or position shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 4.

If we assume that the snap-action switch 106 is operated from the position shown in FIG. 1, where it connects the upper power input terminal 88 to the upper parallel switching lead 110, to its alternate position where it connects said upper power input terminal 88 to the other lower parallel switching lead 112, it will be noted that the snap-action microswitch, generally designated at 114, is already in a position such as to connect the newly-powered switching lead 112, by lead 113 to the terminal 116 of the motor 98. This will cause the motor 98 to be energized in a direction such as to rotate the worm 100 in a clockwise direction as one looks axially therealong toward the left as viewed in FIG. 4, which will, of course, tend to rotate the worm gear or wheel 104 and the first Contact mounting means 2t) in a clockwise direction from the counter-clockwise extreme position shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 4, toward the clockwise extreme condition and position thereof shown in fragmentary form in FIG. 3,-until such time as the limit switch actuating pin strikes the switch-actuating element 120 of the previously-mentioned snap-action microswitch 114 and causes the interior switch element thereof, shown in broken lines at 122, to move from the left position illustrated in FIG. 4 into a right position where it connects to the other parallel switching circuit 11i). In other words, it breaks the connection between the powered switching circuit 112 and the motor terminal 116 and, therefore, immediately stops further rotation of the motor 9S in a manner such as to stop the clockwise rotation of the worm gear and wheel 104 and the first contact mounting means 20 in the extreme clockwise position shown in fragmentary form in FIG. 3.

When an operator wishes to return the first contact mounting means 20 from its clockwise extreme initial condition shown in FIG. 3 to its first counter-clockwise extreme initial condition such as is shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 4, he manually operates the other snap-action switch 124, which then effectively connects the lupper power input terminal 88 to the parallel switching circuit 126, which connects through the snap-action switch means generally designated at 128 and through the lead 131i to the other terminal 132 of the initial-condition-selecting motor 98.

The above, of course, causes the motor 98 to be energized in an opposite direction from that previously described, which will rotate the worm 1110 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in a leftward direction in FIG. 4, and this will, of course, cause the first contact mounting means 20 to 4be forcibly moved from its clockwise extreme position shown in fragmentary form in FIG. 3 toward its counter-clockwise extreme position until it reaches same, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, where the actuating pin 115 strikes the operating element 134 of the previously mentioned counter-clockwise limit switch means 128, which caused the operation of the interior switch element thereof, shown in broken lines at 136, so as to cause it to break the connection of the power input lead 36 to the motor energizing lead 130 and to instead connect the other parallel switching lead 133.

It will be noted that both of the alternately differentlypositioned snap-

action switches

106 and 124 and the similar alternately-positioned snap-action microswitches comprising the end-of-movement limit switches 114 and 12S are so connected to the electric circuit means 108 as to be ready for repetition of the clockwise extreme movement of the first contact mounting means Ztl, followed by a counter-clockwise extreme movement thereof, and so on, for as many repetitions thereof as desired.

The important point to note is that then the first contact mount-means 2d is in is first counter-clockwise extreme initial condition or position as shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 4, lthe second electrical contact means 64 and the Contact members 58A of the first electrical contact means 53 are in rotatively aligned relationship with respect to each other and in a certain longitudinal relationship with respect to each other-in the example illustrated, in electrical engagement, although not specifically so limited.

However, when the initial-condition-selecting motor means 96 is operated by movement of the switch means 106 from one position to the other and the first contact mounting means 26 rotatively moves in a clockwise direction into the second clockwise extreme position shown in FIG. 3, said first and second electrical contact means 58 and 64 are in a completely different relative initial position, both rotatively and longitudinally. Rotatively speaking, the second contacts 64 are rotatively misaligned with the previously-mentioned contacts 558A of the first electrical contact means 58 but are now rotatively aligned with the other pair of electrical contacts 525B of said rst electrical contact means 5S but are longitudinally disengaged therefrom. Therefore, it will readily be understood that this has the effect of providing two different relays in one structure since, in the first case, energization of the main operating motor 62 will then cause disengagement of the first and second electrical contact means 553A and 64 while, in the second case, energization of the main operating motor means 62 will have exactly the opposite effectthat is, it will cause engagement of the previously-disengaged first and second electrical contact means 58B and 64.

Of course, for purposes of illustration, I have chosen a very simple arrangement of the first and second electrical contact means 58 and 64. Actually, they may vary in number according to need and some of them may be initially engaged while others may be initially disengaged and, if desired, some of them may comprise an arrangement such that either of a pair of cooperable contacts may be made longitudinally long enough so as to remain in engagement with the cooperating contact irrespective of whether the main operating motor 62 is energized or de-energized and also various combinations of such arrangements are all within the broad scope of the present invention.

Additionally, it should be noted that only two different initial-condition-selection locations and pluralities of sets of the first electrical contacts means 58 corresponding thereto are illustrated in the exemplary first form of the invention. This is done for purposes of simplicity and convenience of illustration. However, it should be noted that virtually any desired number of such initial-condition-selection locations and corresponding contact means in different relationship to the other opposed engageable electrical contacts may be employed within the broad scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a slight modification of the invention wherein all parts, either identical to or structurally or functionally similar to corresponding parts of the first form of the invention, are designated by similar reference numerals, followed by the letter a, however.

In the modification of FIGS. 5-8, it will be noted that. the initial-condition-selecting motor means is generally designated by the reference numeral 96a and is of substantially the same type as that illustrated in the first form of the invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 96. However, it does not rotate the first contact mounting means 20a, but instead rotates the second contact mounting means or plunger 42a between counterclockwise and clockwise extreme initial conditions or positions whereby to bring about the functional equivalent of the relay of the first form of the invention. It will be noted that this is accomplished by mounting the worm gear or wheel 1li/ta is a keyed manner on the left end shaft 46a which has a key 54a mounted in a key slot 56a in the worm wheel 104:1, thus allowing the shaft 46a and, of couse, the complete second contact mounting means or plunger 42a, to freely move longitudinally relative to the worm wheel 10451, which is prevented from moving longitudinally by the U-shaped bracket 140 fastened to the left end wall 38a of the housing 36a. However, the Worm wheel 104:1 and the shaft 46a cannot rotate relative to each other and, therefore, any driven rotation of the worm wheel 104e by the worm 100er will correspondingly rotate the entire second contact mounting means or plunger 42a between a counter-clockwise extreme initial condition or position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 7, and a clockwise eXtreme initial condition and position as shown in solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 6, and as shown in .phantom in FIG. 7.

The contacts 58Aa and 58Ba of the first contact mounting means 58a carried by the inside surface 66a of the first contact mounting means 20a are the same in this form of the invention as in the rst form of the invention previously described in detail, and it will -be understood that rotation of the second contact mounting means or plunger 42a between the counter-clockwise extreme position shown in solid lines in FIG. 7 and the clockwise extreme position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 6 and in phantom in FIG. 7, will accomplish the same function as the previously-described clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the first contact mounting means 20 of the first form of the invention previously-described 1 1 in detail with respect to changing the initial engaged or disengaged relationship of the first and second electrical contact means 64a and 58a when the main operating motor means I62a is deenergized and for also changing said contact relationship when said main operating motor means 62a is energized.

It will be noted that the limit switch operating arm means 115a is substantially the same as in the first form of the invention and that the two limit switches 114a and 128a are substantially the same. Also, it will be noted that the initial-condition-selecting motor means 96a is at the opposite end of the housing from the first form of the invention. However, functionally said elements are essentially the same as in the first form of the invention and no further detailed description thereof is thought necessary.

It should be noted that in the FIGS. 5-8, modification of the invention, the first contact mounting means a is not intended to rotate and, indeed, is intended to remain in a fixed relationship with respect to the housing 36a. This may be accomplished in any of a variety of ways and, in the example illustrated, is accomplished by making the housing 36a of substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration and making the first contact mounting means 20a of a similar rectangular cross-sectional configuration adapted to mount within the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the housing 36a in a non-rotative manner. In the example illustrated, said first contact mounting means 20a is provided at each end and on each of the four sides thereof with outwardly projecting shoulders 142 defining therebetween four recesses 144, each receiving and mounting therein a curved leaf-type biasing spring 146 which is of fiat cross-sectional configuration and which is bowed and has the opposite ends thereof abutting the shoulders 142 while the remainder of the spring lies within the recess 144 positioned between said shoulders 142 in a manner such as to cause the outwardly bowed central portion of said leaf-type spring 146 to forcibly resiliently abut the inside surface of the corresponding top, bottom, and side walls 148 of the housing 36a in a normally resiliently centered manner with respect to the second mounting means or plunger 42a. However, this resilient mounting arrangement may be modified substantially or eliminated entirely in certain forms of the invention.

It should be noted that for purposes of Simplicity only two different initial condition locations have been illustrated and described, although in various different versions, in this present application. This `greatly simplifies the drawings and the description thereof and yet fully illustrates the basic principle and primary inventive concept of the present invention, and it should -be clearly understood that the present invention may be modified to include virtually any desired number of such initial condition locations and corresponding sets, or plurality of sets, of correspondingly located contact members of the contact carrying member adjusted by the initial-condition-selecting means whereby to provide a corresponding plurality of initial contact engagement or disengagement relationships with respect to the electrical contacts of the other contact-carrying member, which is operated by the main operating motor means when the relay is energized or deenergized. Therefore, all such arrangements within the scope of the generic basic description of the primary inventive concept of the present invention just set forth are intended to be included and comprehended within the broad scope of the present invention.

It should be clearly noted that the initial-conditionselecting means generically referred to throughout this application may comprise an electrically energizable motor means of any of the various different types disclosed and/ or referred to in this application adapted to ybe energized by electric circuit means and control switch means in any of various manners such as those exemplified in this application, or various functional equivalents thereof, but said initial-condition-selecting means is not specifically limited thereto. Said initial-condition-selecting means or motor means may comprise virtually any type of controllably operable motor means energizable by any suitable or convenient form of energy and, indeed, may even comprise a manually operable motor means adapted to be manually controllably operated for effecting the desired change of initial condition or position of the corresponding contact mounting portion or means so as to change the initial condition of cooperable electrical contact members with respect to the initial closed or open relationship thereof.

For example, with respect to the first exemplary version of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the initialcondition-selecting motor means indicated generally at 96 may be made manually operable by merely removing the reversible electric motor i8 and providing the exterior portion of the motor shaft driving the worm with a manually graspable rotatable knob or crank so that it may be rotated in either direction from the exterior of the housing 36 whereby to accomplish the initialcondition-selecting of the relationships of the first and second electrical contact means by rotating the outer or first contact carrying means 20 between either the' counter-clockwise extreme position thereof shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 or the clockwise extreme position shown in FIG. 3 and doing so without requiring any exterior power source other than that provided by the operators hand.

With respect to the second version of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, substantially the same type of modification as that referred to above in connection with the first form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 4 may be employed for rendering the initial-conditionselecting means 96a manually operable. In other words, the motor 98a can be eliminated and the shaft carrying the worm ltla can be manually rotated.

In other words, in all of the forms of the invention, the initial-condition-selecting motor means may be readily modified to be manually operable, if desired, or to be operable by virtually any desired type of powered motor means.

It should be noted that, preferably, the various elements of the invention other than the electrical contact means, electrically conductive members, terminals and leads, the biasing springs, the solenoid coil, and the,

solenoid armature, are made of suitable electrical insulating material such as molded plastic, rubber, or the like, although various other suitable materials may be employed.

It should also be noted that the invention lends itself very well to sealed leak-tight construction for use where exposure of the contacts might be undesirable or dangerous, such as in explosive atmospheres, or the like, or where environmental conditions might tend to produce early failure of operation of the relay. For example, if the relay were to be immersed in sea water or were to be placed in any other substantially electrically conductive medium, there might be a tendency for the contacts to short out. However, the sealed form of the present invention would prevent this from occurring.

It should be understood that the figures and the specific description thereof set forth in this application are for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention to the precise and detailed specific structure shown in the gures and specifically described hereinbefore. Rather, the real invention is intended to include substantially equivalent constructions embodying the basic teachings and inventive concept of the present invention.

I claim:

ll. A sliding-action, multiple-contact, multiple-initial condition relay including apparatus for selecting and adjusting the initial relative positioning of multiple contacts thereof, comprising: first contact mounting means normally positioned in a pre-determined location during operation of a relay; second contact mounting means normally movably positioned closely adjacent to said first contact mounting means for slidable movement relative thereto during operation of the relay, said first Contact mounting means having first electrical contact means carried thereby and directed toward said second contact mounting means, said second contact mounting means having second electrical contact means carried thereby and directed toward said first contact mounting means and having at least a portion thereof positioned for electrical engagement with a corresponding portion of said first electrical contact means when in a first relative contact position with respect to said first contact mounting means and for electrical disengagement from said corresponding portion of said first electrical contact means when in a second relative contact position with respect to said first contact mounting means; electrically energizable main operating motor means effectively interconnecting said first contact mounting means and said second contact mounting means for causing main operating relative movement thereof in one manner between said relative contact positions in response to a change in electrical energization condition of said main operating motor means in one manner during operation of the relay and for causing main operating relative movement thereof in another manner between said relative contact positions in response to a change in electrical energization condition of said main operating motor means in another manner during operation of the relay; and initial-condi tion-selecting motor means effectively interconnecting said second contact mounting means and said first contact mounting means for causing initialconditionselecting relative movement thereof, and of said first and second electrical contact means carried thereby, in one manner from one initial relative contact position thereof to another different initial relative Contact position thereof in response to operation in one manner of said initialcondition-selecting motor means usually prior to normal operation of said main operating motor means and for causing initial-condition-selecting relative movement thereof in another manner between said different initial relative contact positions in response to operation in another manner of said initial-condition-selecting motor means usually prior to normal operation of said main operating motor means; said initial-condition-selecting motor means comprising electrically energizable and deenergizable rotative-movement-producing reversible initialcondition-selecting motor means effectively connected between said first contact mounting means and said second contact mounting means.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said rotative-movement-producing reversible initial-conditionselecting motor means comprises rotative actuator means including a Worm and worm gear` power transmission means, and -an electric motor reversibly rotating coupled to the worm thereof, effectively connected between said first contact mounting means and said second contact mounting means.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including circuit means including limit switch means positioned at selected locations effectively in the rotative path of relative movement produced by operation of said initial-conditionnelecting motor means in corresponding different manners CII for switch-operation thereof and consequent de-energization of said initial-condition-selecting motor means when said first and second electrical contact means reach a corresponding selected one of said initial relative Contact positions thereof.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including circuit means including limit switch means positioned -at opposite end-of-movement locations effectively in the rotative path of relative movement produced by operation of said initial-conditionselecting motor means in corresponding different manners for switch-operation thereof and consequent deenergization of said initial-conditionselecting motor means when said first and second electrical contact means reach a corresponding selected one of two diiferent initial relative contact positions thereof.

S. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including circuit means including limit switch means positioned at SC- lected locations effectively in the rotative path of relative movement produced by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means in corresponding different manners for switchoperation thereof and consequent deenergization of said initial-condition-selecting motor means when said first and second electrical contact means reach a corresponding selected one of said initial relative contact positions thereof.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including circuit means including limit switch means positioned at opposite end-of-movement locations effectively in the rotative path of relative movement produced by operation of said initial-condition-selecting motor means in corresponding different manners for switch-operation thereof and c0nsequent deenergization of said initial-condition-selecting motor means when said first and second electrical Contact means reach a corresponding selected one of two different initial relative contact positions thereof.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including housing means movably carrying said first and second contact mounting means and provided with rotative-movement immobilizing means longitudinally slidably coupling said housing means with respect to said second Contact mounting means.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, including housing means movably carrying said rst and second Contact mounting means and provided with rotative-movement immobilizing means longitudinally slidably coupling said housing means with respect to said second contact mounting means.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including housing means movably carrying said second contact mounting means and rotatively and longitudinally immovably carrying said first contact mounting means.

1l). Apparatus as defined in `claim 2, including housing means movably carrying said second contact mounting means and rotatively and longitudinally immovably carrying said first contact mounting means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,053,951 9/1962 Poinsot et al. 335-72 3,211,154 10/1965 Becker et al. 200-16 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examinez'. H. BROOME, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A SLIDING-ACTION, MULTIPLE-CONTACT, MULTIPLE-INITIAL CONDITION RELAY INCLUDING APPARATUS FOR SELECTING AND ADJUSTING THE INITIAL RELATIVE POSITIONING OF MULTIPLE CONTACTS THEREOF, COMPRISING: FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS NORMALLY POSITIONED IN A PRE-DETERMINED LOCATION DURING OPERATION OF A RELAY; SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS NORMALLY MOVABLY POSITIONED CLOSELY ADJACENT TO SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FOR SLIDABLE MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY, SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS HAVING FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS CARRIED THEREBY AND DIRECTED TOWARD SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS, SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS HAVING SECOND ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS CARRIED THEREBY AND DIRECTED TOWARD SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND HAVING AT LEAST A PORTION THEREOF POSITIONED FOR ELECTRICAL ENGAGEMENT WITH A CORRESPONDING PORTION OF SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS WHEN IN A FIRST RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND FOR ELECTRICAL DISENGAGEMENT FROM SAID CORRESPONDING PORTION OF SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS WHEN IN A SECOND RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS; ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZABLE MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS EFFECTIVELY INTERCONNECTING SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FOR CAUSING MAIN OPERATING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF IN ONE MANNER BETWEEN SAID RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO A CHANGE IN ELECTRICAL ENERGIZATION CONDITION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS IN ONE MANNER DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY AND FOR CAUSING MAIN OPERATING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF IN ANOTHER MANNER BETWEEN SAID RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO A CHANGE IN ELECTRICAL ENERGIZATION CONDITION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS IN ANOTHER MANNER DURING OPERATION OF THE RELAY; AND INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS EFFECTIVELY INTERCONNECTING SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS FOR CAUSING INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF, AND OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS CARRIED THEREBY, IN ONE MANNER FROM ONE INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION THEREOF TO ANOTHER DIFFERENT INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITION THEREOF IN RESPONSE TO OPERATION IN ONE MANNER OF SAID INITIALCONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS USUALLY PRIOR TO NORMAL OPERATION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS AND FOR CAUSING INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREOF IN ANOTHER MANNER BETWEEN SAID DIFFERENT INITIAL RELATIVE CONTACT POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO OPERATION IN ANOTHER MANNER OF SAID INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS USUALLY PRIOR TO NORMAL OPERATION OF SAID MAIN OPERATING MOTOR MEANS; SAID INITIAL-CONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS COMPRISING ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZABLE AND DEENERGIZABLE ROTATIVE-MOVEMENT-PRODUCING REVERSIBLE INITIALCONDITION-SELECTING MOTOR MEANS EFFECTIVELY CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID FIRST CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID SECOND CONTACT MOUNTING MEANS.