Nov. 1, 1966 A. DE FALCO 3,283,274 PUSH BUTTON REED SWITCH

Filed Oct. 4, 1963

Nov. 1, 1966 A. DE FALCO 3,283,274 PUSH BUTTON REED SWITCH Filed Oct. 4, 1963 4. Sheets-Sheet 2

8

5

5?

7

.

|

?

F. G. 8

?? ANGELO DE FALCO INVENTOR.

???. 1, 1966 A. DE FALCO 3,283,274 PUSH BUTTON REED SWITCH Filed Oct. 4, 1963 4. Sheets-Sheet 4

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ????********!=:======~~~

F| G. 37 F. G. 38 3,283,274 United States Patent Office Patented Nov. 1, 1966 2 3,283,274 These ring magnets can be magnetized to give a multi PUSH BUTTON REED SWITCH tude of varying magnetic fields having a given polarity Angelo De Falco, 37 Argyle Terrace, irvington, N.J. and strength. For example, ring magnets can be polar Filed Oct. 4, 1963, Ser. No. 313,881 ized normal to the longitudinal axis so that one end will 14 Claims. (CI. 335-206) have a north polarity and the other end a south polarity This invention relates generally to push button switches or they can be polarized parallel to the longitudinal axis and more particularly to a magnetically actuated push so that half the diameter of the ring magnet is north and button switch where the switch elements are of the reed the other half south, or it can have a plurality of polarized type. portions parallel to the longitudinal axis so there are a In recent years reed switches have found wide appli O plurality of arcuate sections of relative north and south cation in electrical circuitry where reliable and durable polarities like wedges of a piece of pie. operation under adverse and extremely high speed con Ring magnets have unusual facility because the ma ditions had to be met. terials from which they are constructed not only have Under modern day manufacturing techniques conven high magnetic stability but they can also be molded. In tional reed switches embody the following general char 5 addition to establishing predetermined polar character acteristics: istics, the mass of the magnet and the intensity of the magnetic field can also be controlled within wide limits (a) They are encapsulated in glass or similar sub and therefore it is easily adapted for use in the present stances having a high dielectric constant which are easily invention. Sealed by heat or other relatively simple means and which 20 The significance of these characteristics of ring magnets will withstand the pressures required to establish vacuum have been set forth and distinguished because this element or to fill the capsule with an inert gas. is a critical element of the present invention in that it pro (b) The capsule has mounted therein a pair of coacting vides in operative position the equivalent field to that ob leads which have one end fixed and the other end free tained by the annular type electro-magnetic actuator. the respective ends being disposed at opposite ends of the 25 When the ring magnet is operatively associated with capsule to extend into the capsule along the longitudinal the envelope of a reed switch, it can provide a simple push axis so that the free ends overlap each other. button switch or repulsion actuated switch having a con (c) The reeds are made of a material of high magnetic tinuous magnetic field of 360, particularly in that form permeability and low magnetic retentivity. of the invention where the ring type magnet is polarized (d) Contacts are formed at adjacent points on the reeds 30 normal to the longitudinal axis as distinguished from where they overlap. being polarized parallel to the longitudinal axis. In my copending application U.S. Serial No. 314,026 In particular, because of the integral characteristics of filed October 4, 1963, now U.S. Patent 3,243,541, an im the ring magnet, it is easily mounted to provide optimum proved reed switch is disclosed which differs from the coupling of its magnetic field to elements of the reed conventional reed switch above described. switch. In brief, this improved reed switch is characterized by Accordingly, the present invention embodies a push the fact that the construction and operative coaction of button reed switch wherein a ring type permanent magnet the reed elements permits them to have one respective end polarized normal to the axis thereof is disposed relative connected to the same point of reference in the envelope the envelope of the reed switch so that the ring magnet so that the external leads of the reed elements extend 40 will act to actuate or deactuate the elements of the reed out of the hermetically sealed envelope at substantially switch. adjacent points to facilitate connecting the reed elements The ring magnet means can, if desired, be movable and into a current carrying circuit. coact either with a mechanical resilient return means such Accordingly, in all references made generally to a reed as a spring, bellows or the like type device, or it can coact switch or reed switches, it will be understood by those with another magnetic means in which the repulsive forces skilled in the art to include not only the conventional of the magnetic fields act as a magnetic spring; to provide reed switches but the improved reed switch of such co for returning the ring magnet actuating means to its non pending application. actuated position. Control of such reed switches is efficiently achieved by Where the ring maget means has a fixed relationship to magnetic lines of force external to the envelope whereby 50 the elements of the reed switch and the magnetic field is predetermined polar relationships in the cooperating reed shunted by a suitable device, such device can in turn be elements cause them to either repel or attract each other. associtaed with a return means for accomplishing the Heretofore the two general methods of activating reed same type of actuation or deactuation of the reed elements switches have been electro-magnetic fields and permanent in the switch. bar magnets. 55 In the construction disclosed herein the forces required With bar magnets, however, it is clear from the prior to operate the push button of the Switch can be of ex art devices that a substantial portion of the magnetic flux tremely light actuating pressures such as occurs when two density is lost because they are limited to establishing a magnetic elements are utilized for actuating and as a re single diameter field in the adjacent reeds being actuated, till Til IleainS. as will be understood by those skilled in the art. 60 In one prior are device as shown in U.S. Patent 2,923,- Another type of force is that which is established by a 791 a plurality of longitudinally aligned bar magnets in mechanical element such as a resilient spring which coacts spaced relation to each other to provide an annular actu with the ring magnet actuating means and forms a return ator has been used with a reed switch. means which devices can be adjusted between any given While this type of actuating mechanism is effective be 65 limits depending on the number of coils, and the diameter cause it simulates the electro-magnetic field type of an of the coil material. nular actuator, it is limited from a functional viewpoint In substance the pressure necessary for actuation can and in the distribution of magnetic flux, and, therefore, be varied from less than one gram to several pounds as fails to provide the full and uniform field which is ob a particular application may require. tained by the electro-magnetic type of actuator. 70 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to Ring magnets are well known in the permanent magnet provide a simple and reliable push button Switch in which art for a multitude of uses other than for switch actuation. the desired force for operation can be predetermined.

3,283,274 3 4 It is another object of the invention to provide a rela FIGURE 27 is an exploded view of the push button as tive simple switch structure which is operable under the sembly and shunt means for the invention shown in FIG influence of an annularly disposed magnetic field. URE 24. It is a further object to provide a simple push button FIGURE 28 shows the push button switch with shunt switch which is explosion proof because of the sealed means utilizing a conventional reed switch. reed elements which coact with the magnets in this device. FIGURE 29 is a further form of push button switch These and other objects and advantages of the inven utilizing a plurality of reed switches as shown in FIGURE tion will become evident from the following description 1 and having a magnetic return means. with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 30 is a top view showing another adjustable FIGURE 1 shows a conventional reed switch. 10 stop means. FIGURE 2 shows one form of applicant's improved FIGURE 31 is a cross-section taken at 31-31 of FIG reed switch. URE 29. FIGURE 3 is a cross-section taken at 3-3 of FIG FIGURE 32 is also a further form of push button switch URE 2. utilizing a plurality of reed switches as shown in FIGURE FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective of one of the reed 2 peripherally disposed and staged, for predetermined elements of the improved reed switch shown in FIG staggered operation with respect to a centrally disposed URE 2. magnetic actuating and return means. FIGURE 5 is a partial perspective of the other reed FIGURE 33 is a cross-section taken at line 33-33 of element of the improved reed switch shown in FIGURE 2. FIGURE 32. FIGURE 6 is another form of improved reed switch. 20 FIGURE 34 shows a push button switch utilizing the ! FIGURE 7 is a cross-section taken on 7-7 of FIG form of invention shown in FIGURE 2 with resilient re URE 6. turn means and having an indicator light. FIGURE 8 is a cross-section taken on 8-8 of FIG FIGURE 35 is a side elevation of a switch utilizing the URE 6. reed switch of FIGURE 1 and having a magnetic holder FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic sketch of the lines of 25 disposed to be moved in a linear plane parallel to the force for a ring magnet. axial line of the reed switch but disposed a spaced lateral FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic sketch showing the co distance from the axial line. action of the ring magnet with conventional reed switch. FIGURE 36 is an end view of the invention shown in FIGURE 11 is a diagrammatic sketch showing the co FIGURE 15. action of the ring magnet with the improved reed switch 30 FIGURE 37 is a top view of the form of the invention of FIGURE 2, shown in FIGURE 15. - FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatic sketch showing the co FIGURE 38 is a perspective view of the magnet holder action of the ring magnet with the improved reed switch and the magnets in exploded form. . of FIGURE 6. Referring to the drawings, FIGURE 1 shows a conven FIGURE 13 shows one form of push button switch uti 35 tional reed switch element generally designated RS which lizing the reed switch of FIGURE 1 and having a mechan includes an envelope or capsule 10, having a pair of di ical return means. ametrically opposed reed elements 11 and 12 mounted FIGURE 14 is an enlarged view of one form of push therein so that one end of each of the respective reed button assembly. elements is mounted at an end of the envelope 10 oppo FIGURE 15 is an enlarged view of an adjustable 40 site from the other reed element; the respective reed elle mounting support for push button reed switches of the ments being disposed to extend longitudinally in the en present invention. velope or capsule 10 so that the free ends of these reed FIGURE 16 shows the push button switch having a elements overlap each other. mechanical return means utilizing the reed switch of FIG Contacts 13 and 14 are formed at the respective free URE 2. . ends of the reed elements 10 and 11, and these contacts FIGURE 17 is a cross-section taken on 7-17 of FIG coact with each other when the reed elements are actuated URE 16. by any Suitable magnetic actuating means such as is de FIGURE 18 shows the push button switch having a Scribed hereinafter. mechanical return means utilizing the reed switch of FIG URE 6. 50 The envelope 10 may be of any suitable dielectric ma FIGURE 19 shows another form of push button switch terial such as glass and as shown in FIGURE 1 the reed utilizing the reed switch of FIGURE 1 and having a mag elements 11 and 12 are hermetically sealed in the envelope netic return means. as at 15 and 16 and extend exteriorly of the reed ele FIGURE 20 is a cross section taken at 19-9 of FIG ment as indicated by the external leads 17 and 18. URE 19. 55 In all of the figures where reed switches of this type FIGURE, 21 shows the push button switch with mag are shown hereinafter, identical elements will be given netic return means utilizing the improved reed switch of the same character numerals as those above set forth. FIGURE 2, This reed Switch is not more fully described because it FIGURE 22 is a cross-section taken on line 22-22 of is Well known and easily purchasable on the open market. FIGURE 21. 60 FIGURE 2 shows one form of an improved reed switch FIGURE 23 is another form of push button switch described in my copending U.S. application Serial No. utilizing the reed switch of FIGURE 1 and having a 314,026 filed October 4, 1963, now U.S. Patent 3,243,541. positive magnetic actuating means of the push on-pull off In this form of the invention the reed switch generally type. designated RS' is provided with a conventional glass en FIGURE 24 shows the push button switch of the push 65 velope housed at 20 which is an elongated hollow mem on-pull off type utilizing the improved reed switch of ber made of a glass or other dielectric material easily FIGURE 2, heat Sealed and able to withstand the application of vac FIGURE 25 is a further form of push button switch uum pressure depending on the procedure used in her utilizing the reed switch of FIGURE 2, having a fixed metically Sealing the reed elements 21 and 22 in the permanent magnetic means for actuating the reed elements 70 envelope. and means for shunting the magnetic field to affect the Reed elements 21 and 22 are mounted in the envelope desired actuation of the switch. So that one respective end of each element is connected FIGURE 26 is a cross-section taken at 26-26 of FIG through the base 23 of the envelope 20. They extend URE 25. 75 into the envelope in the same directions essentially paral

3,283,274 5 6 lel to each other and in the longitudinal axis or line of cordingly includes the struck portion as at 41 to render it the envelope 20 to permit the sections thereof disposed flexible. remote from the connected end to be side by side and to Reed element 33 coacts with the other reed elements communicate or coact with each other. 32 and 34 and will have contact points as at 42 and 43 As shown in FIGURES 1 and 4, a contact point is which contact points will be spaced vertical to each other struck as at 24 on reed element 22 and a contact point similar to the spacing for the contact points 44 and 45 25 is formed on reed element 21 at an intermediate point on the respective reed elements 32 and 34. along this element. The reed elements 32 and 34 are substantially sta Contact point 24 is at the free end of reed element 22, tionary elements and are disposed on opposite sides of whereas contact point 25 is intermediate the end of the IO the reed element 33 to permit the desired coaction be reed element 21 which element it will be noted is longer tween the contacts 42 and 45 and 43 and 44. than the reed element 12 for purspose which are described In operation when any suitable magnetic actuator is more fully and completely in my copending U.S. appli utilized with the form of the invention shown in FIG cation Serial No. 314,026 filed October 4, 1963, now U.S. URE 6, of the drawings, the elongated reed element 33 Patent 3,243,541. 15 is disposed to move between two positions. One posi The connected ends of the respective reed elements tion will be the normally closed position with respect to are hermetically sealed as at 26 and 27 and extend ex one of the coacting reed elements, and the open posi ternally of the envelope by means of the external leads tion with respect to the other coacting reed elements. 28 and 29. These leads serve to connect the improved 20 On actuation, this position is reversed. In the second reed switch into the current carrying circuit in which it or other position the normally closed elements will open will be utilized. and the normally open elements will close. The reed element 22 is bent adjacent the free end to It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that permit the contact 24 in reed element 22 to coact with the this reed switch provides a single pole double throw contact 25 on reed element 1. 25 switch which is highly reliable under adverse conditions In FIGURES 2 and 4 the reed element 21 is shown under which these devices are required to operate. as having a portion of lesser thickness as at 2a which It will be clear that any one or alternately any com may be struck or cut or established by any other means bination of the above described reed switches can be suitable so that the element 21 will be relatively flexible utilized where a reed switch is specified in the push button compared with the element 22. Thus when the reed 30 switches hereinafter described. switch coacts with an electro-magnetic actuator or perma If a ring magnet is disposed concentric with the axis net magnet actuator, the element will flex and be actuated or longitudinal line of the respective envelopes 10, 20 towards or away from the element 22 under the influence and 30 so that it can be moved in either direction along of the magnetic forces so that the contacts 24 and 25 can the axial or longitudinal line of the envelope, or alter coact with each other. natively be fixed with respect to the contacts of reed ele It is obvious that the element 22 could be made flexible ments in the envelope and a shunt means moved to divert and element 21 fixed or both elements may be made flexi the magnetic field that a relatively simple switch is formed ble if desired without departing from the scope or spirit as will be understood by those skilled in this art. of this improved type of reed switch. FIGURE 9 illustrates diagrammatically the magentic FIGURE 6 shows an alternate form of the improved 40 lines of force for a ring magnet RM and shows that these reed switch described in my copending U.S. application magnetic lines of force form a continuous 360° annular Serial No. 314,026 filed October 4, 1963, now U.S. Patent field. 3,243,541, and this form of improved switch embodies a FIGURES 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the operative rela single pole double throw reed switch which provides great tion of the magnetic lines of force of such ring magnet with facility for some current carrying circuits. 45 the respective conventional reed switch and the forms of FIGURE 6 shows that this form of reed switch gen the improved reed switch above described. erally designated RS', as in the conventional form or the In operation with a conventional reed switch where the improved form of FIGURE 2, embodies an envelope as reed switches only come normally open, the contact por at 30 having a base 31 in which reed elements 32, 33 and 50 tions of the reed switch will be poistioned relative to the 34 are each mounted so that one end is hermetically con center line of the ring magnet means so that when the nected as at 35, 36 and 37 to the base 31, and the re ring magnet means is depressed the center line of the ring spective reed elements extend through the base 31 to form magnet means passes substantially normal to the contact the external leads 38, 39 and 40 for these elements which portions, and the contacts will act to attract each other. leads are adjacent each other and are located in sub 55 When the normally closed operation is desired with a conventional reed switch, the center line of the ring mag stantially the same external area of the envelope. net means must be initially disposed normal to the con The respective reed elements extend from their point of tact portions of the reed elements so as to bias them into connection to the base 31 into and along the longitudinal contact relationship with each other. Then when the ring line of the envelope in the same direction and substan magnet means is depressed, it will be moved to a non tially parallel to each other so that the sections of reed 60 actuating position where it will no longer influence the elements 32, 33 and 34, remote from the connected end, contacts of the reed elements and the contacts will there lie side by side and are free to coact with each other. fore return to their normally open position. The reed elements 32, 33 and 34 are of different length, In the case of the improved reed switches, the reed and this is necessary in order to accomplish the desired elements thereof can be initially set in either normally operative relation of the parts. Reed element 33, the 65 open or normally closed position. middle element of this plurality of elements, is an elon In operative relation with the ring magnet means, when gated element longer than the other reed elements 32 the center line of the ring magnet is at or near the free end and 34. of the element that is not elongated, the elongated element The reed elements 32 and 34 are identical with each will be attracted to the non-elongated element or vice other and with reed element 22 of FIGURES 2 and 5 70 Versa depending on the flexing conditions. Conversely, except that they differ in length by approximately 3/8" when the ring magnet means has its central line normal to A6'. to the contacting portions of the respective reed elements it will cause the reed elements to repel each other which Element 33 is substantially identical with element 21 as is opposite to the operation with a conventional reed shown in FIGURES 2 and 4 of the drawings and ac 75 switch.

3,283,274 7 3 In the description which follows hereinafter various An adjustable stop member 59 is threadably connected forms of push button switches are shown to fully illustrate in the transverse end wall 55 and extends therethrough the present invention. into the chamber 53. The exterior end 60 of the stop For the most part the push button assemblies for hold member 59 is adapted to receive either a screw driver or ing the ring magnet means in position and for relative an Allen wrench to thread the stop member 50 in or out movement with respect to the reed switches will be of the as may be required to adjustably position the push button type which moves along the longitudinal or axial line of assembly 57 for the initial setting or for a change in the the reed switch. initial setting of the push button switch sensitivity, and to In certain forms of the invention the ring magnet means permit uniform adjustment of each switch to correct for is held stationary and the shunt means concentric to the O variations in the tolerance of parts. axial line of the reed switch assembly is moved to divert The opening 56 communicates with the chamber 53 the magnetic lines of force of the ring magnet and thus formed by the elongated cylindrical casing 52. Slidably actuate or deactuate the reed elements. disposed in the opening 56 is the push button assembly In a still further form of the present invention a holder 57. which is shown in enlarged form at FIGURE 14 of is provided for the ring magnet means such that the holder the drawings. slides in an axial plane spaced from but parallel to the The push button assembly 57 is a hollow cylindrical axial line of the reed switch element, member having a guide section 61 with a diameter such These various forms of the invention utilizing the reed that it forms a sliding fit with the opening 56; a magnet switches of the various types above described and utilizing holding section 62 of a slightly larger diameter which the basic combination of reed switch and coacting ring forms a sliding fit with the inner wall of the chamber 53 magnet means will now be respectively described. and a stop shoulder 63. In referring to the coaction of the ring magnet means The guide section 61 and the magnet holding section with a reed switch the use of any one of these reed switches 62 are connected by the stop shoulder 63 as shown in is interchangeable with the other, and where a plurality FIGURE 14, which stop shoulder 63 coacts with the ad of reed switches are used in any particular push button 25 justable stop means 59 for calibrating the initial posi switch hereinafter described the reed switches may be used tion of the push button assembly 57. alternately, interchangeably or in any combination that The outer end 64 of the guide section 61 is shown may be desired. closed. It is believed that those skilled in the art will understand that the outer end 64 could be solid or trans PUSH. BUTTON SWITCH WITH MECHANICAL 30 parent as may be desired by either forming the push RETURN MEANS button assembly of plastic or the like material or by FIGURES 13, 16 and 18 show one of the simpler forms using a transparent insert in the outer end 64. of the present invention as applied to each of the respective As is further shown in FIGURE 14 of the drawings the reed switches above described. Therefore, when the same guide section 61 is provided with a key 65 which coacts or substantially similar elements appear in these respec with a groove. 66 formed parallel to the axial line of tive forms they will be given the same numerals to avoid the casing 52 in the inner wall of the opening 56. The unnecessary repetition. purpose of the key and groove is to permit reciprocating Referring to FIGURE 13, the drawings show a conven non-rotational movement of the push button assembly 57 tional reed switch RS mounted in a base 50 by means of during operation of the push button switch. a mounting support 51 to permit it to extend longitudi The guide section 61 will also have a length sufficient nally and coaxially with the axial line of an elongated to permit full movement of the push button assembly cylindrical casing element 52 having one end connected from the non-actuated to the actuated position or vice about the base 50 and of sufficient length to extend be versa whether the reed elements are in normally open or yond the end of the read switch RS remote from the con normally closed position. nected end so as to form a chamber 53 about the reed A ring magnet means 67 is mounted in the end of the switch. magnet holding section 62 remote from the stop shoulder The reed switch external lead 18 extends through the 63. It may be affixed to the magnet holding section by mounting support 51 to connect one side of the reed an epoxy resin adhesive by mechanical means such as the switch into the circuit in which it will be utilized and the lugs 68a, 68b, etc., which permit the ring magnet means external lead 17 is carried down along side the envelope 50 67 to be snapped into assembled position in the magnet 10 to a contact prong 54 which extends through the base holding section. 50 to provide means for connecting the opposite side of The ring magnet means 67 is an annular or toroidal the reed switch into the circuit. member having a center opeing 69 which permits the It is further noted that the reed switch RS is shown as magnet to be slideably fitted about the outer surface of fixedly mounted in the mounting support 51. However, 55 the envelope 10 of reed switch RS. the mounting support 51 will include means such as 5ia Such magnets are made of a ferretic or compacted to permit the reed switch RS to be positioned so the switch ceramic and ferretic material characterized by magnetic will operate from a normally open or a normally closed stability and can be purchased on the open market under position as the circuit may require and as will be decribed various trademarks such as Alnico, Indox, etc. hereinafter. 60 Magnets of this type during manufacture can be polar It is, of course, possible to make the mounting support ized and the strength of the magnetic field established. adjustable as is shown in FIGURE 15 of the drawings In the various figures of the drawings, the respective wherein the mounting support 51' will be threadedly con north or south poles are indicated by the designated let nected as at 5b in the base 50. By threading the mount ters N and S. ing support 51' in or out, the longitudinal position of the 65 The amount of magnetic coupling between the reed reed switch RS can be altered. A locking nut 51c is also elements and the magnetic field of the ring magnet means provided. 63 is determined by the strength of the magnet and the The upper end of the casing has a transverse end wall diameter of the center opening in the ring magnet. 55 which has a center opening 56 formed therein in the The larger the diameter, the larger the annular space axial line of the casing 52 to provide an inner guide sur 70 formed between the exterior of the envelope and the inner face for a push button assembly generally designated 57. wall of the center opening and as a result the smaller The transverse end 55 is threaded as at 58 on its pe the degree of coupling. ripheral portion to provide means for mounting the push Therefore, the degree of magnetic coupling can be button switch to a chassis or a control panel as the ap varied over a wide range to produce a wide variety of plication might require. 75 reed switch functions, for example, a long or wide differ

3,283,274 O ential type push button switch or a sharp or narrow It differs to the extent that the improved reed switch differential type push button switch. of FIGURE 2 is used instead of the conventional reed The operation differential can be in the order of 44' Switch shown in FIGURE 13. travel of the ring magnet means or possibly less, if desired. Accordingly elements of this form of the invention The diameter of the center opening 69 in the ring mag previously described are given the same character nu net means 67 can be adjusted at the time of manufacture merals. to accommodate the wide variety of reed switches cur If the improved reed switch of FIGURE 2 in this form rently purchasable on the open market. of the invention is set for normally closed operation as Since the length of the magnet holding section 62 shown in FIGURE 16, then the push button assembly can be substantially predetermined, the position of the must be adjusted initially so that the center line CL of reed switch RS when it is mounted in the mounting Sup 10 the magnet is just above the end of reed element 22. port can also be fixed so that the coacting contacts 13 When the push button assembly 57 is depressed, for and 14 of the reed elements 1 and 12 are disposed rela example as shown by the dotted line in FIGURE 11 of tive to the center line of the ring magnet means 67 de the drawings, so that the center line of the magnet passes pending on whether normally open operation or normally 15 through the contacts 24 and 25 of the reed elements 21 closed openation is desired. and 22, the reed elements will repel each other and Thus, where normally open operation is desired, since break contact. reed switches come normally open, the contacts will The Spring 70 will return the push assembly to its be positioned relative to the center line of the ring initial position. magnet means 67 so that when the ring magnet means 20 If the improved reed switch in this form of the inven is depressed, the center line of the ring magnet means tion is set for normally open operation, then the push passes substantially normal to the contacts 13 and 4, button assembly is adjusted so that when it is depressed and the contacts will attract each other. it will move the center line of the ring magnet 63 to a Conversely, where normally closed operation is desired, point just above the end of reed element 22. the reed switch RS will have to be set so that the center 25 In this position as above outlined for FIGURE 11, the line of the ring magnet means 67 passes through the contacts 24 and 25 will attract each other and move the contacts 13 and 14 and thus the contacts are biased reed elements into contacting relationship. into contact with each other until the push button as The Spring 70 will as before act to move the push but sembly 57 is depressed and the ring magnet means 67 ton assembly 57 back to its initial position. is moved to a non-actuating position where it will no 30 FIGURE 18 also shows a push button switch having longer influence the contacts 13 and 14 to attract each Substantial identity with that above described for FIGURE other. The contacts will, therefore, return to the nor 13 of the invention. mally open position of the reed switch. It differs in that the reed switch is in the form of im When the push button assembly 57 is returned to its proved reed switch as shown in FIGURE 12 of the draw initial position as might be done, for example, responsive 35 ings, and the push button assembly 57 does not have the to the reaction of the resilient element or spring 70 as key and guide arrangement of the push button assembly shown in FIGURE 13, the contacts 3 and 4 will in 57. each instance return to their initial relationship. Accordingly elements of this form of the invention pre It has been found that reed switch sensitivity will vary viously described will have the same character numerals. from Switch to switch due to the variations in the tolerance 40 In operation, the ring magnet 63 is set so that the CL is of the parts, the magnetic flux density, etc. Hence, to just above the reed element 32. When it is depressed, the render a plurality of push button switches substantially operation of the reed switch will be identical with that of uniform, the adjustable stop means 59 is provided and the reed switch above described in FIGURE 12 of the each of the switch limits are calibrated with the stop drawings. means 59 to a given standard. Where the use of this calibration device is not neces PUSH BUTTON SWITCH WITH MAGNETIC sary, the connecting wall 63 can coact with the inner REPULSIVE FORCES FOR RETURN MEANS face of the transverse and wall 55 of the elongated cylin In FIGURE 13, the push button assembly is shown as drical casing 52, and operation will be otherwise identical being held in assembled position by a mechanical means for such units. 50 Such as a resilient element. When all the elements are placed in assembled position In FIGURE 19 of the drawings, the push button as as shown in FIGURE 13 and where required, the switch Sembly is held at its initial setting by the magnetic re calibrated, then the Switch can be connected in a par pulsive forces established between a pair of coacting mag ticular circuit for the desired use. nets. In other words, the coacting magnets act as a mag In the normally open arrangement of FIGURE 13, when 55 netic spring. the push button assembly is depressed inwardly as shown Thus, the push button switch of FIGURE 19 includes in the dotted position of FIGURE 10, then the upper the base 80 in which a conventional reed switch RS is reed element 11 is cut by the magnetic lines of force mounted as by a suitable mounting support 81 to permit So as to form a north polarity at the contact 13, and the it to extend longitudinally and coaxially along the axial lower reed element 2 is cut by magnetic lines of force 60 line of an elongated cylindrical casing 82 which has one so as to form a south polarity at the contact 4, and the end connected to the base 80 and is of sufficient length contacts attract and make contact with each other. to extend beyond the end of the reed switch RS remote When the force depressing the push button inwardly from the connected end so as to form a chamber 83 about is released, the spring 70 which is now under compression the reed switch. will return the push button assembly 57 into engagement 65 As in the case of the push button switch shown in FIG with the adjustable stop shoulder 59 and the coacting URE 2, only one end of the reed switch is connected to faces of the contacts 13 and 14 will now both have the the base and thus the lead element 18 extends through the Same polarity or they will be cut by insufficient lines of mounting Support 81. The lead element 17 at the end magnetic flux to induce the attractive forces, and as a remote therefrom is brought down through the casing to result they physically bias themselves to their normally 70 the contact prong 84 which extends through the base 80 open condition. to connect in the chamber 83 with the lead 17 and con in FIGURE 16, the push button switch is substantially nects externally in a current carrying circuit with the lead similar in construction to the form of the switch shown element 18 of the reed switch. in FIGURE 13. The mounting Support 81 is fixed but has means as at 75 81a to position a reed switch RS for normally open or

3,283,274 2 normally closed operation or be adjustably mounted as the lugs 98a and 98b respectively, as is shown in FIGURE shown in FIGURE 15. 6. The end of the elongated cylindrical casing 82 remote Lock washers 100a and 100b about the respective from the end connected to the base 80 has a transverse threaded members 99a and 99b abut the outer Surface wall 85 in which a center opening 86 is provided in the 5 of the casing 82. w axial line of the cylindrical casing 82 to provide an inner By loosening and retightening the threaded members guide surface for the push button assembly generally 99a and 99b, the fixed magnet 96 can be moved and fixed designated 87. to the desired operative position. The outer periphery of the transverse wall 85 is threaded Alternatively, the opening 101 in the magnet 96 can as at 88 to provide means for mounting the push button O be made to have a sliding fit with the outer Surface of the switch in a chassis or control panel. envelope or capsule 50 of the reed switch, and the mag The transverse wall is also provided with an adjustable net 96 will be adjusted by sliding it along the Surface. stop means 89 which opens on the outer face of the trans Where such sliding fit arrangement is provided, the verse wall where it receives either a screw driver or Allen mounting lugs and adjustment means above described wrench in the opening 90 to thread the adjustable stop 5 will be eliminated. means 89 inwardly or outwardly for providing the desired It will also be noted in the form of push button assem calibration of the push button assembly 87. bly that the magnet holding section 91 has a longitudinal The push button assembly 87 includes a guide section slot 02 formed therein parallel to the axis of the reed 91 having a diameter such that it will have a sliding fit switch. Lead 17 passes through the slot and, hence, with the inner wall of the opening 86 and a magnet hold 20 downwardly through chamber 83 about the ring magnets ing section 92 for holding a ring magnet means 94 in posi 94 and 96 to its point of connection with contact prong tion. 84. The longitudinal slot 102 permits the push button Between the guide section 91 and the magnetic holding to reciprocate freely with respect to lead 17. means 92 is a stop shoulder 93 which as shown in FIG In operation when all the elements are assembled as URE 19 extends as at 93a beyond the outer diameter of shown in FIGURE 19, the moveable magnet 94 can be the magnet holding section to form a sliding fit with the calibrated to the desired position by adjusting the push inner wall of the chamber 83 of the elongated cylindrical button assembly 87 with the adjustable stop means 89 to casing 82. The extension 93a of the stop shoulder 93 position the moveable magnet, with respect to the reed acts to prevent cocking of the push button assembly 87 elements of the reed switch. relative to its coaction with the adjustable stop means 89 30 While this form of the invention is distinguishable from on reciprocating movement of the push button assembly. the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 13, it is This stop shoulder 93 will coact with the inner face of similar to the extent that the reed switch RS and the push the adjustable stop means 89 so that the ring magnet means button assembly 87 are constructed and arranged to per 94 of the push button assembly 87 can be calibrated rela mit the reed switch to be set for normally open or nor tive the contacts 13 and 14 of the reed switch as above mally closed operation either by a fixed mount or the described for the form of the invention shown in FIGURE adjustable mount of FIGURE 15 of the drawings. 13. As shown in FIGURE 19, the push button assembly The ring magnet means 94 is identical with that de is positioned so that the reed elements and their respec Scribed above for the FIGURE 13 and will therefore be tive contacts 13 and 14 at the free end are positioned for mounted in the push button assembly 87 either by an 40 normally open operation. epoxy resin as at 95 or by the lug means 63a and 63b When the push button assembly 87 is deflected inward shown in the FIGURE 13 push button assembly. ly along the axial line of the reed switch, the reed strips The ring magnet means 94 of the push button assembly 15 and 2 being of a highly permeable material will serve 87 is moveable therewith when the push button assembly as a path for the magnetic flux lines. Thus, flux lines is depressed or calibrated along the axial line of the reed passing from the north pole to the south pole of the swtich RS. magnet will enter the respective strips. Contact 3 re This movable magnet 94 will coact with a fixed magnet ceives a south polarity and contact 14 a north polarity. 96 which is disposed adjacent the base 80 and held in as The contacts then coact to attract each other, and thus sembled position by the lug elements 97a and 97b pro close the circuit. vided on the inner wall of the chamber 83 of the elongated 50 cylindrical casing 82. In effect, as the magnet 94 moves downwardly, the This magnet is similar to magnet 94 and that of the flux lines from the north polarity from the magnet 94 en ring magnet described for the FIGURE 13 form of the ter the contact end of strip 11 thus inducing a south invention, and is, therefore, not more fully described here polarity at the contact 13 and a north polarity at the 1. fixed end of the strip. Conversely, the flux lines from However, it will be noted that the respective magnets 94 the north polarity of the magnet enter the fixed end of and 96 are disposed so that their respective north poles the reed element 2 and pass from the fixed end to the face each other, and the effect of this is that the magnetic contact end making the contact 14 a south polarity forces of repulsion will work to provide the resilient force which coacts with the north polarity of the contact end necessary to produce the desired operation. 60 13 of the reed element 11. The induced opposite po The fixed ring magnet means 96 and the moveable mag larity of contacts 13 and 14 cause the contacts to attract net 94 are positioned normal to the axis of the reed switch each other into the make or closed position for the cur RS to achieve the effect of the magnetic field during opera rent carrying circuit. tion and the repulsive forces desired in this form of the Simultaneously, with this action, however, when the invention. 65 magnet 94 is moved to the dotted position as shown for The fixed magnet thus in effect serves the same purpose example in FIGURE 10, there will be a concentration as the mechanical resilient element described for the of opposed magnetic fields between the moveable magnet form of the invention shown in FIGURE 13. 94 and the fixed magnet 96. Since the fixed magnet 96 has a magnetic field inde Therefore, when the force depressing the push button pendent from that of the ring magnet means 94, it may 70 assembly is released, it will, responsive to the repulsive be desirable to utilize this field in initially presetting or magnetic forces acting between the magnet 94 and mag biasing contacts 13 and 14 of the reed elements 1 and net 96, return to the initial position wherein it abuts the 12. For this purpose an adjustable means is provided stop shoulder 89. including slots 97a and 97b in the casing 82 which receives It may be desirable to preset the contacts 13 and 14 by threaded members 99a and 99b threadably connected to 75 utilizing the magnetic field of fixed magnet 90.

3,283,274 13 Where this arrangement is used, then the effect of de The outer periphery of the transverse wall 115 is pressing the push button switch will be to either cancel threaded as at 138 to provide for mounting the push but out the magnetic field of ring magnet means 90 or to pro ton Switch in a chassis or control panel. duce opposite polarization of the contacts 13 and 14. The push button assembly 17 includes a guide section This functional arrangement may give more precise 121 having a diameter such that it will have a sliding fit and instantaneous operation, and permits variations in with the inner wall of the opening 16 and a magnet hold the relative strength of the respective ring magnet means ing section 22 for holding a ring magnet means 124 in 94 and 96 to achieve the desired operation. position. FIGURE 21 shows a substantially identical form of Between the guide section 121 and the magnetic hold push button switch to that above described for FIG O ing means 22 is a connecting wall 23 which, as shown URE 19. in FIGURE 23, forms a sliding fit with the wall of the It differs in that the reed switch is the type shown in chamber 113 of the elongated cylindrical casing 12. FIGURE 2 of the drawings. The ring magnet means 124 is similar to that described Accordingly, the same elements in FIGURE 21 pre above for the FIGURE 13 form of the invention and can viously described with respect to other figures of the 5 also be mounted into position during the formation of the drawings have been given the same character numerals. push button assembly in a manner similar to that form of In this form of the invention, the reed switch RS is shown the present invention. in normally closed position. When the magnet is set as The ring magnet means 24 of the push button assem shown in FIGURE 21 and then depressed until the center bly is moveable therewith when the push button assembly line of the ring magnet is normal to the contacts 24 and 20 is depressed along the axial line of the reed switch assem 25, the contacts 24 and 25 will repel each other and bly RS. break contact between the reed elements 21 and 22. This This moveable magnet means 124 will coact with a pair operation is similar to that above shown and described of fixed magnets 125 and 126 which are mounted on the for FIGURE 11 of the drawings. reed switch RS on opposite sides of the moveable magnet If the reed switch RS' is normally open, then the ring 25 124; that is, one magnet is on the north side of the magnet magnet is set so that in the depressed position the center 124 and the other magnet is on the south side of the mag line is just above the element 22. In this position the net 124. contacts 24 and 25 attract each other and the reed ele The magnets 125 and 126 are, of course, of the same ments 21 and 22 are brought into contacting relationship. type as that above described for the FIGURE 13 form of In either type of operation the repulsive effect of the 30 the invention, and hence, are not described in more detail. coacting magnets will serve as a magnet spring for hold It will be noted, however, in this form of the invention ing or returning the push button assembly 87 to its initial that the magnet 125 is fixed directly to the outer portion position. of the envelope 10 of the reed switch RS while the magnet It will be understood by those skilled in the art that 126 is held on the envelope of the reed switch by means reed switch RS' could be replaced by the reed switch 35 of a magnet-holding bracket 127 which is disposed to fit shown in FIGURE 6 and the operation of the ring mag over the end of the reed Switch RS remote from the end net adjusted in accordance with the operation above de connected in the mounting support 111. scribed for FIGURE 6, to provide a push button Switch In this form of the invention, the polarity of the respec with magnetic spring return means of the single pole tive magnets are so disposed that the magnets attract each double throw type. 40 other in either position of the operation. Calibration can be accomplished by the usual adjust PUSH BUTTON SWITCH WITH POSITIVE PUSH able stop means 128 in the transverse wall 115 as in the ON-PULL OFF ACTUATING MEANS form of the invention above described. The settings can in this form of the invention as shown in FIGURES 23 be adjusted by the magnet 125 by moving it axially as in and 24, the attractive effect of magnetic forces is utilized the adjustable ring magnet means of FIGURES 19 and 21. to produce a positive acting push on-pull off type switch. As shown in FIGURE 23, the push button is disposed FIGURE 23 shows the invention as applied to a con with the permanent magnet 124 attracted to the fixed mag ventional reed switch and FIGURE 24 as applied to the net 26 where it is firmly held in position so as to have the improved reed switch shown in FIGURE 2 of the draw desired predeterminied relationship with the contacts 13 ings. The elements of these devices are substantially 50 and 14 of the reed elements of the reed switch. identical. Conversely, the magnet 125 is positioned with its north pole on the upper side adjacent to the south pole of the Thus, referring to FIGURE 23, a base as shown at 110 ring magnet means 124 so that when the push button as in which the conventional type reed switch RS is mounted sembly is depressed in the axial line of the reed switch RS, as by a mounting support to permit it to extend in the 55 the ring magnet means 24 will be positively attracted to longitudinal line of an elongated casing 12 which has one the fixed magnet 125 and hold the magnet means 124 in end connected to the base 110 and is of sufficient length to this position. extend beyond the end of the reed switch RS remote from Thus, the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 23 the connected end so as to form a chamber 13 about the provids a positive acting switch which must be pulled reed switch. 60 from one position or pushed to the other by overcoming Since one end of the reed switch is held in the mount the attractive forces of the respective magnets in the pres ing Support 11, the lead 18 is brought through the mount ent assembly. ing support whereas the lead 17 is carried downwardly The coaction between ring magnet means 124 and the alongside the reed or through the push button assembly reed switch RS is otherwise identical to that of FIGURE as was described for FIGURES 13 and 19 to a suitable 65 13 form of the present invention above described. contact prong (not shown) which serves with reed 18 to In FIGURE 24 the elements identical with those above connect the reed Switch in the current carrying circuit in described for FIGURE 23 are given the same character which it is being utilized. numerals. The end of the elongated cylindrical casing 112 remote However, FIGURE 24 differs in that the reed element from the end connected to the base 10 has a transverse 70 is that of the type shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings. The operation is identical with that described for FIG. Wall 115 in which a center opening 116 is provided in URE 23, and the coaction between the ring magnet and the axial line of the cylindrical casing 12 to provide an the reed switch is similar to that described for FIGURE inner guide surface for a push button assembly generally 11 and as in the form of the invention shown in FIG designated 117. 75 URE 16.

8,283,274 5 6 It will be understood that when the reed switch of FIG In operation, the components above described are as URE 6 is substituted for that in FIGURE 24, the oper sembled, and as shown in FIGURE 25, the ring magnet ation of this form of the invention will change only in So means 141 will be positioned to produce the lines of force far as it provides a positive push on-pull off single pole in the respective contacts 24 and 25 such that these nor mally open contacts attract each other to provide a closed double throw type switch. relationship when mounted in the circuit. PUSH. BUTTON SWITCH WITH SHUNT MEANS When the push button assembly 137 is depressed to move the shunt means 144 to the position shown by the A further simple form of the present invention is shown dotted lines in FIGURE 25 of the drawings, the magnetic in FIGURES 25 and 27 of the drawings. lines of force of the ring magnet means 141 will pass This form of the invention is characterized by the fact O through the shunt means. Since the reed elements 21 and that the lines of magnetic force are cut or shunted to 22 have low magnetic retentivity, the normal forces which produce the desired operation of the Switch. bias these elements out of engagement will act to Sep Thus referring to FIGURES 25 and 26, the drawings arate the contacts 24 and 25, and thus deactuate the cir show that this form of the device includes a base 130 5 cuit in which the push button switch is operating. with a mounting means 131 for a reed switch generally In FIGURE 27 a shunt operated push button Switch is designated RS' of the type shown in FIGURE 2 of the also shown utilizing a conventional reed switch RS. It drawings to permit the reed Switch to extend longitudinal includes a base 130 having a mounting means 131 for ly of and co-axially with the longitudinal line of an elon the reed switch to permit the reed switch to extend longi gated cylindrical casing 132 which has sufficient length to tudinally of and co-axially with the longitudinal line of extend beyond the end of the reed Switch and to form 20 an elongated casing 132' which has sufficient length to about the reed switch a chamber 133. form about the reed switch a chamber 33. A transverse wall 134 is former at the end of the elon A transverse wall 134 is formed at the end of the elon gated cylindrical casing 132 remote from the end con gated cylindrical casing 32 remote from the end con nected to the base 130. The peripheral portion of the 25 nected to the base 130'. The peripheral portion of the transverse wall 134 is threaded as at 135 to provide means transverse wall 134 is threaded as at 135 to provide for mounting this form of push button Switch to a control smeans for mounting this form of push button switch to a panel or chassis. control panel or chassis. Extending through the transverse wall 134 is a bore or Extending through the transverse wall 34' is a bore or opening 136, the inner wall of which serves as a guide for opening 136, the wall of which serves as a guide for a a pushbutton assembly 137, hereinafter more fully de 30 push button assembly 137 hereinafter more fully de scribed. Scribed. The push button assembly 137 is shown as including an As in the previous forms of the invention, the lead 18 elongated guide means 138 of generally cylindrical form. extends through the mounting means 131' and the lead The outer end of the guide is closed, and the end re 35 17 at the end remote from the mounting means is car mote from the closed end which is in the chamber 133 has ried down through chamber 33’ to a contact prong 17a a shoulder formed as at 139 adapted to coact with a resil which extends through the base 130. ient element 140 which abuts the shoulder at one end and The interior portion of the contact prong 17a in the at the end remote therefrom engages the face of a ring chamber 33 is connected to the line 7, and the exterior magnet means 141 mounted in the chamber 133 by means 40 portion, together with reed line 18, provides means for of a plurality of spaced lugs 142a and 142b, as is shown connecting this form of the invention into the circuit in in FIGURE 25 of the drawings. which the device is used. The ring magnet means 41 is similar to that described The push button assembly 37' is shown as including for the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 13 of elongated guide means 38' of generally cylindrical the drawings. O However, the ring magnet means 41 differs to the ex The outer end of the guide means 138 is closed, and tent that the opening therein as at 143 is slightly larger the end remote from the closed end which is in the cham to permit the magnet to be positioned about the reed ber 133' has a shoulder formed as at 139 adapted to co switch RS in assembled position and have a substantial act with a resilient element 40' which abuts the shoulder gap formed between the inner face of the opening 143 and at one end and at the end remote therefrom engages the the outer surface of the envelope 20 of the reed switch 50 face of a ring magnet means 141 mounted in the chamber RS". 133' by means of a plurality of spaced lugs 142'a and This gap permits the functioning of a shunt meansgen 142 b, as is shown in FIGURES 27 and 28 of the draw erally designated 144 to be utilized for the deactuation IngS. of the contact elements as is more fully described herein The ring magnet means 41' is similar to that described after. 55 for the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 13 of The shunt means 144 is mounted about the shoulder end the drawings. of the push button assembly 137 and comprises a sub However, the ring magnet means 141 differs to the ex stantially cylindrical element which has an inner diam tent that the opening therein as at 43' is slightly larger eter and an outer diameter or an annular thickness such to permit the magnet to be positioned about the reed that it will fit about the envelope 0 and between the outer 60 Switch RS in assembled position and have a substantial surface of the envelope and the inner wall of the opening gap formed between the inner face of the opening 143' 143 formed in the magnet means 41. and the outer Surface of the envelope 10 of the reed Furthermore, the shunt means 144 will have sufficient switch RS. length so that when the push button assembly is depressed This gap permits the functioning of a shunt means it will fully cover or substantially cover the total thick 65 generally designated 144 to be utilized for the deactua ness of the ring magnet means 141 at the point where the tion of the contact elements as is more fully described gap is formed between the opening 143 and the outer wall hereinafter. of the envelope 20 as is indicated by the dotted lines in The ring magnet means 141' is adjustable relative the FIGURE 25 of the drawings. 70 envelope 10 of the reed switch RS by means of slots The shunt means, in order to operate effectively in the 145a and 145b in the casing 132'; threaded members form of the invention, must be a material which is readily 146a and 146b extend therethrough and are threaded into permeable to magnet lines of force but must have char the lugs 142'a and 142b respectively. Coacting lock acteristics of low magnetic retentivity if it is to work Washers 147a and 147 b are provided for the threaded teffectively in this form of the invention. 75 elements 146a and 146b. 3,283,274 17 18 The threaded members 147a and 147b obviously serve Any Suitable means such as lug 158a can be provided to supportably mount the lugs 146a and 146b to the to adjust the stop means 158 when it is necessary to cali casing 132”. brate the position of the push button assembly 160 rela However, by loosening, moving and retightening the tive the contacts of the reed switches. threaded members 147a and 147b, the ring magnet means The push button assembly 60 comprises a guide section 141 can be moved within the limits of the slots 16a 161, a magnet holding section 162 and a transverse con and 116b in the casing, and, thus, permit putting the necting section 163 between these sections. ring magnet means 114 into the desired setting. The guide section 16 has a stop shoulder as at 164 The shunt means 144 is mounted about the shoulder formed thereon which coacts with the stop shoulder 159 end of the push button assembly 137 and comprises a 10 formed by stop means 158. Substantially cylindrical element which has an inner At the end of the magnet holding section 162, remote diameter and an outer diameter or an annular thickness from the transverse connecting wall 163, a ring magnet such that it will fit about the envelope 10 and between means 165 is connected in any suitable manner as by the outer surface of the envelope and the wall of the attaching with an epoxy adhesive or by a mechanical opening 143 formed in the ring magnet means 14. 15 snap in lugs 166a, 166b, etc., as described for the form Furthermore, the shunt means 144' will have sufficient of the invention shown in FIGURE 13 of the drawings. length so that when the push button assembly is depressed The magnet holding section 162 will have sufficient it will fully cover or substantially cover the total thickness length to bring the ring magnet means 165 into close of the magnet means at the point where the gap is formed proximity with a plane normal to the coacting contacts between the opening 143' and the outer wall of the 20 13 and 14 of the respective reed elements 11 and 12 envelope 10 as is indicated by the dotted lines in FIGURE of each reed switch RS shown. 27 of the drawings. The ring magnet means 165 is constructed as above The shunt means in order to operate effectively in the described for the form of the invention shown in FIGURE form of the invention must be a material which is readily 13 of the drawings, however, it differs to the extent that permeable to magnet lines of force but must have charac 25 the central opening 167 is large enough to fit about the teristics of low magnetic retentivity if it is to work outer periphery of all of the respective reed switches RS. effectively in this form of the invention. Since the ring magnet means 65 is connected to the In operation, the components above described are as push button assembly 160, it will be movably therewith Sembled, and as shown in FIGURE 27, the ring magnet under all conditions. means 14 will be positioned to produce the lines of force 30 Thus, if the push button assembly is depressed by suit in the respective contacts 13 and 14 such that these con able force exerted on the outer or external portion of the tacts attract each other to provide a closed relationship guide section 161, the ring magnet means 165 will move when mounted in the circuit. therewith. When the push button assembly 108 is depressed to Similarly, if the push button assembly 160 is adjust move the shunt means 144 to the position shown by the 35 ably positioned by threading the adjustable stop means dotted lines in FIGURE 27 of the drawings, the magnetic 158 in or out of the threaded portion 157, the ring mag lines of force of the ring magnet means 141 will pass net means 65 will be moved a corresponding amount through the shunt means. Since the reed elements 11 relative the envelope of the respective reed switches. and 12 have low magnetic retentivity, the normal forces Thus, a simple adjusting means is provided to obtain the which bias these elements out of engagement will act 40 desired calibration of the reed elements when the push to Separate the contacts 13 and 14, and thus deactuate or button switch is placed into operation. open the circuit in which the push button switch is The movable ring magnet means 165 coacts with a operating. fixed or stationary ring magnet 168 which has similar Structure. PUSH BUTTON SWITCHES WITH A PLURALITY 45 The stationary ring magnet means 168 and movable OF REED SWITCHES ring magnet 165 coact to provide repulsive magnetic field In the forms of the invention above described, the forces which serve a two fold purpose. First, they hold coaction between a single reed switch and a ring magnet the stop shoulder 164 in engagement with the stop shoul is illustrated. der 59 formed on the stop means 58 as shown in FIG In the form of the invention as shown in FIGURES 50 URE 29. Second, the stationary magnet means 168 pro 29 to 33 push button switches are illustrated with a vides the force for returning the push button assembly plurality of reed switches in operative association with 168 to which the ring magnet means 165 is connected a ring magnet means. into such abutting relationship when the depressing force Thus, in FIGURES 29, 30 and 31, a push button switch moving the push button assembly 160 out of its initial is shown having a base 150 with a plurality of mounting 55 position is removed. Supports as at 151a and 151b for mounting one end of Thus, except for the minor variation of a plurality of a reed switch in each respective mounting support to reed switches and a different adjusting means, this form permit each reed switch to extend longitudinally and of the invention is similar to the structure and operation coaxially of the longitudinal line of an elongated cylindri of the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 19 of the cal casing 152 which is connected at one end to the base 60 drawings. 150 and is sufficiently long to extend beyond the opposite The operation will also be similar, thus, the push but end of the individual reed switches and to form there ton switch is assembled and placed into the circuit by about a chamber 153. connecting with the elements of the respective reed The end of the cylindrical casing 152 remote from switches, and the push button assembly is calibrated by the end connected to the base 150 has a transverse wall 65 the adjusting means 158. 54. When the push button is depressed, the contact 13 and 14 will be actuated depending upon whether they are The transverse wall 154 has a centrally disposed open required to attract or to repel each other and by reason ing 155 and is threaded about the upper end as at 156 of the fact that the movable ring magnet and the station to threadably receive therein an adjustable stop means 70 ary ring magnet are set so they have the same north 157 which in turn is provided with an opening as at polarity each, when the depressing force is removed the 158 of a slightly lesser diameter so that the adjustable push button assembly will be returned to its initial posi stop means forms a shoulder as at 159. tion as shown in FIGURE 29 of the drawing. The openings 155 and 158 serve as a guide for a In FIGURES32 and 33, a slightly different relationship push button assembly generally designated 160. 75 of the ring magnets and the reed switches are shown to

3,283,274 20 the extent that in this relationship the ring magnets are adhesive or other suitable means to the inner face of the centrally located and the reed switches are disposed pe base 170. ripherally of the ring magnets. Further, the reed Switches It is believed obvious to those skilled in the art from are disposed in staged relationship so they are each actu the description of the form of the invention shown in ated at different times during the movement of the actu FIGURES 21 and 29 above described that this magnet ating ring magnet means. will serve to hold the push button assembly 177 and to In the form of the invention shown in FIGURES 32 return the push button assembly 177 to its initial posi and 33, the effect of the repulsive forces of magnetic field tion against the transverse wall 174 as shown in FIG are once again used for holding the movable magnet in URE 32 of the drawing. its initial setting and returning it to this setting. O Furthermore, it is also believed obvious to those skilled In FIGURES 32 and 33, the push button Switch is in the art from the above description that the device, as shown as having a base 170, mounting Supports 71a, shown in FIGURES 29 and 32, could be modified to pro 171b, 171c, 171d, 171e, etc., for the reed switches RS'. vide a stationary ring magnet means adjustable relatively An elongated casing 172 forms a chamber 173 about the respective, envelopes of each of the reed switches RS. reed switches similar to each of the forms of the inven 15 This could be established by providing a sufficiently tions above described. strong ring magnet means to influence the setting of the The longitudinal casing 72 also has a transverse wall reed switches which magnetic means could be adjustably 174 which is threaded on the outer periphery as at 175 mounted as was shown in FIGURES 19, 20 and 21, so to mount the push button switch to a control panel or that the magnetic means could be disposed about the chassis. 20 reed switches RS' and be adjusted by movement in the The transverse wall 74 is provided with a center open slots provided in the casing. ing as at 76, and the wall of the opening 76 serves as When the force depressing the push button assembly a guide means for push button assembly 177. 177 is released, the repulsive forces of the magnetic field In this form of the invention, the mounting supports of the stationary magnet 182 will return the push button 171a, 171b, 171c, 171d, and 171e, etc., are disposed just 25 assembly 177 to abutting relationship with the transverse inwardly of the periphery of the base 170. The reed wall 174. switches are mounted in the mounting supports longitudi The transverse wall 174 is also provided with a latch nally of and in a plane concentric to the longitudinal means 183 which can be disposed in engagement with axis of the casing 172 as is shown in FIGURE 32 of the notches 184 on the exterior of the push button assembly drawings. 30 177 to hold one or more than one reed switch in actuated In each instance, the reed switch contacts 24 or 25 are or deactuated position, as operation may require. disposed at different planes normal to the longitudinal axis of the casing 172 for obtaining staged operation of PUSH. BUTTON SWITCH WITH INDICATOR LIGHT the switches which will be clear when the operation is FIGURE 34 illustrates the present invention adapted to described. 35 provide an indicator light therewith. The mounting supports 171a, 171b, 17c, etc., can either In so far as push button Switch characteristics are con be fixedly or, as shown in FIGURE 17, adjustable to posi cerned, this device is substantially identical to the form tion the respective reeds for normally open or normally of the invention shown in FIGURE 16 and described closed operation. above. Accordingly, the same character numerals are The respective reed switches have the leads extending 40 applied thereto. through their mounting means for connection to the cir The mounting of the reed switch RS has been strength cuit in which the device is used. ened with some epoxy resin designated ER so that the The push button assembly 77 is cylindrical in shape reed switch, an indicator light IL and the lead lines 190 and has a sliding fit with the wall of the opening 176. and 191 communicating with the indicator light IL will Since the opening 176 communicates with the chamber be firmly held in assembled position. 173, the push button assembly. 77 is free to extend into The circuit is represented diagrammatically as including the chamber 173. The inner section of the assembly 177 a power source 192, a switch 193 and resistance means is provided with a flanged portion 178 inwardly of the 194 connected in series with the leads 28 and 29 of the end disposed to abut the transverse wall 174. relay and in parallel with the indicator light IL. The end of the push button assembly 177 in the cham 50 When the switch 193 is thrown, the indicator light IL ber 173 is threaded to receive an adjustable magnet hold will be off. When the push button assembly 57 is de er 179 which can be locked into position by the pin 180 pressed, the indicator light IL will be on. after ring magnet means 181 mounted thereon as by a It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other Suitable means such as an epoxy adhesive is adjusted by forms of indicator lights can be adapted to coact with threading in or out for the desired calibration of this par the arrangement of the switches in the present invention. ticular form of the invention. The ring magnet means 181 and the holder 179 are SLIDE TYPE MAGNETICALLY OPERATED SWITCH movable with the push button assembly 177, and, thus, In FIGURES 35, 36, 37 and 38, a slide type magnet When the push button assembly is depressed, the ring ically operated device utilizing a reed switch as shown in magnet means 181 will pass adjacent the outer surfaces 60 FIGURE 1 of the drawings is shown as including a front of the envelopes 20 on each of the reed switches RS', so plate 200 having a longitudinal slot 201 formed therein. that the continuous magnetic field of the ring magnet A back plate 202 is held in space relation to the front means i81 is applied to the reed elements 24 and 25 of plate by spacers 203 and threaded means 204 as shown in each of the Switches whereby operation of each of the FIGURES 35, 36 and 37 of the drawings. contacts thereof is affected as the ring magnet means Leads 17 and 18 of the reed switch RS extend to the magnetic field comes into operable relation therewith. back plate so that the leads 17 and 18 extend therethrough In other Words, as the center line of the ring magnet for connection to the circuit in which the slide type mag means 181 passes through the plane normal to the con netically operated switch is used. tacts 24 and 25 of each of the respective reed switches, 70 Coacting with the reed switch RS is a ring type magnet the reed elements of that reed switch RS will be actuated means 205 which is mounted for slidable movement on the or deactuated, depending upon the particular setting for envelope 10 of the reed switch RS. the reed switch. The ring magnet means 205 is mounted in a slide assem The movable ring magnet means 181 coacts with a sta bly, generally designated 206 which coacts with and is tionary magnet 182 which is shown as affixed by an epoxy 75 mounted in the slot 201 of the front plate 200.

3,283,274 21 22 The slide assembly 206 has three major parts: namely, button assembly and permanent magnet means to said a magnet holding section 207, a slide plate section 208, initial Setting after movement thereof. and a handle section 209, as is shown in the exploded 2. In a reed switch assembly for a current carrying perspective view of FIGURE 38. circuit comprising: The handle section permits the slide assembly to be 5 (a) a casing, fitted through the slot 201, because the handle has a neck (b) at least one reed switch including an envelope, portion as at 210 which fits the slot. A threaded mem (c) a plurality of reed elements each having one end ber 211 extends through the handle section 209 and the iconnected in Said envelope and to extend in the lon slide plate section 208 to engage the magnet holding sec gitudinal line of said envelope to permit the end re tion 207 and to lock the elements in the assembled con O mote from the connected ends to coact with each figuration shown in FIGURES 35, 36, 37 and 38 of the other to provide a switch, drawings. (d) Said respective connected ends adapted to extend The slide plate section is a flat member which stabilizes through the envelope to connect the reed switch to the movement of the slide assembly when the assembly the current carrying circuit, is mounted in the slot 201 as shown in FIGURES 35, 36 5 (e) a push button assembly mounted on said casing and and 38. to move relative the longitudinal line of said reed The magnet holding section is split to form an opening Switch assembly, as at 212 to permit the magnet holding section to be (f) a ring magnet means mounted in said push button spread slightly so that magnet 205 can be pressed or fitted assembly and disposed in operative relation to said and held in position in the magnet holding section 207 20 envelope for actuating the coacting ends of the reed of the slide assembly 206. elements, The slide plate 208 of the slide assembly will coact with (g) means to calibrate said push button assembly to stop springs 213a and 213.b on the inner force of the Standardize the operation of each respective reed front plate 200. Switch assembly of a particular type, Thus, in operation, when it is desired to actuate the 25 (h) and means disposed to coact with said push button reed switch, the slide assembly 206 is moved from engage assembly to hold said assembly in its initial setting ment with one stop spring into engagement with the other and to return said push button assembly to any given stop spring and vice versa for deactuation of the reed initial setting after movement thereof. switch. 3. In a reed switch assembly for a current carrying As in the forms of the invention above described at 30 circuit comprising: FIGURES 19 and 21 of the drawings, a fixed magnet can (a) a casing, be used to influence the reed switch for normally open (b) at least one reed switch including an envelope, or normally closed operation. However, in the slide (c) a plurality of reed elements each having one end assembly operation, no return means either mechanical connected in said envelope and to extend in the or magnetic is required for operation. 35 longitudinal line of said envelope to permit the end It will be understood that the invention is not to be remote from the connected ends to coact with each limited to the specific construction or arrangement of other to provide a switch, parts shown, but that they may be widely modified within (d) said respective connected ends adapted to extend the invention defined by the claims. through the envelope to connect the reed switch to What is claimed is: 40 the current carrying circuit, 1. In a reed switch assembly for a current carrying cir (e) adjustable means for mounting the reed switch in cuit comprising: Said casing, (a) a casing, (f) a push button assembly mounted on said casing (b) at least one reed switch including an envelope longi and to move relative the longitudinal line of said tudinally mounted in said casing, reed switch assembly, (c) a plurality of reed elements each having one end (g) a ring magnet means mounted in said push button connected in said envelope and extending in the longi assembly and disposed in operative relation to said tudinal line of said envelope to permit the end remote envelope for actuating the coacting ends of the reed from the respective connected end to coact with elements, each other to form a switch, 50 (h) and means disposed to coact with said push button (d) said connected end of each respective reed element assembly to hold said assembly in its initial setting to extend through the envelope to connect the reed and to return said push button assembly to any switch to the current carrying circuit, given initial Setting after movement thereof. (e) a push button assembly slidably and guidably 4. In a reed switch assembly for a current carrying mounted in said casing so as to be movable relative 55 circuit comprising: the longitudinal line of said reed Switch on applica (a) a Casing, tion of pressure thereto, (b) at least one reed switch including an envelope, (f) a 360° permanent ring magnet means made of (c) a plurality of reed elements each having one end magnetically stable material adapted to provide a connected in said envelope and to extend in the predetermined full and uniform magnetic field of a 60 longitudinal line of said envelope to permit the end given polarity and strength, remote from the connected ends to coact with each (g) said permanent magnet means disposed about the 'other to provide a switch, envelope of the reed Switch for longitudinal move (d) said respective connected ends adapted to extend ment along the outer surface thereof to actuate 65 through the envelope to connect the reed switch to the coacting ends of the reed elements, the current carrying circuit, (h) and means to operably connect said permanent (e) a push button assembly mounted on said casing magnet means for movement with the push button and to move relative the longitudinal line of said assembly and to position Said permanent magnet reed switch assembly, means to an initial setting relative the coacting ends 70 (f) a ring magnet means mounted in said push button of the reed elements for uniform actuation of the assembly and disposed in operative relation to said coating ends of the reed elements, envelope for actuating the coacting ends of the reed (i) and means disposed to coact with said push button elements, assembly to hold said assembly and permanent mag (g) and means disposed to coact with said push button net in Said initial setting and to return said push 75 assembly to hold said assembly in its initial setting

3,283,274 23 24. and to return said push button assembly to any said push button assembly in engagement with the given initial Setting after movement thereof. stop means and to return it to this position after it is (h) said last mentioned means comprising at least one moved therefrom, other permanent magnet means having its magnetic (l) and said mounting means adjustable to position the reed disposed to coact with the magnetic field of the 5 reed elements if the reed switch relative the ring ring magnet means, magnet means for the desired operation. (i) an adjustable means connected to and movable 7. A switch assembly for a current carrying circuit relative the casing, comprising: (j) and said other permanent magnetic means mounted (a) a casing having a base at one end and a transverse in said adjustable means whereby said other magnet O wall at the end remote from said base, can be positioned for the desired operative relation (b) a reed switch including coacting reed elements, to said reed elements and the ring magnet means. (c) mounting means in said base to mount said reed 5. A switch assembly for a current carrying circuit switch in the longitudinal line of the casing, comprising: (d) said transverse wall having an opening, (a) a casing having a base at one end and a transverse 5 (e) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the wall at the end remote from said base, longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex (b) a reed switch mounted in said base and including tend externally of said casing through Said opening, coacting reed elements, (f) said push button assembly operatively associated (c) said transverse wall having an opening, with the inner wall of said casing, (d) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the 20 (g) stop means on said transverse wall disposed to longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex engage said push button assembly at an initial setting tend externally of said casing through said opening, therefor, (e) said push button assembly operatively associated (h) a 360° permanent ring magnet means made of with the inner wall of said casing, magnetically stable material adopted to provide a (f) stop means on said transverse wall disposed to en 25 predetermined full and uniform magnetic field of a gage said push button assembly at an initial setting given polarity and strength, therefor, (i) said permanent ring magnet means disposed about (g) a 360 permanent ring magnet means made of the reed switch and normal to the longitudinal line magnetically stable material adapted to provide a of the reed switch and in operative relation therewith predetermined full and uniform magnetic field of a 30 to actuate and deactuate said Switch, given polarity and strength, (j) and means operably connecting said permanent (h) said permanent ring magnet means disposed about magnetic means for movement with the push button the reed switch and normal to the longitudinal line assembly, 'of the reed Switch and in operative relation there with (k) said stop means adjustable to calibrate the switch to actuate and deactuate said Switch, 35 assembly for standarized operation, (i) and means to operably connect said permanent (l) and return means disposed on the side of said push magnet means for movement with the push button button assembly remote from the stop means to hold assembly and to position said permanent magnet said push button assembly in engagement with the means to an initial setting relative the coacting ends stop means and to return it to this position after it is of the reed elements for uniform actuation of the 40 moved therefrom. coacting ends of the reed elements, 8. A Switch assembly for a current carrying circuit (j) and return means disposed on the side of said push comprising: button assembly remote from the stop means to hold (a) a casing having a base at one end and a transverse said push button assembly in engagement with the wall at the end remote from said base, stop means and to return it to this position after it is 45 (b) a reed switch including coacting reed elements, moved therefrom. (c) mounting means in Said base to mount said reed 6. A switch assembly for a current carrying circuit Switch in the longitudinal line of the casing, comprising: (d) said transverse wall having an opening, (a) a casing having a base at one end and a transverse (e) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the wall at the end remote from said base, 50 longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex (b) a reed switch including coacting reed elements, tend externally of said casing through said opening, (c) mounting means in said base to mount said reed (f) said push button assembly operatively associated Switch in the longitudinal line of the casing, with the inner wall of said casing, (d) said transverse wall having an opening, (g) stop means on said transverse wall disposed to en (e) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the gage said push button assembly at an initial setting longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex therefor, tend externally of said casing through said opening, (h) a 360 permanent ring magnet means made of (f) said push button assembly operatively associated magnetically stable material adopted to provide a with the inner wall of said casing, predetermined full and uniform magnetic field of a (g) Stop means on said transverse wall disposed to en 60 gage said push button assembly at an initial setting given polarity and strength, therefor, (i) Said permanent ring magnet means disposed about (h) a 360 permanent ring magnet means made of the reed switch and normal to the longitudinal line magnetically stable material adapted to provide a Iof the reed switch and in operative relation therewith predetermined full and uniform magnetic field of a to actuate and deactuate said switch, given polarity and strength, 65 (j) and means operably connecting said permanent (i) said permanent ring magnet means disposed about magnetic means for movement with the push button the reed switch and normal to the longitudinal line assembly, of the reed switch and in operative relation there (k) and return means disposed on the side of said push with to actuate and deactuate said Switch, button assembly remote from the stop means to hold (j) and means operably connecting said permanent 70 - said push button assembly in engagement with the magnetic means for movement with the push button stop means and to return it to this position after it is assembly, moved therefrom, (k) return means disposed on the side of said push. (I) said return means being another means, button assembly remote from the stop means to hold 75 (m) bracket means on said casing to hold said last

3,283,274 25 26 mentioned ring magnet means relative the longitu (j) and means operably connecting said permanent dinal line of the reed switch, magnetic means for movement with the push button (n) and adjustable means on said bracket means to assembly, adjustably position said ring magnet means for the (k) and other ring magnet elements mounted in said desired operation of the switch assembly. casing and disposed to provide at least one ring 9. A switch assembly for a current carrying circuit magnet element on opposite sides of said 360 per comprising: manent ring magnet means to provide mutually at (a) a casing having a base at one end and a transverse tractive magnetic fields therewith whereby said push wall at the end remote from said base, button assembly requires positive push on and pull (b) a reed switch, O off action for the operation of the switch assembly. (c) mounting means in said base to mount said reed 11. A switch assembly for a current carrying circuit switch in the longitudinal line of the casing, comprising: (d) reed elements for said reed switch each having one (a) a casing having a base at one end and a transverse respective end thereof connected to the Same point Wall at the end remote from said base, of reference in said reed switch and disposed to ex (b) a reed switch including coacting reed elements, tend externally of the reed switch and through said (c) mounting means in said base to mount said reed mounting means for connection to the current carry Switch in the longitudinal line of the casing, ing circuit, (d) said transverse wall having an opening, (e) at least one of the reed elements of said reed switch (e) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the having a length greater than the other reed elements, 20 longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex (f) said transverse wall having an opening, tend externally of said casing through said opening, (g) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the (f) said push button operatively associated with the longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex inner wall of said casing, tend externally of said casing through the opening (g) stop means on said transverse wall disposed to en in said transverse wall, 25 gage said push button assembly, (h) said push button assembly operatively associated (h) and a ring magnet means mounted in said casing, with the inner wall of said casing, (i) said magnetic means disposed about the reed switch (i) stop means on said transverse wall disposed to en and normal to the longitudinal line of the reed switch gage said push button assembly at an initial setting and in operative relation therewith to actuate and therefor, 30 deactuate said switch, (j) a 360 permanent ring magnet means made of (j) said ring magnet means having an enlarged central magnetically stable material adapted to provide a opening which forms an annular space between the predetermined full and uniform magnetic field of a Outer surface of the reed switch and the inner wall given polarity and strength, of the central opening, - (k) said permanent ring magnet means disposed about 35 (k) shunt means mounted on and movable with said the reed switch and normal to the longitudinal line push button assembly and disposed to fit in said an of the reed switch and in operative relation therewith nular Space to shunt the magnetic lines of force of to actuate and deactuate said switch, Said ring magnet to actuate and deactuate the reed (1) and means to operably connect said permanent switch, magnet means for movement with the push button 40 (l) and return means in operative association with assembly and to position said permanent magnet said push button assembly to hold said push button means to an initial setting relative the coacting ends assembly in engagement with the stop means and to of the reed elements for uniform actuation of the said return it to this position after it is moved therefrom. coacting ends of the reed element, 12. A switch assembly for a current carrying circuit (m) and return means disposed on the side of said 45 Compr1S1ng: push button assembly remote from the stop means to (a) a casing having a base at one end and a trans hold said push button assembly and permanent mag verse wall at the end remote from said base, net means in said initial setting in engagement with (b) a plurality of reed switches each having coacting the stop means and to return said assembly and mag reed elements, net means to this position after it is moved therefrom. 50 (c) mounting means in said base for each of said reed 10. A switch assembly for a current carrying circuit Switches to mount said reed switch in spaced relation comprising: and substantially parallel to each other and parallel (a) a casing having a base at one end and a transverse to the longitudinal line of the casing, wall at the end remote from said base, (d) said transverse wall having an opening, (b) a reed switch including coacting reed elements, 55 (e) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the (c) mounting means in Said base to mount said reed longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex switch in the longitudinal line of the casing, tend externally of said casing through said opening, (d) said transverse wall having an opening, (f) said push button operatively associated with the (e) a push button assembly slidably mounted in the inner wall of said casing, 60 (g) stop means on said transverse wall disposed to en longitudinal line of said casing and disposed to ex gage said push button assembly, tend externally of said casing through said opening, (h) and magnetic means having a continuous 360° (f) said push button assembly operatively associated magnetic field mounted in said push button assembly with the inner wall of said casing, and slidable therewith, (g) stop means on said transverse wall disposed to en 65 (i) said magnetic means disposed in the casing normal gage said push button assembly at an initial setting to the longitudinal line of the respective reed switches therefor, and movable longitudinally relative the reed switches (h) a 360° permanent ring magnet means made of to actuate and deactivate said switches, magnetically stable material adopted to provide a (j) and return means disposed on the side of said push predetermined full and uniform magnetic field of a 70 button assembly remote from the stop means to hold given polarity and strength, Said push button assembly in engagement with the (i) Said permanent ring magnet means disposed about stop means and to return it to this position after it is the reed switch and normal to the longitudinal line moved therefrom. of the reed switch and in operative relation therewith 13. In a switch assembly as claimed in claim 12 where to actuate and deactuate said switch, 75 in the reed switches are disposed for staggered operation.

3,283,274 27 28 4. In a switch assembly as claimed in claim 13 in- 3,014,102 12/1961 Del Bianco et al. ------200-87 cluding means for holding said push button assembly in 3,025,372 3/1962 Benson ------200-87 at least one of the staggered positions of operation. 3,042,771 7/1962 Oliveao –––––– 200-87 X 3,055,999 9/1962 LucaS ---????------?? 200-67 References (Cited by the Examiner 5 3,170,057 2/1965 Kane et al. ------200-167 UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 2,498,683 2/1950 Hubbell ------200-87 X 581,023 8/1958 Italy. 2,847,528 8/1958 Combs ------200-87 X 2,907,846 10/1959 Wilhelm ------200-87 X BERNARDA. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner. 2,923,791 2/1960 Corbitt et al. ------200-87 10 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Examiner. 2,985,733 5/1961 Kamps ------200-87 J. J. BAKER, Assistant Examiner.