Foot switch for activating a dental or medical treatment apparatus
First Claim
1. A foot switch device for controlling the operation of a dental or medical treatment apparatus, comprising:
- a base plate for supporting the foot switch device on the floor;
a housing attached to the base plate, the housing containing a first electrical switch for transmitting a first signal to the apparatus and a second electrical switch for transmitting a second signal to the apparatus, and an actuator assembly for activating the switches, the actuator assembly comprising;
(i) an actuating plunger capable of moving in upward and downward directions, (ii) a first switch activator tab, and (iii) a second switch activator tab, wherein a force applied to the plunger causes the plunger to move downwardly to a first position, where it engages the first switch activator tab, thereby causing the first switch to be activated, and a second force applied to the plunger causes the plunger to move downwardly to a second position where it engages a second switch activator tab, thereby causing the second switch to be activated;
an upper cover mounted on the housing, the cover being moveable relative to the housing, for engaging the actuating plunger; and
a connecting collar attached to the upper cover for retaining the cover on the housing while allowing the cover to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A foot switch device for activating a dental or medical treatment apparatus is provided. The foot switch device is particularly suitable for controlling an ultrasonic dental scaler. The foot switch device includes a base plate; a central housing attached to the base plate; an upper, moveable cover mounted on the housing; and a connecting collar attached to the upper cover for retaining the cover on the housing while allowing the cover to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing. The central housing contains a first electrical switch for transmitting a first signal to the apparatus, and a second electrical switch for transmitting a second signal to the apparatus. An operator depresses the upper cover with his or her foot to activate the switching mechanism and control the operation of the dental or medical apparatus.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A foot switch device for controlling the operation of a dental or medical treatment apparatus, comprising:
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a base plate for supporting the foot switch device on the floor; a housing attached to the base plate, the housing containing a first electrical switch for transmitting a first signal to the apparatus and a second electrical switch for transmitting a second signal to the apparatus, and an actuator assembly for activating the switches, the actuator assembly comprising;
(i) an actuating plunger capable of moving in upward and downward directions, (ii) a first switch activator tab, and (iii) a second switch activator tab, wherein a force applied to the plunger causes the plunger to move downwardly to a first position, where it engages the first switch activator tab, thereby causing the first switch to be activated, and a second force applied to the plunger causes the plunger to move downwardly to a second position where it engages a second switch activator tab, thereby causing the second switch to be activated;an upper cover mounted on the housing, the cover being moveable relative to the housing, for engaging the actuating plunger; and a connecting collar attached to the upper cover for retaining the cover on the housing while allowing the cover to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A foot switch device for controlling the operation of a dental or medical treatment apparatus, comprising:
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a base plate for supporting the foot switch device on the floor; a housing attached to the base plate, the housing containing a first electrical switch for transmitting a first signal to the apparatus and a second electrical switch for transmitting a second signal to the apparatus, an actuator assembly for activating the switches, and a spring assembly, the actuator assembly comprising;
(i) an actuating plunger capable of moving in upward and downward directions, (ii) a first switch activator tab, and (iii) a second switch activator tab, wherein a force applied to the plunger causes the plunger to move downwardly to a first position, where it engages the first switch activator tab, thereby causing the first switch to be activated, and a second force applied to the plunger causes the plunger to move downwardly to a second position where it engages a second switch activator tab, thereby causing the second switch to be activated; andthe spring assembly comprising;
(i) a primary spring, and (ii) a secondary spring, wherein the primary spring is compressed as the plunger moves downwardly to a first position and the primary spring and secondary spring are compressed as the plunger moves downwardly to a second position;an upper cover mounted on the housing, the cover being moveable relative to the housing, for engaging the actuating plunger; and a connecting collar attached to the upper cover for retaining the cover on the housing while allowing the cover to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification