Abstract: Angled spring contacts and switches made with contactors containing angled spring contacts are disclosed. The housing for the angled spring contacts has a generally cylindrical shape. The contacts are contained within the housing with their ends extending from the housing on either side. The contacts are formed by making bullet-shaped internal contacts that are joined by a spring. The spring is mounted to the two contacts to urge the two contacts away from each other at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing. This angle forces contact between each contact and the housing in at least two places, thus creating redundant paths between the contacts. Switches, such as plunger switches having a normal or OFF position, and an actuated or ON position, may be made with one or more angled spring contacts. The contacts have separate surfaces for electrical conduction and for arcing.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) has a plurality of switch interfaces on its top surface. Each interface is an array of sensors, such as proximity sensors, hall-effect sensors, or a series of inductor coils. The sensors in each array are closely mounted and are all the same for a given PCB. Each array may or may not mount a non-contacting switch selected from a plurality of different types of switches, such as a single push button switch, dual push button switch, a toggle switch, a 3-position rocker switch, a rotary switch, or other type switch. Each switch mounted on the PCB includes one or more indicators for sensing by the sensors or coils, with feedback to determine what type of switch is mounted in each position. The same PCB, or other mount, may thus be used for a variety of unique applications, such as switch packs used in vehicles.

Abstract: Angled spring contacts and switches made with contactors containing angled spring contacts are disclosed. The housing for the angled spring contacts has a generally cylindrical shape. The contacts are contained within the housing with their ends extending from the housing on either side. The contacts are formed by making bullet-shaped internal contacts that are joined by a spring. The spring is mounted to the two contacts to urge the two contacts away from each other at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing. This angle forces contact between each contact and the housing in at least two places, thus creating redundant paths between the contacts. Switches, such as plunger switches having a normal or OFF position, and an actuated or ON position, may be made with one or more angled spring contacts. The contacts have separate surfaces for electrical conduction and for arcing.