Abstract: A switch actuator includes a base and a plunger mounted for movement on the base. An electrical contact is mounted for relative movement on the base to establish an electrical connection. An actuator includes a head portion and a pair of spring arms. The spring arms extend into a bore in the plunger for frictionally grasping the plunger by spring biased forces against the interior walls of the bore. The actuator has a head portion exposed from an open end of the plunger bore for effecting movement of the electrical contact to alter the state of the electrical connection. The frictional engagement between the spring arms and the plunger provide overtravel or relative movement therebetween and the affect of the spring arms substantially eliminates any affect from wear between the plunger and the actuator.

Abstract: A switch actuator includes a base and a plunger mounted for movement on the base. An electrical contact is mounted for relative movement on the base to establish an electrical connection. An actuator assembly is mounted for movement on the base and is operatively associated with the plunger for effecting movement of the electrical contact to alter the state of the electrical connection. The actuator includes a pair of relatively movable members with a wedge member therebetween. The wedge member is effective to cause conjoint movement of the movable members and to allow relative overtravel movement between the members. The relationship between the electrical contact and the actuator assembly is adjustable to vary the movement differential of the switch actuator.

Abstract: A switch actuator provides a floating release point switch assembly, including a base. An electrical contact on the base establishes an electrical connection. A movable bidrectional cam, in the form of a helix, is operatively associated with the electrical contact to alter the state of the electrical connection in response to movement of the cam in a given direction. An actuator is mounted for movement on the base and is operatively associated with the bidirectional cam for moving the cam in a given direction. A lost motion mechanism is independent of the bidirectional cam and is operatively associated between the cam and the actuator to allow the actuator to overtravel the cam after the state of the electrical connection is altered.

Abstract: A power receptacle with alarm switch that is actuatable by a standard grounded three-prong plug to output a switch indication. The device consists of at least one three-prong receptacle wherein the third prong contact assures a common or ground connection upon insertion of a three-prong plug. A switch device is secured on the receptacle to extend an actuating arm adjacent the third prong hole in interfering position such that insertion and removal of the plug causes the third prong to move the actuating arm and produce a characteristic switch indication. An improved form of alarm switch uses a hermetically sealed magnetic switch in association with a spring-loaded plunger/magnet assembly to provide corrosion-proof switching.

Abstract: An on-vehicle diagnostic unit for an electronic ignition system monitors input signal received and output signals produced by the electronic ignition control unit on a continuous basis and displays an indiction of proper operation or failure. The failure indication is produced in response to a permanent or intermittent failure, irrespective of the failure mode of the electronic ignition control unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switching mechanism particularly intended for use in connection with a braking system of a vehicle. The switching mechanism includes a switch supported in a housing and having a movable element which cooperates with an actuating system coupled to the brake pedal. The switch is contained in a housing which is arranged to frictionally engage a brake pedal arm pivot yoke. The switch actuator arm is arranged to be coupled to the brake pedal arm on the vehicle. A friction clutch is provided between the switch actuator arm and the switch actuator to permit a driving but slippable connection between the two whereby the switch actuator arm can pivot to a greater angular extent than the switch actuator. Thus, the switch mechanism of the present invention is self-adjusting despite variations resulting from manufacturing and age variations in the brake pedal assembly.

Abstract: A switch construction including opposed contacts positioned on a base and a bridging contactor slidable between different switch positions. The design of the contacts on the base includes an upper section defining a first surface engageable by a tab formed on the sliding contactor. Second surface portions offset relative to the first surface provide engagement with shoulders defined by the sliding contactor. Resilient means press the sliding contactor against this upper section in a fashion such that the shoulders operate to limit the movement of the sliding contactor. The separate engagement of the tab and shoulders provide separate available current paths for the switch.

Abstract: A slide switch construction including at least two spaced apart contacts positioned on a base with a slider and bridging contactor assembly attached to the base in a manner such that the assembly is movable over the base for changing switch positions. The bridging contactor comprises a strip of resilient material defining an elongated bridging portion with at least one spring arm extending outwardly from the bridging portion. An engaging surface is defined by the slider for engagement with the spring arm to bend the spring arm relative to the bridging portion when the assembly is attached to the base thereby achieving pressing of the bridging portion against the contacts. Hanger means are defined by the contactor and by the slider to serve as means for holding the slider and contactor together when the assembly is separated from the base.

Abstract: A slide switch having opposed contacts mounted on a base with a slider assembly moving over the base. A bridging conductor is included in the assembly whereby the positioning of the slider assembly determines the relationship of the bridging conductor to the opposed contacts to thereby provide the switching characteristic. The bridging conductor is held in assembly with the slider preferably by means of a resilient element pressing the conductor or a support therefor against a slider ledge so that this assembly remains intact when separated from the base. The base contacts comprise body portions receivable in slots defined by the base, the body portions defining recesses whereby the contacts can be press fit into engagement with the base.